By Caleb MorganUpdated November 2026
Choosing a colorado 4×4 trails book is about matching the guide to the terrain you plan to run, the vehicle you drive and the level of detail you need on the trail. This guide compares five guidebooks from the FunTreks and Colorado Mountain Club lines. Our selection focused on regional coverage, route descriptions with difficulty notes, how current the content appears, and how usable the book is in the field when you have no signal. None of these picks was driven on, and the comparison draws on publisher descriptions, listing details and common owner feedback patterns.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallGuide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive TrailsView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for northern ColoradoGuide to Northern Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive TrailsView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for planning a multi-day routeThe Colorado Trail, 10th EditionView on Amazon - 4
Best budget pickThe Colorado Trail DatabookView on Amazon - 5
Best for Utah crossover tripsGuide to Moab UT Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive TrailsView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails | Statewide trip planning | Broad statewide coverage of backroads and 4WD routes |
| Guide to Northern Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails | Front Range and northern mountain routes | Regional focus with closer route detail |
| Guide to Moab UT Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails | Utah desert trips | Covers the Moab region rather than Colorado |
| The Colorado Trail, 10th Edition | Hikers and multi-day route planning | Trail-by-trail narrative and mileage breakdowns |
| The Colorado Trail Databook | Reference and logistics | Compact data on distances, elevations and access points |
Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails
Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails (FunTreks Guidebooks)
Best for: Statewide trip planning and drivers who want one reference for the whole state.
This is the most general of the group. It suits off-roaders who cover different parts of Colorado across the year and want a single book instead of several regional volumes.
Key specs: If you want more background, see 7 Best ARB Air Locker Chevy Colorado Options for Trail Use (2026).
- Format: printed guidebook from the FunTreks Guidebooks series
- Scope: statewide Colorado backroads and 4-wheel-drive routes
- Intended use: route planning before the trip and reference in the vehicle
Pros:
- Covers the whole state in one volume
- Useful for comparing routes across different regions
- Works as a planning tool when you have no connectivity
Cons:
- Statewide breadth means less depth per route than a regional guide
- Printed guides can date; check recent trail conditions before you go
Bottom line: A strong first purchase if you want one book that covers most of Colorado’s 4×4 terrain.
Guide to Northern Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails
Guide to Northern Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails (Funtreks Guidebooks)
Best for: Front Range and northern mountain routes.
Drivers based along the Front Range or planning trips around the northern high country will get more route-level detail here than from a statewide book.
Key specs:
- Format: printed guidebook from the Funtreks Guidebooks series
- Scope: northern Colorado backroads and 4-wheel-drive routes
- Intended use: regional trip planning
Pros:
- Tighter regional focus than a statewide volume
- Convenient for weekend trips from northern Colorado cities
- Easier to carry and reference on a single-region trip
Cons:
- Does not cover southern or western Colorado
- Pairing with a statewide book is needed for multi-region trips
Bottom line: Best for drivers who mainly run the northern half of the state and want regional depth.
Guide to Moab UT Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails
guide to moab ut backroads and 4 wheel drive trails (FunTreks Guidebooks)
Best for: Utah desert trips and Colorado drivers who cross the state line.
This book is not a Colorado guide, but it fits readers who plan Colorado-to-Utah itineraries and want desert route coverage in the same series.
Key specs:
- Format: printed guidebook from the FunTreks Guidebooks series
- Scope: Moab, Utah backroads and 4-wheel-drive routes
- Intended use: desert trip planning
Pros:
- Useful for combined Colorado and Utah trips
- Same series format as the Colorado titles
- Covers a region known for technical rock terrain
Cons:
- Offers no Colorado coverage at all
- Desert conditions differ from high-country Colorado routes
Bottom line: Pick this only if your trip crosses into Utah; otherwise choose a Colorado title.
The Colorado Trail, 10th Edition
The Colorado Trail, 10th Edition (Colorado Mountain Club Guidebooks)
Best for: Hikers and multi-day route planning along the Colorado Trail.
This is a long-distance hiking guide rather than a 4×4 book. It is included because some off-roaders use the Colorado Trail corridor for combined hike-and-drive itineraries.
Key specs:
- Format: guidebook from the Colorado Mountain Club series, 10th edition
- Scope: the Colorado Trail, a long-distance foot route
- Intended use: hiking planning and logistics
Pros:
- Detailed trail-by-trail narrative
- Useful for planning access points and resupply
- Credible publisher with a long record in Colorado outdoor guidance
Cons:
- Not designed for vehicle routes or 4WD difficulty ratings
- Limited value if you only drive
Bottom line: A good companion for mixed hike-and-drive trips, but not a primary 4×4 guide.
The Colorado Trail Databook
cycling-equipment The Colorado Trail Databook
Best for: Reference data and trip logistics.
The databook format suits drivers who want distances, elevations and access points in a compact reference rather than a narrative guide.
Key specs:
- Format: databook companion to The Colorado Trail
- Scope: Colorado Trail reference data
- Intended use: logistics and planning
Pros:
- Compact and quick to scan
- Useful for mileage and access planning
- Pairs well with a narrative guide
Cons:
- Not a route guide with difficulty ratings for vehicles
- Best used alongside another book
Bottom line: A supplementary reference for planners, not a standalone 4×4 trail guide.
Buying Guide
Regional coverage
Colorado’s 4×4 terrain varies widely between the San Juans, the Front Range and the northern high country. Check whether the book covers the region you plan to drive. A statewide book gives breadth, while a regional title gives more route detail.
Good picks for this: Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails, Guide to Northern Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails
Route detail and difficulty notes
Look for descriptions that note surface type, obstacles, required clearance and whether a route suits stock or modified vehicles. Difficulty scales differ between publishers, so read the book’s own legend before comparing routes.
Good picks for this: Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails, Guide to Moab UT Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails
Edition and currency
Trail access changes with land management decisions, closures and seasonal restrictions. Check the publication year and edition. Confirm any route with the managing agency before you commit to it.
Good picks for this: The Colorado Trail, 10th Edition, Guide to Northern Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails
Format and field usability
Printed books work without signal, but they are heavier and can get damp. Consider whether you want a book you can mark up, and whether it fits in your vehicle’s storage.
Good picks for this: The Colorado Trail Databook, Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails
Trip type
Day drives, overnight camping routes and multi-day expeditions need different levels of detail. A book built for vehicle routes will serve a day-driver better than a hiking narrative.
Good picks for this: Guide to Northern Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails, The Colorado Trail, 10th Edition
Cross-state travel
If your itinerary includes Utah or other states, a regional book from another area may be worth having alongside a Colorado guide.
Good picks for this: Guide to Moab UT Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails
Pairing with other tools
A book works best with current mapping and offline navigation. Use the book for route context and verify exact tracks on a map before departure.
Good picks for this: Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails, The Colorado Trail Databook
FAQ
What is the best colorado 4×4 trails book for a beginner?
A statewide volume such as the Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails gives the broadest starting point, letting you see which regions and difficulty levels suit your vehicle.
Do I need a regional book if I already have a statewide guide?
Not always. A regional book adds route-level depth for the area you run most often. It is most useful for frequent drivers in one part of the state.
Are printed guidebooks still useful with GPS?
Yes. Printed books give route context and work without signal. Many drivers use a book for planning and a mapping app for live navigation.
How current are these guidebooks?
Check each publication date and edition. Trail access can change, so confirm closures and seasonal restrictions with the managing agency before you travel.
Is The Colorado Trail suitable for 4×4 driving?
No. It is a long-distance hiking guide. It is useful for hike-and-drive planning but not for vehicle route difficulty.
Should I buy a Utah book for a Colorado trip?
Only if your itinerary crosses into Utah. Otherwise a Colorado-specific title will be more relevant.
Do I need a recovery kit in addition to a guidebook?
A guidebook is planning material, not safety equipment. Carry recovery gear and tell someone your route. Check with a local 4×4 club or the managing agency for current advice on remote-travel safety.
Conclusion
For most readers, the Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails is the most practical starting point because it covers the whole state. Drivers who mainly run northern Colorado should consider the Northern Colorado guide for deeper regional detail. Utah-bound travelers may add the Moab title, while hikers and planners will find The Colorado Trail and its databook useful as supplements rather than primary 4×4 guides.
Sources
- Forest Service travel and motor vehicle use maps for national forest routes in Colorado (fs.usda.gov)
- Bureau of Land Management guidance on public land access and route conditions (blm.gov)
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife information on recreation rules and seasonal closures
Related reading
- Top 10 Colorado Backroads and 4×4 Trails for Every Skill Level
- Ouray CO 4×4 Trails: 7 Best Off-Road Gear Picks for Colorado Trails
- Idaho Springs 4×4 Trails: Routes, Difficulty and Prep for Colorado Off-Roaders
- 9 Best Ouray Colorado 4×4 Trails Guides and Maps for Every Skill Level (2026)
About Caleb Morgan
Caleb Morgan is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our off-road trails & overlanding guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
