Off Roading & Jeep Tours near Salida and Buena Vista

Ghost town hopping. A parking lot in the valley near the Shirley townsite ghost town provides a convenient staging area for ATVs and dirt bikes exploring the Marshall Pass area southwest of Poncha Springs. Up north in the mountains west of Buena Vista, popular off-road destinations include St. Elmo, Hancock, Vicksburg and Winfield. Seasonal road closures affect some areas. Lots of public and private campgrounds to choose from wherever you go.

Dirt devotees. Buena Vista’s annual ATV Historical Color Tour has been a hit since its inception five years ago. Participants in this five-day 4 x 4 all terrain vehicle rally and mountain festival, Sept. 24-27, are invited to visit the area's old mining sites and ghost towns on self-guided tours. Socializing is the keynote feature of evening activities including barbecues and a beer garden in the park, entertainment and awards. The event has sold out every year since the first, so advance registration is advised at ColoradoATVTour.org

All off-highway vehicles must be registered with Colorado State Parks. Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) include motorcycles, dirtbikes, three-wheelers, ATVs, and dune buggies that are operated on public land or trails in Colorado. Purchase registration online at www.state.parks.co.us or at the Arkansas Headwaters office in Salida.