Howdy! I'm planning a short trip with my 11 year old son to southern Colorado in late July. I'll take my KLX300 and his CRF125. The plan is to spend one day fishing in Southfork, and one day riding trails on our bikes.

We'll stay in either Southfork or Pagosa Springs, but I don't have any experience riding in either of these areas.

Would one have more beginner friendly trails than the other? Fire roads and easy trails with awesome views are what I'm looking for. Narrow/steep/rocky stuff would probably take away from some of the fun.

Is there an area where we could park the truck and ride all day, or are the trails spaced out so that I'd need to load the bikes up and move the truck several times?

ANY and ALL advice is appreciated. I've been to this area several times, but I have no experience with the offroad stuff here.

Thank you!

Not a lot of experience riding dirt in that area, but I would check out the Colorado BDR videos to see if they ride in that area to get some ideas. I'd also check out the Butler Map for CO for suggestions. You could also try the Two Wheel Texans forum. Lots of guys there ride dirt in CO.

Tons of dirt bike trails for all skill levels around South Fork. I've only ridden single track in that area, but happy to send you my .gpx files. I hope you like rocks!

Cotrex (Colorado Trail Explorer) is a free app that has most of the Colorado OHV trails, including around South Fork.

You'll need an OHV sticker for each bike which can be purchased at just about any CO powersports shop for $25.25. Technically, you need a license plate to ride on the highway and public roads in South Fork, but I've never seen law enforcement pull anyone over for not having one if you're riding responsibly. Pretty much all the trailheads are a short (<10 miles) road transfer out of South Fork. If you're worried about it, you can truck or trailer your bikes to the trailheads.

I don't have recommendations for easier trails, but you're bound to find people on dirt bikes in all directions once you get to South Fork. Ask the guys on big dual sport bikes what they recommend.