Red Cone Off-Road Trail: A Colorado Rite of Passage

Red Cone is one of those high country trails in Colorado that is a rite of passage. This must-do offroad trail will have your blood pumping on the edge of your seat as you ascend up past treeline to the top of one of the most visually diverse trails in Colorado. This adventure is only a few hours from Denver, making it a great day trip destination. They don't call it Red Cone for nothing. Handcart Gulch is stained with a vibrant shade of red from the oxidizing pyrite found in the rock composition of this area. If you are in a vehicle with 33" tires or larger and you love lush pockets of forest and mountain views as far as the eye can see, Red Cone has to be on your bucket list.
For the full off-road trail guide, please visit:
www.trailsoffroad.com/trails/...
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www.trailsoffroad.com/
#trailsoffroad #offroadtrails #redcone

[@davidray4285]

I probably should have watched this whole video before going up there at 330 in the morning with just me and my dog! We made it safely and reached the summit around sunrise! Definitely worth the trip. I made it up with a stock jeep cherokee trailhawk

[@Trailsoffroad]

Nice!!!. Post up a trip report on our website when you have a minute.

[@kennethcurtis1856]

We have a 2019 stock Cherokee TH. Can't wait to hit some Colorado and Moab area trails. We're not off road warriors, but we do like the back country.

[@midnitesilverrun8631]

This gives me hope since I’m gonna try it in my stock 2021 trailhawk in July.

[@aqua.scape69]

@@kennethcurtis1856 My wife has a stock 2019 Jeep Cherokee TH as well. We love it. We plan on making a trip to Moab next summer. We currently live in Northwestern Montana.

[@johnphillipsjr7238]

Sure you did🤦‍♂️🤡

[@DagPeak]

And to whomever is doing the drone piloting, you're a pro. Great flying skills, great shots.

[@Trailsoffroad]

He is awesome. Thank you for the kind words.

[@huntinbob06]

I did Red Cone for the first time 15 years ago at night. I always follow Red Cone with Radical Hill and then into Summit county. Makes for a great day.

[@Trailsoffroad]

Do you happen to have any of the older photos? We would love to see them. If you can post up a trip report so we can check them out

[@jimshorts5970]

One of our favorite rides. Had a herd of prob 30 mountain goats walking by all around us while stopped on the top of the southern loop of the trail from Montezuma. That was after spending 30 min filming and watching two of the biggest bull moose I’ve ever seen down in the valley on the main trail. Were able to get extremely close safely. Easily the best wildlife viewing day we’ve ever experienced, and that’s after riding over 5k miles of trails all over the state and Utah the last 4 yrs.

[@Trailsoffroad]

Awesome! They certainly love it up there. Such a cool part of Colorado. Make sure to post up your adventures on a trail review on our website or apps, we would love to see them!

[@BarkingSpiderXpeditions]

Nice to see you guys taking both decently built and fairly stock rigs for these videos, gives a good representation of the options available.

[@Trailsoffroad]

We love all vehicles! Whatever brings a smile to your face to enjoy the great outdoors. Trint's little tacoma did great! Thanks for watching!

[@JB-rt4mx]

Yes...it does offer many options and ideas with variations thought of and applied in the field.

[@onefastcyclist]

Excellent drone footage ! The Toyota driver skillfully made up for his ride's short comings on a difficult trail !

[@Trailsoffroad]

Thank you. Often the people with the least capable vehicles will enjoy the trail the most, as they have to work for the reward of completing it.

[@IanCthrwd]

Copiloted this on 27June’20. Helped out with signage and digging people out from the snow from a late spring avalanche. Good people to be with. CJ was an excellent driver. Will miss these outings.

[@Trailsoffroad]

Glad to hear you enjoy this trail as much as we do. Its one of our all-time favorites. Thanks for watching!

[@chaleowin7732]

I've run this a few times with my built dark green 74 Bronco back in 10-13. It's not terribly difficult, but a good trail with fantastic scenery. My last run ended in a blizzard as we hit the summit...that was fun.

[@Trailsoffroad]

That sounds pretty wild. Have any photos?

[@chaleowin7732]

@@Trailsoffroad Mostly videos since we were trying to get up and the down off of red cone. Only short clips from a GoPro 2.

[@danmech123]

Nice. That brings back great memories. That's where I took my girlfriend (now wife) on out first date back around 1989 in the '85 CJ-7 with 31's and a 2" lift. That's all I ever did to that Jeep and we took it everywhere in CO like that other than some of the really tough stuff. It was the first Red Cone trip for both of us. Quite a first date. I'll dig through the "photo" album, I'm sure I've got some classics squirreled away there. Admittedly, looks a little rougher now than it did then.

[@Trailsoffroad]

post up those photos, we would love to see them

[@user-uw8io4mw8d]

I ran this 20 years ago with a stock MJ on 30's. It wasn't near as rough back then. I'll have to come back again someday.

[@Trailsoffroad]

I wish they never stopped making the MJ. It is one of our favorite Jeeps ever made. Thanks for watching!

[@rocketcity4x449]

Just ran this yesterday while wearing my Trailsoffroad t-shirt that I got at Overland Expo Mtn West! Love that trail. Nice clear day for us too. Views for miles.

[@Trailsoffroad]

That makes our day hearing people wheeling in Trails Offroad swag! Sounds like you had an awesome day. Red Cone is hard to beat! Thanks for watching!

[@stevemacdonald9977]

Just ran this on 9-4, I have to say it has become one of my favorite trails.

[@Trailsoffroad]

It's one of our favorites! Technical, amazing views, interesting geology. Makes for a great adventure for sure!

[@SamDunaway]

My First Colorado trail

[@Trailsoffroad]

It's one of our favorites. Thanks for watching!

[@dreamsofsnow6521]

I lived in Summit County for 10 yrs. and been to Redcone many times and your footage was awesome but for anyone who's never gone down it they'll never really know how terrifying it can actually be when you're in the driver's seat , certain parts of it , specially the last section literally feels like you're driving of the side of a cliff , anyway that's the effect it always had on me. Its unforgettable.

[@Trailsoffroad]

It definitely can be scary! I hope we properly conveyed the seriousness of staying calm and focused and not using your brakes too much. Thanks for commenting and for watching!

[@rogersmith7396]

The vid made it look a lot easier than I was thinking.

[@SR3711]

Red Cone is an awesome trail. It was a clear day when my buddy and I ran it.

[@Trailsoffroad]

It is one of our favorite trails in CO. Post a trail review with some pics of your adventure on the website!

[@TheBandit7613]

I did Red Cone on my dirtbike (Honda XR650) It was nothing... until I started on the downhill. Slid all the way down the steepest parts with the rear tire locked up. XR's are heavy with a high compression 4 stroke engine and I was skinny and light at 160 lbs. The conditions were dry and crumbly gravel and rocks, very loose. That was one time I wanted more tires.

[@Trailsoffroad]

Going down the last pitch on a moto would definitely get the heart racing. Thanks for watching!

[@Anthony-gw3dc]

This video brought back some good memories from when I lived in Denver went up to redcorn on our dirt bikes and had a great time!

[@Trailsoffroad]

I'm sure that was an all-time adventure. That is awesome to hear. It sure is a beautiful park of the state.

[@defendfreedom777]

I was raised in this area as a kid back in the early 60s,it sure has changed in many ways over the years,but it's recognizable to me even though I have not laid eyes on it in 50 years. I left Colorado in 1972 as my parents moved to Alabama,but I sure miss my boyhood home and the great beauty of the area, when I pass on from this life I want to be laid to rest on that mountain where I spent time as a kid hunting with my dad, great video guys !

[@Trailsoffroad]

Sounds like great memories. Thank you for watching

[@defendfreedom777]

@@Trailsoffroad thank you,and great job on the video.

[@phillipconnolly5020]

Thanks for sharing. Bought my wife’s first wrangler almost a year ago. Just took delivery of my 392 and already wheeled it. It’s a very addictive sport and I love it. Thanks for sharing.

[@Trailsoffroad]

Great choice! The 392 is a dream vehicle for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@skogind8140]

love this trail. great job guys for posting this video.

[@Trailsoffroad]

Its an amazing trail. Glad you enjoy Red Cone too! And glad you enjoyed the video, we had a blast making it!

[@austingipsysite]

Incredible scenery, great trail!

[@Trailsoffroad]

Thank you for watching

[@yamahschector]

That red jeep seems like the ticket. Very nice

[@Trailsoffroad]

thank you

[@ponyrang]

That's a great video. I will always cheer for you in Korea I'm looking forward to a great video. Have a nice day.

[@Trailsoffroad]

Thanks for watching! Definitely put it on your todo list if you come to the states to go wheeling.

[@BeautifulAdventures]

This is some amazing offroading adventure. Thanks for sharing

[@Trailsoffroad]

Thank you for watching

[@MrLuigimassicotti]

Great video. Keep up the good work.

[@Trailsoffroad]

Thanks for watching Luigi!

[@bboness713]

I wish I could go back in time to how little traffic these trails had in the late 80s and early 90s.

[@Trailsoffroad]

No doubt!! Colorado was at least 1/3 to 1/2 as much population then.

[@johnnypark3729]

Great job, guys!!!!

[@Trailsoffroad]

Thank you for watching Johnny!

[@KeithStarr]

Great video guys! In a sea of off-road videos it was really refreshing.

[@Trailsoffroad]

Love to hear that. What's your favorite trail?

[@4coryw]

Great job on the video!

[@Trailsoffroad]

Thanks Cory! Hope you are well brother. It's time for another meetup in Utah!

[@jeffreylee8585]

Haha! Love this video and the great drone footage! Here we are in in December in Colorado (getting close to ski season) and I am just loving the scenery on the video and the DETAIL and care taken on producing it! Can't wait to do Red Cone!

[@Trailsoffroad]

Nothing wrong with a good ski season.

[@wadelewis6992]

Thanks for sharing another great video

[@Trailsoffroad]

Thank you for watching. Have you done this trail?

[@overunder_4x4]

Great video. A+ stuff. Thanks for putting this together and sharing. Keep up the great work. Cheers

[@Trailsoffroad]

Thank you

[@1966spyderco]

Did this in my SxS a couple years ago. Ripped a sidewall tire, used gorilla glue and tire plugs and it held on Radical Hill and beyond. Great trail!

[@Trailsoffroad]

Impressive! It's quite the experience up there, especially being so close to the city. Thanks for watching!

[@josephstoner5607]

that is sick as hell. thanks for making this vid

[@Trailsoffroad]

Thank you, and thank you for watching. What was your favorite part(s)

[@USfoolsgold]

Great job! Love the narration and video footage.

[@Trailsoffroad]

Thank you for the kind words, and thank you for watching.

[@SabibabyS]

Wow, very recent. Thank you!

[@Trailsoffroad]

You are certainly welcome! We hope to see you out on the trail!

[@jorgechino5568]

Great video! Respects to all the drivers and their driving skills.

[@Trailsoffroad]

Thank you and thank you for watching

[@fastrat37]

Nicely done, spectacular views, thank you!

[@Trailsoffroad]

Thank you for watching. It is an awesome trail!

[@ryanrowe8742]

Great video guys

[@Trailsoffroad]

Thanks for watching Ryan! Glad you enjoyed it

[@powerwagon3731]

Excellent!

[@Trailsoffroad]

Thank you for watching!

[@michaelwelch1980]

An awesome Trail one of my favorites

[@Trailsoffroad]

One of ours too, thank you for watching.

[@MrRazorobles]

Great video!

[@Trailsoffroad]

Thanks for watching Erick! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@jdreaper2176]

Red cone is awesome ! Trint has some serious offroad skills ! Great video hope to meet you on the trails one day.

[@Trailsoffroad]

Trint is the man! He's a great driver and a great guy to wheel with. If you ever see us on the trail, we'd love to wheel with you! Thanks for watching!

[@tallballer09]

I love the foot ware on the guy with pink shorts!

[@Trailsoffroad]

Sometimes sandals are the only way to go

[@giuseppecatalano7801]

Beautiful video! Hello from Italy 🇮🇹

[@Trailsoffroad]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@ronthoman7138]

THAT was Really COOL! Colorado is Amazing! I am Diggin that little 2dr. 😉

[@Trailsoffroad]

We totally agree. What was your favorite part?

[@BRollOffroad]

great video, excellent drone shots! i need to go back there and film this one before i move 😬

[@Trailsoffroad]

Thanks, we love your work too! Let's go hit the trail together!

[@myexplorenow]

Love the video and the drone shots were spot on. Thanks for sharing because I don't think I can make that in my F150!

[@Trailsoffroad]

Thank you for watching! It might be a bit difficult with a full-size, but some of our members have done it. Feel free to check out the trail reviews for inspiration!

[@RC_Colorado]

my favorite trail in all of Colorado! that one switchback has gotten stepped out pretty good over the past few years.

[@Trailsoffroad]

It's one of our favorites too! It has definitely gotten chewed up recently, definitely made for a fun day. Thanks for watching Mike!

[@RC_Colorado]

@@Trailsoffroad I'm really hoping your "rite of passage" series takes you all up Mt.Antero. fingers crossed 🤞

[@jeepzj2.0]

Great video 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼

[@Trailsoffroad]

Thank you for watching Robin! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mussim2919]

Love the channel videos!

[@Trailsoffroad]

Thank you, and thank you for watching.

[@MrRjezonie]

Great video guys and really informative! Going to drive down that way from Loveland this summer to check it out. Still putting my 392 on 37s with a 2.5 in lift through its paces!

[@Trailsoffroad]

Very nice. Got to love a 392

[@jerrymcgeorge4117]

Nice video fellas. I don’t get up that way much anymore so this was fun to watch.

[@Trailsoffroad]

Have you done this trail before?

[@jerrymcgeorge4117]

@@Trailsoffroad No, and when I had it scheduled some years ago the group decided to do Chinamans instead.

[@romeowhiskey1146]

Another ROUTE that I'll add to my NO-BUCKET list.

[@Trailsoffroad]

hahahhaha, well worth it.

[@jasonmitchell4588]

Thank you for the basic build info of each vehicle

[@Trailsoffroad]

Thank you for watching

[@AMAJD]

Great Content guys.

[@Trailsoffroad]

Thank you Ali, and thank you for watching. Do you use our website by chance?

[@AMAJD]

@@Trailsoffroad I will now.

[@chenglee7277]

Heading out to CO end of this month for a 5 day overland trip. Can't wait 🙌🙌

[@Trailsoffroad]

Leave trip reports and let us know what you think.

[@utahnavyvet8727]

Putting this one on the bucket list for the JL, a road trip from Utah is in the future.

[@Trailsoffroad]

Its a must-do trail in Colorado. Thanks for watching! Leave a trail review on the website with your adventure when you make it out there!

[@rollingedges9469]

@11:48 cpw closed jenny creek for the same reason. I miss that run to yankee doodle lake in colorado. Great vid!

[@Trailsoffroad]

I really wish I got to run that before it changed. Looked like an awesome adventure!

[@HolyHaxorMcGrath]

cinematography ----------> that word gents

[@Trailsoffroad]

thank you

[@HolyHaxorMcGrath]

@@Trailsoffroad thank you two...

[@mikehoffman3690]

Atmospheric. 🤟

[@Trailsoffroad]

Quite atmospheric! Thanks for watching!

[@dr.mikelamphere8324]

Did this one two weeks ago. JT on 35s. Fun trail! Some burly sections on the Red Cone side for sure. Bit of scraping over a few rocks. Descent to Webster not bad. Worth doing or sure!

[@Trailsoffroad]

It is one of our all-time favorites! Glad to hear you enjoyed the trail as much as we did. That whole area is awesome!

[@mountainmonk5874]

Did this in 96, the downhill is nicer now.

[@Trailsoffroad]

Nice, do you have any photos from back then?

[@mountainmonk5874]

@@Trailsoffroad lost in the divorce, it used to really twist the axles. Webster is also narrower than it used to be, full sized trucks could do it. Did both with a 77 Cherokee Chief.

[@stratostatic]

So glad that we often got to enjoy the area years ago before the transplant hordes discovered it.

[@Trailsoffroad]

It is a beautiful trail for all to enjoy. Thanks for watching!

[@JB-rt4mx]

It looks like hand sanitizer/moisturizer is a good idea along with paper towels due to the red mud.

[@Trailsoffroad]

Not a bad idea to avoid the red mud.

[@tomhorn8556]

Whew! I need more ground clearance!

[@Trailsoffroad]

We definitely scraped a bit more than usual. Thanks for watching!

[@themandalorianfromstarwars7342]

That looks about as bodacious as black bear pass!!

[@Trailsoffroad]

It is worth getting out and doing it

[@GBR080R]

Cakewalk for that 2 door on 37s!

[@Trailsoffroad]

The 2 door JL's are unstoppable rigs on 37's!

[@doc47448]

I have a Nissan frontier 6" lift on 33". I might have to have a go at Red Cone.

[@Trailsoffroad]

Oh yeah, its a must do in Colorado. Have fun and leave some pics on the website when you go run it next year!

[@edgrez6674]

Great video!! Like to see the mildly modded vehicles get the job done!! What GPS program and tablet you use?

[@Trailsoffroad]

Thanks for watching Ed! Nothing better than a stock-ish vehicle keeping up with the built rigs! Its not what you drive, it's whether or not it puts a smile on your face. We are using our native Trails Offroad iOS app. If you are iOS, head over to the app store and download it. If you are Android, we should be releasing that app very soon!

[@rickb5575]

Great video and excellent scenery. What brand of hiking boots is Trent wearing???!!! 😂😂😂

[@Trailsoffroad]

Thank you for watching!

[@matthewduffield4375]

Nice

[@Trailsoffroad]

Thank you for watching

[@gldsmith61]

OH ...now I know why it's a rite of passage. I did not see the first 10 seconds. lol

[@Trailsoffroad]

Hahhaha

[@Ottercreekoverland]

Hello from Iowa! This is a great video! Is there any TrailsOffroad merchandise available?

[@Trailsoffroad]

Hi Ryan thanks for watching! We are working on our store and it should be ready soon! We will send out an email blast when we start shipping. Thanks for your interest!

[@RI-nw6du]

One of my favorite trails of all time put a decent dent in my k2500 on the gate keeper though

[@Trailsoffroad]

Its definitely one of our favorites. The gatekeeper is no joke! Thanks for watching!

[@tm8747]

the best of video's on the trail. but which way did you go, back the way you came, or continued down the trail ? i guess will know in the next video. ?

[@Trailsoffroad]

We went down to Webster pass on the one-way. It's not too bad if you take it nice and slow. Thanks for watching!

[@WorkFromHomeFriday]

First, we went north into Summit and had lunch at The Mother Loaded in Breck. (Get the chicken strips!) Then the Jeeps went back over Webster to their camp on the south side. I took the Stocko Taco on a couple of trails where folks had reported trees down so I could get pictures and gps pins to send to the Forest Service. (This is Trint, BTW.)

[@timjenkins7019]

My 1st trip was in a 1996 Ford Bronco in 1996.

[@Trailsoffroad]

nice, any photos?

[@elli003]

So there is trail life E/o the Divide !

[@Trailsoffroad]

Ummm....yes?

[@rsdaarud]

Excellent trail video!

[@Trailsoffroad]

Thank you for watching! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@frankjacoby9460]

Wow!!!

[@Trailsoffroad]

Thanks for watching!

[@WestTexasOverlanders]

Man, that was an awesome video! We will be heading to colorado in the morning and think i might have to put this one on the books! at the beginning of the video, one rig had a trailer, which i will have myself also. did yall leave it back at camp?

[@Trailsoffroad]

Thanks for watching! It is a great trail. I would leave the trailer at the trailhead personally and go back and get it.

[@vinzettoducama7065]

I’m trying to get out to Colorado next year and might try this one. I’ve got a mostly stock 4Runner TRD Pro (just tires, sliders and winch) and not much experience in the rocks. Y’all think I could make it with my limited skill level and non-lifted rig?

[@Trailsoffroad]

I think your vehicle can make it no problem. Definitely find another rig/group to go with to help with spotting lines and you should be good to go! The only difficult part was the root section with the boulder in the middle. The descent is not hard just keep your vehicle in its dedicated manual gearing as much as possible. Have fun, take lots of pics and leave a trail review when you do!

[@ZacTexC]

Did it in the rain and followed it up with Radical Hill in a 5th gen 4Runner 3” lift on 33’s.

[@Trailsoffroad]

Sounds like an amazing day of wheeling! We are lucky to have these trails so close to home! Thanks for watching!

[@Rixster1217]

Awesome video, I'd love to know more about Tim's rig, anywhere to get details on it?

[@Trailsoffroad]

What all are you wanting to know?

[@Billothy69]

This trail seems like a good challenge for my f150 that's stock other than a leveling kit and 34s

[@Trailsoffroad]

Sounds like a fun time! Post up a trail review on the website or apps if you run it this year!

[@midnitesilverrun8631]

Gonna run it in my stock trailhawk in July or at least try to lol.

[@Trailsoffroad]

It will be a good test for your vehicle! Take some pics and leave a trail review if you do it, we'd love to see it!

[@Crimeanland]

Супер классная пакатушка!!!!!

[@Trailsoffroad]

Thank you and thank you for watching

[@Sami-rp7mf]

Love the video. Not a off roader. Are there any folks or tours that can take you on this? TY

[@Trailsoffroad]

Hi Sami, we aren't quite sure about that. Our best bet would to be to try to find a 4WD group that you could ride along with.

[@nicknamean]

Never trust anyone in flip flops to spot you when off-roading😂😂😂

[@Trailsoffroad]

Hahahha, some of the best wheelers we know only where flip flops.

[@indyjones7550]

I took a 1985 F150 short bed, regcab on 35s with no problems.

[@Trailsoffroad]

Awesome. Post up a trip report when you have a minute. Thank you for watching.

[@stephtraveler7378]

Dont underestimate the old body on frame Explorer.... Its stock ground clearance is higher than the jeep and many had true 4x4. Just no lockers...Still, a very capable vehicle that is comfortable on the roads....

[@Trailsoffroad]

What we should have done is got some of the old pictures of Trint on the trails with his Explorer and added those into the video! We always enjoy seeing the rigs you don't always see out on the trails!

[@WorkFromHomeFriday]

(This is Trint.) My stock 1st gen Explorer did amazing back in the day. I only wish I had heard of rock rails back then. I shreaded those poor rocker panels.

[@adamheidenreich6106]

You think this could be done in a 2005 suburban z71 with a 2" lift? Wonderful video by the way!

[@Trailsoffroad]

hard to say. Check out our website or app to see trail details.

[@jli4738]

Would like to see that HIVE camper up close

[@Trailsoffroad]

Thats our friend Sam's rig. He is grt_wht_jl on instagram!

[@thesolutionstoreroberson6281]

Wow

[@Trailsoffroad]

It is an epic adventure - Thank you for watching

[@bryantwhittaker6086]

What tent topper are y'all running on the white JL?

[@Trailsoffroad]

Hi Bryant, That is the Ursa Minor top. You can check John's video out where he went to go pick it up right here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpi5l2avq91oiZI

[@Zerodead_1]

Nice trail!! Are front or rear lockers a must ?

[@Trailsoffroad]

To answer this question and many more, check out our website or app for me details.

[@Zerodead_1]

@@Trailsoffroad Awesome! Ty!

[@off-roadingexplained8417]

Good time to reconnect that anti-sway bar on the way down....

[@Trailsoffroad]

what do you drive?

[@JayCallsNext]

Could this trail be completed in a 1/2 ton pick up with rear lockers?

[@Trailsoffroad]

Hi Amrik, its hard to tell people you can do a certain trail with a certain vehicle with so many factors involved (driver experience, tire size, armor). What might be the most helpful is for you to hop over to the website (link in video description) and scroll down to the trail reviews. That might be the best way to gauge whether your vehicle can complete this trail if you see any other full sizes rigs doing it. Hope that helps!

[@JayCallsNext]

@@Trailsoffroad I will research thank you for replying.

[@thomascustomsfabrication4565]

Are the any trails that a full size Tundra would make it through? Lifted 6" on 35s

[@Trailsoffroad]

Head on over to our website/apps for tons of detailed trail guides answering this question and much more. Thanks for watching!

[@DM-tf6mk]

What a great video!!

[@Trailsoffroad]

Thank you, and thank you for watching.