Best Dirt Bike Trails In Colorado: Top 11

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Colorado has a plethora of rugged mountains and scenic landscapes that make it a great place for dirt biking. It's a paradise for dirt bike trails and OHV enthusiasts. Overall, Colorado offers something for every rider, from high-altitude beginners trails with great views to challenging routes that test even the best riders skills.

In this guide, we'll explore the best dirt bike trails in Colorado and provide you with essential information to make your off-road adventure in Colorado planned out and unforgettable.

What Makes Colorado A Great Dirt Bike Destination?

Colorado is a premier destination for dirt biking enthusiasts due to its volume of diverse terrain. There is a huge span of mountainous terrain alongside deserts and plains - it essentially has every landscape one would look for in a state for outdoor recreation. The state boasts high-altitude mountain passes, dense forests, expansive desert areas, and scenic alpine meadows, providing riders with an ever-changing and challenging terrain.

On top of Colorado's diverse land, there is extensive trail networks, ranging from well-maintained, accessible paths to rugged, technical routes, ensure everyone has a trail for them. The local government agencies take pride in maintaining great trail systems and recreational areas.

1. Rainbow Falls OHV Area

Rainbow Falls OHV Area is a favorite among dirt bikers. It has a huge range of trails suited to all skill levels. Located near Woodland Park, this area provides stunning views of the Pikes Peak region. Overall, Rainbow Falls in Colorado is a top destination for dirt bike enthusiasts looking for great scenery alongside their trails.

This trail offers a picturesque waterfall that is a perfect reward after your ride. The path to the falls features varied terrain, including sandy stretches, hard-packed dirt, and rocky segments. Towards the end, the area is perfect for relaxing and ending your ride.

Rainbow Falls Trail Overview

Rainbow Falls offers well-marked trails with single tracks and wider paths. The terrain varies from rocky sections to smoother, forested trails, making it suitable for beginners and experienced riders.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: 20 miles of interconnected trails
Elevation: 8,000 to 9,000 feet
Terrain: Rocky, forested areas with some open meadows
Season: Late spring to early fall

2. Taylor Park

Taylor Park, near Crested Butte, is a must-visit for dirt bike enthusiasts. It features an extensive network of trails with diverse terrain and stunning mountain views. Nestled right in the heart of the Rockies, Taylor Park is a true gem offering more than just dirt bike trails - it provides a complete experience.

Surrounded by majestic peaks, this basin boasts over 100 miles of trails, catering to leisurely rides and high-adrenaline adventures. Expect to encounter stream crossings and serene alpine meadows along the way, enhancing the thrill and beauty of your ride. After a long day of riding, the town of Crested Butte is also a great small mountain town to explore during your stay.

Taylor Park Trail Overview

Taylor Park offers trails that range from accessible, scenic routes to challenging paths that require advanced riding skills. Highlights include the Doctor Park Trail and Timberline Trail, which are known for their technical sections and beautiful scenery.

Difficulty: Easy to Difficult
Length: Over 100 miles of trails
Elevation: 9,000 to 12,000 feet
Terrain: Rocky, wooded areas, alpine meadows
Season: Summer to early fall

3. Rampart Range

Rampart Range is one of the most popular dirt biking destinations in Colorado. It is located near Colorado Springs and offers a vast network of trails suitable for all skill levels. Stretching across the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Rampart Range provides an expansive and diverse riding experience. The area is dotted with pine and aspen forests, winding streams, and striking rocky outcroppings.

The trails vary in difficulty, making them suitable for both novice and experienced riders. Gasgas and KTM enthusiasts will appreciate the agility of their bikes, particularly when tackling tight turns and unpredictable terrains. Rampart Range is perfect for extended multi-day adventures with numerous campgrounds available throughout the region.

Rampart Range Trails Overview

Rampart Range provides a mix of easy, wide trails and more technical single tracks. The area is well-maintained, with plenty of parking and staging areas. Highlights include the Long Hollow and Dakan Road trails.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: Nearly 200 miles of trails
Elevation: 6,500 to 8,500 feet
Terrain: Forested areas, rocky sections, open spaces
Season: Spring to fall

4. Grand Valley OHV Area

Located near Grand Junction, the Grand Valley OHV Area offers a unique desert dirt biking experience. The area is known for its rugged terrain and beautiful desert landscapes. It’s a vast, open area that boasts diverse terrain, from smooth double tracks to narrow, rugged singletracks with numerous hill climbs. Open year-round, it accommodates all types of vehicles, making it a versatile destination for dirt biking enthusiasts.

Grand Valley OHV Trails Overview

The Grand Valley OHV Area features trails with rocky climbs, sandy washes, and technical sections. It's ideal for riders seeking a challenging and scenic desert riding experience.

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Length: 40 miles of trails
Elevation: 4,500 to 6,000 feet
Terrain: Desert, rocky sections, sandy areas
Season: Year-round, best in spring and fall

5. Fourmile Travel Management Area

The Fourmile Travel Management Area in northern Chaffee County spans 100,000 acres of Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands. This vast area provides various recreational activities, including ATV and motorcycle riding, hiking, biking, rock climbing, and horseback riding, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Fourmile Travel Management Area Trails Overview

Fourmile offers well-maintained trails that cater to all skill levels. The area features a mix of single tracks and wider paths, with highlights including the Chinaman Gulch and Carnage Canyon trails.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: 100,000 acres of forest service trails
Elevation: 7,000 to 9,000 feet
Terrain: Forested areas, open meadows, rocky sections
Season: Spring to fall

6. Bocco Mountain

Bocco Mountain near Wolcott is a hidden gem for dirt bikers. It offers a variety of trails with beautiful scenery and challenging terrain. The Bocco Mountain Extensive Recreation Management Area, just north of Wolcott, CO, is renowned for its exceptional dirt bike trails.

The area features 38 miles of primarily motorized single-track trails, known for their steep and challenging terrain. Riders should come prepared for loose, steep trails with short hill approaches, ledges, narrow chutes through trees, and exhilarating rides. Additionally, the area has good cell coverage for safety in case of accidents.

Bocco Mountain Trails Overview

Bocco Mountain is known for its technical trails that challenge even experienced riders. The area features rocky climbs, steep descents, and scenic forested sections.

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Length: 38 miles of trails
Elevation: 7,000 to 8,500 feet
Terrain: Rocky sections, forested areas, open spaces
Season: Spring to fall

7. Alpine Loop

The Alpine Loop is a historic trail system that offers some of the most scenic dirt biking in Colorado. This trail system is located in the San Juan Mountains, known for its breathtaking views and challenging terrain. This popular summer destination offers approximately 65 miles of designated motorized trails. It's an ideal spot for dual sport motorbike enthusiasts.

Alpine Loop Trails Overview

The Alpine Loop features high-altitude riding with technical sections and steep climbs. Highlights include Engineer Pass and Cinnamon Pass, both of which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Length: 65 miles of trails
Elevation: 9,000 to 13,000 feet
Terrain: Rocky, mountainous, alpine meadows
Season: Summer to early fall

8. Black Bear Pass

Black Bear Pass is one of Colorado's most infamous dirt bike trails, known for its extreme difficulty and dramatic scenery. Located near Telluride, this trail is not for the faint-hearted.

This route features sharp switchbacks, steep climbs, and frequent weather surprises that keep riders on their toes.

The journey's highlight is the stunning Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado’s tallest free-falling waterfall, offering a breathtaking sight after an intense ride. Whether you’re on a Gasgas or KTM, these dirt bikes' dependable performance will help you navigate the pass's rigorous demands.

Black Bear Pass Trail Overview

Black Bear Pass features narrow switchbacks, steep drops, and rocky sections. The trail's challenging terrain and stunning views of Bridal Veil Falls make it a bucket-list ride for advanced riders.

Difficulty: Very Difficult
Length: 8.5 miles (one way)
Elevation: 12,840 feet
Terrain: Rocky, narrow paths, steep descents
Season: Summer to early fall

9. Imogene Pass

Imogene Pass, connecting Telluride and Ouray, is one of Colorado's highest passes and offers a thrilling dirt biking experience. This trail is known for its high elevation and spectacular views. Imogene Pass is a high-altitude adventure that links the historic towns of Ouray and Telluride.

As you climb, you’ll navigate rocky trails and alpine meadows, with the occasional snow patch adding to the thrill. Riding a Honda, known for its dependable power, makes this trail more manageable, allowing you to fully enjoy the stunning vistas that emerge with every twist and turn. The changing vegetation and climate provide a dynamic riding experience.

The descent into Telluride is equally spectacular, offering views of colorful Victorian homes and distant box canyons.

Imogene Pass Trail Overview

Imogene Pass features steep climbs, rocky sections, and breathtaking vistas. Riders are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 17.9 miles (one way)
Elevation: 13,114 feet
Terrain: Rocky, mountainous, alpine meadows
Season: Summer to early fall

10. Hartman Rocks

Hartman Rocks features a diverse trail network that includes everything from smooth, easy paths to technical, rocky sections that challenge even experienced riders. The area is known for its unique granite rock formations and scenic desert landscape.

Riders can enjoy trails like Ring Dike and Rocky Ridge, which offer a mix of fun and challenging terrain. Hartman Rocks is also famous for its beautiful wildflower displays in the spring and stunning views of the surrounding Gunnison Valley.

Hartman Rocks in Gunnison is a dirt biker’s paradise. Spanning over 8,000 acres, this area offers various trails suitable for all skill levels. From twisting singletracks to expansive paths, each ride brings a new challenge. The unique slickrock sections are perfect for testing your skills and balance, especially if you’re riding a Kawasaki or KTM. The landscape, featuring junipers and sagebrush, adds a rugged beauty to every adventure.

Hartman Rocks Trail Overview

Hartman Rocks offers a unique combination of technical trails and stunning rock formations. This area is a playground for dirt bike enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Difficulty: Easy to Difficult
Length: 45 miles of trails
Elevation: 7,700 to 8,500 feet
Terrain: Rocky sections, desert landscape

11. Buffalo Creek

Buffalo Creek showcases nature's resilience with trails that wind through a landscape rejuvenated after forest fires. This area offers a diverse range of riding experiences, blending fast, flowy sections with challenging technical rocky terrain. Between the charred tree remains and new growth create a unique and picturesque backdrop for your ride.

Additionally, Buffalo Creek provides excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting, from chirping birds to curious critters. Don't forget to bring your camera—Colorado's sunlight and striking landscapes offer fantastic photo opportunities.

Buffalo Creek Trail Overview

Buffalo Creek presents an intriguing mix of trail types, offering something for every rider. Its combination of fast stretches and technical sections makes it a compelling destination for dirt biking enthusiasts.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: 20 miles of trails
Elevation: 6,000 to 7,500 feet
Terrain: Rocky sections, flowy paths, post-fire regrowth

Colorado Dirt Bike Trail FAQs

What is the best time of year to ride dirt bike trails in Colorado?

The best time to ride dirt bike trails in Colorado is typically from late spring to early fall, depending on the elevation and specific trail conditions. Some desert areas can be ridden year-round.

What is the longest dirt bike trail in Colorado?

Rainbow Trail is one of Colorado's longest dirt bike trails - almost 177 miles of trail!

Are there any fees or permits required to ride dirt bike trails in Colorado?

Most dirt bike trails in Colorado are located on public land and may require a Colorado OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) permit. Some areas might have specific fees, so it's best to check local regulations.

Can beginners ride dirt bike trails in Colorado?

Yes, there are many trails in Colorado suitable for beginners. Areas like Rainbow Falls and Rampart Range offer easy trails perfect for novice riders.

Are there camping facilities near these dirt bike trails?

Many of these dirt bike trails have nearby camping facilities, ranging from developed campgrounds to dispersed camping sites. Taylor Park and Fourmile Travel Management Area are mainly known for their excellent camping options.

What safety gear is recommended for dirt biking in Colorado?

Essential safety gear includes a DOT-approved helmet, goggles, gloves, sturdy riding boots, and protective clothing. Additional protection, like knee pads, elbow guards, and chest protectors, is also recommended.

Are there guided tours available for dirt bike trails in Colorado?

Yes, several companies offer guided dirt bike tours in Colorado. These tours can be a great way to explore the trails safely and learn from experienced guides.

Get out and enjoy the best dirt bike trails in Colorado!

Colorado's diverse landscapes offer some of the best dirt bike trails in the country. Whether you're a beginner looking for easy trails or an experienced rider seeking challenging terrain, Colorado has a dirt bike trail suited for your skill level.

From the scenic trails of Rainbow Falls to the technical climbs of Blanca Peak, the state's trails provide unforgettable experiences for dirt bike enthusiasts. So gear up, hit the trails, and discover the thrill of dirt biking in Colorado.

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