Colorado Overlanding Routes

Suggested routes from Denver and the San Juan Mountains to help you plan your adventure.

Colorado has hundreds of miles of rugged forest roads, historic mining tracks, and high alpine passes. This guide highlights a handful of guest-favorite routes to help you choose where to go with your Peak Overland rental.

Important: These are planning ideas, not turn-by-turn directions. Always bring updated maps, check current trail conditions, and choose routes that match your experience level. A short list of high-risk trails are not permitted in Peak Overland rentals—see your rental agreement and FAQ for details.

New to overlanding? Start with Colorado Overlanding 101, then come back here to choose routes.

How to Use This Guide

Each route below includes:

Difficulty – based on typical conditions in dry weather.
Season – when the route is usually accessible.
Highlights – what makes it special.
Notes – things to be aware of when planning.

Difficulty is described in three broad bands:

Scenic / Easier: Suitable for newer drivers in good conditions. Some bumps and ruts, but generally mellow.
Intermediate: Narrow sections, loose rock, steeper grades, and more exposure. Drivers should be comfortable with basic 4×4 operation.
Advanced / High Alpine: Steep switchbacks, meaningful exposure, and limited passing options. Best for confident drivers with prior off-road experience.

For multi-day trip ideas using these trails, see the Sample Itineraries page.

Front Range Routes (From Denver)

These routes are great options if you’re starting and ending your trip near Denver. Most can be done as long day trips or as part of a 2–3 day loop with camping.

Boreas Pass

Difficulty: Scenic / Easier
Season: Late May – October (varies with snow)
Area: Breckenridge / Como

A historic railroad grade connecting Como and Breckenridge, Boreas Pass is an ideal first overland trail. Wide, non-technical, and incredibly scenic, it offers views of the Tenmile Range and plenty of pullouts for photos. Great as part of a weekend loop from Denver with camping near Breckenridge or Fairplay.

Switzerland Trail

Difficulty: Scenic / Easier to Low Intermediate
Season: Late spring – fall
Area: West of Boulder

Switzerland Trail is a classic Front Range route following an old narrow-gauge railroad grade. Expect mild rockiness, narrow sections, and big views toward the Continental Divide. This is a fun option for half-day exploring and learning how your rental handles off pavement.

Kingston Peak

Difficulty: Intermediate
Season: Typically July – September (snow dependent)
Area: Near St. Mary’s / Alice

Kingston Peak is a step up in difficulty, with rougher sections, mild shelf road exposure, and true alpine terrain. Weather can change quickly here, so watch afternoon storms and avoid early-season snowfields. Best for guests who are already comfortable on easier trails.

Guanella Pass & Nearby Forest Roads

Difficulty: Scenic / Easier
Season: Late May – October
Area: Georgetown / Grant

While Guanella Pass itself is paved, side roads and nearby forest routes provide access to dispersed campsites with excellent views. This area works well for a mellow first-night camp after a late-day pickup from Denver.

Red Cone / Webster Pass (Advanced)

Difficulty: Advanced / High Alpine
Season: Mid-summer – early fall only
Area: South of I-70 near Montezuma

Red Cone is steep, narrow, and very exposed in places, with a one-way descent that demands commitment. This is generally not recommended for new off-road drivers. Only consider this trail if you have significant 4×4 experience and conditions are dry and stable.

For a more relaxed experience, many guests choose to pair Boreas Pass or Switzerland Trail with scenic pavement drives and simple campsites rather than pushing into advanced terrain on their first trip.

San Juan & Montrose Area Routes

The San Juan Mountains near Montrose, Ouray, Ridgway, and Silverton are some of the most dramatic alpine landscapes in North America. Elevations are higher, terrain is steeper, and weather changes fast—rewarding and serious at the same time.

Owl Creek Pass

Difficulty: Scenic / Easier
Season: Late May – October
Area: Ridgway / Cimarron

Owl Creek Pass is one of the best “first San Juan” routes. Graded dirt with occasional rough spots winds through forests and meadows with sweeping views of Chimney Rock and Courthouse Mountain. Numerous dispersed camping options make this a great first or last night near Montrose.

Last Dollar Road

Difficulty: Scenic / Easier to Low Intermediate
Season: Late June – October
Area: Ridgway / Telluride

Last Dollar Road connects the Ridgway area toward Telluride across rolling ranchland and aspen groves. Sections can become slick when wet, but in good weather it’s a mellow, high-reward route with classic San Juan scenery.

Yankee Boy Basin

Difficulty: Low Intermediate (lower section), Intermediate (upper section)
Season: Often late June – September
Area: Ouray

Yankee Boy Basin starts as a relatively easy shelf road out of Ouray with waterfalls, wildflowers, and views of Mount Sneffels. The lower basin is accessible to most confident drivers. Upper sections become narrower, steeper, and rockier. Many guests drive only as far as they feel comfortable, park, and hike from there.

Engineer Pass (from Lake City or Ouray)

Difficulty: Intermediate / High Alpine
Season: Typically July – September
Area: Part of the Alpine Loop

Engineer Pass climbs to over 12,000 feet with sustained elevation, embedded rock, and areas of exposure. It rewards you with enormous views and access to the Alpine Loop network. Best for guests who already have some off-road experience and are comfortable with heights.

Alpine Loop (Engineer + Cinnamon)

Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced, depending on direction and conditions
Season: Short—usually July through early fall
Area: Lake City / Silverton / Ouray

The full Alpine Loop is an all-day or multi-day objective linking high passes and historic mining sites. It’s a serious route with high-consequence terrain in spots. Weather windows, mechanical preparedness, and driver confidence all matter here. Many guests choose to drive only one leg (for example, Engineer Pass out-and-back) rather than attempting the full loop on their first visit.

Some famous San Juan trails—such as Black Bear Pass and Poughkeepsie Gulch—are extremely technical and high consequence. These are not suitable for most visitors and are generally not permitted in Peak Overland rentals.

Choosing the Right Route for Your Trip

When picking routes, we recommend starting with:

One or two Scenic / Easier routes to get familiar with your vehicle.
One Intermediate route if conditions and your comfort level allow.
Short drive days so you have time for photos, hikes, and setting up camp in daylight.

For more structured day-by-day plans that combine these trails into complete trips, visit the Sample Itineraries page. You’ll find 2–5 day route ideas that link the Front Range and San Juan trails into logical, realistic adventures.

Before you head out, be sure to review our Packing Lists and Seasonal Access & Safety guidance for Colorado mountain travel.

Ready to choose your vehicle? Browse our Adventure Ready™ rental fleet and start planning your Colorado overland trip.