Moody Hill - A Rocky Mountain Adventure

The Trail Experience

After a year-long hiatus from off-roading, I couldn't wait to get back behind the wheel of my Jeep and tackle the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains.

Selfie on the trails in my Jeep

Trail Characteristics

Moody Hill is an 18.6-mile out-and-back trail located near Bellvue, Colorado, in the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest. This intermediate trail offers a perfect blend of challenge and scenic beauty, making it an ideal choice for off-road enthusiasts looking to explore the Front Range.

Rocky terrain: It features a steep and rocky climb at the beginning, making it one of the more difficult trails in the area.

Scenic views: The trail provides breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and surrounding landscape.

Varied difficulty: While mostly intermediate, it includes sections suitable for more advanced off-roaders, such as a quarry area for rock crawling.

Selfie on top of Moody Hill Colorado

As I approached the trailhead, I could feel my excitement building. The trail begins with a rocky climb that immediately tests your vehicle's capabilities and your driving skills. This initial ascent sets the tone for the rest of the journey, which is filled with diverse terrain and stunning vistas.

One of the highlights of Moody Hill is the quarry area, which is reserved for more experienced off-roaders with rock buggy-style vehicles. I didn't venture into this section.

Breathtaking Scenery

Throughout the trail, I was constantly in awe of the surrounding landscape. The Front Range, part of the Rocky Mountains, stretches an impressive 180 miles from Wyoming to Colorado. The sheer scale of these mountains is humbling, and the views from various points along the trail are nothing short of spectacular.

However, I never take the Rockies for granted because even though these mountains are amazing they can quickly turn on you. You need to be prepared in several areas. 

Top 5 Tips 👉 Wheeling in the Rockies

Jeep with Rocky mountains in the background

Tips for Wheeling in the Rockies

Based on my experience, here are some essential tips for off-roading in the Rocky Mountains:

Be Prepared: The weather in the Rockies can change rapidly. Always pack extra layers, food, and water.

Vehicle Maintenance: Ensure your Jeep or off-road vehicle is in top condition before hitting the trails.

Know Your Limits: Moody Hill is rated as moderate, but some sections can be challenging. Don't push beyond your skill level or your vehicle's capabilities.

Stay Informed: Check trail conditions and closures before your trip. Moody Hill is typically open from June 15 to November 30.

Respect the Environment: Practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve these beautiful trails for future generations.

Retrospective

As I drove back along the scenic byway after conquering Moody Hill, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. The Rocky Mountains have a way of putting life into perspective, reminding us of nature's grandeur and our place within it.

👉 Colorado Scenic By-ways

Colorado Scenic By-way