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Colorado is a bucket-list destination for offroaders. The state doesn’t just offer scenic beauty, but also tons of variety. You’ll find everything from arid desert and river canyons to snow-covered mountain passes.
Whether you’re a seasoned rock crawler or a weekend trail rider, Colorado's rugged terrain will put your skills to the test and reward you with unmatched views.
The ADV Fiberglass team is here to bring you our top 5 list of the best Colorado offroading destinations:
Location: Ouray, Colorado — located in the southwest corner of the state.
From Denver: 6-hour drive southwest via US-285 and US-550.
From Durango: 2-hour drive north via US-550 (Million Dollar Highway).
Why Visit:
Ouray is a high-alpine town that feels like a step back in time. Surrounded by the jagged San Juan Mountains, it offers endless offroad trails with waterfalls, volcanic peaks, ghost towns, and views from over 13,000 feet.
Nicknamed the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray is a full outdoor playground. Visitors hike to Box Canyon Falls, relax in natural hot springs, or ice climb at the world-famous Ouray Ice Park. Its Victorian-era buildings and mountain backdrop make it a memorable basecamp for your 4x4 adventure.
Ouray is also known as “The Jeep Capital of the World” due to its extensive network of well-maintained off-roading trails, making it one of the best destinations around for offroad enthusiasts.
Things to Do in Ouray:
Soak in Ouray Hot Springs
Explore ghost towns like Animas Forks
Visit Box Canyon Falls
Stroll the historic downtown
Ice climbing (winter) at Ouray Ice Park
Top Trails:
Imogene Pass is a 17-mile high-alpine trail that connects Ouray to Telluride, offering steep grades, narrow ledges, and waterfalls along the way.
Black Bear Pass is an expert-only route known for its sharp switchbacks and heart-stopping descent into Telluride.
Engineer Pass blends scenic beauty with history, guiding you through ghost towns and panoramic overlooks as part of the Alpine Loop.
Yankee Boy Basin is a more moderate trail filled with wildflowers, cascading waterfalls, and stunning views.
Poughkeepsie Gulch is one of the most technical and challenging trails in the area, with steep climbs and large rock obstacles.
Location: Near Masonville, CO — just 45 minutes west of Fort Collins.
From Denver: 2-hour drive north via I-25 and CO-34.
Why Visit:
This is Northern Colorado’s offroad hot spot. Moody Hill and Crystal Mountain combine rocky technical terrain with stunning views of the Front Range. The area is ideal for those looking for short but intense trail challenges.
You'll navigate ledge climbs, switchbacks, and boulder fields. It’s not just about driving—it’s about testing your rig and yourself. Plus, you're close to Fort Collins, where you can grab a craft beer or check out nearby hiking and fishing spots.
Things to Do Nearby:
Kayak or paddleboard at Horsetooth Reservoir
Fish or raft in the Cache la Poudre River
Explore Lory State Park for hiking
Camp in Roosevelt National Forest
Top Trails:
Moody Hill is a short but demanding trail featuring tight turns, steep climbs, and off-camber sections.
Crystal Mountain offers boulder-filled obstacles and technical challenges that require a capable rig and steady driving.
Kelly Flats is famous for “Heart Attack Hill” and “The Chutes,” two intense segments that push even experienced drivers.
Sevenmile Creek is a more beginner-friendly trail with creek crossings, forest scenery, and smoother terrain.
Location: Buena Vista, CO — located in central Colorado.
From Denver: 2.5-hour drive via US-285 south.
Why Visit:
This area offers a great mix of moderate offroading, historic sites, and relaxing hot springs. The ghost town of St. Elmo adds a Wild West vibe, while the Arkansas River valley provides stunning views.
It’s an excellent place to ride with friends, explore abandoned mines, and soak off the dust afterward in natural hot springs. The elevation changes and rocky terrain keep things exciting without being overwhelming.
Things to Do Nearby:
Tour the ghost town of St. Elmo
Soak in Mount Princeton Hot Springs
Fish or kayak in the Arkansas River
Hike to Ptarmigan Lake or Hartenstein Lake
Top Trails:
Tincup Pass connects the historic towns of St. Elmo and Tincup, passing alpine lakes and remnants of mining history.
Mount Antero takes you to elevations above 13,000 feet, with incredible views of the surrounding peaks.
Iron Chest Mine features narrow shelf roads and a rough, rocky route that ends at a historic mining site.
Hancock Pass offers a classic high-mountain experience with switchbacks, elevation changes, and scenic views.
Chinaman Gulch is a rock crawler’s dream, packed with tight, technical lines and large boulder fields.
Location: Telluride, CO — in southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountains.
From Montrose: 2-hour drive via CO-62 and CO-145.
Why Visit:
Telluride is known for its luxury ski resort vibes, but don’t overlook it for offroading. Surrounded by towering cliffs, waterfalls, and remote high basins, it’s a visual masterpiece—and a challenge for any offroader.
You’ll find both iconic technical trails and beginner-friendly routes. Plus, Telluride’s downtown is packed with good food, art galleries, and a gondola ride with killer views.
Things to Do in Telluride:
Ride the free mountain gondola
Hike to Bridal Veil Falls (Colorado’s tallest)
Visit Telluride Historical Museum
Enjoy dining and drinks in a former mining town
Top Trails:
Black Bear Pass is an iconic one-way trail into Telluride, known for its steep switchbacks and narrow cliffside sections.
Ophir Pass is a scenic shelf road that's beginner-friendly, offering dramatic views without major technical challenges.
Alta Lakes Road is an easy trail that leads to a cluster of beautiful alpine lakes, perfect for camping and relaxing.
Last Dollar Road provides a gentle ride with wide-open views of Mount Sneffels and vibrant wildflower meadows.
Imogene Pass is a high-altitude route connecting Telluride to Ouray, combining offroad excitement with epic scenery.
Location: Salida, CO — south-central Colorado near the Arkansas River.
From Colorado Springs: 2-hour drive via US-50 west.
Why Visit:
Salida is a great alternative to crowded spots like Ouray or Telluride. It’s got a laid-back vibe, plus tons of trails winding through forests, rock-strewn passes, and above-treeline summits.
The Arkansas River flows right through town—perfect for rafting and fishing. And when you're off the trail, downtown Salida offers shops, art galleries, and cool places to eat.
Things to Do Nearby:
Float or fish the Arkansas River
Mountain bike the Monarch Crest Trail
Visit the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center
Hike to Waterdog Lakes or North Fork Lake
Top Trails:
Tincup Pass (eastern approach) climbs from Salida toward St. Elmo, offering a blend of historic sites and alpine views.
Tomichi Pass is a narrow, rugged trail that runs above the treeline and showcases remnants of Colorado’s mining past.
Marshall Pass is a gentle forest road that winds through meadows and offers sweeping mountain vistas.
Blanca Peak is one of Colorado’s toughest 4x4 trails, with steep, exposed sections and massive boulders.
Old Monarch Pass Road is an easy, scenic drive with great camping spots and views of the surrounding peaks.
Colorado delivers a next-level offroading experience. From the high-alpine switchbacks in Ouray or crawling over boulders near Fort Collins, every trail offers its own exciting challenges and stunning scenery.
From historic mining roads to scenic forest loops, the variety of terrain makes it one of the best offroad states in the country—for beginners and seasoned pros alike.
Before you hit the trail, make sure your vehicle is built to handle whatever Colorado throws your way.
Looking to explore more further? Check out the top 5 offroading destinations in California, Arizona, and Utah. Stay tuned for more in this series!
Every trail on this list has one thing in common: they demand strength and reliability from your vehicle. ADV Fiberglass creates durable, high-quality fiberglass parts designed for offroad performance and precision fitment. Whether you're upgrading your fenders or replacing body panels, we’ve got you covered with components made to take a beating—and look good doing it.
Custom Ford Bronco | Advanced Fiberglass Concepts Aftermarket Body Kit
ADV Fiberglass products are engineered for the kinds of challenges Colorado is known for—steep climbs, rocky ledges, and unpredictable weather. Our fenders, hoods, and panels offer the durability, clearance, and finish that serious offroaders expect.
How We Make Fiberglass Body Panels | Advanced Fiberglass
With over 25 years of manufacturing experience, we use advanced techniques like 3D scanning and CNC machining to deliver unmatched fit and finish. Every part is handcrafted in Costa Mesa, CA, and designed to perform under pressure.
We love seeing our products on the trail. Tag your rig on Instagramor Facebookusing#ADVAdventures2025 and show us where you’ve been. We feature offroad builds, stories, and trail shots from drivers just like you.
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From the high passes of Telluride to the rocky ledges of Crystal Mountain, Colorado’s trails are calling. Make sure your rig is trail-ready with fiberglass parts built to last.
Visit ADV Fiberglass to gear up for your next adventure.
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