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A 21.7-mile trail in Colorado claims its roots in old railroad history. A trail with an elevation up to 11,482 feet, it is a road that began as a railway line. Mostly, it is paved as it weaves up through the initial neighborhoods, but eventually it turns into a dirt road, higher up.

The views are amazing, the trees breathtaking. Underneath the mountains, you can see Breckenridge. And in other areas, you can overlook the national forest.

The mountains look out over an expansive view. But, even though the elevation is so high, the path is an easy gently sloping path, as it was originally designed to support the engine capability of trains.

This pass can be busy with cars on weekends, so it’s probably best not to plan a hike or four-wheeling trip during a busy time. However, going in the winter for snowmobiling, you will have a lot less competition for traveling the pass.

You can take the whole family on this beginner-level run. Or, if you are feeling adventurous, you can follow some steep and challenging trails that break off from the main road.

To get to Boreas Pass from Breckenridge, take the CO-9 S (Main Street) to CO-Road 10, taking a left. Turn right on CO Road 518. Turn left on Bunker Hill Lane and then right again on Boreas Pass Road (CO-Road 10). When the road splits, stay right on Boreas Pass and follow it to your heart’s content. Find a parking place higher up and enjoy yourself on the trail!

The Dixie Chicks song, “Wide Open Spaces” is the first thing that comes to mind, looking out over the incredible expanse of land along the Modoc Line. Originally a railway, this trail runs an incredible 86 miles.

Open year-round for motorized and non-motorized fun alike, there is so much you can do at the Modoc Line. In the summer, you can bring the 4-wheelers, bikes, and OHVs. In the winter, try cross-country skiing or, you guessed it, snowmobiling.

Good luck exploring the whole trail, because unless you camp for a few days, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to enjoy the entire Modoc Line. If you do decide to stick around awhile, you may see some Pronghorn running alongside the trail.

The trail is run by the Bureau of Land Management. Union Pacific purchased the rail run by Southern Pacific, in 1996, but work began on taking it apart just nine years later, for the development of a recreational trail.  There are some rough areas on the trail and weather is unpredictable in some areas, so be cautious and come prepared.

The Modoc Line is still being developed, so some areas are not finished and there are no formal trailheads as of yet. So users are allowed to explore at their own risk. The views are amazing and the amount of rural land over 86 miles of California is impressive, for this largely populated state.

To get there from Susanville, travel east on US 395 and take the turn onto Wendel Road. There are signs that will lead you to Honey Lake. Once you cross the old railroad berm, you can get out and start snowmobiling, or you can go to Wendel and park by Amedee Road and Antola Road. Enjoy your long escape from the crowds on the Modoc Line.

Second in length only to the Modoc Line, still under construction, the Bizz Johnson National Recreational Trail boasts an amazing 25.4 miles of beauty, peace, and history. If you go in the fall for some 4-wheeling, hiking, or horseback riding, you will see some beautiful fall colors, rushing streams, and lots of green. Or, you can try camping in the spring and summer.  If, however, you are looking for a snowmobiling adventure, prepare for a breathtaking winter wonderland.

The Bizz Johnson National Recreational Trail is named after the old California congressional representative Harold T. “Bizz” Johnson, who served from 1958 to 1980 in the House of Representatives. He was responsible for making the massive “rails-to-trails” project a reality.

Like the Modoc Line, this trail began as a railway, old and no longer used, but just asking for transformation to recreational use. It winds through thickly wooded areas and the Susan River Canyon, with several tunnels, trestles, and historic land markers and sites along the length of the trail.

The trail starts in Westwood and ends in Susanville. The route is not difficult, mainly flat or with a slight incline or decline. The trail goes through miles of woods and then follows the scenic Susan River for 16 miles. You will see old shacks and tracks, a railroad station, a 25-foot carved statue of Paul Bunyan (at the Westwood Trailhead) and more.

On Highway 36, traveling to Westwood, take the Lassen County Road A-21 due North. 3 miles later, you will hit County Road 101 and turn in there. You will get to the Mason Station trailhead in half a mile.  While you’re there, try the fishing. Enjoy your snowmobiling trip!