Colorado’s scenic terrain invites exploration beyond the pavement, and in Grand Junction, more than 1.6 million acres of public land make off-roading easy. Grand Junction is open to all kinds of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) like side-by-sides, also known as RZRs, dirtbikes, snowmobiles, jeeps, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) so you can fuel your need for speed, and get out on the dirt and kick some dust up.
Guides and Rentals
For riders looking for local expertise or equipment year-round, Adrenaline Driven Adventures is a great resource in your OHV adventure. Stop in and ask their friendly staff for trail recommendations, rent equipment, or book a guided tour – which we highly recommend. There are multiple tours to choose from, but the High Desert Trailblazer tour is a popular choice because you can ride right out of Adrenaline headquarters! You’ll be guided through technical paths and rocky ridgelines. Grand Junction Adventures is another great guide service, including jeep tours to Rattlesnake Arches, the second-largest concentration of natural arches in the world. For more information about guided tours, check out this page.
Where to Go Off-Roading
Colorado is packed with off-road landscapes, so gather your helmet and other equipment, and get ready to explore. From confidence-building routes to technical challenges that raise the adrenaline, the variety makes it easy to match the experience to your skill level. In Grand Junction, you can splash through water crossings and climb red rocks for a thrilling adventure. Here are some of the best places to drive your OHV in Colorado:
Bangs Canyon
Located just 15 minutes from Downtown Grand Junction, the OHV trails at Bangs Canyon offer stunning views of high desert plateaus overlooking Grand Junction. The area features hundreds of miles of routes that wind across open landscapes and rocky terrain, offering a steady mix of scenic cruising and technical sections. For more experienced drivers, the Billings Canyon Jeep Trail is known for its rock crawling challenges and steep climbs, rewarding patience and precision with sweeping overlooks. If you are a dirtbike rider looking for technical single track, head to Butterknife, a trail known for tight turns and rock ledges requiring some technical expertise. For less exposure but still technical, ride over to Pony Tail which has tight rock features and switchbacks that test balance and line control. No matter where you ride, stay on the trail and support Leave No Trace practices.
Grand Mesa National Forest
Grand Mesa National Forest is an OHV driver’s paradise, serving up 150 miles of ATV trails that wind through the forest with views of lakes, wildflowers, and aspen groves. As the largest flat-top mountain in the world, and only 45 minutes from Grand Junction, the Grand Mesa has plenty of opportunities for rock crawling, creek crossing, and hill climbs. There is something here for every off-roading difficulty level — beginners can find easy rides on the Lands End OHV route, while more seasoned drivers can explore challenging climbs around Marcot Park Reservoir. The Grand Mesa also has over 300 alpine lakes if you want to take a break and cast a line or snack on a picnic shoreside. Bring that fishing pole and catch some dinner! Just be sure to have the appropriate fishing license.
Rabbit Valley
The Rabbit Valley Motorized Area is on BLM-managed land in the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area just 35 minutes outside Grand Junction. Most of the routes in this area require a vehicle that can handle rough terrain. The stunning views of the juniper-dotted landscape and unique sandstone formations are well worth the ride, especially in the Rabbit Valley Motorized Area. The Rabbit Valley to Zion’s Curtain OHV trail crosses over the Utah border and is a 25.9-mile loop that will take all day – so plan accordingly! This remote location spreads expansive scenery before you, making Rabbit Valley a favorite for riders looking to immerse themselves in the landscape alongside the Colorado River.
Resources for Off-Roading
If you’re looking to go off-roading in Colorado, there’s a wealth of resources available that can make planning easier. These include maps, legal information, and helpful communities of like-minded people. Here are some of the best resources for off-roading in Colorado to get you started:
Colorado Trail Map
This interactive OHV trail map by Stay the Trail is a great resource for off-roaders in Colorado. It shows all the trail systems in the state, and you can click any pin on the map for more details on that specific route. The rest of the site is also a helpful resource for learning about off-roading in the region, from legal guidelines to etiquette tips.
OHV Registrations & Permits
It’s important to make sure you comply with local laws and regulations when off-roading in Colorado. You can check out Colorado’s Off-Highway Vehicle Program to make sure you’re fully up to speed with all the latest rules.
Outdoor Adventure Pass
Interested in earning rewards that you can cash in for free gifts, just for being out on the trail? Check out the Grand Junction Adventure Pass which is loaded with over 100 trails! Use the filter to sort OHV trails from hiking, biking, and horseback riding. There are filters for singletrack, ATV, and jeep trails separate from bike trails. You can also filter by area, so if you are in the Grand Mesa, zoom in on that part of the map. Prefer to sort by easy, moderate, or difficult? There is a filter for that as well. Every trail earns you points to cash in on FREE sunglasses, desserts, salsa, paddleboard rentals, Downtown Gift Cards, and even a Grand Trunk Hammock! Check out, and CHECK IN!
Plan Your Colorado Off-Roading Trip
Grand Junction is an incredible location for scenic off-roading, no matter your experience level. Its spectacular scenery, versatile terrain and hundreds of miles of trails provide more than you expect from your off-road getaway. Even the easier options in this area offer beautiful views and a rewarding day of riding, so if you’re considering off-roading, you’ll be spoiled with many options to choose from. What is the best part, you ask? No crowds, and we are serious about that! The thousands of miles of trails and the trail network connectivity in the Grand Junction area are why it’s easy to escape the crowds other parts of Colorado and Utah are known for.
Discover more outdoor adventures that await in Grand Junction, and check out the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide today!