Colorado Trails

Transfer Trail, Colorado

Created on Wednesday, 27 July 2011 07:07

We usually drive up Coffee Pot Road first, so we can head downhill on the Transfer Trail and enjoy the views at Windy Point and above Glenwood Springs. However, since there is a large convenient staging area at the bottom of the trail, this description starts at the bottom. The bottom also has many side trails to explore, including a challenging 50"-wide ATV trail. If you are not camping at the top and just want a single-day adventure, start from the bottom as described here.

Difficult Trail Rating
Moderate. Trail is very steep and narrow at the bottom with tight brush in places. Above Windy Point, mud is the challenge. We did it downhill in our stock Grand Cherokee and had no problems. Some driving experience is recommended, especially going uphill.

Transfer Trail, Colorado Popular trail above Glenwood Springs

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This trail is featured in this book:
(Along with 79 other trails.)

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Category: Northern Colorado Backroads & 4WD Trails

Red Elephant Hill, Empire Loop, Colorado

Created on Wednesday, 27 July 2011 07:04

This is a fun 4-wheel-drive trip with plenty of challenge and great scenery. A unique feature of the route is the Empire Hilton Cabin. It’s open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis. Make sure to leave it the way you find it, or better. Start of trail is a county road that crosses private property. We’ve never had a problem getting through, but have heard stories that this is not always the case. The 2010 MVUM shows no seasonal closures.

Difficult Trail Rating
Difficult. Red Elephant Hill is narrow, steep and tippy in places. Empire Loop is rocky. Aggressive, high-clearance SUVs can do it.

Red Elephant Hill, Empire Loop, Colorado Fun, steep trail to interesting Empire Hilton Cabin

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This trail is featured in this book:
(Along with 79 other trails.)

Click here to Purchase.

How does this work?

Category: Northern Colorado Backroads & 4WD Trails

Pickle Gulch, Colorado

Created on Wednesday, 27 July 2011 06:32

Remote forest land tucked in behind surrounding private mountain property. Confusing at first due to few route markers so follow directions carefully. Connects to Moon/Gamble Gulch Trails (available as eGuide from FunTreks). Great area for ATVs, UTVs and dirtbikes. Open all year, weather permitting.

Difficult Trail Rating
Difficult. Applies to two short sections, which can be bypassed. Tight brush. Not recommended for shiny new SUVs, but aggressive models with high clearance can do it. Tight brush may scratch vehicle. Various exit points in case you encounter a locked gate.

Pickle Gulch, Colorado Remote, rugged area north of Central City

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This trail is featured in this book:
(Along with 79 other trails.)

Click here to Purchase.

How does this work?

Category: Northern Colorado Backroads & 4WD Trails

Bill Moore Lake, Colorado

Created on Wednesday, 27 July 2011 07:03

Very scenic route to high mountain lake. Great place to spend a weekend exploring network of trails and historical sites, including well-preserved Conqueror Mine. Trail connects to Red Elephant Hill, Empire Loop (available as eGuide from FunTreks). Great area for ATVs and UTVs with plenty of parking at the start. The 2010 MVUM shows no seasonal closures.

Difficult Trail Rating
Difficult. Upper part has several steep, loose, rocky sections. Some stock SUVs can do it, but 4x4 driving experience is needed. Use F.S. 183.1A bypass around worst section if your vehicle does not have differential lockers.

Bill Moore Lake, Colorado Trail Steep climb to scenic, high-mountain lake

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This trail is featured in this book:
(Along with 79 other trails.)

Click here to Purchase.

How does this work?

Category: Northern Colorado Backroads & 4WD Trails

Moon and Gamble Gulches, Colorado

Created on Wednesday, 27 July 2011 06:22

Remote, lesser-known mining area between Rollinsville and Apex. Route loops back over more scenic Dakota Hill, with side trip to remarkably preserved shaft house. Many unmarked roads complicate route-finding, so follow directions carefully. Great area for unlicensed vehicles. No parking at start, so drive in far enough to find wide spot to avoid blocking road. More parking at south end of trail at Point #9 and #10 above town of Apex. If you continue down road after shaft house, be prepared to turn around if gate is locked. Open all year, weather permitting.

Moderate Trail Rating
Moderate. First half of trail is very narrow between tight trees. Not for wide or shiny new SUVs. Balance of trail is rocky and slow-going. Shortcut uphill on Forest Road 413.2 is a difficult, steep, rocky climb.