Colorado's Secret Overlanding Paradise - The Flat Tops

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Links to all our discounts - linktr.ee/ozarkoverlandadventures

[@2001Pressman]

A couple of buddies and I normally go to the same camping spots more for logistics and time span. It's hard for us to schedule together. But, the more I watch your videos, the more I want to plan a long trip and whoever can go just go. Hopefully next year changes in work will allow me to use more of my time off I have stashed. Thanks for all the GREAT videos you do!

[@ridgewalker2416]

This is one of my favorite of your videos! Mostly scenery and quiet music. Having lived full time in Colorado since 1976, I have had the opportunity to travel a lot of it. But I don’t believe it is possible to see all of Colorado in one lifetime. Enjoy your visit!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@My8j]

I love your content, Matt. I'm with you on venturing to new and exciting places. I'll take a herd of cows over herds of people anytime. You two are truly blessed.

[@DefiantOffroad]

Fantastic video. I sympathize with the notion of going new places and not just the same old trails. It starts to get old when you know every rut, rock, and creek crossing at a given place.

[@Ntivupr]

I am looking forward to exploring new places. Currently working on my Gladiator, and hoping to be able to enjoy it here before too long. But I agree...getting out of the comfort zone and seeking out new scenery. This country has so much to offer with its beauty.

[@jeffreyriedenauer9052]

Hi Matt. To answer your question, there is a place that I go to over and over again(in fact I just got back a couple days ago). It is truly where my spirit resides and ironically is quite similar to the Flat Tops. I tend to make a stop there even though my initial destination is somewhere else. I go back because it is very unspoiled, even unknown with very few people(mostly ranchers and hunters). Besides it overwhelming beauty, the wildlife and fishing never disappoint.

[@carolynbentley]

Matt, thanks again for your Flat Tops coverage! You have given a great representation of what that area is like. We'll be up there next year, finally, as we are an hour west of the Transfer Trail trailhead. 'Looking forward to your day 4 video.

[@00DUCK]

Channels like yours really inspire me to get out and get lost. ❤

[@MrBigJTrucker]

Not all who wander are lost. Maybe we have to get lost to really find ourselves

[@00DUCK]

@@MrBigJTrucker That was my thought exactly

[@keithhoffpauir5516]

I get it about new trails. I just haven’t got to that point just getting started into this overland and trails in the Jeep. Matt thank you for taking us along on you trips. Your video footages are off the chart fabulous. I mean it so much worth the time to watch them. I would love to see a video on your drone tactics and how you get the drone to do the videoing as you move and so forth. I’m just not drone savvy. I was broke in on RC airplanes , did that for years. Plan on getting a drone this year before We go back to New Mexico and Colorado.

[@bsdelaney]

Great nature pics. I made a comment in a previous video that I wished you'd show more of where you go vs. the technical vehicle action shots. Those are awesome, but you really did a great job on this one with the nature shots. Keep that coming as well!

[@jakelatham]

The very first big off road trip I did was almost exactly this route. We parked in almost the exact same spots that you did. It’s gorgeous, and we’ll remember it forever. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@danieldonegan6914]

“I know I probably sound like a broken record, but that’s how I feel so deal with”. 😂 I love your attitude Matt. It one of the many great things about your videos.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I appreciate that!

[@GATORADDAM]

Beautiful. Gorgeous. Epic. Wonderful. Unreal. Vast. Spectacular...... Hahaha. Love it!

[@JasonAngelaPence]

What keeps us (my family of 4) from exploring new places you ask? Well, I don't want to be "that guy". Not understanding the trails and where vehicles are welcome keeps us from exploring new places. If it was just me I could deal with a scolding and/or ticket but being the protector of my family takes on a whole different outlook. Love the channel Matt!!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Just research before you go. That’s what I do.

[@tylerhunter7272]

You are standing the test of time - continuing to inspire others as you seek adventure. Great videography and narration.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Wow, thank you!

[@Viewfinder_Offroad]

This is an amazing video! We weren't far from here at the end of August. Will definitely have to look into this next year.

[@paulbrown2257]

I will start my overland adventures in May. By watching you and your wife, Trail Recon, Adventures 2 Roam and just to name a few. I now have a big bucket list of places I will go! Keep up the great work love all your videos!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

That is awesome!

[@ricomacpherson6845]

Lol., for coming back to retrieve your camera .Boy do I enjoy your Colorado adventures. Thank you another amazing video

[@kfusmc]

Amazingly beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

[@craigharrington4731]

hi Matt Im just finishing my build over this winter (2024 Gladiator Willys) with Alu cap and can't wait to start my journey from Vancouver Canada to go around the world. Starting from here I will be going through America first down the Pacific Crest Trail but I will definitely turn off and go see the Colorado flat tops. Thankyou for this insight to a lovely place that you call home!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Sounds like an amazing trip.

[@spidersj12]

Reliving past memories, seeing how your favorite place changes through the years, and if it ain't broke, don't fix it. You can't guarantee that somewhere new will be better than a place you're already in love with and many don't have the sense of adventure and seeking the unknown that you and many of your overlanding compatriots do. So many people want guaranteed fun adventure, which is why many will watch these adventure seeing what they think they can't expect, so they aren't really seeking the unknown like you are.

[@steveleavesnoadventurebehi4349]

Well, good morning. I always love and enjoy your videos. You explain a lot and stop and yes, I believe I’m gonna do that this summer. I’m gonna explore different areas. I need to go to different spots but I’m wondering I’ve got a 2005 three-quarter ton Dodge got high clearance. Can I make it to the top of laptops? Just a question thank you for all your films.

[@gopackgo69]

Great video, i love colorado and have been trying to get in where you were in this video but weather didnt alow so we went to Mesa Verde which was pretty cool, no wheelin though. Maybe next year.

[@elsievers]

First, fantastic video and video series. I’ve really enjoyed this. A partial answer to your question would be, those areas are familiar, and you know you enjoy being there. Vacation is limited and instead of taking a chance you go to what you know you like. That being said, I enjoy exploring new areas and rarely go to the same area because there are so many fantastic areas to explore. I take the chance that I will really enjoy a new area. Sometimes I’m wrong, but most of the time I made the wright decision by going somewhere new.

[@jr_jeep4470]

Very cool Matt looks like an awesome place to visit. Thanks for sharing as always. I’m a little bummed. I was gonna be doing the seven hour plane crash trail from this last Thursday till this coming Wednesday and some other stuff besides. And my Jeep‘s motor went in a tank last Tuesday so I will be having it fixed, which will be a new motor, but hopefully I can still get some time in before we hit winter

[@brianmarkel2072]

i think one reason people have issues trying new things and going new places is the fear of the unknown. Once you have been somewhere, you know what to expect and you are familiar with the challenges you will face. The second time is always easier because you can eliminate mistakes, unpreparedness, anxiety by knowing your way around and what to expect. I agree that after a certain number of trips to the same place, it loses that "new and exciting feeling". It doesn't make it less amazing than it was the first time, it's just familiar and known. My wife always says she wants to go somewhere she's never been when i ask her where she wants to go on vacation.

[@onasledoverland]

Where you ended up is where I started. I also went here directly from Expo. I was heading to the south sections, where you started and needed fuel. On my way down is where my brake master started to fail, so trip was over and I headed to a friend's in Steamboat to do repairs. Best flat top videos out there.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Thanks. Hate we missed each other.

[@rexhua4833]

Same place is more of reminiscence & memories, with the people you know have already left (international students). From that experience, a new place can create new memories and people to meet.

[@waijhou9529]

those are some EPIC views Matt!

[@RurouniKakita]

This is an awesome place to go and lose yourself for a little bit. The lack of people is dues to school and being a weekday. As far as the lack of wild life goes it's mainly due to the temps. Elk prefer a cooler temp (around 55°F) so they seek that out, either by going into the tree cover or getting as high as they can in elevation, but the presence of the cows can other grazing Live stock can keep them away as well and I'm a little surprised you didn't encounter sheep heards as you came up Coffee Pot rd. It does get really busy up there during the Hunting seasons and I have seen Elk out there but that required traversing through the woods on foot covering a distance of 9+ miles a day from where I was camped.

[@Wandering_Buffalo_Adventures]

Thanks!!! Looks like another trip for me to plan…. Hahaha…..Nice video! Our first trip, this year, was to all of the popular places you talked about and are definitely glad we got to see and do all the popular spots (Ouray, Telluride, and all the trails there). But yes, our next trip will definitely be somewhere new and more secluded.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

That is awesome!

[@TheStoryTillNow]

Man it looks awesome out there!

[@bryanwoods4192]

Come on out and I'll show you around. This is my home area. We met at the media day Jeep concept car drive event at EJS this year.

[@ahmednesbitte4906]

Hi Matt, awesome video, loved TSTN video as well! Thank you 😊 🚙

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ahmednesbitte4906]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures working buying and build a Jeep in the near future. 😊

[@roothedog-mtb]

Nice video! We did the Transfer Trail over Labor Day! About 1/3 through we went off route a little bit and managed to get into an area not so well suited for a full-size and we got lots of new pinstripes, lots of deep mud holes one of which a hidden boulder caught a tire valve stem resulting in debeading a tire... Then finally back on the Transfer Trail in one of the massively long and deep mud holes we hit something, another hidden boulder I assume, that obliterated the lower steering stabilizer... sigh... but so many mud holes.... We ended up camping in one spot for four days north of Monument Lake across from an unnamed lake. It was a holiday and no chance of getting our tire repaired before hitting the highway and limping along on a 35 spare seemed like I was asking for more troubles. It was still one of the most awesome places we've been! Question; the Blair Mountain trail, is it about the same as the Transfer Trail as far as difficulty? How do you think a full size would fit in the places you went (Powerwagon on 37s and lifted).. mostly concerned about the size and off camber?

[@TravelsofRedRover]

Your video from the past few weeks has encouraged us to go to the Flat Tops. We are on our way there as I right this comment. As a rule, we tend to go out of our way to try new an interesting places. We actually, get tired of the “usual places” pretty quick. And that saying something because we live in Southern Utah. We frequently travel on our own. We thought several times about taking two vehicles and wonder how that is working out for you and Cara?

[@derrickkirby4841]

I believe that's the first time you ever showed us your Gaia map !! Awesome !!!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I show my Gaia map all the time.

[@derrickkirby4841]

@OzarkOverlandAdventures I'm sure you have just seemed a little more to me with greater detail. I love it helps me get better with Gaia , Hopefully one day I will get to attend one of your Gaia classes. Keep up the good work.

[@chortleboy]

My backyard for the last 30 years…did a lot of those roads in a 73 VW camper back in the 90’s…I live in steamboat now but owned a house in Oak Creek for 4 years…used to ride my snowmobile or dirt bike from my garage up into the flattops…amazing up there…the scenic byway in the fall is sweet…Aspen groves for miles

[@chortleboy]

Sheriffs reservoir has some good fishing…Trappers lake is amazing

[@Clarksadv]

I’m heading to South Dakota next week. Never been there before. Was in South Fork Co earlier this year did some trout fishing

[@mrgbluecar]

We've done Alpine Loop probably 10x and you're right about finding new places. You can only do same trip so many times.

[@HoustonBrownPhotography]

I hate going to the same places. The whole point of this is to see something new. NOw when I do find THAT PLACE I don't mind showing others to it. That part brings me great pleasure to see them in awe.

[@nicholasrichards2572]

When you guys come back to the Gypsum area next year... look me up!

[@dmwil1]

What mount did you use for your GMRS antenna by your A pillar light? Looks like a great place for it. Great video!

[@matthew.tamasco]

Awesome Bald Eagle sighting!!! Worth the cost of admission right there!!!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

There was another bald eagle in the shot where I’m above the lake with the Jeep down in a tree below me. I didn’t notice it until I was editing the footage.

[@rodneyhanbaum697]

EXCELLENT!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Glad you liked it!

[@Johnny-tt8zc]

I used to think that I wanted to do the rocky stuff like moab and Rubicon trail. But I did some trail riding in jersey and well, I think this is more what speaks to me. I don't have anything special, just a stock gladiator rubico with a couple add ons. It truly is beautiful there.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I love it all.

[@markperza384]

Great video Matt!!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Thanks!

[@jhbryaniv]

The flat tops looks amazing. It also looks like it is a good place for folks out here to dabble, without risking falling off a shelf road. 😂 If you have a day or two, swing into the Colorado side of dinosaur national monument (not sure if you've ever been) echo park is a phenomenal campground camping experience, and yampa bench gets you to spectacular views. As a side note when we were out there we saw 4 door 2wd sedans on that road... Crazy folks out there. 😂

[@jhbryaniv]

Also, complaining about someone putting out a video with places and locations that are publicly available is just silly. I say publish every daggon trail you run, get people out and spread them out instead of them all going to the same places. Imagine how much more enjoyable black bear pass, red cone or some other super popular trails out here would be if people knew of other trails that they felt comfortable exploring. I'd argue a huge barrier to entry for many (as some comments have stated here) is the unknown.

[@beckyhouse808]

Matt, love your videos! Trying to buy the table but code doesn’t seem to be working…can you post it here?

[@jeffmorris739]

I really like your drone footage. Would you consider doing a video on how you use it? I just purchased a DJI and am looking forward to using it the way you do. It is beautiful there, the reason people go back to the same places is comfort in knowing what's there. Just as your song, I'm lookin for a camp site, most folks like knowing where they are at. I agree they should deviate from the norm and explore. Thanks Matt.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

There’s other really good drone videos out there. Look up Jevin Dovey. He does good ones.

[@justin22763]

Love the content. Curious on what kind of fuel economy you normally average with your build?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

11-12

[@leftystrat62]

@ 15:11 did anyone else notice that large bird perched on a branch overlooking the water. I think I spotted your first wildlife sighting - after the chip monks of course.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Yep another bald eagle.

[@jacobreed1087]

Me and my buddies went to ouray to do some of the badge of honor trails a couple of weeks ago. Going from Conway to Ouray to engineer pass in a couple of days kicked our ass. Got back to Arkansas and felt how thick the air was

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Yeah it’s an interesting experience the first time.

[@BoCoOverland]

Okay, I know you know I camped at that exact spot on Adams Lake on 4th of July as I've previously said, but it also appears that you used the same rock to level out that I did 😂

[@jamesc2072]

Anza Borrego Desert…so much to explore!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Been there. It’s awesome!!

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

HI MATT 👋 IS IT HARD TO GET THE PINE / TREE SAP OFF THE ROOFTOP TENT CANVAS ? DO YOU HAVE TO USE SPECIAL CLEANERS ? I WAS JUST THINKING 🤔 THIS WHEN YOU PULLED IN THE ONE CAMPSITE AFTER YOU TALKED TO THE CREAM COLORED COW ❤ BE SAFE ☺️ 🙏HAVE FUN ☺️ 🙏ENJOYED ☺️ 🙏GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS ON YOUR ADVENTURES ☺️ 🙏THANK YOU ☺️ 🙏

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I’ve never had sap on my tent, thank goodness.

[@smorrow0816]

Can you do another video of all the gear you took on this trip? Toilet, propane setup, kitchen gear, cookware, etc.? Thanks

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I probably need to do an updated video.

[@michaelg.294]

This is in my backyard, and yes it is beautiful. But beauty has its price. The inexperienced traveling in this area can quickly find themselves in trouble due to the many natural factors that can ruin your day. Just to name a few- * Quickly changing weather conditions. The roads that were nice and dry going in can become impassable going out with just a little rain. * Lightning strikes- They call them the Flat Tops for a reason. During a thunderstorm you become a lightning rod. And while the weather is nice now, see the above. * Wildlife- If you camp, store all your food and trash inside your vehicle. If you bring anything that smells good (deodorant, perfume) keep it in your vehicle. I once lost an expensive tent and a bar of Irish Spring to a bear. *Insects- Lots of mosquitos and biting flies up there. Bring some strong repellant. * Rough roads- If your vehicle isn't up to the task, DON'T GO. (BTW Matt, those aren't potholes, that's just part of the road!) * Services- The network of roads on the Flat Tops is huge, and there's only 1 toilet. That is a complete list of the services that you will find. ^Cryptids- I've never encountered one, but according to Bttrfly144, this area is rife with them, so be careful. Other than that, enjoy your visit. And please try not to burn everything down.

[@trevorgardner1460]

Hey Matt, have you tried Taylor Park Reservoir (Taylor Park Trading Post)? If not you should. A lot of trail riding there as well. Near Crested Butte!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

We ran Tincup Pass and Taylor Pass in 2020 and loved them

[@michaelptm2269]

Hey man, great video. Am considering to buy a jeep as a daily driver and weekend adventurer for the family. How would you rate the reliability? (Engine, transmission, problems) I know you’ve put a lot of miles on yours.

[@JendellOverland]

7:45 I loved the Benny Hill run you did there. Why didn’t you film that with your drone instead? It could stay still, just like the camera on the tripod. 😊

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I wanted the audio of the tires

[@nickb1690]

Great video. What engine do you have in your rig ?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

3.6 gas

[@blake_pearson]

Hey ozark overland. Really thinking about getting some Patagonia mt02’s but i can’t have a tire that’s only gonna last 20-25 thousand miles. How many miles have you gotten out of yours???

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Minimum I’ve had with 50% tread left is 35k miles. I get new tires at 50% tread. The MT02 is a totally different tire than the original MT.

[@blake_pearson]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures great news! thanks!

[@moretoliving2236]

To address points at 24:00 I personally do not like to go to same places but my mom is the driving force behind my family who lives on the other side of the continent to keep going to the same places and the worst part is THEY DO NOT MIND. And reason being is because they do not go on trips and vacations to go and experience things... they go ENTIRELY to "pause" their otherwise incredible chaotic life for 1 week to continue being chaotic during vacation and so when they want to go somewhere for the 67th time... they are having a squirrel moment and then right back. This is how mom describes our trips as a family that I have planned out the wazoo. 2 years after the fact... I would love to go to that lake in Florida where we went 2 years ago so we can hike around the mountain and snorkel with saltwater fish. Mooooom... florida does not have mountains and you have never been to a lake in Florida and 2 years ago you were in St. John caribbean where there was a mountain and you did snorkel. They don't even value going on trips or remember where they went in the first place. Now my trips on the other side.... to give you an idea of when I have gotten into properly planning these trips... my trip to yellowstone/grand tetons in 2013 had a 72 page manual that I came up with maps, routes, side ventures and all this other wilderness stuff... and ever since then I have developed a knack for planning. When I was in Colorado and Moab... I spent 99% of my time there away from people having trips that would be unforgettablle... In fact if you go to google maps and hit street view for mexican hat, needles canyonland and moab and for colorado around silverton and ouray... I am the guy who mapped all the street views for all the trails I have been to. 4000 miles off road... mostly away from people. There is literally no substitute to be at one with nature and getting humbled by it.

[@matthewnighthawkcolson1109]

Nope, no secret but it still isn't that crowded. Especially Adam's lake. Thanks for the video! Not many people post much about this area.

[@TrailsTravelTales]

Why you got to hate on Amarillo? ....just kidding the cows definitely have a better place to roam. :). I think once you visit the Moab's and Ouray's once as long as you did everything you wanted, no need to do over and over again. I'm with you explore new places.

[@ricomacpherson6845]

I'm sorry that our cows in the back country are more East coast than you are use too 🤠

[@blakecornwell8319]

Ain't gonna be a secret if you keep making videos about it!!!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

The real secret is it’s not really a secret. 🤫 😂

[@nicholasrichards2572]

Hey, chief!!! I have fished that lake!!! And many others up there. A fly rod is better.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I need to learn to fly fish.

[@rjmartine3306]

When God provides views that cannot be described….its ok to just take it in and let us join along.

[@nathanmogary84]

Are you guys out of Jefferson City?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

We live in Arkansas.

[@smorrow0816]

What trail map guide you using there? It’s not onx

[@jmo0311]

Gaia

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Gaia GPS with premium subscription.

[@brianriniker3850]

Great video. Was in flat tops last week and 💯 agree, absolutely epic. Spent 3 days exploring and feel like i didn't make a dent. Keep doing what you do and maybe see you on the trail someday!

[@nathankrassow3007]

This is definitely getting a Google Map pins of which I already have lots of from this channel.

[@GUNFU_U]

Ayyy I’m first

[@markjacobs3956]

I guess our secret out here isn't secret anymore 😢

[@KD-yf1ym]

Your right, but at least he got some attention and pay without any regard to the effects of his actions, Then he desires a "private" campsite. 🤡

[@bradkanderson]

I know the title is clickbait but this is how to get uninvited to a whole state 101

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

It’s just a title. It’s not really a secret. 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

@@KD-yf1ym please share the effects of my actions. 😂🤦🏼‍♂️ doesn’t everyone desire a private campsite? 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@123-olmngresx]

I live in Colorado and have been in that area. I know of tons of places on trails with better views, better fishing and better trails. There are over 600 trails in Colorado almost every trail has information on it and tons of videos. Anyone getting in to that area good luck and have a good one. Quit crying about one area in Colorado that is only open for 3 to 4 months anyway.

[@HuNgRokStar]

@23:53 please talk to my wife maybe a different face will get her to do these things. 😅

[@JTube571]

7:45 KZbinr life. I feel ya Matt. 😂 As far as going to new places, I will admit I am going to Moab again in a few weeks, but we're concentrating on doing more difficult trails this time around. (that would in the 5-6 out of 10 rating range) Poison Spider, Top of the World, etc. I do have HUGE plans this winter to do a lot of exploring in southern Arizona. I did a 3 day trip from Wickenburg AZ through the mountains to Crown King, crossed over I-17 through Bloody Basin to Sheep Bridge, and then down into Cave Creek last year. Really want to do something similar before the end of the year.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Sounds awesome

[@MikeTrankler]

At 15:08 I believe you were over looking a bald eagle over looking the lake!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Yes I was. I didn’t see it until I was editing this video.

[@LeaRama]

Awesome views indeed! Just an aside: at about the 22:40 mark you mentioned not having the words to describe the scenery, it's okay to not talk. Just show us what you're looking at from your point of view and that would be lovely. We'll help you with the description :).

[@Bttrfly144]

Matt please be aware that there are cryptids out there more than usual and if it is quite outside and you don’t hear anything that is unusually a sign that you need leave the same footing that you walked in it’s very important that you remember this. On Y.T. You can learn from these two channels The cryptid huntress and the other channel is The facts by how to hunt / Our governments should have been letting us know many decades ago for our protection ❤✨🪽🌹😘love you and your channel just wanted to let you know 🪽