Trails Close to Denver CO

I just moved here a few weeks ago, and finally got up in Pikes National Forest this weekend for a little drive and did some shooting in the hills. The road I was on was fun, but I would like to find something a little more aggressive not too far from Denver. Anyone got ideas? I just want to get out and explore, hike, shoot some guns, and wheel the truck a little.
Thanks for any info!

 

i just moved to summit county! not sure of trails near Denver but be on the look out for the Tacoma magazine event at A-basin coming at the end of January.

 

So many about 30mins away. Out in boulder, golden, up 70. Up Hwy 72 in the canyon. Rollinsville, nederland all kids of stuff for sure.

 

http://www.traildamage.com/google_colorado.php

 

Please make sure you pick up your trash. That includes any remnants of your targets and your shell casings. And please don't shoot up trees. Thanks and welcome to Colorado.

 

what trails are the most popular?

 

that is awesome info.

 

I love that site, haha it has everything.

As for trails close to Denver just head west right up I-70 there are a lot of small easy trails right around Idaho Springs and Georgetown.

Russell Gulch, Barbour Fork, Bill Moore Lake, Saxon Mountain, Argentine Pass

 

I was looking at the Barbour Fork Trail
http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php?id=290
It looks like a good trail and will be closing next week. Can you shoot in this area at all? Sorry if that's a dumb question, but I'm still trying to figure out where you are allowed to shoot. I know there are normally signs, but I would like to find a place to run a trail and stop and plink a little. Thanks again for the help!

 

NICE!!! ive been looking for one of these in the southeast for a while, but since im moving out that direction this is great to have. thanks for sharing!!!

 

do most of the trails close for the winter?

 

Only the ones in the parks. There are still tons of random areas to just go wheel. Just drive in the mtns till you find a trail and take it see where it goes. I took one from george town to fairplay once because the highway was shut down I was aired down like a mofo and had to dig and hand winch so much but it was worth it lol.

Wait till it snows good and deep and I will take anyone who wants to go down to the springs to one of my favorite spots.

 

You can shoot anywhere in the National Forest, as long as it is not posted that you cannot. State law states that you must be at least 50ft. from center of road or 500yds. from structures.

Most trails in Colorado do not officially close in the winter, but they do get quite A bit of snow. I find that snow bashing can be more work than fun.

If any of you guys are ever interested in getting out and doing a little plinking/wheeling, feel free to contact me as I know of quite a few places that I frequent in the hills not far from Denver, although this time of year can be pretty cold.

Moon

 

sweet, I've always wanted to do some trails in the snow.

Although I kinda want a winch before I go for it in deep snow.

 

No winch if you got your self in there you can get your self out The story I stated with the hand winch was my explorer. Never had to with my Tacoma.

 

Having done it many times over the years, here are some things you will need/want on trails in the snow in Colorado:

Go with a group
Lots of food, water and other warm liquids (obvious)
Layers of warm clothing
Extra clothing
Good snow boots/extra boots
Couple of pairs of good gloves
Survival gear/blankets, sleeping bags, tent
Good first aid kit
Tire chains
large tires (pref. at least 33's) fi you don't have any, let the people with the larger tires lead
Tow strap(s) recovery gear
Winch (nice to have at least a couple in the group)
Shovel(s)
Saw/chain saw for firewood or to clear the trail
Lots of matches/fire starter
Maps/compass/
Check weather forcast ahead/weather radio (mountain weather can change in an instance)
Some means of communication, ie...cellphone, CB, two way radios
Let other people know where you are going to be
Full tank of gas/extra gas
Make sure your truck is in good operating condition
A person of the opposite sex is always nice to keep you warm
Of course some firepower

*Be prepared to spend the night if need be*

Moon.

 

I like it and agree with most but I have 31's and no chains and I will still lead. But you may want to stay back a good 50ft because when I air down my MT's you cant see behind me when I go snow wheeling. I love wheeling in the winter so much more though.

 

Where is this place in the springs you speak of?

 

Ive got family in town this weekend for the holidays and was gonna do a little run mostly to explore and sight see. But sometime soon I would be up for some wheeling in the snow...

 

Where I grew up, its fun little area to romp around in. Heres the hint the CO springs guys will get it with this hint. You can go from the springs to Cripple Creek this way almost all dirt road.