JEEP RENTAL TRAILS IN ESTES PARK
Storm Mountain
Hands down, the best views in northern Colorado. Rivaled only by the Switzerland trail. Although there are a couple difficult sections, It's worth the trip to the summit, even if you have little experience.
Personally, my favorite place on earth is the Storm Mountain summit. It's a must see.
Be on the lookout for bull moose. There are a couple big ones up there.
From beautiful alpine meadows, stunning vistas, and dark creepy forests, you'll see the best of Colorado on Storm Mountain.
Skill Level - Moderate/difficult
Open - June 15th - December 1st
Time to complete - Full day
See Fire Update on Storm Mountain
Pole Hill (part of Estes Loop)
This is a favorite among our guests. The loop consists of three trail systems and makes for an unforgettable day.
People like it so much because if you don't like one trail, it's quick and easy to jump on another.
A lot of people elect to hit Old Fall River Road or another easy trail, ending their day with Pole Hill which is only a couple miles outside of downtown Estes Park.
Starting only 5 minutes outside Estes Park, expect to experience a wide variety of terrain and beautiful views.
Skill Level - Easy / Moderate
Open - June 15th - December 1st
Time to Complete - Full day
Summit
Storm Mountain summit Jeep trail near Estes Park ColoradoSpruce Mountain
Spruce Mountain on Storm Mountain Jeep trail.Bear Gulch
Bear Gulch on Storm Mountain Jeep trail.Nelson Spring
Nelson Spring on Storm Mountain Jeep trailHard Rock Section
Part of initial climb to the Storm Summit. It is steeper and harder than it looks in this picture.Pole Hill View
One of a few nice views on the Pole Hill Jeep trailRock Section
Optional rock section on Pole Hill Jeep trailView Point
Another view point on the Pole Hill Jeep trailEasy Stuff
Most of Pole Hill is considered easy. It's just the first half mile that is full of big rocks.Short Rock Section
Johnny's first time 4 wheeling
Johnny Park (part of Estes Loop)
This trail is very diverse. It has some steep nasty stuff for the adventure seeker and a good deal of smooth terrain for those not so daring. I'd have to say it's one of my favorite trails. The loop consists of three trail systems and makes for an unforgettable day.
People like it so much because if you don't like one trail, it's quick and easy to jump on another.
Skill Level - Easy / Moderate
Open - June 15th - December 1st
Time to Complete - Full day
Rock Section
Optional difficult section on the Johnny Park Jeep trail.View Point
Great view point on the east side before you reach the difficult stuff.Rocks
Another shot of one of the optional rock sectionsEasy Stuff
A good deal of Johnny Park has smooth sectionsComing down
West entrance to Johnny Park Jeep trail
Pierson Park (part of Estes Loop)
The first half of Pierson is really easy. The second half gets a little more interesting with a fairly steep drop into a darkly wooded canyon. However, the end destination is a beautiful meadow. I like Pierson in early morning or evening. This is when the abundant wildlife appear. Trophy bull elk and moose in this area.
The loop consists of three trail systems and makes for an unforgettable day.
People like it so much because if you don't like one trail, it's quick and easy to jump on another.
Skill Level - Easy / Moderate
Open - June 15th - December 1st
Time to Complete - Full day
Rock Section
Only difficult section of the trail. It's not that hard really.Meadow
Fall shot. Summer is so green.Bull Moose
My wife and I ran into this guy in Pierson Park when we went out for a personal day Jeeping in 2020Thick woods
Most of Pierson Park is thickly wooded.Meadow
Another meadow shot
Switzerland Trail & Gordon Gulch
Although 45 minutes from Estes Park, this is a very extensive, and easy trail system with some really fun challenging sections as options. One in fact has a view to die for. However, it's quite the rocky climb.
If you're not interested in the difficult stuff, you can elect not to stray from the main path. They call it Switzerland trail because it curves along the edge of multiple mountains.
At the very end, you can elect to jump on the Gordon Gulch trail system loop for some more fun.
There are some great sites along the way. Make sure to picnic at Mt. Alto.
Skill Level - Easy / moderate
Open - Year-Round
Time to Complete - Full Day
Trail 461 easy part
Most of 461 is a little more difficult than this picture shows.Cliff Edge
This is the most exposed cliff on the Switzerland trail. It looks scarier than it really is. However, you can see more of the trail way down at the bottom.The view
It's a really rough climb to make this view point, but it is so worth it.The climb
Optional trail. It doesn't look steep in this picture. Pictures never do anything justice. Trust me, this trail gets real steep and rocky.Water hole
This water hole never goes away. This picture shows it during a drought
Middle Saint Vrain (MSV)
Although absolutely stunning and a hell of a lot of fun! MSV is very difficult.
The water crossings are abundant and deep. So deep, you may want to take a little swim in Coney Flats. It's a river that has literally just melted off a glacier not more than a couple miles upstream.
There are waterfalls you can hike a few yards too, and the moose and black bear are also abundant here.
Unless you have rock 4 wheeling experience, don't attempt it. Be careful, you can easily break a machine out there.
Skill Level - Difficult / Extreme
Open - July 1st - November 15th
Time to Complete - Full day
Beginning Boulders
Right off the bat you have large boulders to navigate. This is not an easy trail by any meansWater and Rocks
Water and rocks. This pretty much sums up MSVNatural Spring
More water crossingsMore Boulders
The first mile of MSV is nothing but rocks on top of rocksRock Garden
This is the trickiest section on MSV. It's harder than it looks in the picture. Picking a line through these rocks requires some skill and common sense.
Old Fall River Road (the only National Park trail)
Although you can do this dirt mountain road in a 2 wheel drive car. Alot of people like to do it in a Jeep with the tops and doors off.
It starts near the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park and dumps you out at the Alpine Visitor's center at over 12,000 feet. It's a must see no matter what in Estes Park.
Along the way there are awesome waterfalls you can hike too, as well as plenty of places to stop and take pictures.
The views simply breath taking. Please note: ATV's are not allowed here.
Skill Level - Easy
Open - Although the park is open, this trail is closed for 2020
Time to Complete - 3 hours
Bright Trail (Taylor Road)
Aside from Old Fall River Road, this is the easiest trail in the area. Super easy and super smooth.
If you're up for a secluded hike, there is one up there. I guarantee you won't see another human being. That might sketch you out if you're a city person. Break a leg out there and you won't be found for a week. However, the trail takes you to a river at the bottom, and it is an amazing place to hang out.
This trail is close to Johnny Park. Alot of people start out on this easy one and work their way up to Johnny and Pole.
Skill Level - Easy
Open - June 15th - November 15th
Time to Complete - 2 hours
Rock Creek
You won't see much but very dense forest and water runoff along Rock Creek. However, if you reach the top of the trail, there is an amazing view of the Indian Peaks. Its a wilderness white cap mountain range you can only see from a trail system like this.
Personally, I love it. I like deep, dark forests with huge Spruce trees.
If you're looking to get into 4 wheel drive and want something fairly easy, this is a great trail to couple with Bright Trail.
Skill Level - Easy/moderate
Open - Year Round
Time to Complete - 3 hours
When you rent a Jeep Wrangler or new Ford Bronco from Backbone Adventures in Estes Park Colorado, it's yours for the day. You can take it anywhere you like. Our Jeep rentals are unguided. We don't do tours or shove 12 people in a Jeep and drive you around on paved roads. Renting a Jeep Wrangler from us means you'll be exploring off road trails in the Estes Park area on your own. It's a real adventure. Check out our Jeep Rentals page with details, pictures, and prices.
