Best Beginner Offroading Trails in Colorado

Colorado is a paradise for offroading enthusiasts, offering arguably the most scenic and accessible trails in the lower 48. Whether you're a seasoned offroader or just starting out, Colorado's diverse terrain provides something for everyone. In this guide you’ll find 10 of our top beginner-friendly 4WD trails across Colorado. If you’re local to the state or planning a visit, make sure to check these out!  

Alpine Tunnel East - Buena Vista, CO

Located in the San Isabel National Forest, the Alpine Tunnel East trail takes you on a journey through Colorado's rich mining history. This trail follows the old railroad grade toward the historic Alpine Tunnel, providing access to the ghost towns of Romley and Hancock. With its smooth and wide path, the trail offers a scenic drive through lush forests and past alpine meadows.

• Length and Duration: 5.43 miles, typically taking about 30 minutes to complete one-way.

• Best Time to Visit: Late spring to late fall (May 15 - October 31)

• Vehicle Requirements: A high-clearance 2WD vehicle can handle this trail in good weather.

Crystal River Road - Marble, CO

Crystal River Road, located just outside the small town of Marble, Colorado, offers a scenic drive along a narrow, historic route that once served silver miners. The trail leads up to the iconic Crystal Mill, one of Colorado’s most photographed sites, perched dramatically above the Crystal River. Along the way, you will experience stunning views of waterfalls, canyon walls, and mountain peaks.

• Length and Duration: 5.94 miles, usually taking about an hour to complete one-way.

• Best Time to Visit: Late spring to late fall (May 21 - November 22)

• Vehicle Requirements: A stock high-clearance 4WD/AWD vehicle is recommended due to the rocky terrain and narrow roads.

Gold Camp Road - Colorado Springs, CO

Gold Camp Road is a historic route that winds through Pike National Forest, once serving as a railroad connecting Colorado Springs to Cripple Creek. Today, it offers a scenic drive with opportunities to explore nearby trails, historical sites, and natural formations such as St. Peter's Dome. 

• Length and Duration: 20.21 miles, typically taking about 2 hours one-way.

• Best Time to Visit: Open year-round, but accessibility may vary with weather conditions.

• Vehicle Requirements: A high-clearance 2WD vehicle can navigate this trail comfortably.

Ivanhoe Lake - Basalt, CO

Ivanhoe Lake is a beautiful off-road trail situated in the Sawatch Range, offering access to lakes, meadows, and historic sites. The trail is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, providing opportunities for camping, fishing, and exploring Colorado’s backcountry while enjoying the mining history. Beyond the lake, the trail narrows and becomes more rugged. This is where you may want to be more cautious if you are driving a 2WD vehicle. 

• Length and Duration: 8.59 miles, taking about 2 hours one-way.

• Best Time to Visit: Late spring to late fall (May 21 - November 22)

• Vehicle Requirements: A high-clearance 2WD vehicle can manage the initial section, but 4WD is recommended for the more difficult portions.

Matukat Road - Deckers, CO

Also known as Goose Creek Road, Matukat Road takes drivers through the heart of Colorado’s history, crossing the Hayman Fire burn scar. This road offers sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including Pikes Peak and the Rampart Range. The trail is well-maintained, making it an ideal route for those seeking a scenic drive through a landscape marked by natural beauty and recent history.

• Length and Duration: 24.21 miles, generally taking about 2 hours one-way.

• Best Time to Visit: Open year-round, making it accessible in all seasons.

• Vehicle Requirements: A high-clearance 2WD vehicle is sufficient to navigate this trail.

Mineral Basin - Buena Vista, CO

Mineral Basin Trail winds through the South Cottonwood Drainage, offering access to the beautiful landscape west of Cottonwood Lake. This trail is perfect for those who enjoy exploring through lush meadows and who may want the chance to spot local wildlife like moose and elk. The trail ends at Mineral Basin, where visitors are rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

• Length and Duration: 8.31 miles, taking about an hour one-way.

• Best Time to Visit: Late spring to late fall (June 1 - October 31), when the trail is open.

• Vehicle Requirements: A high-clearance 2WD vehicle can manage the lower sections, but 4WD is recommended for the rougher upper portions.

Phantom Canyon - Cañon City, CO

Phantom Canyon Road is a historic route that goes through a canyon, offering drivers a glimpse into Colorado’s gold rush era. The trail features old remains of the wooden trestle bridges and abandoned mining structures. This drive provides not only plenty of beautiful geological wonders but also plenty of history, making it a must-visit if you’re in the area.

• Length and Duration: 24.77 miles, typically taking about 2 hours one-way.

• Best Time to Visit: Open year-round, though caution is advised in inclement weather.

• Vehicle Requirements: A high-clearance 2WD vehicle is adequate for this trail.

Schubarth Road - Woodland Park, CO

Schubarth Road provides year-round access through dense forests of aspen and evergreens while providing views of Pikes Peak. If you’re looking to get away for a weekend full of camping you will be sure to find numerous camping spots within Pike National Forest. It's a must do trail in the Fall when all of the leaves have started to change color!

• Length and Duration: 7.8 miles, taking about an hour one-way.

• Best Time to Visit: Open year-round, with varying conditions depending on the season.

• Vehicle Requirements: A high-clearance 2WD vehicle can handle this trail.

Switzerland Trail - Nederland, CO

The Switzerland Trail follows the route of a narrow historic railroad that once connected the mining towns in Boulder County. Today, it offers a serene drive through the mountains, with plenty of railroads past still visible along the way. 

• Length and Duration: 8.69 miles, typically taking about 2 hours one-way.

• Best Time to Visit: Open year-round, though conditions may vary with weather.

• Vehicle Requirements: A high-clearance 2WD vehicle is sufficient for this trail.

U.S. Basin - Silverton, CO

U.S. Basin, also known as Red Mountain Pass, offers a journey through the historic heart of the Red Mountain Mining District. This trail is dotted with remnants of the silver boom from 1882 to 1893, including the famous Yankee Girl Mine. The trail showcases a blend of history and breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains, often referred to as the "Switzerland of America."

• Length and Duration: The trail stretches for 9.27 miles one-way and takes about two hours to complete.

• Best Time to Visit: The trail is typically open year-round, offering access in any season.

• Vehicle Requirements: A 2WD vehicle with high clearance is recommended, though the trail is generally well-maintained.

BONUS Weston Pass - Leadville, CO

Weston Pass, once known as the "Road to Riches," is a historic wagon road that connected the gold mining towns of Fairplay and Leadville. Today, it is an easy dirt road that winds through the Pike-San Isabel National Forest, offering high alpine views and great camping spots.

• Length and Duration: The trail covers 20.64 miles one-way and typically takes about two hours to traverse.

• Best Time to Visit: The trail is open year-round, with different seasonal experiences available.

• Vehicle Requirements: A 2WD vehicle with high clearance is sufficient, as the road is well-maintained, particularly on the eastern side.

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This wraps up our best beginner offroading trails in Colorado! And if these weren't enough, check out hundreds of Trails Offroad™ Trail Guides on our Colorado State Page. 

For those looking for a bit more of a challenge, we’ll share more guides soon!