Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Blue Valley, Colorado

Little Bear Creek Road (FS 151) provides an excellent scenic alternative to paved routes when traveling between the CO-103 corridor and Idaho Springs. This 6.2-mile well-maintained dirt road offers stunning mountain views while remaining accessible…
Learn more about Little Bear Creek Road - FS 151

This trail begins off of Squaw Pass Road. At the trailhead, you will see a sign for "Historic Arapaho Springs". This is an easier trail in dry conditions, accessible by stock 4WD vehicles and higher…
Learn more about Old Squaw Pass East

This trail can accessed from either the Squaw Mountain Lookout trail or the Old Squaw Pass East Trail. The trail is blocked in the middle by a gated section of private property which prevents you…
Learn more about Old Squaw Pass Central

This is an easy, one-way trail with a few places to pass and some rocky and washed-out sections. You'll find a handful of dispersed campsites and great views of Idaho Springs. The end of the…
Learn more about Santa Fe Trail

This trail is easily accessed off of Squaw Pass Road. As the name hints, the trail takes you takes you to Squaw Mountain fire lookout which is about a 1-mile hike from the end of…
Learn more about Squaw Mountain Lookout

Journey through old mines, historic structures, buildings and cemeteries along this route to the town of Nevadaville. There are still a few people living here, so please be considerate. There is a fun kids' playground…
Learn more about Nevadaville Loop

There is a lot of history along this easy, backcountry drive. You'll have the chance to explore four old cemeteries, as with as several historic structures in Apex, an old mining camp and ghost town.…
Learn more about Apex Road

This trail begins off Highway 119 and just south of the start of the Pickle Gulch trail. The majority of this trail consists of a dirt road, with some single-lane sections winding through private property.…
Learn more about Missouri Gulch Road - CR 15S/15N

The Michigan Hill trail starts from the Pickle Gulch Campground. This trail is a relatively easy trail for most off-road vehicles, although there are some narrow points on the trail. This trail winds through mining…
Learn more about Michigan Hill

This trail is an offshoot from Apex Road. If you want something slightly more technically challenging than Apex, this is a fun alternative to explore. The trail is fairly tight. 4WD is required in a…
Learn more about N Clear Creek Road

A short drive from the town of Empire and just down the road from the popular Bill Moore Lake Trail, Mad Creek is a great off-road trail that gets passed up by many off-roaders. Whether…
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Among the old mining trails stretching from Idaho Springs to Silver Plume, Bard Creek Road offers an enchanting journey through the region's history. As you traverse its bumpy climb, you'll uncover vestiges of Colorado's vibrant…
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Kids will love this small area with intersecting forest roads and camping. To camp, enter at the north end. No dirt bikes allowed on this trail. Open May 15 to November 30.
Learn more about West Magnolia

A fun, out and back trail with a great campsite a few hundred feet up the trail, and an abandoned mining site just past that. The trail is fairly narrow. 4WD wasn't required, but definitely…
Learn more about Buckeye Mountain Road 512.1

On this old railroad route, you'll find two lakes, breathtaking views, and a fun hike. Needle's Eye Tunnel is just a short hike from the trail--park and camp south of the trailhead. There are no…
Learn more about Rollins Pass East

Magnolia Road East accesses the Aspen Meadows residential area but allows you to avoid the heavy traffic of Boulder Canyon. This is a smooth dirt road any vehicle can navigate, and it has beautiful scenery.…
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This is a super fun, single lane road to amazing camping. You'll camp above the reservoir and fish, canoe, kayak and relax. No swimming. Open to licensed and unlicensed vehicles. Trail is open from May…
Learn more about Gross Reservoir

A beautiful, easy drive through thick trees. You'll eventually rise above the timberline and get an amazing view of Winter Park Ski Area as well as some gorgeous mountain lakes. If you want to continue…
Learn more about Rollins Pass West

This trail is mainly used to get to Torrey's Peak and Gray's Peak trailheads. Most of it is dirt with small rocks, and could be done in a small car, but as you get further…
Learn more about Stevens Gulch

Wellington Lake Road travels from US 285 south through a mix of private and forest service lands to reach Stony Pass Road and further Matukat Road. It also accesses the private Castle Mountain Recreation at…
Learn more about Wellington Lake Road

Enjoy this simple trail that leads to some pretty camp spots. If you're lucky, you might even be able to see a moose! Most vehicles can do this road, although it does have some spots…
Learn more about Peewink

This route begins just north of Mary Jane Road off of Highway 40. It follows the Fraser River diversion canal with access to numerous hiking trails and dispersed campsites along the way. There are great…
Learn more about Waterboard Rd - FS 128

You're likely to see hikers on this trail, and it is a popular camping destination on the weekends. Check for postings on what camping is dispersed and what is designated. Be bear aware and plan…
Learn more about Gordon Gulch

Grizzly Gulch is a difficult trail that starts up Stevens Gulch. There is a dirt parking lot area on Stevens Gulch, and if you go all the way to the back, you will find that…
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During the warmer seasons, this trail is ideal for beginners and stock sport utility vehicles, thanks to its gentle grades and stunning scenery. In winter, it becomes popular for snow-wheeling enthusiasts seeking adventure, though caution…
Learn more about Switzerland Trail

A super easy road to camping, hiking and more. There are some difficult trails in the area if you want more of a challenge. Cinnamon Gulch takes you to an amazing viewpoint at an old…
Learn more about Peru Creek

Hall Valley Roa, also known as Park County 60 is a semi-maintained dirt and gravel road entering the Pike San Isabel National Forest allowing access to the challenging Red Cone Peak, or the narrow Hand…
Learn more about Hall Valley Road - Park County 60

This trail continues from the famous Switzerland Trail on the north side of Gold Hill Road and exits on Sawmill Road. It offers varied rocky terrain similar to the southern Switzerland Trail, with the addition…
Learn more about Switzerland Trail - North

The trail begins through private property, respect the beaver ponds and stay out at the beginning of the trail. Once out of the private property, the trail begins going uphill into wooded pines. Immediately camping…
Learn more about Beaver Creek

You can access some really good hiking from this trail at Butler Gulch and along the Continental Divide. The views at the top of the pass are unbelievable. It's fun to get there, but there…
Learn more about Jones Pass