OUR TRAILS
Ponchas Loop - Rating 1-3
South of Poncha Springs up and over Poncha Pass, we will follow Alder Creek through thick aspens. You will see many standing mine buildings. Step climb up and over Whale Hill (12,000 Ft), most beautiful views. Most of the route is easy, but may need low range up Whale Hill. Great trail for someone new to trails or just want a day with some great views.
R1 - Almost any passenger car can complete this trail. However, we’d suggest cars with a bit more clearance than a sport coupe, and possibly one with All-Wheel Drive or 4-Wheel Drive.
R2 - Almost any SUV can complete this trail. A passenger car may not do as well due to clearance issues or lack of All-Wheel Drive, 4-WD. 2-WD is usually fine for the trail, but mud or snow could make it more difficult.
R3 - Almost any SUV with higher ground clearance can complete this trail. You probably won’t need 4-Wheel Drive, but it would be good to have just in case. Because of rocks in the trail, an SUV with lower clearance might have issues.
Ruby Mountain - Rating 1-3
Leaving Salida to the north we'll be heading up Ute Trail. As you wind through the foothills across the top of Aspen Ridge the views are spectacular of the Arkansas Valley. Then heading down in to the Ruby Mountain area you'll get a chance to play a bit. Great trail for someone new to the trails or just want a day with some great views.
R1 - Almost any passenger car can complete this trail. However, we’d suggest cars with a bit more clearance than a sport coupe, and possibly one with All-Wheel Drive or 4-Wheel Drive.
R2 - Almost any SUV can complete this trail. A passenger car may not do as well due to clearance issues or lack of All-Wheel Drive, 4-WD. 2-WD is usually fine for the trail, but mud or snow could make it more difficult.
R3 - Almost any SUV with higher ground clearance can complete this trail. You probably won’t need 4-Wheel Drive, but it would be good to have just in case. Because of rocks in the trail, an SUV with lower clearance might have issues.
Tincup Pass - Rating 2-3
Old west mining towns, Tincup and St. Elmo are two stops on this high elevation trail. Cross over the continental divide and take some time to reflect at the beautiful Mirror Lake.
R2 - Almost any SUV can complete this trail. A passenger car may not do as well due to clearance issues or lack of All-Wheel Drive, 4-WD. 2-WD is usually fine for the trail, but mud or snow could make it more difficult.
R3 - Almost any SUV with higher ground clearance can complete this trail. You probably won’t need 4-Wheel Drive, but it would be good to have just in case. Because of rocks in the trail, an SUV with lower clearance might have issues.
Mount Antero - Rating 2-3
Mount Antero is one of Colorado’s 14,000’ peaks and this trail takes you nearly to the top. One of the highest elevation trails in Colorado and you can hike the remaining distance to the top of the peak.
R2 - Almost any SUV can complete this trail. A passenger car may not do as well due to clearance issues or lack of All-Wheel Drive, 4-WD. 2-WD is usually fine for the trail, but mud or snow could make it more difficult.
R3 - Almost any SUV with higher ground clearance can complete this trail. You probably won’t need 4-Wheel Drive, but it would be good to have just in case. Because of rocks in the trail, an SUV with lower clearance might have issues.
Hancock Pass - Rating 2-3
This trail features ghost towns, mining ruins and the old alpine tunnel. Cross over the continental divide and go back in time to see old mining ruins and the old alpine rail road.
R2 - Almost any SUV can complete this trail. A passenger car may not do as well due to clearance issues or lack of All-Wheel Drive, 4-WD. 2-WD is usually fine for the trail, but mud or snow could make it more difficult.
R3 - Almost any SUV with higher ground clearance can complete this trail. You probably won’t need 4-Wheel Drive, but it would be good to have just in case. Because of rocks in the trail, an SUV with lower clearance might have issues.
Chinaman Gulch - Rating 4-7
The features on this trail are the rock obstacles. The main obstacles have bypasses with easier lines and optional harder lines. This trail is a great introduction into the more extreme side of rock crawling.
R4 - Almost any SUV with higher ground clearance can complete this trail. You probably won’t need 4-Wheel Drive, but it would be good to have just in case. Because of rocks in the trail, an SUV with lower clearance might have issues.
R5 - The highest challenge for a stock Jeep Wrangler without body damage, winching, or possible breakage. You may have to work on some of the bigger rocks and challenges, but you should make it through everything without too much trouble.
R6 - Probably too much for a stock Jeep Wrangler, but perfect for one on 33″ tires. These trails will provide challenges and fun for mildly modified vehicles as well as the bigger rigs, so they are perfect for mixed groups. There may be obstacles with many lines from easy to difficult.
R7 - Driver experience might make a big difference. Drivers new to wheeling may want to learn on easier trails before moving up to this one. Obstacles may not be tougher if the right line is found, but a wrong line could be extremely difficult or dangerous.
Grizzly Lake - Rating 5-6
After several water crossings and one major obstacle you will be rewarded with a beautiful high altitude lake. Shorter trail for those with less available time.
R5 - The highest challenge for a stock Jeep Wrangler without body damage, winching, or possible breakage. You may have to work on some of the bigger rocks and challenges, but you should make it through everything without too much trouble.
R6 - Probably too much for a stock Jeep Wrangler, but perfect for one on 33″ tires. These trails will provide challenges and fun for mildly modified vehicles as well as the bigger rigs, so they are perfect for mixed groups. There may be obstacles with many lines from easy to difficult.
Wheeler Lake - Rating 5-7
This off-road trail offers breathtaking alpine scenery and has a little bit of everything. Rocks, forests, mining ruins, waterfalls, creek crossings, mountains, all in a scenery that will leave you in awe. There are two large rock obstacles, Flopper and the V-Notch, that may pose a challenge to more stock vehicles. There's also a big hill climb near the end named Bowling Ball Hill due to the bowling ball sized rocks that cover it. This can be difficult from all the rocks rolling around as you traverse over it. There are also a lot of bushes along this trail so pinstripes are likely. At the end you will be met with Wheeler Lake.
R5 - The highest challenge for a stock Jeep Wrangler without body damage, winching, or possible breakage. You may have to work on some of the bigger rocks and challenges, but you should make it through everything without too much trouble.
R6 - Probably too much for a stock Jeep Wrangler, but perfect for one on 33″ tires. These trails will provide challenges and fun for mildly modified vehicles as well as the bigger rigs, so they are perfect for mixed groups. There may be obstacles with many lines from easy to difficult.
R7 - R7 - Driver experience might make a big difference. Drivers new to wheeling may want to learn on easier trails before moving up to this one. Obstacles may not be tougher if the right line is found, but a wrong line could be extremely difficult or dangerous.
Holy Cross - Rating 7-9
This is one of the most popular trails in Colorado with some extremely challenging obstacles, amazing views and a look into an old mining town. Make it past French Creek and take a look at the daunting obstacle that is Cleveland Rock. Note that this trail is very popular and we will only run this on Saturday and numbers will be very limited.
R7 - Driver experience might make a big difference. Drivers new to wheeling may want to learn on easier trails before moving up to this one. Obstacles may not be tougher if the right line is found, but a wrong line could be extremely difficult or dangerous.
R8 - You may experience some body damage, and there is a high possibility of breakage. You may need to use a bit of momentum in an obstacle, and that often means a broken axle shaft or drive shaft. Experience will be helpful.
R9 - You will probably get some body damage or breakage. At least one of the obstacles will push you against a rock or test your vehicle and your driving skills to the point that something will most likely give. Only the luckiest and most skilled drivers will make it through these trails.
Carnage Canyon - Rating 7-9
CAUTION: This is an extreme trail. Expect body and or mechanical damage. Do not attempt if you do not know what to expect. The features on this trail are the rock obstacles, one of Colorado’s most extreme 4-wheel drive trails.
R7 - Driver experience might make a big difference. Drivers new to wheeling may want to learn on easier trails before moving up to this one. Obstacles may not be tougher if the right line is found, but a wrong line could be extremely difficult or dangerous.
R8 - You may experience some body damage, and there is a high possibility of breakage. You may need to use a bit of momentum in an obstacle, and that often means a broken axle shaft or drive shaft. Experience will be helpful.
R9 - You will probably get some body damage or breakage. At least one of the obstacles will push you against a rock or test your vehicle and your driving skills to the point that something will most likely give. Only the luckiest and most skilled drivers will make it through these trails.
Penrose Trail System - Rating 9+
Part of one of the toughest rock crawling trail systems in the state. It's short, but breaking and body damage is likely. The trail runs through a skinny canyon filled with lots of rocks and boulders. The obstacle this trail is known for is Bunker Hill which consists of two parts; The Waterfall and a section of large boulders and drops where it's not uncommon for a vehicle to flop. The great thing about this trail is even if you don't have a vehicle to run it in, since it is so short, it's a very easy hike and entertaining to watch others attempt it.
R9 - You will probably get some body damage or breakage. At least one of the obstacles will push you against a rock or test your vehicle and your driving skills to the point that something will most likely give. Only the luckiest and most skilled drivers will make it through these trails.