Take the dirt road.
Take care of what’s around it.
What to ExpectPine trees outside the window. Friends along for the ride. A stop that turns into everyone’s favorite part of the day. Explore Clear Creek’s backcountry by ATV, UTV, or Jeep, with a local guide or your own vehicle. A good day starts with preparation and leaves the mountains ready for the next person.
Start with a little know-how.
New to off-road driving? A guided tour can help you build confidence, learn your vehicle, and choose terrain that fits your experience.
ATV Tours Colorado offers guided ATV and UTV experiences with operating instruction. Native Jeeps offers guided tours where you drive a Jeep with guidance along the route. Before booking, confirm age and passenger requirements, safety equipment, meeting location, and the terrain you’ll cover.
Traveling with children or someone with access needs? Ask about vehicle entry, seating and restraints, ride roughness, and restroom access so everyone knows what to expect.
Know your route before you roll.
Clear Creek’s riding areas include Yankee Hill and Columbine, Cascade Creek and Ute Loop, Devil’s Canyon, Fall River Reservoir and Chinn’s Lake, Loch Lomond, Kingston Peak, Saxon Mountain, Bill Moore Lake, and Jones Pass. Terrain and access vary, so use these names as starting points for planning.
Check the current Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Map for routes designated for your vehicle type, then check conditions and closures separately. A route appearing on a map does not guarantee it is open or passable today. Download maps before leaving cell service, and choose a route that fits both your vehicle and your experience.
A little planning. More room for adventure.
Meet COTREX, Colorado’s free trail explorer. Find routes by allowed vehicle use, explore your options, and download offline maps before leaving cell service. A few minutes of planning helps you head out with a clearer picture of the day ahead.
Before you ride, confirm your route against the current Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Map and check for closures. Follow posted signs, stay on designated routes, and keep the next rider in mind.
Make safety part of the day.
Wear a properly fitted helmet and eye protection on ATVs and UTVs, plus gloves, long sleeves, long pants, and over-the-ankle boots.
Buckle every seat belt or harness provided. Follow manufacturer age, size, and passenger limits. Never carry a passenger on a single-rider ATV.
Get hands-on instruction before driving unfamiliar equipment. Ride sober and keep your speed within your ability and visibility.
Bring water, snacks, warm layers, rain protection, first aid supplies, and tools appropriate for your vehicle. Tell someone your route and expected return time.
Turn around when weather, trail conditions, or your comfort level change. There’s no unfinished business in choosing a shorter day.
Keep your wheels on the route.
“Off-road” still means staying on designated motorized roads and trails. Keep tires off tundra, meadows, and streambanks. Never create a bypass around mud, snow, obstacles, or a closed gate. If you cannot continue safely on the designated route, turn back. Respect private property and posted closures.
Slow down around homes and campgrounds. Yield to hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders. When approaching horses, stop safely and communicate with the rider. Give wildlife room, keep noise down, and pack out everything you bring. A little consideration goes a long way out here.
Bring the right registration, too.
Colorado resident OHVs need current Colorado OHV registration; visiting OHVs need a Colorado OHV permit. Plated vehicles also need an OHV permit when recreating on designated OHV trails or open areas on public land. Check the requirements for your vehicle before leaving home.
An OHV permit does not make every road legal to ride. Confirm access roads and unloading locations, and trailer your vehicle wherever road use is not permitted.
Leave room for dinner.
Park the rig. Find a table. Tell the story of the day while everyone’s still a little dusty. Stay the night and give tomorrow a slower start.
