Best Full‑Size OHV Trails in Colorado to Drive in 2025

Ready to Explore Colorado in Your 4x4?

From scenic ridgelines to rock-crawling challenges, Colorado is an off-road paradise for full-size OHV vehicles. But not every trail is wide enough, legal enough, or worth the effort.

Here’s your 2025 guide to Colorado’s best full-size 4×4 trails — including required permits, best seasons, terrain types, and the RSG gear to help you survive (and thrive) out there.

Trail Roundup: The Top Full-Size 4x4 Trails in Colorado

1. Black Bear Pass

• 📍 Telluride

• ⚠️ One-way, extreme exposure

• 🕒 Best Time: Late July–Sept

• 🪪 Permit: None

• 🧭 Gear Tip: Lockers, armor, and strong brakes are mandatory

• 🔗 Our Full Black Bear Article →

2. Imogene Pass

• 📍 Ouray to Telluride

• 🏔️ Sweeping alpine views

• 🕒 Opens mid-July

• 🪪 Permit: None

• 🧭 Gear Tip: Skid plates and cooling systems for long climbs

3. Ophir Pass

• 📍 San Juan Mountains

• ✅ Milder than Black Bear

• 🕒 Opens June–July

• 🧭 Gear Tip: Stock 4x4s can run it with caution

4. Elwood Pass

• 📍 South San Juans

• 🌲 Remote, beautiful, lightly trafficked

• 🕒 Snow dependent

• 🧭 Gear Tip: Bring recovery gear — it gets muddy

5. Holy Cross Trail

• 📍 Vail area

• ⚙️ One of CO’s hardest 4x4 trails

• 🧭 Gear Tip: Full skids, winch, and high-clearance armor

• Recommended 35" Tires minimum

6. Rampart Range & Rainbow Falls

• 📍 Near Colorado Springs

• 🚦 Day trip-friendly

• 🧭 Gear Tip: Great testing ground for new mods

7. Gold Camp Road & Gold Belt Scenic Byway

• 📍 Cripple Creek area

• 🛤️ Historical, scenic, mild

• 🧭 Gear Tip: Great for overland setups or new drivers

8. Guanella Pass

• 📍 Georgetown to Grant

• 🌄 Fall colors heaven

• 🧭 Gear Tip: Easy scenic route, stock-friendly

9. Central City OHV Network

• 📍 Near I-70 & Black Hawk

• 🎰 Easy access, great loops

• 🧭 Gear Tip: Test out new bumpers or sliders

Permits & OHV Legal Access

While most trails above don’t require a permit, Colorado strongly encourages a $25.25 OHV registration or permit for trail use.

• 🔗 Buy Your Permit Here

• Helps fund trail maintenance and signage

• Required on most BLM and USFS-designated routes

RSG Offroad Gear — Trail Specific Matchups

Plan It Right: Seasonal Trail Access

Most high-alpine passes in Colorado are snowbound until July and close by early October. Lower elevation trails (Rampart, Gold Camp, etc.) are accessible earlier.

Use resources like:

• Stay The Trail Maps

• OnX Offroad

• GAIA GPS

FAQs About Full-Size OHV Trails in Colorado

Q: Are all OHV trails open to full-size vehicles?
A: No. Some are ATV/UTV only. Use Stay the Trail or BLM maps to confirm legality.

Q: Do I need lockers or a winch?
A: For extreme trails like Holy Cross or Black Bear — yes. For scenic roads like Guanella — no.

Q: Are dogs allowed on the trails?
A: Generally yes, especially on BLM or National Forest land. Always leash in busy areas.

Q: Can I camp along these trails?
A: Yes, in dispersed camping areas. Follow “Leave No Trace” rules.

Adventure Is Calling — You In?

Whether you're looking for breathtaking passes, granite-crawling challenges, or peaceful alpine detours, Colorado’s full-size OHV trail network delivers.

And no matter where you wheel, RSG Offroad is your trail partner — building the armor, sliders, and recovery systems you need to handle it all.

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