Colorado Single Track for Dirt Bikes
Colorado single track can feel like a different sport from cruising a wide OHV road: the trail may be narrow, rocky, steep, and far from help. This guide explains how to find legal dirt-bike routes, choose terrain that fits your experience, prepare for Colorado’s altitude and changing weather, and ride with less risk of getting turned around or caught by a closure.
What Colorado Single Track Is Like
How single track differs from wider OHV routes
Single track is a narrow trail designed primarily for motorcycles, rather than a route built for side-by-sides, ATVs, or full-size vehicles. On a dirt bike, that narrowness can make a route feel intimate and technical: you may pick a line through rocks, negotiate tight turns between trees, and balance over roots or ruts that a wider vehicle could simply drive around. There may be little room to pass another rider, and not every section offers a safe place to pull aside.
The label “single track” does not tell you how difficult a route is. One trail might be fairly smooth and friendly for a newer rider, while another might climb over loose rock, cross exposed slopes, or demand repeated low-speed balance and clutch control. A route that looks short on a map can still take a long time if it is steep, technical, or interrupted by downed trees and other obstacles.
Colorado adds another layer: elevation. A trail can climb from forest into open alpine terrain, where the air is thinner and weather can change quickly. Your bike may feel different at altitude, and you may tire sooner than expected. If you are used to riding near sea level, it is sensible to start with a modest route rather than assuming your usual pace will carry over.
Why a route’s legal status matters
A line on a digital map is not automatically an authorized motorcycle trail. Public land can include roads and trails with different use rules, and a route may be open to motorcycles while closed to wider vehicles—or closed to motorized use altogether. Seasonal gates, fire restrictions, maintenance work, and temporary closure orders can also change what is available.
Check the route’s current designation before riding, using official land-manager information where possible. A Motor Vehicle Use Map, or MVUM, can help show which routes are designated for motorized travel and which vehicle types are allowed. It is useful to know how to read one before you head out; [Reading a Colorado Motor Vehicle Use Map] is a helpful companion topic. Treat trail apps and downloaded tracks as planning aids, not as permission to ride every line they display.
This distinction matters especially around trail networks where a legal route passes near a closed spur, a private boundary, or a non-motorized trail. If you are unsure whether a segment is open to motorcycles, stop and check rather than riding ahead in the hope that it will work out. The same care applies to closures posted at a trailhead, even when an older route file shows the trail as open.
Where to Look for Colorado Dirt Bike Single Track
Established riding areas and what they offer
Taylor Park, in the Gunnison area, is a familiar base for riders planning high-country routes. The surrounding network can offer a mix of roads and narrower trails, but the riding experience depends on which routes are open and suitable for your motorcycle and skill level. Start by selecting one or two specific trails instead of treating the whole area as a single, interchangeable playground. For a broader look at the region, see [Taylor Park and Colorado's High-Country Trail Network].
Rampart Range, southwest of Denver and near Colorado Springs, is another well-known riding area. It can be a practical option for Front Range riders looking to plan a day trip, but weekend traffic, route conditions, and closures can affect the experience. Review the route details before leaving home, and be prepared for slower progress where riders, hikers, or other trail users share the broader recreation area. [Rampart Range Riding Near Colorado Springs] offers more context for planning in that area.
Grand Mesa provides a different high-country setting, with routes around forest, lakes, and open slopes. Conditions and access can vary with elevation and season, so do not assume a trail is ready just because lower-elevation roads are clear. Before travelling, check seasonal information and identify a backup plan at a lower elevation. [Riding the Grand Mesa in Colorado] can help you understand the broader riding area.
| Area | Useful planning angle | Check before you ride |
|---|---|---|
| Taylor Park near Gunnison | Base yourself around a larger high-country network and choose specific routes | Trail designation, access, elevation, and current closures |
| Rampart Range near Colorado Springs | Consider a day ride from the Front Range | Weekend traffic, route suitability, and posted restrictions |
| Grand Mesa | Plan for elevation and changing mountain conditions | Seasonal access, weather, and route status |
| Hartman Rocks near Gunnison | Look carefully at route type and machine suitability | Whether a selected route is open and appropriate for a dirt bike |
Hartman Rocks near Gunnison is another area riders may consider, but a destination’s popularity does not mean every route suits every rider. Check the trail designation and terrain description rather than choosing a route based only on a name or a photo. For additional area-specific context, see [Hartman Rocks Near Gunnison].
How to choose a riding area for your experience
Choose a destination based on the kind of riding you can comfortably manage, not just its reputation. A new rider may be better off with a shorter, easier route that leaves room to practice braking, turning, and picking a line. A confident rider may enjoy steeper or rockier terrain, but should still account for elevation, weather, trail traffic, and the possibility of a mechanical problem.
Think about the whole day, not just the trail itself. How far is the trailhead from town? Can you get fuel nearby? Is the approach road suitable for your tow vehicle and trailer? Is there a place to stage without blocking access? These details can turn a manageable outing into a frustrating one if they are left until arrival. [Colorado Trailhead Parking and Staging] is useful when planning where to unload and begin.
Finally, confirm that the riding area actually offers the kind of route you want. Some places have a mix of trail widths and surfaces, while others may be better known for roads or wider routes. A side-by-side destination is not automatically a good dirt-bike destination, and a motorcycle trail may not be legal or practical for a four-wheeler. Match the machine to the designated route.
Planning a Ride Before You Leave
Check maps, route designations, and closures
Build your plan around an official map or land-manager route information. Look at the trail number, permitted use, connection points, and any posted restrictions. Then compare that information with a trusted navigation app or a downloaded track. onX Offroad can be useful for reviewing terrain and organizing route options, but do not treat a highlighted line as definitive proof that the route is open to your motorcycle.
Download maps or route information before leaving town, especially if your plan takes you into a cell dead zone. Keep a backup map or another way to orient yourself. Digital devices can lose signal, run out of battery, or fail after taking a hard hit. For a more detailed planning approach, see [Downloading a Motor Vehicle Use Map] and [Colorado Trail Conditions Reports].
Closures deserve particular attention in spring and early summer. Snow, mud, erosion, maintenance, and wildlife or resource protections can affect access. A trail that is passable at the trailhead may still be unsafe or closed farther up. Do not ride around a gate or closure sign to “just see how far it goes.” Turn around, follow the posted direction, and use your backup plan.
Build a realistic route and turnaround plan
For a first visit to an area, plan a route that is shorter than your optimistic estimate. Riders often underestimate how tiring slow technical terrain can be, especially at altitude. A few challenging climbs or awkward descents may take more time than several miles of easy road. Leave room for rest, snack and water stops, route checks, and delays caused by other trail users.
Set a turnaround time before starting, not after you are already tired. If the trail becomes more difficult than expected, if weather moves in, or if someone in the group is struggling, turn back while you still have energy and daylight. Agree on a meeting point if riders become separated, and make sure each person knows how to get back to the staging area.
Share your route and expected return time with someone who is not riding. Give them a clear description of the trailhead and your backup plan, rather than saying only that you will be “somewhere near Gunnison.” Cell reception can be unreliable in mountain country, so do not depend on being able to send a message at the last minute.
Prepare for Colorado weather and altitude
Mountain weather can shift quickly. A sunny start does not guarantee a warm afternoon, and a storm above treeline can turn a pleasant ride into a cold, exposed experience. Check the forecast for the elevation you expect to ride, carry an extra layer and rain protection, and be willing to change plans when clouds build or thunder approaches. More detail is available in [Afternoon Thunderstorms on a Pass].
Hydration and sun protection matter at high elevation, even when the temperature feels cool. Carry more water than you expect to need, take regular breaks, and notice signs that you or another rider are becoming unusually tired, lightheaded, or unwell. Altitude can affect people differently, and a demanding ride can make fatigue harder to distinguish from ordinary exertion. [Altitude Sickness on a Riding Trip] covers additional warning signs and preparation.
Give your body time to adjust if you have arrived from a much lower elevation. A short, lower-intensity ride can be a better first day than a long, technical route. If you are travelling with friends, agree that the pace will be set by the least experienced or most affected rider. There is no prize for pushing through a day that has become unsafe.
Riding Skills, Equipment, and Trail Etiquette
Build control before taking on technical terrain
Single track rewards smooth, deliberate riding. Practice standing comfortably on the pegs, using the clutch and brakes with control, and looking ahead rather than staring at the obstacle immediately in front of your wheel. On rocky ground, rushing can make the bike feel unpredictable. A slower approach, a clear line, and a moment to assess the obstacle often work better than adding speed.
On climbs, choose a line before committing and avoid stopping in a position where restarting would be difficult. If a hill looks beyond your skill level, there is no shame in turning around or walking the section after making the bike safe. Descents also deserve planning: use controlled braking, avoid grabbing a handful of front brake on loose ground, and keep enough space from the rider ahead to react.
A riding partner can help, but should not pressure you into a line you do not want to attempt. Before riding, talk about how you will handle a stalled bike, a fall, or a rider who wants to turn back. If you are learning, [Colorado Trails Suited to Beginners] may help you think through how to choose a less demanding outing.
Bring equipment for common problems
A basic ride kit should reflect the route and the distance from help. Consider a first-aid kit, water, food, weather layers, a charged phone, navigation, and a small tool kit suited to your motorcycle. Riders often carry a way to deal with common tire trouble, such as the tools and supplies appropriate for their wheel and tire setup. Check that you know how to use what you bring; an unfamiliar tool is less useful when you are tired and standing beside a disabled bike.
Wear protective gear that suits the terrain and conditions. A properly fitted helmet, eye protection, gloves, boots, and protective clothing help address common risks from branches, gravel, falls, and changing weather. Dust can make it harder to see the trail and other riders, so goggles or other suitable eye protection can improve comfort and visibility. For a deeper packing checklist, see [What to Carry Over a High Pass].
Inspect the bike before loading it: check fuel, tires, controls, brakes, chain, and any parts that may have loosened or worn during previous rides. At the trailhead, confirm that tie-downs and trailer gear are secure before setting off. A small maintenance issue discovered at home is usually easier to solve than the same problem on a remote trail.
Share narrow trails thoughtfully
Single track leaves limited room for passing, so approach other riders at a controlled speed and make your presence known without startling them. Be especially careful around blind bends, steep sections, and places where the trail narrows. If you meet another rider, communicate calmly and choose a safe place to yield rather than forcing someone onto loose ground.
Follow posted right-of-way rules and local guidance. When hikers, equestrians, or other non-motorized users are present, slow down, give them space, and wait until you can pass safely. Do not spin the rear tire, cut switchbacks, or ride around puddles in a way that widens the trail. Those choices can damage the route and make it harder for the land manager to keep it open.
Stay on the designated path, even when a shortcut looks harmless. Riding around a muddy spot or fallen obstacle can create a new track that damages vegetation and confuses future users about where motorized travel is allowed. If a trail is blocked or damaged, turn around if necessary and report the problem through the appropriate local channel. [Stay The Trail Ethics in Colorado] provides more guidance on responsible riding.
Choosing a Route and Adjusting When Conditions Change
Match terrain to your bike and your group
Before setting out, compare the route with your motorcycle’s capabilities and your group’s experience. A narrow, rocky trail may be tiring on a heavy bike, while a lighter machine may be easier to maneuver but still require careful handling on steep or loose ground. The right choice depends on the rider as much as the motorcycle.
In a mixed group, do not assume everyone can ride the same pace or handle the same obstacles. Agree on a lead rider and a sweep rider, and make sure nobody is left alone behind a junction. Stop at major intersections to confirm that everyone is together and still comfortable continuing. If one rider is struggling, shorten the loop rather than splitting the group without a clear plan.
Machine width and route designation matter too. A trail intended for motorcycles may be unsuitable for an ATV or side-by-side, even if the map display looks like a continuous network. Before taking a larger machine out, check the permitted vehicle type and width restrictions. [Trails That Suit a 50-Inch Machine] and [Wide Side-by-Sides on Narrow Mountain Trails] cover related planning concerns for wider vehicles.
Recognize when to turn around
Turning back is good judgment, not failure. Do it when a closure blocks the route, a storm is building, the trail is more technical than expected, or someone in the group is running low on energy. Also reassess if the route is taking longer than planned or if a mechanical problem could make the return journey more difficult.
Make the decision early enough that you have daylight, fuel, and energy for the return. A common mistake is continuing because the destination seems close, only to discover that the hardest climb or descent is still ahead. If you are uncertain, pause in a safe location, check your map, and talk through the options before moving.
Leave a practical margin in every plan. Carry enough fuel for your intended route and a reasonable contingency, keep track of elapsed time, and avoid building a schedule that depends on perfect trail conditions. If you need to change destinations, choose a legal, known route rather than improvising onto an unverified track.
Respect seasonal access and local conditions
Colorado riding seasons vary by elevation and location. A lower trail may be dry while a higher route remains snow-covered or muddy. Even where a route is technically passable, wet conditions can cause deep ruts and lasting trail damage. Check local access information before driving to the trailhead, and be prepared to choose a lower-elevation option or postpone the ride.
Local rules and access details can change between areas. An open route near one town does not mean the same type of riding is permitted in a neighboring county or on adjacent land. Review the posted signs at the trailhead and respect any closures or restrictions that apply to the specific route you chose.
A little extra planning makes a big difference on Colorado single track. Confirm the legal route, choose terrain that fits the group, carry the essentials, and leave room to adjust. That approach helps keep a dirt-bike ride enjoyable while reducing the chance that a small planning mistake turns into a long walk back to the trailer.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
