When a Quick U-Turn Became a Costly Lesson
Last August, one of our flagship rigs — a V8-powered Jeep Wrangler 392 — rolled during a guest trip. The driver attempted a quick U-turn on a narrow mountain trail. It didn’t take much: a sharp cut of the wheel, a bit of off-camber terrain, while in 4 low range, and the Jeep tipped. The damage was extensive enough that repairs weren’t completed until early May of this year. Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt. But it was a wake-up call — for us and for the guest.
Why Rollovers Happen
Modern overland vehicles are more capable than ever, but they’re not invincible. Some of our Jeeps and Broncos come lifted, geared up with rooftop tents, and loaded with heavy accessories, kitchen gear, and full-size spares. All that equipment adds weight — and more importantly, it raises the vehicle’s center of gravity.
Contrary to what people imagine, rollovers rarely happen at high speed. The more common scenario is:
- A tight turn taken too quickly
- A ledge with unexpected give
- Uneven terrain shifting weight to one side
- A moment of distraction on a narrow shelf road
Novice Drivers, Serious Trails
We love introducing newcomers to the world of backcountry exploration. But some of Colorado’s trails aren’t forgiving. They demand attention, judgment, and sometimes the humility to turn back.
Even seasoned off-roaders can make costly mistakes without a spotter, or when driving solo on unfamiliar terrain. That’s why we reinforce these key points with every guest:
- Know your vehicle’s size and limits
- Keep your speed down, especially on descents and switchbacks
- Use 4L sooner than you think you need it
- Avoid sudden steering or braking inputs on uneven ground
Trails We Do Not Allow
Some roads simply carry too much risk for rentals — especially rigs with rooftop tents or taller suspension. While we encourage adventure, we don’t allow our vehicles on the following trails:
Core Restricted List:
- Black Bear Pass
- Radical Hill
- Governor’s Basin
- Poughkeepsie Gulch
Additional High-Risk Trails:
- Blanca Peak Trail
- Holy Cross Trail
- Iron Chest Mine
- Spring Creek Trail
- Billings Canyon Trail
- Grizzly Lake Trail
- Carnage Canyon
- Wheeler Lake Trail
- Chinaman Gulch
- North Twin Cone Peak Trail
- Independence City/Patriot Trail
- Ten Falls
- Boulder Canyon/Death Row
- Heart Attack Hill
If you’re unsure about a route, just ask. Many of these trails are extremely narrow, deeply rutted, or require built rock crawlers with heavy armor — not the kind of terrain our overland rigs are built for.
We Build for Exploration, Not Ego
Every rig in our fleet is purpose-built for the kind of trips we love: long, scenic drives across remote plateaus, alpine passes, hidden campsites beneath the stars. This isn’t about pushing limits for the sake of it — it’s about knowing how to explore safely and respectfully.
Your rental gives you access to incredible places, but that access comes with responsibility. A moment’s mistake can mean a flipped vehicle, a ruined trip, major repair & recovery costs, and possibly serious injury.
Adventure, Not Adrenaline
The best trips don’t come from the riskiest roads — they come from the unexpected moments: a campfire under a quiet sky, the first view over a ridgeline, or the confidence of knowing you made smart choices in tough terrain.
We’re here to help you experience that side of overlanding. And we’re always happy to answer questions about routes, conditions, or gear.
If you’re not sure if a trail is safe for your rental, reach out before you go.