If you're tired of riding on the beginner tracks and you live in Colorado, check out the Slate and Gothic Roads as they are a great way for beginning 4-wheeler riders to get a glimpse of the back country in the Crested Butte area in Colorado. These are easy starter trails and new 4-wheeler enthusiasts should be able to navigate them quite nicely.
Both of these 4-wheeler trails are well maintained and easy enough to traverse if you have 4-wheel drive. 4-wheeler riders should take some time for sightseeing when they reach Paradise Divide. Get off your 4-wheeler and walk around and enjoy the views, because they are spectacular. Be advised, 4-wheelers are not allowed off road in the wilderness areas, so only check them out on foot.
The Slate Road 4-wheeler trail will take you to Gunsight Pass. This 4-wheeler trail is a bit more difficult than Slate, and you have to go through the creek to access the trail. Remember to use extreme caution whenever crossing water on your 4-wheeler. Gunsight Pass comes to a dead end pretty quickly, but 4-wheeler riders will love the view of Crested Butte.
The Gothic Road 4-wheeler trail is generally considered easier than Slate road but the surrounding beauty makes up for the lack of challenge. Eventually 4-wheeler riders will reach the Town of Gothic. Consider yourself warned ahead of time, there are plenty of speed limit signs posted and you don't want to wind up with a ticket as your only souvenir of the ride. 4-wheelers should stay on Washington Road FR811. When the Slate and Gothic roads come back together they will make a loop and take you back to Crested Butte.
As a general rule, 4-wheeler trail users should be aware of the need for trail courtesy. Yield the right of way to bikers and hikers. As 4-wheeler riding becomes more popular, the trails become more crowded. Knowing the basics of trail etiquette will make your 4-wheeler experience a pleasant one.
