OVERLAND ADVENTURE PLANNING

Planning, logistics, packing… Preparing for any adventure can sometimes feel stressful.  Without the right support and resources, planning for an overland adventure can be downright daunting.  Colorado Overlander is here to take the guesswork out of every step by providing you the support and knowledge you need to make this overlanding adventure truly unforgettable.  Let’s get started.

GET INSPIRATION & START PLANNING

We encourage our guests to go (almost) anywhere, but 85% of our renters end up adventuring in what we call the “Heartland of Overlanding.”  Navigate and click on the map below to learn more about some of our favorite places.

Heartland of Overlanding Map
Northern Utah Flat Tops/Rocky Mountain National Park Central Rocky Mountains Desert/Mountain Region Southern Utah/Arizona Colorado Overlander Grand Junction Airport - GJT (MOST POPULAR) Aspen/Pitkin County Airport - ASE (MOST POPULAR) Eagle / Vail Airport - EGE (MOST POPULAR) Denver International Airport - DIA Grand Canyon National Park Zion National Park Bryce Canyon National Park Canyonlands National Park Arches National Park Capitol Reef National Park Mesa Verde National Park Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Great Sand Dunes National Park Rocky Mountain National Park McCarran International Airport - LAS Salt Lake City International Airport - SLC Cedar Breaks National Monument Dinosaur National Monument Colorado National Monument Natural Bridges & Bears Ears National Monument Grand Staircase National Monument Canyons of the Ancients National Monument Aztec Ruins National Monument Hovenweep National Monument Bandelier National Monument Browns Canyon National Monument

Northern Utah

Want to explore the many lakes and mountain ranges of Northern Utah and make it back in time for a burger and a beer? This region offers the biggest cities in Utah, full of rich and vibrant history. 

Flat Tops/Rocky Mountain National Park

Need a break from people? Want to soak in the true sound of nature? The Flat Tops Wilderness area offers just this. With peaks and valleys and an abundance of lakes this area is perfect for those wanting to unplug and unwind. You will find many camping options and enough trails to fill an entire week. 

Central Rocky Mountains

The Central Rocky Mountain Region is every photographer's dream. This region is best explored in the fall when you will see beautiful and vibrant orange, yellow, and reds that Colorado is known for. This area consists of vast mountainous regions like Aspen and Vail as well as unique desert playgrounds like the Great Sand Dunes National Park. 

Desert/Mountain Region

Nicknamed the "Switzerland of the Rockies," Ouray, Colorado is well known not only for its jagged picturesque peaks, but also as the overlanding mecca of Colorado. You will find an abundance of peaks and passes in this region that range from Greens to Blacks. You could very easily soak in the moment here for a week or more.

Southern Utah/Arizona

Southern Utah and Arizona offer a unique view into one of the most fascinating ecosystems and geological modern marvels that the United States has to offer. You can explore the five national parks or take a break and stargaze in some of the most well known astrological basecamps in the world. This region is one you don't want to miss!

Grand Junction Airport - GJT (MOST POPULAR)

Aspen/Pitkin County Airport - ASE (MOST POPULAR)

Eagle / Vail Airport - EGE (MOST POPULAR)

Denver International Airport - DIA

Grand Canyon National Park

Zion National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park

Canyonlands National Park

Arches National Park

Capitol Reef National Park

Mesa Verde National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park

McCarran International Airport - LAS

Salt Lake City International Airport - SLC

Cedar Breaks National Monument

Dinosaur National Monument

Colorado National Monument

Natural Bridges & Bears Ears National Monument

Grand Staircase National Monument

Canyons of the Ancients National Monument

Aztec Ruins National Monument

Hovenweep National Monument

Bandelier National Monument

Browns Canyon National Monument

VEHICLE OPTIONS

When selecting a vehicle, we recommend considering the following:

  • How many people will be traveling in the vehicle? (seating, sleeping, gear storage, etc.)
  • What type of driving/trails are you expecting to encounter? (vehicle width, clearance, capability, etc.)
  • What are your top priorities? (vehicle range, storage, comfort, etc.)

SLEEP & CAMP SYSTEM

Each vehicle comes equipped with one of the following roof top tents and the camping gear shown below.  When factoring in weight, packability, and reliability, we don’t think you will be able to find a better overland setup anywhere.

FOOD PREP & GALLEY

Just because you are on the trail it doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice.  Check out our PROFESSIONAL MEAL PLANNING & PACKAGES.  And, with all of the galley items included below, you’ll have a complete kitchen & a breathtaking view.

NAVIGATION, CAMPING & TRAIL RESOURCES

At Colorado Overlander, we trust the experts.  When it comes to GPS Navigation, Established Campsite Information, and Overland Routes & Trail Information, we recommend the following:

RECOVERY GEAR & TOOLS

Wise trail selection, navigation and knowing your limits is always the top priority.  Having the proper Recovery Gear for the unexpected is absolutely essential.  With every rental, we include the following items:

MEDICAL & SAFETY

As career First Responders and Ski Patrollers, for us, safety is First, Second, and Third. It’s that important.  So, let us take care of the safety stuff so that you have more time for the fun stuff.

YOUR “TO-DO” LIST

We pride ourselves by providing 90% of the items you absolutely need, but we leave 10% for you. Below is a list of items that we recommend each group provide or obtain before setting out on your adventure.

PERSONAL BAG
  • Toiletries (toilet paper provided)
  • Warm Weather Gear
  • Cool Weather Gear
  • Sleeping Gear
  • Pocket Knife / Multi Purpose Tool
  • Prescriptions, OTC Meds
FOOD ITEMS
  • Drinks (Water / Coffee / etc.)
  • Snacks
  • Spices / Condiments
    • Sugar / Salt & Peper / Spices
    • Cooking Oil / Butter
    • Milk / Creamer
    • Ketchup / Mustard / Mayo
OTHER / MISC. ITEMS
  • Pillow
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect Repellent
  • Bear Spray (Location Specific)