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The Top 10 UTV and ATV Trails in Colorado

By Megan Randall | Behind The Wheel on June 14, 2021
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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.

NOTE: Park details and prices reflect what was current as of April 2021.

1. Alpine Loop Scenic Byway

  • Location: Silverton, CO
  • Size: 65 miles
  • Style: Woods, hills, mud, rocks, water crossings
  • Machines: ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, motorcycles, 4x4s
  • Experience Level: Beginner, intermediate
  • Cost: Free
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
Trail at Bangs Canyon
Photo by GJ Hikes

3. Grand Mesa National Forest

  • Location: Delta, Garfield, and Mesa Counties, CO
  • Size: 150 miles
  • Style: Woods, water crossings, mud, hills
  • Machines: ATVs, UTVs
  • Experience Level: All
  • Cost: Free
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Five side by sides parked on top of hill overlooking mountain valley
Photo by Wagon Wheel OHV Trails

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 spots33 rocks8 trails31
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5 Comments

  1. Avatar for Mark Vandusen Mark 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 Wright Kavan 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 Hargrove Todd 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 Reamy Angie 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 Wright Kavan 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

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