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The Top 10 UTV and ATV Trails in Colorado

By Madison Drumm | Behind The Wheel on January 22, 2026
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What Makes Colorado a Must Ride Destination

Did you know that America the Beautiful was written about the view from Pikes Peak in Colorado? If you’ve ever ridden through this colorful state, that fact shouldn’t surprise you. Colorado is full of picturesque mountains and breathtaking views, all of which look even better from the seat of an ATV or side-by-side.

Today we’re taking a look at some of the most popular UTV and ATV trails in the great state of Colorado. If rocks, cliffs, and drop-offs are your thing, you need to start packing your bags for your next ride trip ASAP. Whether you’re a casual rider or a seasoned pro, off-roading in Colorado is a must.

Pro tip: A lot of high-elevation trails open later in the season due to snow. Always be sure to check current trail conditions before heading out!

Note: pricing is accurate as of January 22, 2026.

1. Alpine Loop Scenic Byway

  • Location: Silverton, CO
  • Size: 65 miles
  • Style: Woods, hills, mud, rocks, water crossings
  • Machines: ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, 4x4s
  • Experience Level: Beginner, intermediate
  • Cost: Free

The Alpine Loop is a must-ride for any rider looking for iconic Colorado scenery. Take on high-elevation passes like Engineer and Cinnamon Pass. You could also explore historic mining towns and enjoy taking in expansive mountain views.

You never know what the trail will bring, so you always want to be prepared for weather changes and rough terrain. Things like windshields, roofs, winches, and skid plates are perfect gear to take on anything the trail throws at you. For extra comfort and protection, check out SuperATV to get your rig prepped and ready.

Polaris RZR riding in creek in mountains at Alpine Loop
Photo by Polaris Adventures

2. Bangs Canyon

  • Location: Grand Junction, CO
  • Size: 25 miles
  • Style: Woods, hills, rocks
  • Machines: ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, motorcycles, 4x4s
  • Experience Level: Intermediate, advanced
  • Cost: Free

Bangs Canyon offers technical desert riding with Moab-style sandstone shelves and cliffside obstacle—all without leaving Colorado. It’s perfect for adrenaline junkies who want thrilling climbs and scenic overlooks.

High-clearance A-arms and aggressive tires are a must-have for navigating canyon shelves and other trail obstacles. Make sure to check out SuperATV to help you tackle tough terrain with confidence.

Trail at Bangs Canyon
Photo by GJ Hike

3. Grand Mesa National Forest

  • Location: Delta, Garfield, and Mesa Counties, CO
  • Size: 150 miles
  • Style: Woods, lakes, water crossings, mud, hills
  • Machines: ATVs, UTVs
  • Experience Level: All
  • Cost: Free

Explore forested trails at over 10,000 feet elevation. With loops that are perfect for family-friendly riding and scenic overlooks across alpine lakes, this area is perfect for every rider. Plus, Grand Mesa offers long, shaded rides that are ideal for a long day on the trails in the sun.

When you’re spending the whole day on the trail, you need protection from the elements as well as protection for your gear and snacks. That’s where SuperATV roofs, windshields, and cargo boxes come in. They’re the ultimate protection.

Grand Mesa
Photo by CC-BY-SA-3.0

4. Hardscrabble Special Recreation Management Area

  • Location: Eagle, CO
  • Size: 50 miles
  • Style: Woods, mountains
  • Machines: ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles
  • Experience Level: All
  • Cost: Free

Hardscrabble has rolling forest paths and high-alpine climbs near Eagle. This less crowded area is great for riders looking for quiet trails and scenic mountain views.

Windshields and all-terrain tires are definitely recommended when you’re taking on mixed-surface forest trails. Checkout SuperATV to keep you riding safely.

Hardscrabble
Photo by AllTrails

5. Rabbit Valley OHV Area

  • Location: Mesa County, CO
  • Size: 25.5 miles
  • Style: Woods, desert, rocks, hills, drop-offs
  • Machines: ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, motorcycles, 4x4s
  • Experience Level: Intermediate
  • Cost: Free

Rabbit Valley’s desert ridgelines, sandstone formations, and sweeping canyon views make it a favorite for riders looking for speed and scenic variety.

To prepare for open, dusty terrain, spare drive belts and light bars are non-negotiables. Explore SuperATV to make every adventure safer and more fun.

Quad parked on trail at Rabbit Valley
Photo by Rider Planet

6. Rainbow Falls Trails

  • Location: Sedalia, CO
  • Size: 20 miles
  • Style: Woods, rocks
  • Machines: ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, motorcycles, 4x4s
  • Experience Level: Intermediate
  • Cost: Free

Rainbow Falls Trails are shaded and forested. They also feature granite rock sections that are ideal for a family-friendly ride near the Denver and Front Range.

Roofs, windshields, and storage boxes make spending all day on the trail more enjoyable. You’ll stay protected from the outside while being able to safely store all of your gear and snacks. Check SuperATV for all of your storage and protection needs.

Two quads coming down dirt trail in woods at Rainbow Falls
Photo by Rider Planet

7. Red Cone Trail System

  • Location: Montezuma, CO
  • Size: 10 miles
  • Style: Woods, rocks, hills
  • Machines: ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles, 4x4s
  • Experience Level: Intermediate, advanced
  • Cost: $7/day

Red Cone is known for its one-way descent, steep drop-offs, and narrow ridges with breathtaking alpine views. This trail is a must for those riders who are also thrill seekers.

High-clearance suspension, aggressive tires, and winches are essential when taking on these thrilling tails. Upgrade your rig with products from SuperATV to keep riding safe and fun.

Polaris RZR going down dirt trail on top of mountain
Photo by Fun Treks

8. Schofield Pass

  • Location: Crested Butte, CO
  • Size: 15 miles
  • Style: Woods, rocks, cliffs, drop-offs
  • Machines: ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles, 4x4s
  • Experience Level: For extremely advanced riders only
  • Cost: Free

This is one of Colorado’s most dangerous OHV routes, featuring extreme rock ledges and narrow drop-offs. Only the most experienced riders should attempt taking on Schofield Pass.

When you’re riding a hardcore trail, you have to make sure you’re doing it safely. Browse SuperATV for heavy-duty axles, skid plates, winches, and more gear to ensure your safety.

Jeeps coming down rocky trail at Schofield Pass
Photo by Trails Off-Road

9. Taylor Park (Gunnison National Forest)

  • Location: Taylor Park, CO
  • Size: 1,000 acres
  • Style: Woods, rocks, mud, hills
  • Machines: ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, motorcycles, 4x4s
  • Experience Level: All
  • Cost: Free

Taylor Park offers scenic loops, wide views, and water crossings that are perfect for riders of all skill levels. Its vast network keeps even long rides interesting and diverse.

Roofs, windshields, and skid plates prepare you for variable terrain. Shop SuperATV’s protective accessories before hitting the trails.

Polaris RZR 800 4 seat parked with mountain valley view
Photo by ATV Trails

10. Wagon Wheel Trail System (East and West)

  • Location: Meeker, CO
  • Size: 610 miles of trails
  • Style: Woods, rocks, hills, water crossings
  • Machines: ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles, 4x4s
  • Experience Level: Advanced
  • Cost: Free

Wagon Wheel is one of Colorado’s largest OHV networks, featuring technical climbs, deep forest sections, and rugged alpine views. Advanced riders will love the variety and challenge.

Suspension upgrades and winches make long-distance technical riding safer. Check SuperATV suspension kits and winches to get trail ready.

Five side by sides parked on top of hill overlooking mountain valley
Photo by Wagon Wheel OHV Trails

Get Trail Ready for Colorado Riding

Before heading out, make sure your machine and gear are ready for Colorado’s alpine terrain. Here’s a list of some things to look for.

  • Warm riding gear
  • Helmets
  • Skid plates
  • A-arms
  • Windshields
  • Roofs
  • Winches
  • All-terrain tires

Colorado’s mountains are stunning but unpredictable. You’ll deal with sudden weather changes, rocky terrain, and temperature swings. Make sure to check out SuperATV’s full lineup of ATV and UTV parts to prep your ride and ensure a safe, fun adventure.

So where to first? From national parks to “hidden gem” riding areas, you really can’t go wrong if you’re looking for adventure in Colorado.

And if you’re sticking around out west, be sure to check out some of these other must-see ride spots.

Did we miss anything? If you’ve got a favorite ride spot in Colorado that we didn’t include, tell us about it below! We’d love to hear your thoughts. And don’t forget to check back soon to see which state we’re covering next!

RELATED CONTENT: riding spots39 rocks9 trails33
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9 Comments

  1. Avatar for Mark VandusenMark Vandusen says:
    July 6, 2022 at 1:22 pm

    Is there any spots that have campgrounds were you can take off on the trails from the campground ?

    Reply
    • Avatar for Kavan WrightKavan Wright says:
      July 7, 2022 at 11:53 am

      Hey Mark, Colorado can be pretty strict with their UTV access, and I’d hate to give you recommendations that lead you to getting ticketed. Your best bet would be to join a community of Colorado riders on Facebook to get advice from the folks that ride there all year round.
      Here a couple we recommend:
      https://www.facebook.com/groups/811083499043008/
      https://www.facebook.com/groups/310366826182420

      Reply
    • Avatar for Todd HargroveTodd Hargrove says:
      January 26, 2023 at 9:25 am

      Taylor Park
      Silverton
      Creede
      And there are dispersed camping sites all around Colorado that you can camp right on the trails.

      Reply
  2. Avatar for Angie ReamyAngie Reamy says:
    August 7, 2022 at 5:45 pm

    We are looking to ride in Mid-October and are curious as to which Colorado trails are available during this time-frame. And does Alpine Loop automatically shut at end of September or do they shutdown when the actual weather dictates?

    We have Polaris RZR Pro XP 4.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Kavan WrightKavan Wright says:
      August 10, 2022 at 9:27 am

      Hey Angie, that’s a tough one to say definitively. Most trails should stay open through October if the weather’s clear. But trails and sections of trails close due to the avalanche risk at higher altitudes, so it’s always a good idea to call ahead and keep a couple backup plans in your back pocket. Stay the Trail Colorado (https://staythetrail.org/) and Colorado Trail Explorer (https://trails.colorado.gov/#activity=ohv_gt_50) both have great tips and recommendations from riders that are intimately familiar with ATV and UTV trails in the area. That should help you plan a better ride. Enjoy!

      Reply
    • Avatar for Andrew ChostnerAndrew Chostner says:
      July 19, 2026 at 9:51 am

      Heading to Colorado in 2028 for a summer utv trip. Our group is typically around 20 people with 7-8 SxS. We are looking for cabins or a large house next to a good trail system on the east side of state if possible.

      Reply
  3. Avatar for EdEd says:
    June 21, 2023 at 10:34 pm

    Am coming from Iowa next week. Would like tips on atv rides in Northern Co. Have lots of experience. Don’t want boring or dangerous. Thanks Ed

    Reply
  4. Avatar for SherriSherri says:
    July 7, 2025 at 6:27 pm

    We are coming to Northern Colorado with are side by side in July from Iowa. We usually ride in the black hills and wanted to try something different this year. Could you recommend any trails that are scenic but not to dangerous. We went to Minnesota last year to ride but had a hard time finding good trails to ride. Thanks Sherri

    Reply
    • Madison Drumm says:
      July 9, 2025 at 8:21 am

      Hey Sherri,
      Alpine Loop is good for a scenic route!

      Reply

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