Overlanding 101
A beginner-friendly guide to exploring Colorado’s mountains, trails, and campsites with confidence.
Whether you’re new to overlanding or simply visiting Colorado for the first time, this guide will help you understand what to expect, how to prepare, and why this region is considered one of the best overland destinations in America.
What Is Overlanding?
Overlanding is self-reliant vehicle travel into remote places where the journey is as memorable as the destination.
Unlike off-roading parks or rock crawling, overlanding emphasizes:
- Scenic, rugged routes
- Dispersed camping
- Self-sufficiency
- Responsible outdoor ethics
At Peak Overland, every rig comes Adventure Ready™ with a rooftop tent, cooking gear, recovery basics, and unlimited mileage so you can explore confidently.
Why Colorado Is Perfect for Overlanding
Colorado offers an unmatched mix of:
- High alpine passes (10,000–13,000 ft)
- Historic mining roads
- Wildflower basins and glacial lakes
- Uncrowded backcountry campsites
- Easy day routes and advanced technical trails
From Denver’s Front Range to the Montrose/San Juan high country, every area offers something unique and awe-inspiring.
What You Need to Know Before Your Trip
1. Trail Difficulty Basics
Colorado trails generally fall into three categories:
Easy / Beginner
Mostly gravel forest roads with mild elevation gain.
Examples: Boreas Pass, Switzerland Trail.
Moderate
Some rocks, shelves, or narrow sections.
Examples: Yankee Boy Basin, Owl Creek Pass.
Advanced / High Alpine
Steep climbs, exposure, tight switchbacks, and narrow shelf roads.
Examples: Black Bear Pass, Poughkeepsie Gulch.
We help you choose the right routes for your comfort level and experience.
2. Altitude, Weather & Seasonal Closures
Colorado’s high elevation creates unique conditions:
- Snow can linger into June or July on alpine passes
- Afternoon monsoon storms form quickly in July and August
- Temperatures may swing 30–40°F in a single day
- Trails may close after major storms
- Weather differs dramatically between Montrose, Ouray, and Silverton
High alpine passes typically open mid-June to early July, depending heavily on snowpack.
3. Navigation Tools
Recommended navigation for Colorado overlanding:
- OnX Offroad – user-friendly offline maps
- Gaia GPS – deep topo detail
- USFS MVUM maps – official motor vehicle route maps
Peak Overland can preload maps on your device or help you configure them before your trip.
4. Communication & Safety
Cell signal disappears quickly in the high country. We strongly recommend:
- Garmin inReach Mini or similar satellite communicator
- Offline maps downloaded in advance
- Sharing your itinerary with a friend or family member
Every Peak Overland rental includes recovery gear, a tire inflator, emergency tools, a first-aid kit, and a quick-start guide for trail etiquette.
What’s Included With Your Peak Overland Rental
Every rig comes fully equipped to make your trip simple, comfortable, and safe:
- Rooftop tent (iKamper SkyCamp or iKamper Mini depending on rig)
- Camp chairs and table
- Dual-burner stove and full kitchen kit
- Unlimited mileage
- Cooler or optional powered fridge
- Recovery strap, air system, and essentials
- LED lighting, headlamps, and camp basics
- Pre-trip inspection and route recommendations
You bring clothing and food — we handle the rest.
Beginner-Friendly Routes to Start With
Front Range Favorites
- Boreas Pass — gentle, scenic, historic
- Switzerland Trail — fun and easy, close to Denver
- Kingston Peak — a classic with big views
San Juan / Montrose Region
- Owl Creek Pass — perfect intro to the San Juans
- Last Dollar Road — cinematic views, mellow terrain
- Yankee Boy Basin — go as far as you’re comfortable
These routes provide high satisfaction with low stress and are ideal starting points for guests new to Colorado overlanding.
Ready to Plan Your Adventure?
Explore more trip-planning resources: