Hotel Rock

Attempted the southern/hard section of Hotel Rock in a mostly stock 2026 Chevy Colorado ZR2. The trail starts out fairly reasonable, but difficulty increases quickly once you reach the main obstacle. We high-centered entering the obstacle, and due to the ZR2’s wheelbase, there really wasn’t a clean alternate line available. We probably could have scraped through it, but the trail ahead looked increasingly narrow, off-camber, and technical, so we decided not to risk damage. Personally, I think the overall rating feels harder than the listed 5/10, especially for longer wheelbase trucks. A built short-wheelbase Jeep would likely have a much easier time here. After researching later, I can definitely understand why people recommend 35s and additional lift for the southern approach. We ended up turning around and accessing Hotel Rock from the north via Little Baullie Mesa/Milk Ranch Point. That route was still rocky with some steep dips and ledges, but much more manageable.

Trail has some awesome views, the famous Hotel Rock was worth the challenges. Very Challenging trail at times some steep inclines and descent's

This is a difficult 5. You will need at least one locker. Large rock slabs and steps. A narrow spot to traverse. Hotel Rock is worth it.

Trail obstacles are in some cases 8-10’ tall steep rock climbs up steep cliffs (front tires in the air) and a few 3-5’ steep descents, but so long as you pick a good line then it’s not too hard. Note, this pic is of a rock that washed up along the access road between Arch Canyon Camp and the Hotel Rock trailhead.