The lists below are a sampling of the trails that are open to OHVs. To see maps of all open trails, see the Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) for the districts you are interested in.
The lists below are a sampling of the trails that are open to OHVs. To see maps of all open trails, see the Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) for the districts you are interested in.
Aspen-Sopris manages five Wilderness areas and the spectacular Maroon Bells Recreation Area, the historical Crystal Mill, Ashcroft ghost town, and the small mining town of Marble, CO. This area provides outstanding recreational opportunities including downhill & cross-country skiing, hunting, hiking, camping, rafting, four-wheeling, snowmobiling, and world class fly fishing in gold medal waters.
Big game hunters will find numerous rewards with our generous elk and deer populations hosting an estimated 45,000 elk and 80,000 deer within our summer inventory. Our forest rangers offer hundreds of group tours and interpretive presentations throughout the year at our local schools, on the trail, in our campgrounds, and on location at our three visitor centers.
For visitors unable to visit one of our visitor center locations, please search our Recreation Opportunity Guides for free downloadable road and trail guides for the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District.
There are 352,917 acres of National Forest land within the Blanco District boundaries. Blanco is responsible for management of the historic Flat Tops Wilderness, which encompasses approximately 235,406 acres. District elevation ranges from 6,500 to 12,000.
The Blanco Ranger District provides access to a wide range of recreational opportunities such as camping, hiking and backpacking.There are nine improved campgrounds, picnic facilities and an abundance of well marked trailheads for access to backcountry and wilderness. The area is well known for outstanding hunting in one of the largest elk herds in North America.
Located in the beautiful summit county. There are four ski resorts in the area and a nordic center as well as multiple opportunities for hiking, biking, camping and finding solitude. For whitewater enthusiasts rafting and kayaking may be enjoyed at several sites in the area.
Green Mountain Reservoir lies at the northern end of Summit County, Colorado along the Blue River near the town of Heeney. There are 6 campgrounds at the reservoir and a 7th campground is located along Cataract Creek adjacent to Eagles Nest Wilderness and various hiking trails.
The reservoir has boat-launch facilities and is a popular spot for motor boating, sailing, canoeing, and water skiing. Fishing is also primary recreational activity at the reservoir. Primary sport fish available are brown trout, rainbow trout, and salmon.
This area is bear country! Storage of food, garbage and bear attractants is required. Wilderness regulations apply in Eagles Nest Wilderness.
The Rifle Ranger District is rich with cultural history and amazing outdoor recreational opportunities. This area is near Flat Tops Wilderness which offers opportunities for solitude.
Hunting, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, ohv experiences, picnicking, hiking and driving for pleasure are a few of the activities the district has to offer with plenty of areas for dispersed camping. Winter brings snow and a variety of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobile trails with it.
The Battlement Mesa area is located south of Interstate 70 and shares its southern border with the Grand Mesa National Forest. The Battlement Mesa area can be accessed from Rifle, CO and Parachute/Battlement Mesa, CO. Elevations range from around 8,000 feet to above 11,000 feet. Key attractions include the Battlement Reservoirs, Cache Creek, and the Mamm Peaks. This is also a good location for big game hunting. There are several system trails and ample dispersed camping opportunities, but there are no developed sites, restrooms, or drinking water facilities. Activity in the area is typically low outside of hunting season, creating an outstanding opportunity for solitude.
The Battlement Reservoirs (on the west side of the Mesa) are a chain of seven scenic, manmade lakes originally constructed in the late 19th Century. Outstanding fishing and dispersed camping is available in this location. The Battlement Trail #2160 crosses the entire length of the Battlement Mesa area and continues east toward West Divide. It is possible to scramble to the tops of the Mamm Peaks, though this requires cross-country travel.
Several trails in this area cross through private land. Please respect private property owners by staying on the trails and refraining from littering.
Glenwood Springs is a good starting point for excursions into the southeastern Flat Tops, Glenwood Canyon, and the Roaring Fork Valley. From Glenwood Springs, users can access miles of motorized and non-motorized trails, all of which lead into rugged and scenic parts of the White River National Forest. Nearby attractions include Grizzly and No Name Creek Canyons, the Transfer Trail OHV/4WD route, Mitchell Creek Trail, the Fourmile Park area, and Sunlight Mountain Resort.
The Glenwood Springs area includes trails that are open to foot, horse, bicycle, and motorized use (check travel rules on individual trails before heading out). This area features numerous creeks and lakes, many of which provide good fishing opportunities. During the winter months, this area is a great place for snowmobiling and snowshoeing. Other recreation opportunities include dispersed camping, big game hunting, and wildlife viewing.
All services, including food, gas, and lodging, are available in Glenwood Springs. Visit the Sunlight Ski Area page to learn more about alpine skiing opportunities on the neighboring Aspen-Sopris Ranger District.
The town of New Castle is located along I-70 between Rifle and Glenwood Springs, CO. From here, it is a short drive north to Clinetop Mesa, Main Elk Creek, and East Elk Creek. This area includes several motorized and non-motorized trails, including Centennial (East Elk) Trail, Spring Creek Trail, Hadley Gulch Trail, and Clinetop Road. During the winter, Clinetop Road is groomed for snowmobiling (as snow conditions allow) and the area’s non-motorized trails are great for snowshoeing.
The New Castle area also provides excellent opportunities for big game hunting, dispersed camping, fly fishing, and climbing.
All services, including food, gas, and lodging, are available in New Castle, CO.
The Rifle area includes several attractions within a 30 to 45 minute drive of the City of Rifle. To the north of I-70, visitors can spend the afternoon at the Spruce Picnic Area, take a hike on the Three Forks Trail, or enjoy a weekend at Coulter Lake Guest Ranch. This area also provides access to Coulter Mesa, which features miles of motorized routes through aspen stands and open meadows.
To the south of I-70, visitors can explore the Beaver Creek Trail, the Mamm Creek Drainage, and the eastern part of the Battlement Mesa. Good hunting and dispersed camping opportunities are available on both sides of I-70.
All services, including food, gas, and lodging, are available in the City of Rifle.
Access roads into this part of the Forest are typically suitable for all highway legal passenger vehicles. The major exception is Little Box Road (FR-825) northeast of Coulter Lake, which should only be attempted by high-clearance vehicles. Please refer to the Rifle Ranger District’s summer and winter Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) for detailed information on motorized access routes. MVUM s are available for free at the Rifle Ranger District office.
