Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests
http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/arnf/recreation/ohv/index.shtml
Length: >25 miles
Elevation: 8,500' to 12,000'
Rating: 5 (moderate)
(The difficulty ratings are from the Trail Ridge Runners Four Wheel-drive Club, and are on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is the easiest, and 10 is the most difficult.)
Location:
From the north, take Colorado Highway 119 south of Nederland to County Road 16 (East Portal Road) west to County Road 4N (Mammoth Gulch Road) south, then one mile past National Forest System Road (NFSR) 176 (Mammoth Gulch).
From the south take County Road 4 (Apex Road), from Colorado Highway 119 near Clear Falls, two miles north of Blackhawk. The Kingston Peak Road also connects to Alice on the Fall River Road, County Road 275.
Features:
The Kingston Peak Road crosses an above-treeline bench at 12,000 feet elevation. This affords spectacular views of the nearby James Peak Wildereness Area, as well as more distant views toward Longs Peak in the north and Mount Evans in the south. However, it also means there is snow late in the year so the season is short. Much of the distance is on the high-clearance two-wheel drive Apex Road. About eight miles is true four-wheel drive, with some quite steep, rocky sections near the top. The road passes the trailhead for the non-motorized James Peak Lake Trail and Ute Trail. Apex and Kingston Peak Roads connect to many more four-wheel drive roads to the south, within the Clear Creek Ranger District.
Length: >11 miles
Elevation: 8,600' to 10,200'
Rating: 5 (moderate)
(The difficulty ratings are from the Trail Ridge Runners Four Wheel-drive Club and are on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is the easiest and 10 is the most difficult.)
Location:
The north end is off the Rainbow Lakes Road, one mile below the Rainbow Lakes Campground. In the middle it passes the townsite of Caribou, at the end of Country Road 128 out of Nederland. The south end is at County Road 130 in Eldora.
Features:
Most of the distance is fairly easy, except two miles north of Caribou where the crossing of Caribou Creek can be deep in spring and there is often mud, and the steep grade at the Eldora end. This descent is steep and narrow, and the switchbacks may be difficult for a long vehicle. In the middle, at the old Caribou Townsite, there is a network of old mining roads on a lovely open plateau with fine views both up to the mountains and down over the plains.
Coney Creek Road, NFSR 113Length: 4 miles
Elevation: 9,200' to 9,800'
Rating: 6 (difficult)
(The difficulty ratings are from the Trail Ridge Runners Four Wheel-drive Club, and are on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is the easiest, and 10 is the most difficult.)
Location:
Accessible from County Road 96 at Beaver Reservoir
Features:
There are some short steep hills and the road is continuously rocky. In wet times there are muddy pools that can hide large rocks. The Coney Creek crossing is very deep and can be impassible in spring. The road ends at Indian Peaks Wilderness boundary at the Coney Flats Trailhead for the Beaver Creek Trail. At this point the Coney Cut-off road, an especially steep and narrow road, connects northward to the Middle Saint Vrain Road. The Coney Cut-off is easier negotiated starting from the Beaver Reservoir end of the loop.
Lefthand Canyon OHV AreaLength: 8 miles
Elevation: 6,000' to 8,200'
Rating: 3-7 (easy to difficult)
(The difficulty ratings are from the Trail Ridge Runners Four Wheel-drive Club and are on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is the easiest and 10 is the most difficult.)
Location:
Access west of Buckingham Park, four miles west of Altona, off the Lefhand Canyon Road, on National Forest System Road (NFSR) 286
Features:
There is a network of four-wheel drive roads ranging from easy to difficult. There are some very steep hills and sidehill "leaners." Be especially careful of the latter, as there have been a number of roll-over accidents in this area. A free trail guide for the area may be obtained at the Boulder Ranger District Office.
Lefthand Park Reservoir Road, NFSR 232Length: 2 miles
Elevation: 10,000' to 10,600'
Rating: 2 (easy)
(The difficulty ratings are from the Trail Ridge Runners and are on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is the easiest and 10 is the most difficult.)
Location:
Leaves the Brainard Lake Road just outside the fee area
Features:
This road is fairly steep, but not too rough for a four-wheel drive road. At the reservoir, there is fishing and a good view of the Indian Peaks.
Mammoth Gulch, NFSR 176Length:
4 miles
Elevation:
8,900' to 10,000'
Rating:
3 (easy)
(The difficulty ratings are from the Trail Ridge Runners and are on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is the easiest and 10 is the most difficult.)
Location:
From the north, take Colorado Highway 119 south of Nederland to County Road 16 (East Portal Road) west to County Road 4N (Mammoth Gulch Road) south, then 1.5 miles to National Forest System Road (NFSR) 176.
From the south take County Road 4 (Apex Road), from Colorado Highway 119 near Clear Falls, two miles north of Blackhawk.
Features:
The Mammoth Gulch Road (also National Forest System Road (NFSR) 176) is fairly easy and not very steep. It continues up the valley for two miles until closed by a gate on private property. The Nebraska Hill Road, NFSR 183 forks right (north) just after Mammoth Gulch Road leaves 4N. It is a mile long to its end at the site of the old reservoir where there is good fishing and camping. A half mile farther west on 4N, the Baltimore Ridge Road, NFSR 416 turns left (south) and climbs a mile up to an old mining area.
Middle Saint Vrain Road, NFSR 114Length: 4.5 miles
Elevation: 8,600' to 9,600'
Rating: 7 (difficult)
(The difficulty ratings are from the Trail Ridge Runners Four Wheel-drive Club and are on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is the easiest and 10 is the most difficult.)
Location:
Features:
This four-wheel drive road is not steep, but can be very rough, with large rocks and logs. It follows Middle Saint Vrain Creek and crosses some side creeks. It ends at Indian Peaks Wilderness boundary, at the Middle Saint Vrain Trailhead on the Buchanan Pass Trail. The Middle Saint Vrain Road can make a loop with the Coney Creek Road. The connector road, the Coney Cut-off, an especially steep and narrow road, is easier negotiated from Beaver Reservoir end, on the Coney Creek Road.
Length: 13 miles to Needles Eye Tunnel
Elevation: 9,200' to 11,000'
Rating: 2 (easy)
(The difficulty ratings are from the Trail Ridge Runners Four Wheel-drive Club and are on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is the easiest and 10 is the most difficult.)
Location:
West of Rollinsville on County Road 16 and west of the Peak-to-Peak Highway (CO 119) south of Nederland
Features:
This is an old railroad grade, now a rough two-wheel drive road. It used to connect over the Continental Divide to Winter Park, but it is now closed at the Needles Eye Tunnel due to a collapse. A self-guided auto tour booklet from the Rollins Pass Restoration Association is available at the Boulder Ranger District office for $1.
Length: 14 miles
Elevation: 7,700' to 9,000'
Rating: 1 (easy)
(The difficulty ratings are from the Trail Ridge Runners Four Wheel-drive Club and are on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is the easiest and 10 is the most difficult.)
Location:
Can be accessed from the Peak-to-Peak Highway (Colorado Highway 72) at the southwest end, Fourmile Canyon at the low point from the east, or Gold Hill Road on the northeast.
Features:
This is an old railroad bed, so the grades are moderate. Much of it is high clearance two-wheel drive, but it is one lane in places. It passes the Mount Alto Picnic Area. There are fine views to the east, and it is a good place for aspen colors in late September or early October.
Canyon Lakes Ranger DistrictMotorized enthusiasts can find hundreds of miles of Forest Service roads and trails available to enjoy for a summer afternoon or overnight. Street licensed vehicles may use any road within the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests unless the road is closed. Off-highway vehicles (OHV's), sometimes called ATV's, which are not licensed, may use any of the routes listed on the following pages, a map of these routes is available from the Canyon Lakes district office. Colorado residents must register their non-street licensed OHV with Colorado State Parks. Non-residents do not have to register in Colorado if they are registered in their home states.
Canyon Lakes
Ranger District | Forest Development Road
(FDR) | Access | Additional Information |
CO Hwy. 7 | FDR 119 - Pierson Park Road | Meeker Park to CR 82 | unload after private land |
US Hwy 36 | FDR 118 - Johny Park Road | CR 118 to Big Elk Meadows | |
| FDR 122 - Pole Hill Road | 3 miles west of Estes Park, Colo. | unload after private land |
| FDR 247 - Panorama Peak Road | loops off FDR 122 | |
US Hwy. 34 (Big Thompson Canyon) | FDR 153 - Storm Mountain Road | 1/2 mile west of Drake | unload after private land |
| FDR 345 - Hyatt Hill | connects with FDR 153 | |
County Road 44H (Buckhorn Canyon) | FDR 100 - West White Pine | off CR 44H | |
| FDR 153 - Storm Mountain Road | gate closed until hunting season
(contact CO Division of Wildlife) | unload after private land |
| FDR 132 & 513 - Moody Hills Roads | | |
| FDR 129 - Ballard Road | | unload after private land |
| FDR 154 - Greer Road | branches off FDR 129 | unload after private land |
| FDR 344 - Crystal Mountain Road | forks west from FDR132 | |
| FDR 352 - Hurley Road | west of Pennock Pass | |
CO Hwy. 14 | FDR 139 - 1A - Cheyenne Ridge | Pingree Park Road (CR 63E) to Crown Point Road | |
| FDR 142 - Black Hollow | Pingree Park Road (CR 63E) to Crown Point Road | |
| FDR 263 - Salt Cabin Park | Pingree Park Road (CR 63E) to Crown Point Road | |
| FDR 259 - Lower Salt Cabin Park | Pingree Park Road (CR 63E) to Crown Point Road | |
CO Hwy. 14 to Laramie River Road (CR103); 27 miles north to FDR 200 | FDR 200 - Roach Road | starts at national forest boundary | unload after private land |
| FDR 143 - Grace Creek | 10 miles west on FDR 200 | |
| FDR 338 - Grace Creek Cutoff | 1 mile east on FDR 143 | |
| FDR 202 - Johnson Divide | 24 miles west on FDR 200 | |
| FDR 157 - Pinkham Creek | 13 miles west on FDR 200 | |
| FDR 203 - Pole Ridge | 14.5 miles west on FDR 200 | |
| FDR 204 - Kings Canyon | 17 miles west on FDR 200 | |
| FDR 207 - Jenkins Creek | south on FDR 143 for 5 miles | |
| FDR 206 - Transmission | 16 miles west on FDR 200 | |
| FDR 337 - Rut | 21 miles west on FDR 200 | |
Laramie River Road (CR 103) | FDR 177 - Green Ridge Road | north on CR 103 for 1 mile | |
| FDR 318 - Nunn Creek Cutoff | branches of Green Ridge Road | |
| FDR 319 - Green Ridge Cutoff | branches of Green Ridge Road | |
CO Hwy. 14 | FDR 168 & 172 - Kelly Flats | 25 miels west of Fort Collins | |
| FDR 225 - Seven Mile | north from Rustic (CR 69) | |
US Hwy. 287 to Red Feather Lakes Road (CR 74E) | FDR 171 - Swamp Creek | south from Red Feather Villge 5 miles on CR 162 | |
| FDR 173 - Roaring Creek | west from Red Feather Village 13 miles | |
| FDR 181 - Chicken Park | north from Red Feather 9 miles on CR 179, west 2 miles on CR 180 | |
| FDR 260 - Experimental | west 16 miles from Red Feather Village on CR 162 | |
| FDR 303 - Jimmy Creek | west 6 miles on CR 162 | |
| FDR 300 - Killpecker | west 7 miles on CR 162 | |
| FDR 336 - Sand Creek | west 15 miles on CR 162 | |
| FDR 517 - Bald Mountain | south 3 miles on CR 162 | |
| Trail #871 - Swamp Creek Cutoff | south 4 miles on CR 162; trail runs off FDR 171 | single track trail |
| Trail # 956 - Killpecker | west 7 miles on CR 162 | single track trail |
US Hwy. 287 to CR 80C (Cherokee Park Road) | FDR 182 - Pratt Creek | west 22 miles on CR 80C | |
| FDR 315 - Green Mountain | west 27 miles on CR 80C | |
| FDR 314 - McGrevey | west 25 miles on CR 80C | |
Main Draw Off-Highway Vehicle Area
Open November 1 – April 9
OHVs are allowed only in the draw to minimize damage to soils, livestock forage and fragile vegetation. Riding across the prairie above the Draw is prohibited.
Licensed (street legal) motorcycles may travel anywhere on the numbered roads, but NOT cross-country or on routes that are not numbered or have been closed to the public.
Please leave gates as you find them.
Please respect the rights of private landowners. The east end of the draw is private land.
Violation of the closure or riding outside the designated area may result in permanent closure of the area.
If you see an individual riding where they should not, get a license number of the haul vehicle and a description of the bike/rider if you can and inform the Pawnee National Grassland District Office of the violation.
OHVs must display a current State OHV registration stickers (other state OHV registrations are accepted).
Please pack your trash out when you leave.
BE SAFE! Please wear a helmet and ride the draw safely.
DIRECTIONS TO MAIN DRAW OHV AREA
I-25 at Fort Collins, go east on Colorado Highway 14 to Ault, Colo. (14 miles)
At Ault, go north on US Highway 85 to Grover Road (#122). (20 miles)
Go east on Road #122 to Road #45. (8 miles)
Turn north on Road #45 to Road #126. (2 miles)
Go through the gate, then northeast to the parking lot.
The Stillwater Pass area is located west of the town of Grand Lake. Head south from Grand Lake on Hwy 34 for four miles and turn west onto CR 4. Follow this road to the Idleglen staging area. Enjoy the Stillwater Pass area safely. There is a Stillwater Pass Off-Highway Vehicle Guide available at the Sulphur Ranger District office.
Trail Conservation and Safety
Because it is recognized that improper handling of a machine can damage the resources of these lands, all drivers must assume responsibility for proper vehicle operation within the Arapaho National Forest.
All roads and trails in the area are two-way. Many of the trails are tight and narrow and are maintained in a manner to provide a primitive trail experience. There are numerous blind turns, hikers, other riders, horses or full-size vehicles that should be anticipated around every turn. Rocky trails will be rough and slippery when wet. Riding fast is hazardous and not recommended.
With the rapidly changing weather conditions and the amount of roads and trails, it is impractical for us to place signs for individual hazards. Be aware that obstacles do exist.
Protective gear including food, emergency supplies, warm clothes and a first aid kit is recommended.
Remember, in the backcountry, you will be a long way from available help in case of an injury. Ride safely!
Seasonal Road and Trail Closures
Seasonal Closures: All trails are generally closed to motorized vehicles from April 15 to June 1st or until the ground has adequately dried out.
Nothing is more destructive to the roads and trails in the forest that vehicular travel on wet ground. When the ground is wet, soil is soft and impressionable. Ruts are easily developed from tire motion and repeated use deepens the ruts. As the soil dries out and hardens, the ruts remain and become channels for running water. The erosion cycle continues.
Wildlife closures: Certain areas have been closed to motorized vehicles to protect critical summer and fall habitat. Please abide by posted closures. Wildlife area closures for deer and elk typically begin October 1 and continue through the fall.
Laws and Regulations
Under Colorado Law, all off-highway vehicles must have a current registration. This includes unlicensed motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and other unlicensed motorized recreation vehicles. All vehicles must be registered with Colorado State Parks. Colorado vehicles must display current Colorado registration. Out of state vehicles must obtain a Colorado non-resident permit.
OHV registration can be done at the USDA Forest Service, Sulphur Ranger District Office, one half mile south of Granby on U.S. Hwy 40. Vehicles can also be registered at many OHV dealers and at the State Parks registration unit in Littleton. Registrations are valid from April 1 Through March 31. For more information concerning OHV registration, please contact the Colorado Division of Parks and Recreation at (303) 791-1920.
Manufacture’s age recommendations for operation motorized vehicles are: under 70 cc, 6 years and older, 70-90 cc, 12 years and older, 90 cc and higher, 16 years and older. All vehicles must meet state and federal noise standards. All motorized vehicles and ATVs shall not exceed 99dba at the 20 inch test.
OHVs operated between sunset and sunrise must have at least one operating headlight and one red taillight.
Operable brakes and a muffler are required for all vehicles. A USDA Forest approved spark arrestor is required for motorcycles and ATVs. Eye protection is required for riders of motorcycles and ATVs, and helmets are recommended.
The OHV trail systems are supported by OHV registration program funds from Colorado State Parks. By registering your vehicle, you help us to maintain the trails.
Travel Restrictions
Motorized travel on national forest system lands within the State of Colorado is authorized on roads and trails that are signed with a route marker. Motorized travel is not authorized on primitive routes without a route marker.
Motorized travel with wheeled vehicles off trails and roadways is strictly prohibited. Snow machine use with adequate snow cover is generally permitted outside wilderness and research areas.
Only street-legal vehicles may be operated on most public roadways. OHVs may be operated on most public roadways. OHVs may be operated on authorized open roads and designated trails.
In accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations, vehicles many not be driven:
• While the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, in violation of state or local law, or any posted special regulation.
• In a manner that creates excessive or unusual noise or smoke
• Carelessly and without regard for the safety of other people and wildlife
• In a manner that endangers, or that is likely to endanger, any person or property
• In a manner creating excessive damage or disturbance of the land, wildlife or vegetation resources
There are more than 40 miles of OHV open routes in the Williams Fork area. To get there from Granby take Hwy 40 west to County Road 3. Turn south onto CR 3 and follow this road to Keyser or Kinney Creeks.
Trail Conservation and Safety
Because it is recognized that improper handling of a machine can damage the resources of these lands, all drivers must assume responsibility for proper vehicle operation within the Arapaho National Forest.
All roads and trails in the area are two-way. Many of the trails are tight and narrow and are maintained in a manner to provide a primitive trail experience. There are numerous blind turns, hikers, other riders, horses or full-size vehicles that should be anticipated around every turn. Rocky trails will be rough and slippery when wet. Riding fast is hazardous and not recommended.
With the rapidly changing weather conditions and the amount of roads and trails, it is impractical for us to place signs for individual hazards. Be aware that obstacles do exist.
Protective gear including food, emergency supplies, warm clothes and a first aid kit is recommended.
Remember, in the backcountry, you will be a long way from available help in case of an injury. Ride safely!
Seasonal Road and Trail Closures
- Seasonal Closures: All trails are generally closed to motorized vehicles from April 15 to June 1st or until the ground has adequately dried out.
Nothing is more destructive to the roads and trails in the forest that vehicular travel on wet ground. When the ground is wet, soil is soft and impressionable. Ruts are easily developed from tire motion and repeated use deepens the ruts. As the soil dries out and hardens, the ruts remain and become channels for running water. The erosion cycle continues.
- Wildlife closures: Certain areas have been closed to motorized vehicles to protect critical summer and fall habitat. Please abide by posted closures. Wildlife area closures for deer and elk typically begin October 1 and continue through the fall.
Laws and Regulations
Under Colorado Law, all off-highway vehicles must have a current registration. This includes unlicensed motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and other unlicensed motorized recreation vehicles. All vehicles must be registered with Colorado State Parks. Colorado vehicles must display current Colorado registration. Out of state vehicles must obtain a Colorado non-resident permit.
OHV registration can be done at the USDA Forest Service, Sulphur Ranger District Office, one half mile south of Granby on U.S. Hwy 40. Vehicles can also be registered at many OHV dealers and at the State Parks registration unit in Littleton. Registrations are valid from April 1 Through March 31. For more information concerning OHV registration, please contact the Colorado Division of Parks and Recreation at (303) 791-1920.
Manufacture’s age recommendations for operation motorized vehicles are: under 70 cc, 6 years and older, 70-90 cc, 12 years and older, 90 cc and higher, 16 years and older. All vehicles must meet state and federal noise standards. All motorized vehicles and ATVs shall not exceed 99dba at the 20 inch test.
OHVs operated between sunset and sunrise must have at least one operating headlight and one red taillight.
Operable brakes and a muffler are required for all vehicles. A USDA Forest approved spark arrestor is required for motorcycles and ATVs. Eye protection is required for riders of motorcycles and ATVs, and helmets are recommended.
The OHV trail systems are supported by OHV registration program funds from Colorado State Parks. By registering your vehicle, you help us to maintain the trails.
Travel Restrictions
Motorized travel on national forest system lands within the State of Colorado is authorized on roads and trails that are signed with a route marker. Motorized travel is not authorized on primitive routes without a route marker.
Motorized travel with wheeled vehicles off trails and roadways is strictly prohibited. Snow machine use with adequate snow cover is generally permitted outside wilderness and research areas.
Only street-legal vehicles may be operated on most public roadways. OHVs may be operated on most public roadways. OHVs may be operated on authorized open roads and designated trails.
In accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations, vehicles many not be driven:
• While the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, in violation of state or local law, or any posted special regulation.
• In a manner that creates excessive or unusual noise or smoke
• Carelessly and without regard for the safety of other people and wildlife
• In a manner that endangers, or that is likely to endanger, any person or property
• In a manner creating excessive damage or disturbance of the land, wildlife or vegetation resources