Are you an adrenaline junkie who loves to cruise through rough terrains in a Jeep? Then Colorado is the perfect destination for you! With the Rocky Mountains running through the state, there is no shortage of exhilarating trails for you to explore. Here’s a guide to Colorado’s best Jeep trails that are an absolute must-visit.
Black Bear Pass
If you’re looking for a challenging trail with stunning mountain views, Black Bear Pass should be your top pick. This 7.5-mile trail is located near Telluride and can be covered in about 3-4 hours. The trail has several hairpin turns, steep elevation changes, and a narrow shelf road. But once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains.
Yankee Boy Basin
Yankee Boy Basin is another fantastic trail located in the San Juan Mountains. This 3.5-mile trail is relatively easy compared to Black Bear Pass, and it takes about 2-3 hours to cover. The trail offers beautiful views of the mountains, wildflowers, and waterfalls. You’ll also come across an abandoned mining town and several historic buildings along the way.
Engineer Pass
Engineer Pass is a 20-mile trail that connects the towns of Ouray and Lake City. This trail has it all – steep climbs, rocky terrain, narrow shelf roads, and stunning scenic views. The trail takes about 6-7 hours to cover, and you can see several historic ghost towns and mining ruins along the way.
Alpine Loop
If you want to cover multiple trails in one go, the Alpine Loop is the perfect option. This 65-mile loop connects the towns of Lake City, Silverton, and Ouray and covers several iconic trails like Engineer Pass, Cinnamon Pass, and Animas Forks. The trail takes about 8-10 hours to cover and offers stunning mountain views, historic ghost towns, and abandoned mining sites.
Holy Cross City
Holy Cross City is a challenging 12-mile trail located near the town of Minturn. This trail features steep climbs, narrow switchbacks, rocky terrain, and a creek crossing. But the highlight of this trail is the view of the Mount of the Holy Cross, one of the most iconic peaks in Colorado. The trail takes about 6-7 hours to cover, and you need a high-clearance 4WD vehicle to complete it.
Imogene Pass
Imogene Pass is a beautiful 17-mile trail that connects Telluride and Ouray. This trail offers stunning views of the San Juan Mountains, wildflowers, and wildlife. It also has several rocky sections, narrow switchbacks, and steep climbs, making it a challenging yet exhilarating ride. The trail takes about 5-6 hours to cover, and you’ll pass through several historic mining sites and ghost towns along the way.
Conclusion
Colorado’s Jeep trails offer something for everyone, from easy scenic drives to challenging off-road adventures. These seven trails are some of the best in the state and should be on every Jeep enthusiast’s bucket list. However, before embarking on any of these trails, make sure you have a proper off-road vehicle, necessary permits, and adhere to all safety guidelines. Lastly, always leave the trail better than you found it, so that future generations can enjoy the beauty of Colorado’s wilderness.