About the Author

When Charles Wells bought his first 4-wheel-drive SUV in 1993, he had no idea how it would change his life. Like most SUV owners in Colorado, he bought the vehicle primarily for winter driving. But one summer day, he saw an intriguing dirt road that headed into the mountains. Off he went on his first extended trip beyond the pavement. It was so much fun, he searched for other roads to duplicate the experience. Many more trips followed.

As his confidence grew, he ventured farther and farther into the backcountry. He realized he needed some guidance, so he bought every guidebook and map he could find. Unfortunately, most of the information was vague, incomplete or inaccurate. He continued to get lost, run into places too difficult for his vehicle and waste time on boring roads. This frustration led him to write his first book, Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails, in 1998. Sales took off, immediately. Within a year, he quit his job and started FunTreks Publishing.

Ten years later, Wells has published eleven books (two were replaced by new editions). His books include easy and moderate routes for stock SUVs, difficult trails for serious 4-wheelers and trails for unlicensed vehicles (ATVs, UTVs and dirt bikes). Today his books are standard equipment for thousands of motorized adventurers. He strongly promotes responsible use of public lands.

Charles continues to scout most of the trails and spends a great deal of time traveling in his motorhome. His books presently cover Colorado, Utah, Arizona and California. More states are planned.

Wells graduated from Ohio State University in 1969 with a degree in graphic design. After practicing design in Ohio, he moved to Colorado Springs in 1980 and worked 18 years in the printing business. He and his wife, Beverly, have two adult children and 4 grandchildren. They now live in Monument, CO, close to their business.

Matt (PT) Peterson got into 4-wheeling in 2000 after graduating from college. He built several off-road 4x4s starting with bolt parts, and later progressed to custom-built, off-road buggies. Wanting to share his new past time, he and a few friends started their own 4-wheel-drive club in Michigan and the club is still going strong today. He has always had an interest in exploring less-traveled roads and and was overjoyed when he moved to Colorado in 2003.

He worked many years as a graphic designer and computer technician, then joined FunTreks in 2008. He currently scouts trails, then helps Chuck write and produce the books.

Matt graduated from Bethel College in 2000 with a degree in graphic design. He met his wife, Cassie, soon after moving to Colorado. Together, they enjoy camping and other outdoor activities in Colorado's enormous backyard.

Chuck Wells' Vehicles

	Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cinnamon Pass, Ouray, CO, 1993-2002 This vehicle was nearly stock. It had an automatic transmission, V8 engine, factory skid plates and tow points. It was upgraded with all-terrain tires and a CB radio.
	Jeep Cherokee, Soldier Pass, Sedona, AZ, 1994-2001 This vehicle had a Tomken 6" lift, aftermarket bumpers, rocker skids, tire carrier, brush guard, 8,000 lb. Warn winch, Dana 44 rear axle, 410 gears, ARB lockers front and rear, Tera Low 4-to-1 transfer case, skid plates, stock 4-liter engine with 5-speed manual transmission, interior roll cage, 33 x 10.50 BFG A/T tires, tow points, fold-in mirrors and a CB radio.
	Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chicken Corners, Moab, UT, 2002-Present This vehicle's configuration is nearly stock. It has an automatic transmission, V8 engine, factory skid plates and tow points. Upgrades include all-terrain tires and a CB radio.
	Jeep Wrangler, Moab Rim, Moab, UT, 2001-Present Upgrades include a TeraFlex 3" lift with long-arm kit, 9000 lb. Warn winch, Dana 44 rear axle, 410 gears, Tera Low 4-to-1 transfer case, ARB lockers front and rear, York on-board air system, skid plates with Predator high-clearance transmission cross member, High Country rocker panel guards, Curry bumpers, Alumiflex tie rod, Xenon extended flares, stock 6-cylinder engine, 33 x 12.50 BFG A/T tires and a CB radio.
	Suzuki 700 King Quad, Pole Hill, Estes Park, CO, 2006-Present This ATV is completely stock with 4-wheel drive, fuel injection and independent suspension. Accessories include a rear carrying case and GPS mount. The author also owns a 450 King Quad ATV.
	Winnebago Adventurer, Taylor Park, CO, 2001-Present The motorhome can tow a vehicle and an ATV together on a custom-built trailer.