ATV Trails Guide Arizona Phoenix Region

Charles (Chuck) Wells bought his first 4-wheel-drive SUV in 1993, and he had no idea how it would change his life. Like most SUV owners in Colorado, he bought the vehicle primarily for winter driving. But one summer day, he saw an intriguing dirt road that headed into the mountains. Off he went on his first real trip beyond the pavement. It was so much fun, he searched for other roads to duplicate the experience. Many more trips followed. As his confidence grew, he ventured farther and farther into the backcountry. He realized he needed some guidance, so he bought every guidebook and map he could find. Unfortunately, most of the information was vague, incomplete or inaccurate. He continued to get lost, run into places too difficult for his vehicle and waste time on boring roads. This frustration led him to write his first book, Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails, in 1998. Sales took off, immediately. Within a year, he quit his job and started FunTreks Publishing. Many years later, Wells has published eleven books (two were replaced by new editions). His books include easy and moderate routes for stock SUVs, difficult trails for serious 4-wheelers and trails for unlicensed vehicles (ATVs, UTVs and dirt bikes). Today his books are standard equipment for thousands of motorized adventurers. He strongly promotes responsible use of public lands.Charles continues to scout most of the trails and spends a great deal of time traveling in his motorhome. His books presently cover Colorado, Utah, Arizona and California. More states are planned. Wells graduated from Ohio State University in 1969 with a degree in graphic design. After practicing design in Ohio, he moved to Colorado Springs in 1980 and worked 18 years in the printing business. He and his wife, Beverly, have two adult children and 4 grandchildren. They now live in Monument, CO, close to their business. Matt (PT) Peterson got into 4-wheeling in 2000 after graduating from college. He built several off-road 4x4s starting with bolt parts, and later progressed to custom-built, off-road buggies. Wanting to share his new pastime, he and a few friends started their own 4-wheel-drive club in Michigan and the club is still going strong today. He has always had an interest in exploring less-traveled roads and was overjoyed when he moved to Colorado in 2003.He worked many years as a graphic designer and computer technician, then joined FunTreks in 2008. He currently scouts trails, then helps Wells write and produce the books. Peterson graduated from Bethel College in 2000 with a degree in graphic design. He met his wife, Cassie, soon after moving to Colorado. Together, they enjoy camping and other outdoor activities in Colorado's enormous backyard.