Let’s Go Off-Road: Five Awesome Trail Runs in Colorado

Recently, we’ve broken down the best trail runs in Northern California, Central California, and even sunny Southern Cali. But uhh, what if you’re not gonna make it allll the way to the Pacific this year? Maybe you’ve got a little jones in your off-roadin’ bones to go check out the mountain time zone? Or maybe you’re already in Cali, and you feel like taking a trip just a little bit east? You really should, because there are quite a few excellent trail runs in Colorado that you can’t afford to miss.

To skiers and snowboarders, it is Mecca, the state by which all others shall be judged. Weed is legal (not judging). Local beer is delicious. The Colorado Rockies are winning baseball games. And state poet laureate John Denver’s ashes are scattered in the peaks of the most breathtaking mountains in the Western Hemisphere. There’s a LOT going on here, guys.

Not the least of which is one of the most scenic collections of trails you can find absolutely anywhere. Be sure to devote some time to tracking down these trail runs in Colorado. You’re practically guaranteed not to be disappointed. Just keep it in 4-low, and you’ll be fine.

Ouray Jeep Jamboree 2019

Ouray (pronounced “YOU-ray”), located in the San Juan mountains of Southwestern Colorado, may be a town of just 1,000 residents, but please don’t let that deter you. Ouray is quiet, clean, accommodating, and just a stone’s throw from some of the most scenic trails you can find absolutely ANYWHERE. So get together with some fellow Jeep lovers and add this to your list of must-do trail runs in Colorado.

The town sits nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, but that’s nothing compared to the heights you’ll reach when you hit some of those historic, snow capped mountain peaks. Imogene Pass, one of the run’s highlights, crests at over 13,100 feet. You’ll ride past old mining ghost towns like Anamis Forks, and ruins of that bygone industry, such as the historic tram at Buffalo Boy.

Jeep Jamborees are famous for catering to drivers and rigs of all capabilities, and some of these scenic routes are only accessible to visitors through the Jamboree program. Events begin on September 12, and run through the weekend, wrapping up on the 14th. Get more info here.

Mile-Hi Jeep Club 53rd Annual All-4-Fun

Sponsored by the mighty Bestop brand, All-4-Fun has spent half a century building its reputation as a perfect event for off-roaders of all ages—and a worthy contender for best-of-the-best organized trail runs in Colorado. This week-long event draws visitors from nearly every state to a different location every year. And every year, the number of devotees continues to grow.

This year’s All-4-Fun will be held in Buena Vista, Colorado, at the Buena Vista Rodeo Grounds, from July 27 – August 3. The skill levels of trips range from easy to extreme, with some runs focused on intense crawling that’ll push suspensions to limit, and others aimed at easygoing rides designed to absorb all the scenery that this state’s unique topography has to offer. With as many as 15 trail runs heading out each day, this event is a can’t miss. Learn more here.

Wagon Wheel OHV Rendezvous

Meeker, tucked into the state’s Northwest corner, is home to the Eastern portion of the famous Wagon Wheel OHV Trail. And the Rendezvous is one of the best trail runs in Colorado, if for no other reason than it takes full advantage of all the natural glory that surrounds it. This four-day event lets participants explore 250 miles of interconnected trails of varying difficulty in the area, with both guided rides and open riding offered every day.

This year’s event will take place July 18 -20. The first Wagon Wheel Rendezvous hit the trails in 2012, and the event continues to draw both visitors and locals, first timers and Wagon Wheel veterans, to the breathtaking White River National Forest. Besides the impressive array of OHV trail rides, festivities include a meet-and-greet BBQ, an OHV rodeo, and plenty of live music and dancing in the very underrated downtown Meeker area. Get the deets, here.

The Wild Bunch 4WD Club Presents Black Bear Backwards

Black Bear Trail, once a mining road outside of Telluride is famous. As it should be. The majesty of the scenery it offers, such as a close-up look at Bridal Veil Falls, cannot be duplicated anywhere. And as a narrow pass that runs along the mountainside, people have died when their vehicles have fallen off. It is a revered, feared, and respected swath of American terrain, and a standalone as one of the best trail runs in Colorado. (Perhaps in the world, for that matter.) And these guys wanna run it… BACKWARDS?!

Correct. The fun-loving off-road nut jobs known as The Wild Bunch 4×4 Club have jumped through all manner of legal and administrative hoops to allow for two days a year when serious crawlers can make it even harder on themselves, and travel the popular route in the opposite direction. Doing so any other day of the year, on this narrow and dangerous trail, will likely end with legal troubles. Or a funeral.

Usually taking placing over two days in the midsummer, this year’s limited-space run filled up crazy fast. But put the Black Bear Sdrawkcab, as they call it, on your calendar for 2020 because this truly is an experience not to be missed. Follow the group’s Facebook page for event updates.

Ouray FJ Summit

Ouray again? What can we say, these people love to be off-road. They also love to play host for some of the best trail runs in Colorado. This tight-knit community boasts plenty to do when not exploring off-road, from hot springs to art galleries and great dining. And if you hadn’t guessed from the name of the event, this one is just for the Toyota FJ Cruiser crowd.

Running July 17-21, the Ouray FJ Summit is a way for the Toyota-faithful to increase their off-road skill set and give back to some worthwhile causes. Over the last 12 years, FJ Summit has donated over $150,000 of its proceeds to hardworking organizations like Stay The Trail, as well as local heroes like Ouray’s fire fighters and law enforcement.

With scenic mining trails and skills clinics, as well as FJ-specific vendors happy to share tips, stories, and fresh new merch, this is an event to check out. And maybe afterwards you can have a few too many drinks in downtown Ouray, and wonder aloud with other devotees just when the hell Toyota is finally gonna bring the FJ back. Learn more about the FJ Summit, here.