Rankin Road

Trail Overview

Rankin Road near Divide, Colorado, is a simple but engaging trail that offers a good mix of easy driving and light technical sections. The trail starts as a typical dirt road, but you'll quickly encounter some larger whoops that require moderate speed control. As you continue, the road narrows to mostly one-vehicle width, with several tight sections where trees line the trail closely. Careful positioning is important to avoid scraping your vehicle. There are also a few tucked-away camp spots along the trail, along with some good lookout spots about a quarter of the way in. About halfway in, there is one notably tight turn that can be a little sketchy for longer vehicles, but not bad. Beyond this point, it's not recommended to continue with larger trailers due to limited space and maneuverability. Near the bottom, there is a creek crossing. Water levels can vary depending on recent weather, but it is usually manageable for most high-clearance vehicles. At the end of the trail, if you do not continue onto Phantom Sale 1 Road, there is a large turnaround area where the road is closed. This provides enough space to safely turn around. There are some areas affected by past washouts, but overall, the trail is fairly well-maintained and remains accessible.

Photos of Rankin Road

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Difficulty

The trail is an uneven, sometimes rutted dirt road with occasional loose rock, whoops, and a few short, steep, loose grades. Some lightly washed-out sections may cause minor flex, but nothing difficult. The road is mostly one vehicle wide with a few places to pass. Obstacles are small (generally under 12 inches), and the creek crossing is usually less than a foot deep. Overall, it's a good beginner-friendly trail for high-clearance 4x4s, with tight sections and light terrain being the main challenges.

History

Rankin Road appears to be an older forest access road, likely used for land management and local access over time. There are signs of past washouts, but it has been maintained enough to remain in good condition.

Technical Rating

Rankin Road can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike