UTV Rentals Near Denver, CO
Discover local side-by-side rentals in Denver, Colorado, and tackle scenic off-road trails throughout the Rockies. Plan your next UTV adventure with insider tips and top listings below.
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Featured UTV Listings Around the Mile High City
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2021 Honda Pioneer
Boulder, CO • 2 Seats
$200/night
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2016 Polaris Ranger Crew XP 1000 EPS
Lake George, CO • 6 Seats
$100/night
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2024 Polaris RZR XP 1000 Ultimate
Denver, CO • 4 Seat
$300/night
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2025 Polaris 570 Sportsman
Thornton, CO • 1 Seat
$300/night
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2023 Polaris RZR Pro R 4
Allenspark, CO • 4 Seat
$450/night
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2021 Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 Trail Edition
Parker, CO • 2 Seat
$300/night
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Top UTV Destinations Around Denver
Rampart Range
Located roughly an hour south of Denver, Rampart Range boasts a sprawling network of forested dirt roads and single-track trails. Many paths have a strict 50-inch width limit – so check that your side-by-side meets this requirement – but the overall difficulty is easy to moderate, making it a favorite for new riders. The routes wind through ponderosa pine forests and rolling hillsides, offering scenic overlooks of the Front Range. With around 200 miles of marked trails, it’s easy to spend a full day cruising Rampart’s winding loops. Expect plenty of weekend traffic, especially during summer, as this free-to-use area is a longtime local hotspot for UTV enthusiasts.
Central City & St. Mary’s Network
Tucked in the mountains west of Denver, the Central City–St. Mary’s trail system, which includes the popular Yankee Hill OHV Network, unfolds along old mining roads reaching elevations near 10,900 feet. While much of the terrain is mellow dirt and loose rock – perfect for beginner riders – there are optional spurs like Miner’s Gulch that are more advanced. Most visitors connect St. Mary’s Glacier to the historic mining town of Central City, taking in alpine views and occasional remnants of the region’s gold rush past. Airing down your tires is a smart move due to the sharp rocks in some sections. Plan for about a half-day of riding, especially if you stop to explore side trails or scenic overlooks.
Rainbow Falls
Nestled in the Pike National Forest about 90 minutes from Denver, Rainbow Falls presents an inviting loop system that caters specifically to novice side-by-side riders. One highlight is the Rainbow Falls RZR Loop, a gentle 10.4-mile circuit with mild elevation changes and a few small rocky patches – enough to keep things interesting without overwhelming newcomers. The terrain is mostly compact dirt or pea-sized gravel, winding among pine trees and tracing the banks of Trout Creek.
Bill Moore Lake
If you’re craving mountain scenery without intense technical obstacles, Bill Moore Lake near Empire is a solid choice. This moderate-easy trail climbs to an alpine lake at around 11,000 feet, showcasing panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. While most of the route is relatively straightforward, you’ll encounter some rocky climbs that favor vehicles with decent clearance. Beginners can typically manage it with cautious driving—just skip spurs like Red Elephant Hill, which are far more advanced. The roughly six-mile one-way journey is popular for its blend of mild challenge, photogenic vistas, and the cool lake as a scenic reward at the end.
Bunce School Road
West of Longmont, Bunce School Road is a forested route with a unique historical twist. Drivers start near the 1888-era Bunce School building and traverse about five miles of mostly easy dirt, with one small rocky hurdle halfway through. Stock 4x4s and side-by-sides can handle it without issue, and you’ll often meet fellow UTV enthusiasts on sunny weekends. Optional spurs include a short climb to a 1965 plane crash site, which adds an interesting backstory and slightly tougher terrain. Overall, Bunce School Road is an ideal first foray into mountain riding—a quick getaway that combines gentle off-roading with a dash of Colorado history.
Local Campgrounds & Lodging
Denver offers abundant camping and lodging options near its major OHV areas, providing plenty of overnight choices for multi-day rides. In the Rampart Range region, you’ll find Flat Rocks Campground, a no-frills Forest Service site with direct 50″-trail access (ideal for smaller side-by-sides and ATVs). If you need more space, dispersed camping is available in designated pullouts along Rampart Range Road. Both options let you roll out of bed and onto the trails without a lengthy drive.
For riders headed into the Central City/St. Mary’s network, Columbine Campground is a convenient Forest Service spot near the Yankee Hill trails. While you can’t ride UTVs inside the campground loop, staging areas are just minutes away.
In the Rainbow Falls area west of Colorado Springs, dispersed campsites along Forest Roads 348 and 350 put you right at the heart of this beginner-friendly loop system. There are no developed facilities here, so bring your own water and be prepared to stake out a campsite early on busy weekends.
Those exploring Bunce School Road or Middle St. Vrain near Allenspark can take advantage of Peaceful Valley or Camp Dick Campgrounds. Although you can’t ride directly inside these loops, it’s just a quick tow to the trailheads. Both campgrounds provide vault toilets, potable water, and a mountain-forest ambiance—perfect for combining mild off-roading with classic Colorado camping.
Lastly, if you’re aiming for a scenic overnight at Bill Moore Lake, dispersed camping along the trail allows you to set up camp among rugged alpine terrain. Stock up on supplies in nearby Empire, then enjoy the high-mountain views once you’re on the trail. With no formal facilities, you’ll be roughing it, but the reward is waking up in crisp alpine air, ready for more off-road exploration.
Denver OHV Rules & Regulations Overview
Colorado requires all UTVs, ATVs, and other off-highway vehicles to display a valid Colorado OHV registration or permit – this applies even if your machine is already licensed in another state. Anyone under 18 must wear a DOT-approved helmet, and seat belt use is strongly advised for every rider. Many forest routes here limit vehicles to 50 inches in width so if you have a wider side-by-side, stick to full-size 4x4 roads. Although some counties and towns allow UTVs on public roads, these rules vary widely, so always verify local ordinances or plan to trailer your machine. Seasonal closures for mud or wildlife habitat are common, so check with local rangers to confirm access.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is it the best time to ride in the Denver region? Most high-mountain trails open in late spring once the snow melts and stay rideable through early fall. Lower-elevation spots like Rampart Range sometimes open as early as May (weather permitting), but check Forest Service closures. By mid-to-late October, many routes are already seeing snow or seasonal gates.
Do I need my own permit or registration if I’m renting a UTV? If you’re renting through Side by Side Share, the owner’s machine should already have the required Colorado OHV sticker. That means you don’t need to purchase a separate permit. However, you still need to follow all Colorado OHV rules, including any age-related helmet laws and trail width restrictions.
Are multi-day rentals available through Side by Side Share? Yes. Many Denver-area owners allow overnight or longer rentals, which is ideal if you plan to camp near the trails or explore multiple riding spots in one trip. Some even offer discounted rates for extended bookings, so be sure to check individual listings.
What if my UTV is wider than 50 inches? Many popular trail systems like Rampart Range have gates limiting access to vehicles under 50 inches wide. If your side-by-side is wider, focus on 4x4 roads and Jeep trails, such as those in the Central City–St. Mary’s area or Bill Moore Lake. Always confirm vehicle width limits before heading out.
Do I need to tow, or can I have the UTV delivered? It varies by owner. Some rentals include a trailer at no extra cost, while others offer delivery to local trailheads for an additional fee. Check the listing’s details or message the owner directly if you’re unsure about towing logistics.
Can I ride a UTV on public roads in Colorado? In most places, no. Colorado leaves it up to local cities and counties to decide whether OHVs can use public roads. Certain mountain towns and rural counties allow it, but rules vary widely. Unless you know for sure that a road permits OHVs, it’s best to trailer your machine to the trailhead.
Got a UTV in the Denver Area? Join Us!
Side by Side Share is growing fast in Colorado, and we’re looking for local UTV owners to help meet the demand. Listing your machine is quick, easy, and free: you set your own rental rates while we handle reservations and customer service. Whether you own a two-seater or a full-sized rig, you can earn extra income and connect with fellow off-road enthusiasts who are eager to explore the Front Range and beyond.
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