Trail Overview
Tie Rod Bender is a short, punishing 0.85-mile rock crawling trail in the Gypsum Hills. Climbing from 6,950 feet to 7,250 feet, this extremely technical route features massive, loose boulders ranging from two to four feet in size. Rollovers, body damage, and drivetrain breakage are common. Vehicles require a winch, front and rear lockers, a robust roll cage, and very large off-road tires.
The trail begins on the right side of County Road 51, approximately 3.1 miles north of Gypsum. Navigating the dense, boulder-strewn ravine demands precise tire placement and an experienced spotter. For additional challenges, the nearby Middle Middle and Upper Middle trails offer further hardcore rock crawling.
Difficulty
Extremely difficult. Giant loose boulders 2 to 4 feet in size. Rollovers and vehicle damage are common occurrences. Winch, lockers, roll cage and very large tires a must.
Access Description
All OHVs must have a valid Colorado state OHV permit to operate on this trail, even if the vehicle is street-legal with a license plate. The route is located on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land and is open year-round, though winter weather can make recovery exceptionally difficult.
