Penrose Commons, Colorado Ride Report – Oct. 20th, 2014
First Impressions: The drive into the park was full of sharp rocks and hills. This park looked promising for technical stuff.
Property Type: Located north of Penrose Colorado, Penrose Commons OHV is on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land. You will NOT need any permits to ride.
Time There: Monday, October 20th, 2014
Location: Mountain plateau, relatively flat with a few shallow valleys to explore. More pictures HERE.
Elevation: 5500 -6500
Weather: The weather was great, few clouds and sunny skies.
Inside Penrose Commons Colorado
Trail Type: Most of Penrose Commons OHV was rocky 2-track or wide-open trails. It looked better suited for Jeeps, SxSs and ATVs. With the wide-open trails, there is a good opportunity for wide-open throttle riding, but the ATV 2-track wasn’t very fun. The tracks are separated by big loose rocks, and the sides of the trail are lined with pine trees that grab at your handlebars the whole time. This means having to dive back and forth between the two tracks to avoid the trees, so you are continually crossing the loose, chunky rocks. At least for me, that wasn’t an enjoyable part of Penrose Commons.
Terrain: The terrain consisted of mainly jagged rocks and hard pack. There are a few hills, but nothing major. The terrain at Penrose Commons was not what I was expecting for Colorado riding.
Type of Riding: Penrose Commons offers smooth, fast riding, a few technical climbs, but nothing to spend a day on.
Related: I usually ride alone and far away from my truck so I make sure I have plenty of tools and supplies.
What To Expect
Outstanding features: There are a few canyons to descend and climb, but other than that, there isn’t much for challenging dirt bike riding. If you have a Jeep or SXS, then Independence Trail is a dream come true, or a nightmare if you aren’t prepared. The trail starts with three straight drop-offs, then goes down a river bed full of big rocks. This would be a fun challenge on a dirt bike, but I don’t have the endurance, or skill required to get my bike through that in one piece.
Facilities: Vault Toilets by the entrance to the staging/camping area.
Camping: Yes, primitive, no RV hookups
Length of stay: Your length of stay depends on what you are doing. I wouldn’t spend more than one day with a dirt bike. Jeep, SxS, and ATV I would recommend the whole weekend.
Other Riders: Of the few people I encountered on the trail and in the staging area were very friendly and happy to answer any questions about the park.
Final Word: I can’t recommend Penrose Commons as a destination area, and I probably won’t be back unless it’s convenient.
[table id=16 /]
