By RMHP
We talk about human-powered activities like hiking and biking a lot, but fueling up your Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) is yet another fun outdoor activity to enjoy in Western Colorado. It’s a great way to get into more remote areas, and there’s an entire lifetime’s worth of trails to explore.
If you’re new to OHV and ATV trails, this quick guide will point you in the right direction. Once you’re out on the trails don’t forget to pay attention to all of the smaller trails that tend to radiate from these paths, either. You may end up returning to these areas frequently while still experiencing something new every time.
Fruita is well-known for its excellent mountain biking terrain, but there are also worthwhile OHV trails in the area. Just be sure to pay attention to the signage, and only ride on roads designated for vehicle use.
This gem is close to Grand Junction, and built via a partnership with the Grand Mesa Jeep Club and the Bureau of Land Management specifically for “extreme 4x4 use.”
Additional recreation opportunities are also plentiful in the Bangs Canyon area, including rock climbing and hiking.
It doesn’t get much better than this system of trails in Rio Blanco County. According to the Wagon Wheel Trails website, these trails “provide increased recreational opportunities through unique, satisfying, and sustainable OHV experiences in Rio Blanco County and Northwest Colorado.”
The trail system is far from finished, but currently contains approximately 250 miles of roads and trails. There’s a little something for everyone, with route difficulties ranging from beginner to expert.
There’s no way to choose one top OHV trail in Ouray, because five local trails have earned the ‘Badge of Honor’ status from Jeep. These four are particularly fun on an OHV:
Before trailering an OHV to the nearest trailhead, always review maps of the area and make a game plan. OHV trails are an ever-changing adventure, so even if you’ve ridden one of these trails before, remember that conditions are rarely uniform from one trip to the next.
In fact, that’s one of the best things about getting off the beaten path in the mountains — it’s always a new adventure.