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Description
Bunce School Road (Forest Road 105) is a popular and generally easy 4x4 trail located in the Front Range of Colorado, easily accessible from towns like Allenspark and Lyons. It offers a pleasant drive through the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, with opportunities for dispersed camping and exploring a bit of local history, including the historic Bunce School House near the northern trailhead and a 1965 T-33 plane crash site accessible via a spur trail. While the main route is suitable for most stock high-clearance 4x4s, and even some adventurous SUVs, it does feature some rocky sections and a couple of hairpin turns that require careful driving. The trail serves as a gateway to more challenging routes like the Ironclads loop. It's a great option for those looking to get off the pavement and enjoy the mountain scenery without extreme technical challenges. The trail is also popular for winter wheeling when conditions permit, though it is subject to seasonal closures, typically from mid-November to mid-June, especially its southern end. ATVs and motorcycles also frequent this route.
Directions
The main northern access to Bunce School Road (FR105) is near the historic Bunce School House, west of Allenspark.
From Allenspark, CO: Head southeast on Highway 7 for approximately 3.7 miles. Turn right onto South St. Vrain Drive (signs may indicate Bunce School). Follow signs for the Bunce School House. From the school house, head southwest, taking the lefthand road at the immediate intersection. In less than a quarter mile, you will reach public lands and a large parking area which serves as the trailhead for FR105.
Alternative access points to the general area: From Lyons, CO: Take Main Street west and turn left onto Highway 7. Follow Highway 7 for about 15 miles to South St. Vrain Drive. From Nederland, CO: Head west on West 2nd Street, which becomes Highway 72 (Peak to Peak Highway). Follow Highway 72 for about 21.5 miles to its intersection with Highway 7. Turn left onto Highway 7 and go approximately 0.6 miles to South St. Vrain Drive.
The southern end of Bunce School Road connects to a paved road in Peaceful Valley, near Camp Dick campground, which can be accessed from Highway 72.
Difficulty
Bunce School Road is considered an easy to low-moderate off-road trail, suitable for most stock 4x4 vehicles with decent ground clearance. You don't need a heavily modified rig for the main trail. The surface is primarily dirt with some rocky patches. Expect a few obstacles like a notable rocky spot and a couple of hairpin turns, one of which is described as rougher with larger rocks that will require you to pick your line carefully. While it's not a rock-crawling adventure, these sections will test your vehicle's clearance and your ability to navigate uneven terrain. The trail is generally well-traveled. If you're looking for more of a challenge, side trails like the Ironclads offer more difficult terrain.
Trail Uses
- Off-Road Vehicles
- 4x4 Vehicle
- All-Terrain Vehicle
- Motorcycle
- Hiking
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