At A Glance
Months:
June - Sept
Vail ATV Tours & Off-Road Jeep Adventures
Ready to trade paved roads for rugged, mountain backroads? Colorado ATV tours and other off-roading adventures near Vail let you explore alpine scenery up close. Whether you ride with a guide or set out in your own Vail ATV rental, off-roading is a fun, family-friendly way to experience the area’s wilder side.
What Is Off-Roading?
Off-roading is an adventurous way to explore the outdoors using specialized vehicles like Jeeps, trucks and ATVs to travel beyond typical mountain highways. In Vail, it means immersing yourself in nature while discovering otherwise inaccessible terrain, scenic overlooks and mountain panoramas.
Pro Tip: Motorized vehicles aren’t allowed on just any trail. Follow signage and stick to specific paths OK for ATVs. If you’re unsure where to ride, ask your outfitter for trail details.
What Kinds of Vehicles Are Used for Off-Roading?
Vail outfitters provide a few popular ways to hit the trails in OHVs:
Jeeps: Built for rugged terrain, they’re often modified with canvas roofs or doorless designs, for a more immersive ride. These are a great choice for first-timers and groups.
ATVs: A classic off-roading ride, these four-wheeled, heavy-duty machines are quick, nimble and steered with handlebars like a motorcycle. They’re ideal for solo riders or pairs looking for adventure.
Side-by-Sides: Part ATV, part car, these vehicles have a compact frame with one or two rows of bucket seats. They’re fast, comfortable and often have open cabs — perfect for a breezy, trail-ready ride.
Explore With a Vail Outfitter
Going with a local expert means you’ll be led on the ride of a lifetime:
SAGE Outdoor Adventures
With SAGE Outdoor Adventures, you’re in the driver’s seat of your own side-by-side — slowly meander and admire views or whiz around with the wind in your hair. Venture over alpine meadows and forest glades on more than 100 miles of private trails across 6,000-plus acres. Make pit stops to explore historical cabins, lookout over a 2,400-foot chasm and see panoramas of Castle Peak, the Elk Mountains and beyond.
Offers: Guided Side-by-Side Tours
NOVA Guides
Contact NOVA Guides for unforgettable Jeep tours that take you through rugged routes and historical spaces. Head to Camp Hale National Monument, where the 10th Mountain Army Division trained long ago. Soak up the jagged snowcapped views of four towering mountain ranges and the vast Continental Divide. Knowledgeable guides drive you in open-air Jeeps up to 12,500 feet, sharing facts about the region and answering any burning questions.
Offers: Guided ATV Tours, Guided Side-by-Side Tours, Guided Jeep Tours
Timberline Tours
With 30-plus years of experience, Timberline Tours provides some of the most memorable Jeep tours in Vail. Enjoy a gentler ride with stunning Rocky Mountain views on a backcountry cruise up to Piney River Ranch. Or embrace adventure across rolling hills, spring-fed basins and high-mountain fields for vistas of the aptly-named Blue Lake and jagged Castle Peak.
Offers: Guided Jeep Tours
Above & Beyond
Choose your own adventure with Above & Beyond 4×4 Guides. You can pick from exciting side-by-side or Jeep tours. Zip around 4 Eagle Ranch and trek over small rivers, along panoramic cliffsides and expanses of wide-open plains for a little more speed. Or pour a glass and let your tour guide handle the driving with Above & Beyond’s one-of-a-kind wine tours.
Offers: Guided Side-by-Side Tours, Guided Jeep Tours, Guided Wine Tours
Native Jeeps
Native Jeeps takes a “you drive, we guide” approach for a thrilling and hands-on off-roading experience. Get ready for some incredible memories with friends and family as you tackle the rocky climbs, high-alpine ridgelines and creek crossings of McAllister Gulch and Camp Hale. Plus, go at your own pace — zip through open meadows or stop for jaw-dropping photos and shady picnics beneath aspen groves.
Offers: You-Drive Guided Jeep Tours
Vail 4×4 Tours
Vail 4×4 Tours curates guided Jeep tours near Vail, from the rugged Top of the Rockies to the historical Camp Hale. Tours are customizable with kid-centric options, including the Kid’s Discover Jeep Tour. Depending upon your outing, expect to crawl rocks, splash through rushing creeks and hear stories of local geology and history during your journey.
Offers: Guided Jeep Tours
How Do I Find Vail ATV Rentals?
Looking to create your own off-roading adventure? Rent ATVs, Jeeps, side-by-sides and dirtbikes from local outfitters near Vail to explore set paths without guides or tow yourself and meander Vail’s open trails on your own time.
Pro Tip: Not all mountain areas are open to the public for off-roading. Ask your outfitter for ideas on where to ride or check out maps of local OHV-approved trails.
Vail Extreme Rentals
Vail Extreme Rentals lets you take adventure into your own hands with towable gear you can bring to your favorite Vail area trailheads. Choose from side-by-sides, dirt bikes and Jeeps — plus handy add-ons like GPS devices, GoPros and walkie-talkies.
Offers: Off-Property Side-by-Sides Rentals, Off-Property Jeeps Rentals, Off-Property Dirt-Bike Rentals, Backcountry Gear Rentals
NOVA Guides
Nova Guides make self-exploration easy with customizable side-by-side and ATV rentals sessions. Spend up to eight hours roaming the former training grounds of Camp Hale and the wooded trails in White River National Forest, with sweeping views of the Gore and Sawatch ranges along the way.
Offers: On-Property Side-by-Side Rentals, On-Property ATV Rentals
Colorado Off-Road Trail Safety Tips
While you’re out exploring Vail’s off-road trails, safety should be a top priority. A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping everyone safe and having fun.
- Gear up before you go by wearing a helmet, eye protection, riding gloves and protective clothing.
- Keep younger riders safe by making sure anyone under 16 isn’t behind the wheel — and that a parent or guardian is present.
- Stick to designated routes to help protect Vail’s beautiful landscapes and sensitive ecosystems.
- Pack out everything you bring along to keep trails clean for your next adventure.
Uncover more tips for staying safe on your next ride.
Vail Off-Roading FAQs
How far in advance should I book my off-roading tour or rental?
During peak season and holiday weekends in Vail, tours are likely to fill up, so you’ll want to reserve your spot several weeks or even a month in advance. At some locations, reservations for rentals can be made up to 24 hours in advance.
How old do you need to be to drive an ATV?
Usually, tour companies allow teens as young as 16 years-old to operate ATVs, though policies can vary. Check with your outfitter for their specific rules on driving ages. Kids under 16 are usually welcomed as passengers.
When can I go off-roading around Vail?
Vail ATV tours and other off-roading activities are typically available June through September.
What can I see on an off-roading Vail excursion?
On summer excursions, you’ll likely encounter elk, eagles and mule deer as you ride through forest glades bursting with vibrant wildflowers. In fall, cruise beneath golden foliage — and see how Vail’s scenery transforms with the seasons.
How long do off-road Jeep and ATV tours near Vail typically last?
Half-day Jeep and ATV tours typically last three to four hours, while full-day tours usually go for six to seven hours.
What should I wear on an off-roading trip around Vail?
At high alpine heights, temperature and weather fluctuations are common. To stay comfortable, bring:
- Multiple layers
- A raincoat or water-resistant jacket
- Closed-toe shoes
- Work-style gloves or riding gloves
You may be driving through dusty and/or muddy conditions, so we recommend dressing practically for this outing.
What should you bring for an off-roading excursion near Vail?
If you’re riding out on a guided tour, ask your group leader what items will be provided. Most companies will give you essentials like a helmet, mask and/or goggles. In addition, you’ll also want to bring:
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Snacks and drinks
- A camera or cellphone for photos
If you’re not setting out with a guide, check local weather conditions before heading out and bring:
- A map or GPS system
- Walkie-talkies for group communication
