Autumn Adventures in Colorado: 8 Overland Trails to Conquer with PAKRAX Protection

There’s no better place to experience fall than Colorado. Golden aspens shimmer against rugged peaks, the air is crisp, and the trails are at their best before winter sets in. From easy scenic passes to legendary high-country challenges, Colorado offers an overland adventure for everyone. Whether you’re tackling mellow dirt roads or pushing through rocky climbs, PAKRAX gear keeps your rig ready for whatever the mountains throw at you.

Here are 8 Colorado trails that deserve a spot on your autumn adventure list.

1. Black Bear Pass (Red – 9 miles)

• Highlights: Famous for its steep switchbacks into Telluride. Fall colors make this already epic trail unforgettable.

• Camping: Best to stage camp outside Telluride or near Red Mountain Pass.

• Water: No reliable water — pack what you need.

• PAKRAX Tip: Those legendary switchbacks demand precision. Rock sliders provide peace of mind when navigating tight corners and exposed ledges.

2. Engineer Pass (Blue – 20 miles)

• Highlights: Part of the Alpine Loop, this high-elevation pass offers incredible mountain vistas and historic mining sites.

• Camping: Dispersed camping along the loop near Animas Forks.

• Water: Seasonal creeks are available, but always filter.

• PAKRAX Tip: A bed rack is perfect for hauling extra gear when exploring multi-day loops like this one.

3. Alpine Loop (Blue/Easy mix – 65 miles total)

• Highlights: Connects Engineer and Cinnamon Passes. A bucket-list overland experience with 360° fall color views.

• Camping: Plenty of dispersed camping along the loop.

• Water: Streams and rivers — filter required.

• PAKRAX Tip: Bed stiffeners keep your Tacoma’s composite bed from flexing under the weight of extended trip gear.

4. Boreas Pass (Easy – 22 miles)

• Highlights: Close to Breckenridge, this mellow dirt road is a fall foliage dream. Great for new overlanders.

• Camping: Designated campgrounds on either side of the pass.

• Water: Limited, plan ahead.

• PAKRAX Tip: The cargo bed slide is a lifesaver for easy access to camp cooking gear after a long drive.

5. Yankee Hill (Blue – 10 miles)

• Highlights: Just west of Denver, with rocky climbs, fun spurs, and sweeping views of the Front Range.

• Camping: Dispersed sites scattered around the area.

• Water: Seasonal creeks only.

• PAKRAX Tip: Rock sliders protect your frame when testing those rocky spurs.

6. Ophir Pass (Easy/Blue – 10 miles)

• Highlights: A scenic alternative between Silverton and Telluride. Narrow shelf roads with incredible views.

• Camping: Limited; best to camp outside Silverton.

• Water: None reliable.

• PAKRAX Tip: Having sliders and armor ensures peace of mind on those narrow shelf roads.

7. Medano Pass (Blue – 22 miles)

• Highlights: Unique sandy climbs, multiple creek crossings, and access to Great Sand Dunes National Park.

• Camping: Primitive sites along the trail near the creek.

• Water: Seasonal creek crossings are ideal for filtering.

• PAKRAX Tip: Bed stiffeners and racks shine here, especially when hauling camp gear over soft sand and water crossings.

8. Taylor Pass (Red – 12 miles)

• Highlights: A rough trail outside Aspen with rocky climbs and high alpine views. Fall color here is next level.

• Camping: Dispersed camping along Forest Service roads leading to the trail.

• Water: Creeks near the base are reliable, but unreliable up top.

• PAKRAX Tip: This is true slider country — protect your rig’s underbody while climbing those boulder-strewn switchbacks.

Colorado in autumn is pure magic — glowing aspens, crisp air, and trails that feel like they were built for overlanders. From easy passes like Boreas to bucket-list challenges like Black Bear, the Centennial State delivers. And with PAKRAX sliders, racks, and stiffeners, your rig stays protected while you soak up the season’s best.