We are lucky to live in one of the most beautiful states in the country and that it provides us with thousands of options when it comes to outdoor activities. As you probably gathered already, we here at SideXSide Insurance are passionate about off-road motorsports and making sure our Northern Colorado community properly protects their financial investment by holding comprehensive side by side insurance and ATV insurance.

But we’re also passionate about getting out there and riding! And today’s post is in that spirit. We thought this would be a great opportunity to look at some of the best Colorado off-roading trails, some of which you’ve likely been to, but maybe a few others you haven’t. We don’t just write them, we ride them!

1. Red Feather Lakes

We’re going to start with a local favorite here in Northern Colorado. Located just outside of Fort Collins, Red Feather Lakes is in the Roosevelt National Forest and has some of the most gorgeous valleys and, of course, the Red Feather Lakes. There are about 100 different off-roading trails, the most popular being Deadman’s Road. If you’re looking for some new side by side trails, this is a great spot to check out and it’s very close to us here in Loveland.

2. San Juan Mountains Trails

Offering some of the most rugged terrains in all of Colorado, the San Juan Mountains offer plenty of off-roading trails for you to explore. This is classic mining country with passes and steep cliff faces, so it’s not for the faint of heart. Red Mountain Pass and Black Bear Road are intense side by side trails, but the sights are unparalleled. Some other popular trails include Boggy Draw, Bear Creek, Sand Creek and Little Bull Creek.

3. Engineer Pass / Cinnamon Pass

These are some of the hidden gems of Colorado off-roading trails, located just outside of Ordway and Silverton. There are truly breathtaking views around nearly every bend and represents the definition of true mountain living. Take a trip around famous Alpine Look and you get a great sense of life at elevation (more than 12,000 feet!), with crisp mountain air and random snow patches dotting the landscape. The entire trail will take more than six hours to finish and is only for 4×4 vehicles.

4. Bangs Canyon

Bangs Canyon offers off-roading trails of many different types, from easy to extreme Colorado off-roading trails. The trails systems winds through Colorado National Monument with amazing views of the backcountry. There are steep areas offering views of more than 50 miles, but the main one is called Billings Trail. This trail will challenge the most experienced side by side driver, and it’s trails like this why you really must have adequate side by side insurance.

5. Grand Mesa Trails

Located just outside of Grand Junction on the Western Slope of Colorado, the Grand Mesa Trails are filled with red desert cliffs as you see in Utah, as well as lakes, rivers and dense forests. These trails feature long paths and steep inclines through gorgeous mountain meadows. Rabbit Valley Trail is one of the highlights, encompassing the Mygatt-Moore Quarry and 140-million-year-old sandstone.

6. St. Mary’s Glacier

Traversing a glacier is a pretty amazing experience. St. Mary’s is the best place to do it in Colorado, and is wonderful for beginners, yet won’t disappoint seasoned veterans thanks to spectacular views. Located north of Idaho Springs, the most popular trails is known as Yankee Hill. This trail goes 10 miles to Central City, but there are also 16 other off-roading trails to explore if you choose to take the scenic route. This is also where Boulder gets its water from!

7. Lizard Head Pass

If we were ranking Colorado off-roading trails by name, this would probably take the top spot. Lizard Head Pass provides the snow-capped peaks, mountain goats and blizzards you think of when you imagine the Rocky Mountains. Named after Lizard Head Mountain (13,113 feet), it really does look like the head of a lizard! There is a variety of side by side trails of different difficulties, just be prepared because the weather can change in an instant.

8. Kelly Flats

Another local favorite to Northern Colorado, Kelly Flats is about 25 miles west of the Poudre Canyon outside of Fort Collins and is for more experienced off-roaders (so make sure you get a side by side insurance quote or you’ll regret it!). Heart Attack Hill — yep — is well-named. There are extreme climbs and rollovers are common here. There are slightly easier ways around Heart Attack Hill, but that’s only a relative “easy.” Going in groups is recommended here.

9. Wagon Wheel Trail System

Another massive playground for off-roading lovers, Wagon Wheel Trail System is roughly 250 miles of trails and roads in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. There are 13 main trails, featuring rocky cliffs, meadows, flatlands and dense forests. Most trails are easy to moderate, but if you want a challenge, check out Fawn Creek to Dead Horse Loop! This is an excellent choice for a day trip or a weekend full of Colorado off-roading trail exploration.

10. Hardscrabble Park

For the off-roading enthusiast, Hardscrabble Park might be heaven. Near Gypsum, the area is run by the Bureau of Land Management and is a massive playground for side by sides, ATVs and more off-roading fun. You can basically go anywhere you want and is just a few hours drive from Denver. The scenery is a typical mountain desert landscape, featuring open valleys, as well as steep cliffs and canyons.

Get Your Quote Today!

Just like any of your valuable assets, it’s important to protect your investment in these beautiful machines just like you would with your home or car. Side by side insurance doesn’t have to be expensive to adequately cover the potential damage they could take, so instead of taking that risk and losing thousands of dollars, reach out to us for a free quote and we can help provide the specific, flexible and affordable coverage you need!