High Rocky Riders Off-Road Club

Highest Mountain Range in the Lower 48

Directory:

This page is for descriptions and photographs of trails. If you would like to contribute a trail description, please email it to trails.

Aspen Ridge

San Isabel National Forest map. Described in Larry E. Heck, 4-Wheel Drive Roads to Outback Colorado. Aspen Ridge is usually passable with two-wheel drive vehicles. However, as with all roads in the Bassam Park area, mud can make it treacherous. Be careful after rains! From the north, take US 24/285 east to CR 187 (between mileage markers 219 and 220), CR 187 south to the junction with CR 185, then CR 185 south to CR 175, and CR 175 west to US 291. From the south, take US 291 north from Salida to CR 175 and reverse the route.

Baldwin Lake

San Isabel National Forest map. Described in Heck, vol. 4, and in Massey and Wilson.

Boulder Mtn.

San Isabel National Forest map. Described in Massey and Wilson.

Carnage Canyon

San Isabel National Forest map. This is a recently opened playground for hard-core off-roaders only. Early reports indicate that a number of obstacles require winching. Lifts and lockers a must. Rollovers are common. Walking the course before entering is highly recommended--once you are in, the only way out is through the canyon.

Chinaman's Gulch

San Isabel National Forest map. Chinaman's Gulch is passable by high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles, but full-size SUVs will risk body damage. It is best attempted in vehicles with lifts. Along the way are numerous obstacles that will challenge the most radical rock buggies, but these typically can be bypassed. Should not be traveled solo.

Cottonwood Pass

San Isabel National Forest and Gunnison National Forest maps. While not an offroad experience by any means, Cottonwood Pass is very scenic and is commonly used to access or return from Hancock, Tomichi, Cumberland, Tincup, and Taylor passes, as well as Italian Mountain. For many, it is also the shortest route to Crested Butte and Schofield Pass.

Hancock Lakes

San Isabel National Forest map. From the junction of CR 267 and CR 295, just below the ghost town of St. Elmo, take CR 295 to the townsite of Hancock, then take a left on FSR 295 to the end, just below the lakes. High clearance required, four-wheel drive strongly recommended.

Hancock Pass

San Isabel National Forest and Gunnison National Forest maps. Just beyond the townsite of Hancock, take CR 299 to Hancock Pass (marked with a sign). High clearance required, four-wheel drive strongly recommended. On the west side of Hancock, the left fork goes over Tomichi Pass; the right fork will take you to Cumberland Pass or to the west portal of the Alpine Tunnel. Described in Massey and Wilson, Wells, and Heck, vol. 4.

Iron Chest Mine Road

San Isabel National Forest map. Lifts and lockers a must, winches highly recommended. Do not travel this trail alone! Described in Heck, vol. 4.

Mt. Antero

San Isabel National Forest map. This trail has become easier over the last several years, but the high switchbacks are still not for the faint of heart. Described in Heck, vol. 1, Massey and Wilson, and Wells. Probably doable to the saddle between Mts. Antero and White in a high-clearance two-wheel drive, but four-wheel drive is highly recommended.

San Isabel National Forest map.

Mosquito Pass

San Isabel and Pike National Forest maps. Mosquito is an easy four-wheel drive pass, and in fact passable with a high-clearance two-wheel drive on the west side. The east side is more difficult. Unfortunately, Mosquito has also proved dangerous--claiming a number of vehicles and lives over the years, perhaps because drivers are lulled by the relatively wide and smooth trail on the west side. A mistake can be fatal, as the dropoffs are as extreme as the views are spectacular. Described in Heck, vol. 1, Massey and Wilson, and Wells.

Pomeroy Lakes

San Isabel National Forest map. Described in Wells and in Massey and Wilson.

Ptarmigan Lake

San Isabel National Forest map.

Tincup Pass

San Isabel National Forest and Gunnison National Forest maps. Described in Massey and Wilson and in Wells.

Tomichi Pass

Gunnison National Forest map. Described in Heck, vol. 4, Wells, and Massey and Wilson.

Wheeler Lake

Pike National Forest map. Lifts strongly recommended. Many of the major obstacles have easier drive-arounds, but this is a serious four-wheel drive trail! Particularly difficult when wet. Described in Heck, vol. 1, and in Wells.

Williams Pass

San Isabel National Forest and Gunnison National Forest maps. Described as closed in Heck, vol. 4. However, a four-wheel drive club has been sponsoring it in recent years, and it is usually open for a limited time in August. If it is closed, Hancock and Tincup passes are great alternatives!