National forests attract ATVs with variety of trails

By Stephen Hlawaty
Outdoors Columnist

Long, black parallel lines trailed from the top of the ridge to the ground as we biked our way to Slickrock in Moab, Utah. One of my friends said the lines were the tire tracks of the 4x4 vehicles that had driven the Lion's Back, a 45-degree slope of steep slickrock that rises several hundred feet. Insanity, I thought, although we'd be doing pretty much the same thing on two tires. Since then, I've shared the trails with many off-road vehicles and never failed to marvel at the sight of them creeping up or down some steep and big drop-off.

The first time I traded my two-wheel vehicle for a 4x4 was in Rollinsville. We drove my brother-in-law's old Bronco to the top of some beat-up trail and took in the view before heading down. It would be the "down" that confirmed my suspicions that this activity really is crazy. Sitting behind the 400 engine, peering over the edge of a hood comparable to the Colorado Plateau, I struggled to locate my line along the steep and rocky descent. The struggle became obvious when Amy, my sister-in-law, and my wife, Amanda, decided to get out of the vehicle and walk down. Needless to say, I wasn't inspired with confidence after that blatant display of fear and mistrust from my family members.

I gained a new appreciation for those avid off-roaders who can negotiate such technical terrain with the likes of such mechanical Bronco behemoths. From all-terrain vehicles, to motorcycles, to off-road buggies, taking power sports to the hills of Colorado is a great way to spend a day outside. Of course, as with any outdoor activity, there are things to consider.

Having a low-impact mentality will go a long way in sustaining the life of off-roading recreation. Consider the impact to the trail insofar as sight, sound and smell are concerned.

Always stay on designated trails. This is perhaps the biggest complaint against motorized vehicles on forest trails. Staying on designated trails extends the life of that trail and the surrounding area. Straying may widen the trail or destroy nearby vegetation.

Familiarize yourself with the area in which you will be off-roading. Have a map of the area and consider what obstacles you might encounter while on the trail. Be mindful of other trail users.

Support the efforts of off-roading advocacy groups. These groups are often the best line of defense against misrepresentation of the sport to policy makers. With more and more trail restrictions and closures, it is important to do the right thing and be responsible.

Northern Colorado offers off-roaders a variety of trails in its surrounding national forests. For motorcyclists, the Killpecker trail near the North Fork Poudre Campground on Deadman Road is a good option for more advanced riders. The trail tops out at the base of 10,700-foot Middle Bald Mountain and provides access to several other motorized trails such as Bald Mountain and Green Ridge Trails. The trail is narrow with variable rocks and roots with which to contend.

For the 4-on-the-floor type of off-roader, the Green Ridge Trail (Forest Road 177) is a good option. This trail runs roughly 15 miles from Chambers Lake in the Poudre Canyon north to Forest Road 319 near Deadman Road. The trail is wide and consists of variable terrain through dense forests, which precludes any significant high-mountain views. After rains, the trail can become quite muddy in spots. Near its intersection with Forest Road 319, the trail delivers a considerable stretch of rocky terrain. Otherwise, it is fairly flat and tops out at roughly 9,500 feet.

Other off-roading alternatives include Baker Pass. This remote trail receives relatively little traffic and provides access to the historic town site of Teller City. The ruins of the city's original cabins still exist, while a short hike delivers you to Baker Pass. When combined with Pierson Park Road (trail #11), Johnny Park Road makes for a great weekend trip, as there are campgrounds on both ends of the trail.

Climbing from the Poudre River Valley, the Kelly Flats trail offers beautiful views of the Mummy Range. Some of the challenging stretches of this trail include the Chutes and Heart Attack Hill.

Charles Wells' "Guide to Northern Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails" is a great resource for more information on these and other off-roading trails.