Category Archives: Trips

Longwater Adventure

Facebook groups can be a great way to meet people, learn new trails, and go on adventures.  Going out in groups big and small has its pros and cons.  In our experience, smaller groups are the best to keep trail rides from becoming a game of waiting on the trail and watching people break their toys.  This trip started out with a Facebook event and only 6 people had agreed to go.  When we got to the trailhead there were 30 vehicles lined up to go on the trail.  This trip was supposed to be an adventure down the local legend of Hacket Gulch.  One hour into the trail we still hadn’t made it to the first obstacle. We had already watched several vehicles break, and one crazy idiot almost roll because he was in over his head.  Jeff pulled, rescued, and helped several vehicles struggle up that first obstacle.  When we looked up the trail our hearts sank as we saw the long line of vehicles strung out along the trail, many struggling on simple slopes.  It was at that point we decided we were done.  It was obvious we were going nowhere fast.  Instead, we turned around and decided to go solo down Longwater Gulch.

The trail was a mixture of snow, ice, and dirt.  There were times when traction was great then there were times when the uphill slope was slick with sloppy ice and slush.  Nothing that would stop Beast from taking us to the wilds.

Having the trail virtually to ourselves we had time to explore and pick the perfect place to stop for a picnic.  Inside or outside his jeep, Jeff is part mountain goat.  Sometimes he would be inspired to complete the climb up a rock that Beast had started.

The sky was clear, and the views were spectacular.  We couldn’t resist taking pictures.  This was a much better alternative to the slow and torturous plodding of a huge caravan of inexperienced drivers in need of constant rescue. Having an organized party with a limit of vehicles is the answer to an enjoyable trip.  We have found 4-6 is the sweet spot for trail rides and adventures.  If you and your friends are looking to tackle a trail look us up.  We offer group rates too.

Hope to see you on the trails soon!

Weekend’s Getaway

Sometimes we need to unplug from electronics, get away from the distractions of our high-paced life, and get out into nature to recharge.  Having an offroad camper, rooftop tent, camping gear, or the will to visit the mountains there are plenty of places to go.  We decided to take a quick trip over the weekend to find a quiet spot in the Rampart Range Mountains.

We have a cargo trailer conversion that has been modified to make off-road camping a breeze.  We have used this camper in all weather, snow, rain, and heat; and have learned a lot on that journey.  For this weekend’s getaway, we were faced with scattered rain and beautiful sunshine.  With our camp set up, we were able to start a fire, kick back, and watch our dogs play as civilization slowly melted away.

As the rain cleared the sun came out to play.  Taking a hike through the woods we discovered a picture-perfect forest that looked like it came from a movie set.  There wasn’t a single low branch to tangle in my curly hair.  The forest floor was carpeted in a thick layer of pine needles making it soft to walk across.  Yet, 50 yards from the pristine forest a completely different sight can be had.  Standing on the edge of two forests, one clean and perfect, the other littered and covered in down trees.  As I stood there between the two, I decided to travel in both.

Scattered throughout the woods there were large rock outcroppings perfect for climbing.  As I slowly picked my way over the boulders, testing my footing and precarious balance, Jeff and the dogs were already at the top.  Swift and nimble, unafraid of the possibility of failing, they were rewarded with a spectacular view of the mountains and valley.

Walking among the trees, some perfect and straight, some twisted or scared I appreciate the diversity of the forest.  My dogs relish chasing after squirrels and being free to run.  Nature is truly the place to go to wash the stress of life away.  One of the best parts about weekend getaways is you can bring your friends.  If you are nervous about being in the woods alone.  Perhaps you aren’t sure if your new camping gear is up to the task, call us.  We can walk you through what you need.  Experienced guides and show you all the best spots.  Then you can find your own enchanted place for your weekend getaway.

Hermit Pass

There are hundreds of hidden paths, trails, and fun places to travel in our vast wilderness. Not all of our adventures need to be filled with technical driving and daring rescues. Some of the best places to visit are down bumpy roads. Hermit Pass Colorado is one of those places.

This trail takes you above the tree line with some stunning views across a wide landscape. Tucked down in the valleys along this trail are emerald-colored lakes that are great for fishing.

At the summit, you can see for miles around. The wind will tease your hair and tempt you to fly away. It isn’t the greatest place to stop for lunch, but there are some wonderful pull-offs down by the lakes just below the summit where you will be sheltered from the wind.

If this is a trail that inspires you, or you are looking for a new adventure we would be happy to help you plan your next trip! Don’t forget we offer a wide variety of trail guide opportunities!

Hope to see you on the trails!

Trail Guide

Want to go on a trail ride, but not sure which trail to take? Maybe you want to attempt a Badge of Honor trial but want a trusted person to accompany you? Get an experienced trail guide for your next over-landing or off-road adventure.

Do you want to start exploring the trails around the Colorado Springs area, but feel nervous about going with unknown drivers? Perhaps you and your friends want to tackle a Badge of Honor trail such as Holy Cross for the first time and you would like someone to help be an extra spotter for difficult obstacles? No matter your reason we have experienced trail guides who can act as spotters, navigators, and trip organizers for your next adventure. Trail guide trips can be as simple as a day trip to explore new trails off of Rampart Range or Old Stage to multi-day drips on difficult trails throughout Colorado. When booking with Beast Off-Road Recovery you can rest easy knowing you will have a guide who has extensive knowledge of many trailers in the area but is an expert at recovery if you were to slide off the trail during your adventure. Jeff Dunn, owner of Beast Off-Road Recovery has over 30 years of experience in 4-wheel drive adventures (to learn more please read our About page). We would be happy to help you plan your next adventure!

Trail guides can be one-on-one with an experienced guide or sign up for groups of 5. Prices will vary depending on the number of people and the duration of the trip. We can act as an event organizer with advice and equipment to bring, navigate, and scheduling of multi-day trips to simple 2-hour adventures.

Click the link below for more information and a quote on our trail guide opportunities!

Get a Quote and Book Now!