Shay Wideman
Sep 28, 2026
Open
Muddy/Wet
OnX routes you up Dead Horse Trail which is described as “challenging” which it is. Other than slipping on one or two of the lower rock problems, it was doable. Thank God for rear lockers! It’s fairly narrow in spots and a few tight turns. It took a little over 3 hours to go 3.75 Miles to the Junction that actually leads to Aspen Ridge. By that point it was raining so hard we bailed down the county connector road. There’s a 3+ hour dash cam video on YouTube which we watched after we ran it! Have fun out there!
Yoed
Sep 13, 2026
Open
The beginning of the marked trail on onX out of Salaida is actually known as Dead Horse Trail, and it is more challenging than the rest.
Keenan
Sep 08, 2026
2024 Polaris Scrambler XP 1000
Temporarily Closed
Closed Gate
Mike Gill
Aug 21, 2026
Open
OHV permit required.
preston schafer
Aug 20, 2026
2013 Chevrolet Suburban
Open
DustyRough/Deteriorated
Started from the salida side ( south to north) we opted for the harder route near S mountain. The start had some pretty big rock formations to climb, tight switchback and very narrow shelf roads. Our suburban was a tight squeeze most of the morning. The 2 hardest climbs had very large sharp rocks with loose dry gravel, open diffs did not make it, luckily there were side trails to go around those 2 spots. We had our dog and 3 month old baby with us and after we completed the tricky section the rest was a breeze. Stopped at the quarry for a swim and lunch, highly recommended. We will try the Ute pass road entrance this fall for leaf peeping. Great trail
Marko Cvetkovic
Jul 30, 2026
Open
Rough/DeterioratedWashboard
Nathan Levi
Jul 07, 2026
Open
Dusty
Started from BV, a couple of gatekeeper features and after that pretty smooth then the Salida side is off camber, lots of gravel & loose rock with the sections closer to Salida pretty tricky. Lifted 2021 Tacoma on 33s
Grayson Vernon
Jun 22, 2026
1997 Toyota 4Runner
Open
Dusty
Fun trail with fun hard climbs/decents depending if you’re coming or heading towards Salida. I came from Salida and the first few miles is tight, some rock features and off camber spots. Middle is scenic and easy, while the decent into town is sandy with some steep decants. One tight spot. 33’s and rear locker did fine with good line choices.
Trevor Smith
May 23, 2026
Open
Normal
90% of Aspen Ridge trail is an easy groomed drive. You can skip the technical sections by using the Ute trail near Salida or entering off 285 east of Buena Vista. The BLM section when descending into Salida takes some good line selection and brief off camber moments. Managed it fine in a Tacoma. One other section near the Nathrop entrance is a narrow canyon I’d hesitate to send a full-size down. Great overlooks of the valley and relatively easy to find camping even on Memorial Day weekend. ATV tour groups use the easy sections so be ready to deal with what that entail
Rich Guess
May 16, 2026
2024 Husqvarna Norden 901
Open
Dusty
We joined this trail off of Ute leaving out of Salida. We were on adventure bike, there was some rock steps that we decided not to try. There are lots of turns, so mind the trail as you go. Several short, quick inclines, with rocks.
Dave Meiborg
Oct 26, 2025
2024 RAM 2500
Open
NormalDustySnow/IceWashboard
Started in Nathrop. Ended up cutting Aspen Ridge short and pulling off at Ute. bald Mountain was tighter than for a full size. I ran it solo but I would not if you don’t have the experience.
Seth Borglin
Oct 03, 2025
2023 Jeep Wrangler
Open
Normal
This trail had great views but is nowhere close to being considered a blue trail. This was basically a glorified dirt road through an aspen grove. If that’s what you’re looking for, great. If not do not be deceived by the difficulty rating.
Joe Leonard
Oct 01, 2025
Open
Rough/Deteriorated
Beautiful trail, especially in the fall. Amazing colors and Amazing views and multiple places for lookouts and great photos. We did the trail from N to S. OnX has this as a 4, and for the most part that is true, maybe even a 3, until you get to the last 4-5 miles dropping into Salida. This part alone is at least a 5, maybe a 6. Loose rock, multiple shelves to crawl down, narrow shelf road with off camber hair pin turns with wash outs in the bottom of each turn. Large boulders to maneuver around. My wife basically walked the last couple of miles while recording and guiding me down. Certainly a doable and fun trail, but takes a lot of focus and picking good lines. It would be hard to do by yourself without a spotter. Did it in my 2004 Lexus GX 470, with a 6’ lift. Smacked hard 1 time. Lots of new desert pinstripes as well!! Very narrow!! Loved it!!
Scott Battagler
Sep 24, 2025
2021 Jeep Gladiator
Open
Dusty
The descend into Salina is a white knuckler with a lot of roll on shelf roads.. besides that it was pretty smooth.
Glen Kaufman
Aug 26, 2025
2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
Open
NormalRough/DeterioratedWashboard
The majority of the trail was easy but there are some rocky area where we had on person get out to guide. Tight turns with some small boulders on a significant slope. Definitely need a high clearance 4x4. We started in Salida and the hit UTE trail/road looping back around. Fun excursion! Would recommend it.
