Beginner Off-Road Trails
Near Cathedral, Colorado

Mill Creek Road is a scenic, beginner-friendly route that offers over 15 miles of stunning high-country vistas, making it perfect for novice offroaders, overland rigs, and even large trailers. Traversing Hinsdale and Gunnison counties, this easy dirt road climbs from an elevation of 8,887 feet up to...
Learn more about Mill Creek Road

This trail forks off of the upper end of East Willow Creek Road. It starts out a little rocky, but once you leave that section, the road becomes more dirt with a few fun stream crossings. The trail ends at an old cabin with the falls trailhead. About a 3/4 mile hike to the falls, uphill at the end. ...
Learn more about NF 502-1 Phoenix Park Waterfall

Last Chance Mine is a short spur trail ideal for history buffs and offroaders of all skill levels seeking stunning high-alpine views and a glimpse into Colorado's rich mining past. Branching off from the historic Bachelor Loop near Creede, this easy dirt route climbs to an elevation of nearly 10,500...
Learn more about Last Chance Mine

Rat Creek Loop starts on the south end of Bachelor Loop. It begins as a sandy trail, and eventually reaches some fun hills to climb with small rocks. One section is curvy, with very loose rocks. Water drainage can cause ruts in areas. The road crosses Rat Creek several times. There are scenic views...
Learn more about Rat Creek Loop

Crystal Lake - NF 532-2A is a scenic off-road spur ideal for drivers seeking a tranquil high-altitude escape to a secluded mountain-top lake in the Rio Grande National Forest. Branching off the popular Bristol Head Road, this route delivers spectacular alpine views and a peaceful, remote destination...
Learn more about Crystal Lake - NF 532-2A

Enjoy this section of the famous Alpine Loop, which can be combined with Engineer Pass. Take Wager Gulch up to Carson Ghost Town, and follow Cinnamon Pass Road up to American Basin. Take a moment to enjoy the wildflowers this area is known for. Staging is available on the western side across from Eu...
Learn more about Cinnamon Pass

The trail begins at the split of CR 30 and CR 33. Take this detour to experience the east side of Lake San Cristobal and as a great option to avoid the busy first few miles of the Cinnamon Pass Trail. The trail is typically two vehicles wide with gentle grades and gravel. Great views of Lake San Cri...
Learn more about CR 33 - Lake San Cristobal East

East Willow Creek Road (NF 502) is a gateway into the historic mining district just north of Creede, Colorado. Rising from an elevation of approximately 8,600 feet to nearly 10,600 feet, this 5.3-mile trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and canyons while leading travelers past h...
Learn more about East Willow Creek Road - NF 502

This is an out-and-back trail that offers a little bit of everything from dispersed camping, to amazing views, to a few technical spots. In just a short 5 miles you will gain almost 3,000 ft of elevation and once to the top you will have a great view of the famous Cinnamon Mountain and Engineer Moun...
Learn more about County Road 14 - Lake City

NF 517 is an easy, scenic connector route perfect for beginners, scenic cruisers, and those looking to link up popular offroad trails near the historic town of Creede, Colorado. Spanning just over 1.2 miles, this short dirt route climbs or descends roughly 500 feet, peaking near 9,321 feet in elevat...
Learn more about NF 517

This is a fun drive with grassy meadows, pine trees and nice views of Creede. The road is mostly dirt with areas of rock and some steep sections.
Learn more about Fr 504 D1 Bachelor Rd & Momon Hill Rds

Lovely little road that takes you to the Shallow Creek Trailhead with some scenic views along the way. Some areas outside of private property where you can camp alongside the creek towards the end of the road. Early on there is a pullout on the left to a corral. Cell service is spotty to none.
Learn more about Shallow Creek - NF 508

Miners Creek Road (Forest Service Road 507) is a scenic, 1.7-mile dirt and gravel route near Creede, Colorado. The road climbs gently from 8,825 feet to 9,029 feet, offering an easy drive through the Rio Grande National Forest. Surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, aspens, and conifers, this route i...
Learn more about Miners Creek Road

This is a 17-mile loop through an historic mining district above Creede. It takes you through mine locations that date back to the 1890's and some abandoned ghost towns that once rivaled Creede in size.The loop starts at a visitor center in Creede, and the road is graded and suitable for most vehicl...
Learn more about Historic Bachelor Loop Fr 503 - 504

Dry Gulch is the perfect spot to camp just outside Creede, CO. Dry Gulch is an out-and-back trail which offers primitive camping spread along the trail from start to finish. Dry Gulch has a small shooting range located at the second fork in the road. Shooting range has metal targets, safe backdrop, ...
Learn more about Dry Gulch

This trail is most easily accessed from the north end near the Bristol Head CG. While it can be done from south to north, the southern terminus of the trail is difficult to find as it is hidden from view on Hwy 149. The trail is one vehicle wide with areas to pull aside for oncoming traffic. Rocky a...
Learn more about FR 556 - Clear Creek Ridge

This trail starts just off Highway 149 and north of South Clear Creek Falls. Take a quick detour at the beginning of the trail to view North Clear Creek Falls, one of the most photographed waterfalls in Colorado. Dropping more than 100 feet off the Nelson Mountain Tuff, North Clear Creek Falls was f...
Learn more about CR 16/FR 510 - North Clear Creek Falls

Extremely muddy when wet, to the point of sliding out. Not safe if the rain has been strong; even with 4wd the mud becomes very slippery. You will enjoy this road with its amazing views. There are a few spots that look like they would be good for camping; there is access to other roads and hikes. Un...
Learn more about Kezar Loop

The road leading up to this trail is seasonal, specifically once you reach the National Forest line - no motorized vehicles during the winter/spring months. It's an easy dirt road that climbs 1,000' in elevation, offering sweeping views of the mountains and forest. Various side-roads in the area off...
Learn more about Into the Forest We Go

This trail takes you up along the Rio Grande past its reservoir to the headwaters. There is beautiful scenery, campsites along the river and some of the best trout fishing to be had. It runs from Hwy 149 to the Kite Lake and Stony Pass trails. Takes about 2 - 2.5 hours to drive one way, longer if yo...
Learn more about NF 520 - Rio Grande Reservoir & Headwaters

Mill Creek Road is a scenic, beginner-friendly route that offers over 15 miles of stunning high-country vistas, making it perfect for novice offroaders, overland rigs, and even large trailers. Traversing Hinsdale and Gunnison counties, this easy dirt road climbs from an elevation of 8,887 feet up to...
Learn more about Mill Creek Road

This trail forks off of the upper end of East Willow Creek Road. It starts out a little rocky, but once you leave that section, the road becomes more dirt with a few fun stream crossings. The trail ends at an old cabin with the falls trailhead. About a 3/4 mile hike to the falls, uphill at the end. ...
Learn more about NF 502-1 Phoenix Park Waterfall

Last Chance Mine is a short spur trail ideal for history buffs and offroaders of all skill levels seeking stunning high-alpine views and a glimpse into Colorado's rich mining past. Branching off from the historic Bachelor Loop near Creede, this easy dirt route climbs to an elevation of nearly 10,500...
Learn more about Last Chance Mine

Rat Creek Loop starts on the south end of Bachelor Loop. It begins as a sandy trail, and eventually reaches some fun hills to climb with small rocks. One section is curvy, with very loose rocks. Water drainage can cause ruts in areas. The road crosses Rat Creek several times. There are scenic views...
Learn more about Rat Creek Loop

Mill Creek Road is a scenic, beginner-friendly route that offers over 15 miles of stunning high-country vistas, making it perfect for novice offroaders, overland rigs, and even large trailers. Traversing Hinsdale and Gunnison counties, this easy dirt road climbs from an elevation of 8,887 feet up to...
Learn more about Mill Creek Road

Last Chance Mine is a short spur trail ideal for history buffs and offroaders of all skill levels seeking stunning high-alpine views and a glimpse into Colorado's rich mining past. Branching off from the historic Bachelor Loop near Creede, this easy dirt route climbs to an elevation of nearly 10,500...
Learn more about Last Chance Mine

Enjoy this section of the famous Alpine Loop, which can be combined with Engineer Pass. Take Wager Gulch up to Carson Ghost Town, and follow Cinnamon Pass Road up to American Basin. Take a moment to enjoy the wildflowers this area is known for. Staging is available on the western side across from Eu...
Learn more about Cinnamon Pass

The trail begins at the split of CR 30 and CR 33. Take this detour to experience the east side of Lake San Cristobal and as a great option to avoid the busy first few miles of the Cinnamon Pass Trail. The trail is typically two vehicles wide with gentle grades and gravel. Great views of Lake San Cri...
Learn more about CR 33 - Lake San Cristobal East