The Valdez ATV trail is part of the trail system located in Southwest Colorado and is open from the Spring through the Fall months. This ATV trail is part of the Rio Grande National Forest and is managed by the Conejos Peak Ranger District.
The rating of this ATV trail is moderate and it's a good transition for newer or inexperienced ATVers who are ready to make the jump from the easiest trails to an ATV riding experience that is a little more intense. This is a designated multi-use trail but one of the only types of traffic you will encounter will be hikers.
Since hikers are people and people tend to wander a little, be very aware when you ride this ATV trail. Sometimes they may not be exactly in the middle of the path and off far to one side. Pay close attention otherwise you might make a new hiking friend with the front end of your ATV and running into someone is not the perfect way to make a good first impression.
As with all National Forest managed lands be sure that you have your ATV permits and spark arrestor and muffler in place before you ride. The Rangers are very strict about ATVs being installed with those items prior to riding, especially the spark arrestor, as ATVs can and have caused wild fires.
The first mile of this trail is a fun ATV ride that climbs steeply and can be challenging for an inexperienced ATV rider. Seasoned ATVers will consider this section just a whole lot of fun! The trail joins a four-wheel drive road and then descends for the final 3 miles and ends at Las Flores Lake. Put up your fishing permit and your pole, there are no fish in Las Flores Lake but the scenary is beautiful.
If you're looking for a scenic and fun ATV ride, take a trip to Southwest Colorado and enjoy the Valdez Trail!
