Tips: Places to Take Your Jeep

Jeeps can Go Anywhere, Do Anything!

I have videos of all the places I have wheeled my Jeep on my YouTube Channel "Jeep Life with Jeep Momma". There are some videos that always seem to get those negative comments “That’s Not a Real Trail”. That doesn't matter because you do what you enjoy. You can still see some amazing things on those Not a trail places. Check out my YouTube video Where to Wheel Your Jeep

On the trails in the Mojave Desert

Off-road trails don't always have to be extreme with difficult rock obstacles on it to be a trail. It is completely okay if you only like to wheel those easy trails. We all have different likes and dislikes.

Driving out West

I have found I really enjoy those “Not Real” trails. I still like those adrenaline pumping trails, but to be out in my Jeep checking out the natural beauty of nature does wonders for my soul even if it’s on the black top. You can still find adventure in small towns - My top 10 Must Visit Small Towns

Off road Insiders Podcast: Finding Trails

Jeep Momma Tips to Finding "Not Trails"

1. Google Scenic By-ways to find some really great black top road trips. There is one in Moab that parallels the Colorado river. It is absolutely amazing. Hwy 95 from Blanding, Utah to Hanksville, Utah is most spectacular.

2. Change Map Settings if you aren’t in a hurry. If you use Google Maps to get to your location, go into your settings and click the avoid toll roads and highways. 

3. TrailsOffRoad.com This website is cataloging trails all over the US. It will give you information such as length, difficulty, location, elevation, duration, plus a map with way points that has directions and mileage.

4. Black Canyon National Park a black top ride outside of Gunnison, Colorado on Hwy 92 through the Black Canyon National Park. If you are afraid of heights or ledges it’s a pretty intense Ride.

5. Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado is another one. It’s said to be one of the most scenic drives. 

6. Backroads Books - Search Amazon.com for Backroads and 4 Wheel drive trails. There are guides for Colorado, Arizona, California and Moab. These guides have tons of photos that show the scenery as well as trouble spots. There are tips and advice from local experts to help get you through the trails. The trails are BLM approve and are legal routes.
  
7. TAT Trail - The founder Sam has been mapping public back roads and forest roads all over the United States for decades. He is still mapping. When he originally mapped the roads back in the 80’s all were gravel, but now some have been paved over time. This trail was originally designed for motorcyclists but Jeepers have begun to use these trails. It’s a great way to get away from big cities and get a look at America’s country Roads. 

Jeep Off-Road Trails and Wilderness Excursions in Colorado

Navigating Colorado's Seasonal Challenges

Colorado's diverse landscape offers some of the most exhilarating off-road experiences in the United States. As a Jeep enthusiast, I had the privilege of exploring these trails firsthand starting in 2020. My adventures took me through challenging terrains, breathtaking vistas, and unforgettable wilderness experiences.

Colorado's off-roading scene is heavily influenced by its seasons. Winter and spring can be particularly tricky, with many trails closed due to snow and mud. This presents a unique challenge for Jeep enthusiasts looking to explore year-round. However, with proper planning and local knowledge, it's possible to find accessible trails even during these challenging months.

Chinaman's Gulch

Southern Colorado Trails 👉 Watch Here

Chinaman Gulch: A Year-Round Off-Roading Haven

One of my most memorable experiences was tackling the Chinaman Gulch Trail near Buena Vista. This trail stands out for its year-round accessibility, thanks to minimal snowfall in the area. As a difficult-rated trail, it provided an excellent test for my Jeep's capabilities and my off-roading skills.

The rugged terrain and technical challenges of Chinaman Gulch were both thrilling and rewarding. Navigating through rocky obstacles and steep inclines, I felt a sense of accomplishment as my Jeep conquered each section of the trail. The experience solidified my love for Colorado's off-road scene and left me eager for more adventures.

Chinaman's Gulch Trail Adventure 👉 Watch Here

Entrance to Chinaman's Gulch

Toll Road Gulch: Narrow Switchbacks and Ghost Towns

Bumble Bee - CJ5

Another exciting expedition took me to Toll Road Gulch Mountain Pass. This trail is known for its narrow switchbacks and daunting heights, offering a different kind of challenge compared to Chinaman Gulch. While my JKU could have handled the trail, I opted to ride shotgun in a CJ5 for this adventure.

Amazing Views - Toll Road Gulch Trail

Ghost Town Exploration

Our goal was to reach Bonanza, a historic silver mining ghost town. Unfortunately, snow at higher elevations prevented us from reaching our destination. However, the breathtaking views along the way more than made up for the incomplete journey.

Toll Road Gulch Trail

Escalante Trail: Canyons and Forests in One Weekend

Memorial Day weekend brought me to Western Colorado for a camping and off-roading expedition on the Escalante Trail. This adventure showcased Colorado's diverse terrain, from canyon landscapes to high-elevation forests.

Escalante Canyon, Colorado

Camping in the Wilderness

We spent one night in the canyon and another in the Uncompahgre National Forest at an elevation of about 10,000 feet. The contrast between these two environments was stark – from the warm canyon floor to the chilly, snow-patched forest. This trip highlighted the versatility of off-roading in Colorado and the importance of being prepared for various conditions.

Tips for Colorado Off-Roading

Seasonal Awareness: Always check trail conditions and closures before planning your trip.

Vehicle Preparation: Ensure your Jeep is equipped for the specific challenges of Colorado's terrain.

Elevation Considerations: Be prepared for rapid weather changes and effects of high altitude.

Leave No Trace: Practice responsible off-roading to preserve Colorado's beautiful wilderness.

Local Knowledge: Connect with local off-road communities for up-to-date trail information and group rides.

Colorado's off-road trails offer a perfect blend of challenge, beauty, and adventure. From the year-round accessibility of Chinaman Gulch to the diverse landscapes of Escalante Trail, there's something for every Jeep enthusiast. My personal journey through these trails not only tested my off-roading skills but also deepened my appreciation for Colorado's natural wonders. Whether you're a seasoned off-roader or new to the hobby, Colorado's trails promise unforgettable experiences and the opportunity to forge a deeper connection with nature and your vehicle.

Overland Camping Options - Free

If you asked what the definition of Jeep Life is you would get a very different answer from every Jeeper. Jeep Life is unique to each Jeep owner. For me the meaning has changed over the years as I am experiencing different aspects of the life from daily driver to weekend warrior to extreme wheeling to light wheeling from mud to sand and rocks to modifications and upgrades.

What is Overlanding?

Campsite in Uncompahgre Forest

My Jeep Life has now turned into #camperlife #overlanding. However, I still love those rocky trails. A great app essential for me is I is I-overlander and it's free.

Campgrounds and hotels can get pricey when you are traveling a lot. I-overlander works great if you are camping in your Jeep or have a camper.

The app is a group effort by you and others to share those “secrets” of the cool spots you find. It will show you spots others have used for dispersed camping on public lands such as BLM and National Forest.

Read More ➤➤ Jeep Momma's Camping Tips to Enhance Your Adventure

Escalante Canyon Campsite

Dispersed Camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. There are no services; such as trash removal, and little or no facilities; such as tables and fire pits, are provided.

Some popular dispersed camping areas may have toilets. Generally, overnight camping is NOT allowed at trailheads, picnic areas, day-use parking areas or any other areas that don't allow overnight parking. When using a dispersed camping area, the general rule is to be a minimum of at least 100-200 feet away from any road, trail or water source.

You need to be aware if you are in a National Forest or National Park. They are two totally different places. Typically you can’t disperse camp in National Parks. They have specified campgrounds and usually have fees.

You can also disperse camp on BLM lands which are west of the Mississippi: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

Kingman Arizona Campsite

Boondocking is camping without any hookups outside developed campgrounds. It can also mean dry camping and off grid camping. Typically it’s in Trucker Gas Stations, Walmart parking lots, Cracker Barrel parking lots. On our way to Kingman Arizona it was getting late and there were no places to spend the night. So we pulled over in a gas station and popped up our camper and went to sleep.

In the Mojave Desert you can camp off the main road. I call them “off shoots”. You can tell these are off shoots because they look well traveled and some spots have “fire rings” from previous campers. Just don’t go making your own off shoot. After awhile you get the hang of it. Mojave Road is a great getaway to learn all this.