There are so many activities to explore in Aspen, from world-class skiing to beautiful hikes in the mountains. With so many options, when you’re on vacation here you're sure to have an unforgettable time. If you’re looking for an adventure off the beaten path (literally), get some mud on your tires and head out on an off-road adventure in Aspen!
Never off-roaded before, and wondering where to even begin? Or maybe you're a seasoned pro and want to know about some of the best local spots. Either way, don’t worry; we’ve created this detailed guide to show you all you need to know about off-road adventures in Aspen.
Off-Roading in Aspen
A cautionary word to the wise…though you may think your Subaru can handle these trails, we assure you: don’t try it. When we say Four-Wheel Drive areas, we mean it. Countless cars have been towed from dangerous situations because they thought they could make it. Don't risk it. If you want to try one of these drives and don't have FWD, you can rent a rig at one of many retailers in Aspen or take a guided tour!
ATV Tours
This is your safest option if you don’t have your own vehicle equipped with four-wheel drive. When you head out on a guided ATV tour, you’re not taking the risk of driving unknown roads in an unfamiliar vehicle. Off-roading is fun because it’s thrill-inducing, but we don’t want anyone to be in actual danger!
Guides know all the best areas to off-road in and around Aspen and can help you uncover awesome locations. Some of these companies are an hour or two away, but they're near some incredible off-road locations and make for a great day trip!
Here are some of our favorite local ATV companies that do a great job:
MAD Adventures
PO Box 1329 (Mail Only)
Winter Park, CO
970-726-5290
555 Allen Way
Aspen, CO 81656
970-923-3337
Action Adventures Snowmobile & ATV Rentals
Mount Crested Butte Ski Area
Crested Butte, CO
970-349-5909
What Kind of Vehicle Should I Use to Off-Road in Aspen?
Like we mentioned above, having a vehicle that is truly equipped with Four-Wheel Drive is extremely important. Specifically designated four-wheel drive roads are usually steep, rutted, rocky, narrow, and sometimes swampy.
The best vehicles for these conditions are narrow, have a short wheelbase, four-wheel drive, and high ground clearance. Don’t try to pull a fast one; be prepared before heading out on an off-road adventure in Aspen.
Where Can I Off-Road Near Aspen?
Not all of these areas will be located centrally in Aspen. Some spots are an hour or two’s drive away, but that just means you can make a day trip out of it! Here are some of the best places to off-road in and around Aspen. No matter which spot you pick, you'll get to spend the day exploring nature in an everchanging, diverse landscape, and have a blast while doing it!
Lenado/Kobey Park
Ready for a fun adventure? Head to Kobey Park, above the old sawmill in Lenado. This former logging area boasts incredible views of the Elk Mountains, Williams Mountains, and the Sawatch Range. Mt. Yeckel, at the end of Road #526, is absolutely gorgeous, especially in the fall when the leaves are bursting with color. This road is not as tricky to navigate as some others, but you should still take a vehicle equipped with 4WD.
Getting here is actually not hard at all! Just take Highway 82 southwest of Aspen and turn right at the Woody Creek Turn-off. Cross the bridge, turn left toward the Woody Creek Tavern, and make a sharp right about a quarter mile past the tavern. Drive 10 miles, and you’ll arrive at the charming semi-ghost town of Lenado. From there, continue up the road to Kobey Park for a day of amazing views and outdoor fun.
Turquoise Lake
For an off-road day trip, head out to Turquoise Lake. Start by taking Highway 82 east from Aspen and drive over the beautiful Independence Pass. Once you reach Highway 24, turn north toward Leadville. Follow the Turquoise Lake turnoff and enjoy a scenic drive along the lake's west side, continuing over the picturesque Hagerman Pass.
Continue on Route #105 to visit Thomasville and Ruedi Reservoir. From Ruedi, it's about an hour back to Basalt and then back to Aspen. The trip takes 4 to 5 hours, making it a perfect day-long outing through some spectacular countryside.
Grizzly Reservoir/Ruby
This stop is a bit closer to Aspen itself! Just 11 miles east of Aspen, Lincoln Creek Road leads you to Grizzly Reservoir, a perfect spot for camping and fishing.
Past the reservoir, the adventure continues to the ghost town of Ruby, set in a stunning tundra-covered basin. You can explore traces of an old wagon trail over the continental divide and take short hikes to the scenic Anderson and Petroleum Lakes. Not only can you can enjoy nature on this off-road adventure, you also get a taste of the history in the area!
Plan Your Aspen Off-roading Adventure
Now that you know all these off-roading spots for a great adventure, it’s time to book your trip to Aspen! Whether you’re looking for a pet-friendly rental, a private home rental, or a long-term rental, McCartney Properties has exactly what you need for an unforgettable vacation. Browse our available Aspen vacation rentals now and book your stay directly with us today!