The Best Jeeping Trails in Colorado

The Best Jeeping Trails in Colorado - TopLift Pros

Colorado is known and renowned for its outdoor beauty.

From its vast mountaintops to its valleys and plains, Colorado is one of the premier states in America for outdoor enthusiasts with a flair for altitude.

This bodes especially well for the Jeep community.

With a wide range of forests, mountains, trails, and other natural wonders, Colorado is ideal for taking your Jeep off-roading and experiencing the beauty of the Centennial State.

With remote areas that can be accessed only by foot or 4x4 vehicle, Colorado offers what few other states can: Exclusivity.

But the good news for Jeep owners is that they can join the club. So, pack up your Jeep, head towards the Rocky Mountains, and remove your hardtop with the TopLift Pro to hit these noteworthy Jeep trails in Colorado today!

The Great Sand Dunes/Medano Pass

For the first stop on our Colorado Jeep tour, it only seems fitting that we hit the beautiful Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Located in the San Luis Valley in Southwest Colorado, the Great Sand Dunes stretch for over 19,000 acres and feature the tallest sand dunes in all of North America, with some reaching as high as 750 feet.

Located within the park, just east of the dunes towards the mountains, is the Medano Pass Primitive road, one the most renowned trails for off-roading in Colorado.

This scenic backcountry route carries you through soft sand, mountain canyons, a 10,000-foot pass, and even several creek crossings to offer maximum adventure and scenic beauty.

You can camp along 21 different spots. However, before planning your trip, be wary of the harsh Alamosa winters.

Fall is a great time to explore the forests of Medano Pass, so plan accordingly and remember to bring your TopLift Pro Jeep hardtop removal kit to experience the full breathtaking beauty offered by this route.

The Alpine Loop

Maybe the most renowned scenic byway in Colorado, the 65-mile stretch known as the Alpine Loop takes you through the largest (and arguably most breathtaking) mountain range in the Rocky Mountain state. 

The Alpine Loop stretches through the San Juan Mountains through the towns of Lake City, Silverton, and Ouray, offering up multiple 14ers to climb (or even just gawk at from your Jeep), multiple mountain passes, and even a natural hot springs.

Jeeping in Colorado just wouldn’t be complete without exploring the soaring peaks and exclusive four-wheel-drive terrain of the Alpine Loop.

Baldwin Gulch Jeep Road

Another Southwest Colorado gem, the Baldwin Gulch Jeep Road is located south of the beautiful town of Buena Vista near the Mount Princeton hot springs.

This twisty-turny eight mile Jeep road climbs up one of Colorado’s storied 14ers, Mount Antero, and rolls right through the Arkansas River.

With vast scenic beauty, impressive drop-offs, and an extensive network of hiking trail networks, this trail is certainly one of the best for off-roading in Colorado.

Red Feather Lakes

Moving north a little bit, the Red Feather Lakes in Larimer County’s Roosevelt National Forest, just west of beautiful Fort Collins, offer more than 100 miles of ATV and off-roading trails for the curious adventurer.

This area features a slew of off-roading trails, including the 5.7-mile Diamond Lake Trail which features a beautiful lake and moderate 4x4 difficulty, to the more challenging Deadman Road which stretches for 22.9 miles and camping pit stops.

Hardscrabble/Gypsum Hills

Heading toward the west, near the renowned ski area of Vail in Eagle County, you’ll find several Colorado off-road trails ready to be conquered by your Jeep.

Starting with Gypsum Hills, you’ll find simple, scenic mountain drives with interspersed four-wheel-drive routes with easy access to I-70 for those quick mountain getaways.

Moving through the area you’ll find the Hardscrabble Pass, located between Gypsum and Eagle with a handful of single track trails winding through the great Rocky Mountains.

Whether you’re looking for a gentle cruise or a challenging trek, this area can provide you with the ultimate outdoor Jeep experience.

Mosquito Pass

Last but certainly not least, Jeeping in Colorado wouldn’t be complete without the legendary Mosquito Pass.

Located just east of Leadville, this challenging road is the highest pass in the state that is open to motorized travel.

Its rocky terrain offers the perfect challenge for your high-clearance Jeep, with unmatched scenic views over an alpine environment. Since it can be closed at any time due to snow or inclement weather, this pass is the ideal summer trail trip, but be wary, it is not for the faint of heart.

Experienced Jeep enthusiasts will be amazed at this 13,000+ high pass with stream crossings and rocky navigation.

While these are some of the top Jeep trails in Colorado, be reminded that there are a whole lot more offerings out there.

If you’re ready to hit the vast Rocky Mountains and want to make the most of those Colorado off-road trails, remember to bring your TopLift Pro along for the ride for quick, easy Jeep hardtop removal.

And as always, happy Jeeping!