Situated in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, Durango is a hub for off-roading enthusiasts looking to explore rugged trails, stunning vistas, and legendary off-roading opportunities. Whether you’re on a Durango Jeep tour, guided Durango UTV/ATV tour, or exploring on your own, the area offers diverse terrain, from beginner-friendly dirt roads to technical mountain passes. As local off-roading experts, we’ve compiled a list of the eight best OHV and off-roading trails around Durango, Colorado.

9 Best Places for OHV and Off-Roading Near Durango, Colorado

1. La Plata Canyon

La Plata Canyon is a perfect trail for off-roading and has the perfect blend of fun trails and scenic views of the San Juan Mountains. The main route, County Road 124, is a dirt road that climbs gently into the canyon, offering spectacular views of waterfalls, alpine meadows, and the towering La Plata Peaks. Along the way, you’ll pass remnants of the area’s mining history, adding a fascinating historical layer to the natural beauty during this Durango off-roading adventure.

This trail is excellent for those who want to enjoy the outdoors without tackling overly challenging terrain. Whether you’re a novice driver or simply looking for a relaxing day in the mountains, La Plata Canyon delivers with a manageable drive and plenty of spots to stop for picnics or photos. The moderate terrain makes it accessible for high-clearance 4×4 vehicles, and the vibrant wildflowers in summer or golden aspens in fall add seasonal splendor to the journey.

For those who want to experience the beauty of La Plata Canyon without the stress of driving, Colorado Outback Adventures offers expertly guided La Plata Canyon Jeep tours through this breathtaking area. Our experienced guides provide a seamless way to explore the canyon while sharing in-depth knowledge about its history, geology, and wildlife. These Durango off-road tours cater to families and groups, ensuring a safe and enjoyable adventure for all ages.

2. Bolam Pass

Bolam Pass is a hidden gem off-roading near Durango and perfect for those looking to escape into the remote backcountry of the San Juan Mountains. Situated about 30 miles north of Durango, this high-altitude trail connects the town of Rico with U.S. Highway 550 near Purgatory Resort. The 20-mile route climbs to an elevation of over 11,000 feet, offering incredible views of alpine forests, the stunning La Plata Mountains, and the serene Trout Lake.

The trail is suitable for drivers with intermediate experience and requires a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle due to its rocky sections, narrow paths, and occasional water crossings. It’s an adventure that appeals to those who want a blend of moderate technical challenges and the peaceful beauty of Colorado’s high country. Best of all, Bolam Pass is less crowded than some of the more famous trails in the region, making it perfect for Durango off-roading enthusiasts seeking solitude.

For visitors who prefer to sit back and enjoy the ride, Colorado Outback Adventures offers guided Bolam Pass Jeep tours that explore the rugged beauty of Bolam Pass. These tours provide a hassle-free way to experience this remote trail while learning about the history, wildlife, and geology of the area.

3. Missionary Ridge

Missionary Ridge is a scenic OHV and off-roading trail near Durango that offers breathtaking views of the Animas Valley and the surrounding San Juan Mountains. The trail, accessible via County Road 250, winds through dense pine forests, high mountain ridges, and meadows, making it a perfect route for adventurers seeking a mix of remote beauty and manageable challenges. With elevation gains that provide panoramic overlooks, this trail rewards off-roaders with stunning vistas and a sense of seclusion.

The route is moderately challenging, featuring a combination of smooth dirt sections and rocky stretches. Missionary Ridge is ideal for drivers with some off-roading experience, as its narrow sections and elevation changes can test your skills without being overly technical. The area is especially popular during the fall when the aspen groves turn golden, creating a vibrant contrast against the evergreens.

4. Hermosa Creek Road

Hermosa Creek Road, located just 12 miles north of Durango, is a scenic and relatively approachable off-road trail that meanders through the San Juan National Forest. The road serves as a gateway to some of the most stunning landscapes in the area, including dense pine forests, alpine meadows, and babbling mountain streams. This trail is a perfect choice for those looking for a moderate Durango off-road adventure that doesn’t demand advanced technical driving skills.

The trail connects Durango to Bolam Pass, providing access to other off-road routes and recreational opportunities. Hermosa Creek Road is family-friendly and offers plenty of spots for picnics, photography, and wildlife watching. It’s especially beautiful in the fall when the aspen trees turn vibrant shades of gold.

5. Lime Creek Road

Lime Creek Road is a hidden gem for Durango off-roading with ample opportunities for exploring historical attractions. This 12-mile dirt road, situated just north of Durango off U.S. Highway 550, offers a scenic and rugged journey through the San Juan National Forest. Once part of the original Million Dollar Highway, the trail provides breathtaking views of the Animas River and surrounding cliffs, making it a favorite for those seeking a blend of history, nature, and adventure.

The route features a mix of narrow sections, rocky terrain, and smooth dirt paths, making it moderately challenging. Suitable for high-clearance 4×4 vehicles, Lime Creek Road offers a peaceful escape from the busier routes in the area, with plenty of opportunities for photography, wildlife viewing, and serene stops by waterfalls or creekside picnic spots.

6. Ophir Pass

Ophir Pass is a must-visit for off-roaders looking to enjoy stunning alpine scenery paired with moderate challenges. This historic trail connects Silverton and Ophir, climbing to an elevation of 11,789 feet and offering panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains. The trail is known for its mix of rocky and smooth sections, with narrow passes that wind through high-altitude meadows and rugged terrain. Its historic significance as a mining route adds to the appeal, allowing visitors to experience a piece of Colorado’s past while soaking in the breathtaking vistas.

Ophir Pass is best suited for drivers with some off-road experience and a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle, as the trail can be challenging in certain areas. In late summer and fall, the aspens lining the trail turn golden, making it one of the most picturesque drives in the area. Although the trail is manageable for intermediate drivers, the narrow sections and steep drop-offs require careful navigation. It’s a great option for those looking to explore without tackling overly technical terrain, and the stunning views make it well worth the effort.

7. Stony Pass

Stony Pass is one of the more remote and adventurous trails in Southwest Colorado, offering off-roaders a chance to explore the rugged beauty of the San Juan Mountains. This historic route climbs above 12,000 feet, crossing the Continental Divide and providing unparalleled views of high-alpine meadows, river crossings, and jagged peaks. The trail is ideal for experienced off-roaders looking for a true backcountry experience, as it includes rocky terrain, narrow paths, and sections with steep ascents and descents.

Due to its challenging nature and remote location, Stony Pass requires preparation and a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle. It’s best to tackle this trail in dry conditions, as water crossings and mud can become difficult to navigate. The summit offers breathtaking panoramas, making it a prime spot for photography. Along the route, you’ll also encounter remnants of Colorado’s mining past, adding a historical dimension to the rugged adventure.

8. Junction Creek Road

Junction Creek Road offers a versatile and scenic off-road experience, making it an excellent option for drivers of all skill levels. Located just northwest of Durango, the trail stretches 18 miles one way and leads to Monument Hill. It passes through beautiful pine forests, meadows, and rocky outcrops, providing a serene escape into nature. With its relatively mild terrain, Junction Creek is perfect for those seeking a relaxing drive with stunning scenery.

The trail’s manageable difficulty makes it a favorite for families and beginner off-roaders, while its natural beauty continues to impress seasoned adventurers. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to stop for a picnic or short hike, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the tranquil setting. The drive typically takes 2-3 hours one way, so it’s perfect for a half-day outing close to Durango.

9. Chicken Creek

Chicken Creek is a beginner-friendly Durango off-road trail located near Mancos, just a short drive from Durango. This gentle route offers a smooth and relaxing ride through wooded landscapes and open meadows, making it ideal for families or those new to off-roading. The trail is relatively short and well-maintained, providing a comfortable introduction to Colorado’s backcountry.

Its manageable terrain doesn’t sacrifice on scenery, as the trail meanders past quiet streams, rolling hills, and lush forests. The peaceful atmosphere makes Chicken Creek a great destination for a leisurely outing or a scenic picnic stop. Although the trail is easy to navigate, it’s still a good idea to check weather conditions before heading out, as rain can make some sections slick. It’s a perfect spot to experience the beauty of the Southwest Colorado wilderness without taking on too much challenge.

Essential Tips for Off-Roading and OHV Near Durango

1. Prepare Your Vehicle & For Emergencies: Ensure your Jeep, UTV, or ATV is in top condition with proper tires and recovery gear. Check belts, have tow straps, jumper cables, and traction tools available.
2. Check Weather Conditions: Mountain weather can change rapidly—always check forecasts before heading out. We like the NOAA weather forecast center for the most accurate, up-to-date forecasts.
3. Bring Essentials: Pack extra water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and navigation tools, as cell service is limited. While many of these destinations often have other off-roaders around, some trails can be very remote and having emergency preparations like a satellite communication device like a Garmin InReach can make or break a day in the backcountry.
4. Respect the Trails: Stay on designated routes to protect the environment and follow Leave No Trace principles.

Durango offers some of the best off-roading in Colorado, combining incredible scenery with trails for all skill levels. Whether you’re exploring La Plata Canyon on a Durango off-roading trip or tackling the Ophir Pass, every trail promises an adventure you’ll never forget.

Have questions about off-roading and OHV trips in Durango? From Durango Jeep rentals to Durango UTV rentals, guided tours, and more. Colorado Outback Adventures has you covered on your off-roading needs for Southwest Colorado!