CO Forest Roads

[Mikeha33]

Would any of you guys hesitate to take a stock 4x4 with all terrain tires into the back country? I was watching a video over on Rokslide yesterday of a trip a guy took up a road, and it looked pretty nasty. I'm not afraid of 4-wheeling hard in my truck, I just wonder if those Colorado Forest Roads are maintained at all, and if there should be any hesitation or problem with me planning on going all the way to the end of a Forest Road???

[llewokj]

The problem is getting back. Scout the "road" first or find a trusted friend who has been on them before you go. Some are hard to drive a quad through...others not so bad.

[one_elk]

Certainly varies by road, one drainage the road can very drivable and the next drainage a road can be impassable and a quick down pour or snow flurry can and will change everything….as mentioned above scout the road have chains and a tow rope and keep an eye on the weather….

[Buglemaster]

I like one elks post. I have came to a few spots that I decided just were not worth the risk.I've never had issues with what my truck would do if I dont try to drive it where it doesnt need to go...I have came across more than a few guys who thought otherwise..Paul mentioned it a year or so ago & it bears repeating. Carry a small chainsaw or even an ax ( if your a glutton for punishment) in your vehicle.With all the beetle kill here in Colo, a gust of wind can lock you in real quick.

[Bullnuts]

Also PLEASE make sure that the roads that you are driving, regardless of whether you're in your truck on a quad, are open for travel. Designated wilderness and back country areas have a lot of roads, but most are closed to vehicle travel.

[Triplebhunters]

Good advise, unless you are going on an outfitted hunt listen to them. I will add My first trip out west, it was educational. First back road was being grated the week before first rifle, I said wow this is really cool they really take care of the out of staters. Pulled into Cannibal Cafe had dinner and continued around the mountain, it was getting dark fast. We are heading back to camp headed down a mountain on this back road with 6 inches of snow on it about 3 mile an hour. It was dark, it was like driving through the dippers instead of looking up at them. Scenery is undescribable. Pictures do no justice. Break from the story. Next day baught two chains and the nice lady at the hardware store asked if I knew how to put them on. I said I could read directions. So as she was laughing at me she proceeded to tell me if I only have two chains to put them on the front and how's and whys they are attached, very sweet. Back to camp, We are still a few days before season opener, scouting, camping, etc. the day we hooked up the camp to get it as close to the trailhead as I could get I went and baught two more chains. Some co roads can be 35 mph or can be 3mph. I havnt ran accross one that I had to turn back or could t get to where I wanted to go.

[Triplebhunters]

If you call the regional Cdow they will let you know what the road is like, if its maintained or reccomended for atv use