Moody Hill & The Quarry: Crawling Through Colorado’s Wild Side

Some trails warm you up gently. Moody Hill is not one of them.

Just a couple of weeks after the road officially opened for the season, we loaded up the Jeep for our first 4×4 trail ride of the year—and what a reintroduction it was! Right out of the gate, Moody Hill throws you into the thick of it—steep, rocky, and relentless. And honestly? We loved every minute of it.

The Climb Begins

With the Jeep aired down and trail mode on, we tackled the early boulder fields and tight turns, inching our way up ledges and weaving through a pine-draped corridor of dirt and granite. This trail doesn’t just test your rig—it tests your focus, your tire placement, and your confidence. It’s a good kind of challenge, the kind that gets your adrenaline going and keeps your eyes locked forward.

A Trail of Fire and Recovery

As we gained elevation, the terrain told its own story. Evidence of past wildfires was everywhere—charred trees stood like sentinels, but between them, life was returning. Bright green grasses lined the trail, wildflowers bloomed defiantly, and new pine saplings pushed skyward, reclaiming the landscape one sprout at a time. Purple penstemon danced in the breeze, and vibrant yellow blooms dotted the slopes like sparks of hope.

And it wasn’t just a few flowers—countless wildflowers blanketed the hillsides in waves of pink, purple, white, yellow, and even flashes of red, adding bursts of color against the ashy soil. Young aspen trees fluttered in the sunlight, their delicate green leaves a fresh sign of rebirth in the recovering forest.

Paws and People

This trip was extra special because we were joined by friends—and our two trail-loving dogs, Dasher and Lennon. They were living their best lives: ears flapping in the wind, heads out the window, tails wagging with every new scent. Paws bounced over alpine rock as they climbed boulders like seasoned scouts, stopping at every overlook to soak in the views right alongside us. Noses full of mountain air, they explored every inch of the trail with joyful curiosity. It wouldn’t be an adventure without them—and watching them take it all in was a highlight in itself.

Into the Quarry

By the time we reached the top, we rolled into the Quarry—and luck was on our side. We had the entire place to ourselves, which made it feel like our own private off-road playground.

This is where the trail turns from technical to epic. You can crawl, climb, or just kick back and take it all in—and we did a little of everything. From mellow ledges to steep vertical waterfalls, the Quarry offers a variety of features where off-roaders can practice their skills, test their rigs, and have a whole lot of fun. You even drop into a rock quarry, a rugged arena of granite slabs, loose rock, and obstacle lines that challenge both machine and mindset.

Bill had a blast tackling the obstacles, flexing through ledges, climbing granite faces, and navigating tricky lines with ease. Sunlight bounced off white quartz and pale granite, casting a shimmer across the entire basin, while panoramic views stretched across northern Colorado, making the effort to get here feel completely worth it.

Whether you’re crawling or spectating, the Quarry is pure off-road joy—a wild arena where adventure and adrenaline go hand in hand.

Trail Moments & Mountain Magic

In the quieter stretches between rock gardens and ledges, the trail softened—offering moments of calm beneath towering pines and open skies. We rolled past fields of wildflowers, their colors bursting across the hillsides while birds flitted through the trees, filling the air with gentle song.

The breeze carried a wonderfully enchanted scent—a mix of pine, warm earth, and blooming wildflowers that made you want to pause and breathe it all in. Every switchback brought something new: craggy outcrops, soft green meadows, long views into distant valleys, and the soothing quiet that only comes when you’re deep in the wild.

These are the in-between moments—the ones that sneak up on you and remind you why you hit the trail in the first place.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard to imagine a better way to kick off the 4×4 season. Moody Hill and the Quarry delivered everything we love about off-roading: challenge, beauty, and a sense of connection—with nature, with friends, and with the trail under our tires.

While the technical climbs and rock obstacles brought the thrill, it was those quiet moments in between—wildflowers dancing in the breeze, birdsong echoing through the trees, and the sweet, earthy scent of the high country air—that grounded the day in something deeper. These trails remind you that adventure isn’t just about conquering terrain; it’s about soaking in every moment along the way.

If you’re ready to shake off the rust and dive into the season, Moody Hill is a great way to get back into gear—gritty, scenic, and wildly rewarding.

Location: Moody Hill & The Quarry, near Masonville, CO
Highlights: Rocky climbs, wildfire regrowth, off-leash dog fun, mountain views, wildflowers
Trail Buddies: 2 Jeeps, 4 humans, and 2 happy pups
Rating: Technical + Totally Worth It
Timing: Road opened just a couple of weeks ago—perfect timing for our first run of the year