Sat, Aug 8, 2026 at 8:30 AM
Join P-4 as we run Wheeler Lake Trail. The trail is located outside Alma, CO and is rated a 5-7 with some bypasses. We will meet up at 8:30 AM at the Sinclair gas station in Fairplay, CO 640 US Hwy 285 and depart for the trail at 8:45.
When you think of Colorado offroading, what do you think of? Maybe majestic snowcapped peaks, fields of wildflowers lined with pine trees, or crystal-clear mountain lakes? Well, if you have the rig to do it, Wheeler Lake checks all of those boxes! Located in the Pike National Forest, Wheeler Lake is the quintessential Colorado high-altitude offroad adventure. From the towering peaks (some of which are 14ers) that surround you as you ascend a thick and lush vegetated valley to the mining remnants from the past, Wheeler Lake will have you and your passengers looking out the windows in every direction right from the get-go. Although the scenery along the way will pull your attention away from the trail, don‘t let it - this trail has a few tricky obstacles that will give mildly built rigs a run for their money, and even very built rigs will have an opportunity to really stretch out. Flopper, V-Notch, and Bowling Ball Hill are all aptly named obstacles that will stand in your way before your final ascent up to Wheeler Lake. At the end of this trail, you will be experiencing Colorado at its finest - a picturesque, crystal-clear mountain lake fed by snowmelt from the surrounding peaks, all within reach of your offroad rig, of course. Bring your family, bring your friends. Wheeler Lake is one of those trails that, if it‘s not on your Colorado bucket list, it needs to be.
The trail is a traditional out & back with several spots that are difficult to pass. There are two main large rock obstacles, "Flopper" and "The V-Notch," which will challenge stock vehicles. There‘s also a big hill climb near the end named "Bowling Ball Hill" due to the bowling ball-sized rocks covering it. Bring lunch, plenty of water, sunscreen and GRMS radio.