July has been a wild ride. One minute we were easing into summer with all the plans, and the next thing we knew, we were settling in for a couple of months at a campground in Gunnison.
It’s been a month of shifting gears — literally and figuratively — and a great reminder of why we love the RV lifestyle. We’ve explored some beautiful Gunnison, Colorado, offroad trails, made a few detours, and leaned into the unexpected.
Here’s a look at where we’ve been, the lessons we’ve learned, and the off-the-beaten-path adventures that made this a July to remember.
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The Jeep
Back in April, Tony was involved in an accident in New Mexico. He was leaving our campsite to run a few errands. Thankfully, no one was injured — which still blows our minds — but the Jeep sustained a significant impact.
It’s finally back from the body shop, running great, and looking as solid as ever. However, we walked away from that experience with a big takeaway—always keep your dashcams rolling.
Ours had been acting up and wasn’t recording when it mattered most. That’s been fixed now with new setups in both the Jeep and RV, and it gives us some serious peace of mind.
A Laid-Back 4th of July in Cortez, Colorado
We spent Independence Day in Cortez, and it was exactly the kind of low-key holiday we needed. We mapped out a couple of trails during the day and then headed into town for fireworks after sunset.
Simple. Peaceful. Memorable.
Trails We Explored Near Cortez, Colorado
Trail Canyon – Located outside Cortez, this 11-mile route offers an easy trail with stunning views of the canyon. Smooth riding and perfect for beginners or anyone who just wants to cruise and enjoy the scenery. At one end is a spur that you can drive out on if you dare… it’s a tad scary.
Dry Canyon – A little under 8 miles, this one drops you into a beautiful canyon area. The switchbacks are mostly one lane, but there are several spots where you can move over for oncoming traffic.
All of these trails (and more) are available on Trails Offroad — and if you want to join, you can use our code THEFAIOLAS for 25% off!
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Fire Near Black Canyon
After Cortez, we headed northeast to Gunnison. The drive itself was not as bad as I was expecting. However, driving south on this road, you would have more cliffside sections.
We had plans to explore Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, but on July 10th, a wildfire broke out on the south rim. It’s already burned over 4,200 acres. We’re hoping it opens back up before we leave the area, but are not holding our breath.
Gunnison Colorado Offroad Trails We Explored
If you’re looking for Gunnison, Colorado, offroad trails that offer stunning views, wildlife sightings, and a mix of beginner to moderate terrain, here are a few we’ve driven that we think are absolutely worth adding to your list.
Rainbow Lake Road – Just over 13 miles long, this trail takes you up into the mountains. We spotted a black bear and a huge fox. The lake at the top is an excellent spot to tent camp.
Kezar Loop Road – At just under 13 miles, this moderate trail features a section with larger ledges on a shelf road, as well as another section that presents a very steep and long climb, getting your heart pumping. This one’s a bit more technical but still manageable for most rigs with a good driver. AMAZING VIEWS.
Hartman Rocks – We didn’t map this for Trails Offroad, but it’s a fun area to explore — especially if you’re into overlanding. Tons of dispersed camping spots and unique rock formations make it worth a visit.
Overlanders, take note: Hartman Rocks has tons of dispersed camping spots and epic rock formations.
Scrapped Plans and New Adventures
Initially, we planned to leave Gunnison, head back to Cortez, and then finally visit the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, a bucket list spot we’ve been itching to explore. But as RV life would have it, that section of the park is now closed due to fire.
We’re leaning into the pivot and staying in Gunnison a bit longer.
Tony’s picked up a local workamping gig (more on that soon!), and we’re focusing on enjoying where we are, not just where we thought we’d be.
Closing Thoughts: Plan B is the Plan
If there’s one lesson this summer has driven home, it’s this: Go when you can. Plans shift. Fires happen. Roads close. But sometimes the best adventures come when you have to reroute.
We’re soaking up the rest of the season right here in Gunnison, and we’re excited to share more as things unfold. If you’ve had your own summer detour — or if you’ve got questions about any of the trails we mentioned — we’d love to hear from you.
👉 Send us a voice message at thefaiolas.com/message and maybe we’ll share your story or question in an upcoming episode!
Until next time, keep exploring… even if it’s not the path you planned.
FAQ: Exploring Gunnison Colorado Offroad Trails
Are there beginner-friendly offroad trails in Gunnison?
Yes! Trails like Rainbow Lake Road offer gentle terrain, great views, and easy navigation — perfect for those new to offroading or traveling in stock rigs.
Can I camp on any trails in Gunnison?
Absolutely. Many trails in the area, including Hartman Rocks, offer dispersed camping with beautiful views and peaceful spots for overlanders.
What kind of vehicle do I need for Gunnison’s offroad trails?
Most of the trails we explored (so far) are suitable for high-clearance 4×4 vehicles like Jeeps or capable SUVs. Some, like Kezar Loop Road, have shelf roads and steeper climbs, so a stock rig can do it with a confident driver, but traction and clearance help. Always check trail ratings on Trails Offroad before heading out.
Are Gunnison’s offroad trails open year-round?
Not always. Many trails are seasonal and can close due to snow, mud, or fire danger — like we experienced near Black Canyon. It’s best to check with local Forest Service offices or Trails Offroad for current conditions before you hit the trail.
Is cell service available on the trails around Gunnison?
Service is spotty at best. We usually don’t count on it and always download maps offline ahead of time. A GPS unit or satellite communicator is a good backup, especially if you’re exploring solo or going deep into the backcountry.
Can I bring my RV or trailer?
While you can’t take your RV down most of the trails we discussed, some areas (like Hartman Rocks) have great dispersed camping options that are accessible for trailers and smaller RVs. We recommend scouting first or checking user reviews on iOverlander or Campendium.