8 Weeks of High-Altitude Hitting the Trail: Our Colorado Off-Road Adventure

Spending eight weeks immersed in the Colorado high country is the ultimate 

goal for any off-roader, overlander, or outdoor enthusiast. Our recent two-month run through the Rockies was a perfect blend of high-octane events, challenging trails, and incredible natural beauty—the kind of trip that reminds you why you invested in your rig in the first place.

If you’re planning a multi-week adventure through the Mountain West, here are the must-see spots, key events, and the "gateways" we used as our home base.

Must-See Events: Where the Community Gathers

The heart of our journey centered around some of the biggest gatherings in the off-road and overlanding world. These are fantastic places to check out new gear, learn new skills, and connect with the community. Mark your calendars!

National Parks: High-Altitude Highlights

Colorado is home to four stunning National Parks, and we made sure to hit two of the biggest—each offering unique off-road access.

Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP)

RMNP is famed for its epic high-mountain views along Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in North America. But for those looking for a bit of dirt history, be sure to hit Old Fall River Road.

This historic road is a one-way, narrow, unpaved route that climbs from Horseshoe Park to the top of Fall River Pass. It’s typically open seasonally (late spring to early autumn) and features hairpin turns and beautiful views. While it's not a technical 4x4 trail, it's a nostalgic dirt experience that takes you back to the park’s early days.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

This park is mind-blowing—North America's tallest dunes sitting right against the jagged Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Your 4x4 is key to experiencing the preserved side of the park via the Medano Pass Primitive Road.

This 14-mile route is a challenging, deep-sand track that crosses Medano Creek multiple times (you're driving in the water!) and requires 4WD and high clearance. It’s the only way to access the park's backcountry campsites and eventually takes you over Medano Pass, linking the main dunes area to the rest of the preserve. It’s a rewarding, slow-speed adventure that demands proper tire pressure management.

Gateways to Adventure: Our Home Bases

We bounced around several RV parks and campgrounds that served as perfect staging grounds for our events and day trips. Using these as a base allowed us to jump between trails, events, and the local towns easily.

• Idaho Springs RV Resort: Great base for exploring the central Rockies and easy access to Denver.
• Willow Creek Campground (near Grandby): Excellent spot for high-country camping and fishing near the reservoir.
• Williams Fork Reservoir: Fantastic remote camping near Kremmling, ideal for those seeking quieter, dispersed areas.
• Riverview RV Park (near Loveland): Perfectly situated for the Overland Expo Mtn West event.
• Rio Chama RV Park (near CO NM state line): A convenient stopping point on our way to the W.E.Rock Grand National event.
• Glade Run Recreation Area (Farmington, NM): The actual basecamp for the W.E.Rock Grand National competition, offering primitive camping near the event.

Ultimately, this eight-week adventure proved that Colorado truly is an off-roader’s dream. Whether you’re focused on serious offroading and overlanding or slow, technical mountain crawls, the diversity of the terrain and the strength of the community make it the ultimate summer destination.