Dozens of backcountry roads, passes and trails offer intimate views of Colorado’s spectacular scenery. But you’ve got to have the right vehicle to get there.
Maybe a four-wheel-drive truck is on your wish list. Or perhaps you already own a powerful SUV and want to put it to the test.
Either way, you’re in luck. There are several mellow, accessible and scenic four-wheeling trails around the state that are suitable for stock (unmodified) vehicles.
Basic backcountry survival rules and responsible trail-use guidelines still apply, regardless of whether four-wheel drivers are seasoned obstacle negotiators or dirt-road newbies. What follows is some basic four-wheeling know-how.
Responsible recreation
Never wheel alone. Bring along plenty of drinkable water and be prepared for inclement weather — even at the height of summer.
Mind your manners by practicing the “Stay the Trail” code of conduct for motorized recreation in the Colorado backcountry. Poor trail behavior damages the reputation of all four-wheelers and could result in the closure of these trails to recreational use. It also harms Mother Nature.
Drive only routes that are wider than your vehicle, and that are designated for motorized vehicles. A red slash across a road sign indicates the trail is closed to motor vehicles.
Ride over obstacles, not around them. Going around obstacles widens trails, causes erosion and destroys plants.
Use care when passing or meeting others on the trail. Yield the right-of-way to vehicles traveling uphill. And be prepared to stop for livestock, wildlife and horseback riders.
Always communicate with other vehicles. Citizens band radios are common among four-wheelers. Keep a cellphone at hand too.
Drive with recovery equipment. This might include a snatch strap, a come-along puller with a tree strap, a shovel, an ax and a jack. More advanced wheelers often have winch straps, tow chains and snow chains.
Pack out what you pack in. Leave trails trash-free. Take along a trash bag to haul out any debris left by others.
Consider joining a group like or the . These clubs enable beginners to learn how to modify their vehicles for more challenging trails and also plan multiple-rig trail runs. Visit for information related to appropriate recreational sports for motor vehicles. staythetrail.org
Where to go…
1. Switzerland Trail. Numerous spots along this scenic trail near Boulder are great for picnicking. Some rocks along the way could be challenging to negotiate. But this trail is mostly easygoing, and there’s enough traffic that if a problem arises, help should be along soon. To get there: Take Canyon Boulevard west from Boulder. The road turns into Canyon Road 119. Turn right on Sugarloaf Road, then follow this road for a few miles to turn right on Sugarloaf Mountain Road. The parking area is at the top of the hill just past the residential area.
2. Kingston’s Peak. While this trail is too difficult for many SUVs, a four-wheel-drive truck with high clearance should find it passable. Regulars say the trail’s close proximity to Denver and amazing views make it a must-see. Be prepared for chilly winds. To get there: You can run this trail in either direction, but it is easiest to find your way out if you end on Fall River Road. Take I-70 or U.S. 6 from Denver to Colorado 119. Take this through Blackhawk to Rollinsville. Turn left on F.S. 149, and go about 5 miles. Just past Tolland, turn left on F.S. 176. After 1.5 miles, continue straight to what becomes F.S. 353 (do not take F.S. 183 or F.S. 176). Go straight again at 2.3 miles. At 3.5 miles, follow 353 to the right and go 8 more miles, bearing right three more times (do not take F.S. 175).
The rest of the trail is pretty obvious. Once you get to the other side and start to make your way down below timberline F.S. 353 becomes Hilltop Road. Follow this, and turn left on Hillside Road (yes, there is a Hilltop and a Hillside). Turn right on Nebraska, then left on Texas Drive. Turn right on Silvercreek, left on Alice Road very briefly, then right on Fall River Road. This will take you out to I-70.
3. Fall River Reservoir/Rainbow Road. This trail lies in the shadow of the Continental Divide and is conveniently close to Denver. The view of Parry Peak is breathtaking, but beware of snowy conditions. To get there: From Estes Park, take Colorado 34 toward Rocky Mountain National Park. Follow signs to Old Fall River Road.
4. Argentine Pass/Waldorf Road. This historic trail southwest of Georgetown is ideal for an easy day trip from Denver. It offers a bird’s-eye view of the valley below and has lovely hiking grounds. Four-wheelers say that it’s easy to find and you can walk out, should something go wrong. To get there: From Denver, take I-70 to Georgetown. Turn left at the bottom of the exit to cross under the highway. Follow the signs to Guanella Pass (the signs are at practically every intersection). You can also spot the signs with the blue background and the Columbine flower.
Follow the pavement up through the switchbacks till you see a large dirt area off to the side of one of the switchbacks. You will also see a sign pointing to Waldorf here, which is the trailhead.
5. Guanella Pass. Much of this trail is paved. It also connects Interstate 70 to U.S. 285 between Georgetown and Grant. Try combining Guanella Pass with others drives, such as Cascade Creek/Saxon Mountain, Webster Pass, Georgia Pass or Boreas Pass for a fun, full-day loop.To get there: From Denver, take I-70 to Georgetown, and travel south from the exit. You will see many signs for Guanella Pass. Some are white boards and others are the state Scenic Highway signs (blue with a Columbine flower). You can also take U.S. 285 to Grant, following the sign to travel north on Guanella Pass.
6. Shrine Pass. The entire length of this nearly 11-mile stretch from Vail Pass to Redcliff is wide enough for oncoming vehicles to pass. Don’t be deterred by the dust. To get there: From Denver, take I-70 west to Exit 190. Turn left off of the exit, and follow signs to Shrine Pass.
7. Boreas Pass. There are no major climbs or descents on this trail, which was a narrow-gauge railroad bed that connected Breckenridge and Como. Take this pass during the fall for breathtaking views of the changing aspen groves. To get there: From I-70, take Exit 203 for Frisco/Breckenridge and travel south along Colorado 9 through Frisco toward Breckenridge. At the southern town limit of Breckenridge, turn left at the traffic light onto Boreas Pass Road (CR 10). Continue along Boreas Pass Road for 3.5 miles to the parking lot and trailhead.
8. Rampart Road. Enough room for two vehicles to pass makes this an easy run between Garden of the Gods at the south end and Colorado 67 near Sedalia. The south end is the most scenic. To get there: If you are starting on the south end, take I-25 south to Colorado Springs to the Cimarron Street exit, 141. Get on U.S. 24 (Manitou Avenue). Take U.S. 24 west to turn right on Garden of the Gods. Follow signs to the visitors center, then to Balanced Rock. The trail is a dirt road that starts to the right, just before you get to the parking area for Balanced Rock.
If you are starting from the north end, take I-25 to exit 187 and Happy Canyon Road and U.S. 85. Just before the town of Sedalia, turn south on Colorado 67. Follow this to the turn for Rampart Range Road on the left. If you get to the town of Moonridge, you’ve gone too far.
9. Shelf Road/Phantom Canyon Road. The south end of the road was cut into the side of a cliff, forming a shelf. Camp along Cripple Creek and have fun negotiating switchbacks along the way. These two roads are part of the Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway. To get there: Shelf Road/Phantom Canyon Road: If you are starting on the north end, take Colorado 67 to Cripple Creek. Turn left on East Pike Peak Avenue, then right on East Bennett Avenue. Turn left on South Second Street, and then find the trail as a right turn downhill at a “Y” in the road.
If you are starting on the south end, take U.S. 50 to Cañon City. Turn right on Dozier Avenue, then right on Field Avenue. You will see signs for the scenic byway when the pavement ends in 11 miles.
10. Engineer Pass/Alpine Loop. Located in the San Juan Mountains, this trail is known for numerous nearby waterfalls. Narrow straights along the way may require reversing to pass another vehicle. To get there: From Ouray, drive about 3 miles south on U.S. 550; the parking area is well-marked.
Driving directions are reprinted from .
Additional resources…
“Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails, 2nd Edition,” by Charles A. Wells
and
“Backcountry Adventures: COLORADO,” by Peter Massey, Jeanne Wilson and Angela Titus
Or check out these websites…
Sheba R. Wheeler: 303-954-1283 or swheeler@denverpost.com
