Leave it to a Coloradan to innovate a way to access backcountry areas in luxury, comfort and style. Maybe you've seen one of EarthRoamer's many front-range owners driving their rig on the streets of Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree.
In 1998, EarthRoamer’s founder and avid photographer, the late Bill Swails, built something he couldn’t find elsewhere; an expedition vehicle to take him to the remote places he wished to photograph without sacrificing creature comforts. Based here in on the Front Range, he began building out his own truck but soon found the available components on the market didn't perform as he wanted. He designed a camper that met his needs; reliable, capable, and comfortable, with plenty of water and fuel to get him to the backcountry and stay there for extended periods of time.
In 2003, the first production vehicle was designed and built. EarthRoamer now operates all of its design, engineering, production and sales at its Dacono facility north of Denver. Colorado hand-built by Colorado craftsman, new innovations include a carbon fiber body, increased interior height, additional bunk windows, fully electronic CZone controls, and lithium-ion batteries among others. These features have made EarthRoamer one of the most desired overland vehicles on the market. With over 300 sold and on the road, they even coined the phrase Xpedition Vehicle (XV) to differentiate them from typical RVs.
In fact, you can find an EarthRoamer XV in Jay Leno's garage. New models range in price from $750,000 to over $1 million, built to order, and are highly customizable. For all of their technical and mechanical advancements, the interiors are total luxury and comfort. Some include a stargazing roof hatch above a full king-sized bed on the cab. The smaller LTI model has a space-efficient and highly functional 1/2 bath, while the SX model includes a full bath. All models have highly functional kitchens with luxurious touches like granite countertops and stainless steel sinks and allow for indoor and outdoor cooking. Preowned models, depending on available inventory generally begin at $375,000.
Colorado Built for Colorado Comforts.
Places to take an EarthRoamer EV
The Colorado Backcountry Discovery Route has six total sections. Section Four from Buena Vista to Gypsum can be covered on a weekend drive and includes Weston Pass & Lake Sylvan. The entire Discovery Route is 682 miles and takes you from the Four Corners to the Wyoming Border. Highlights include Ophir pass, Lake San Cristobal, Turquoise Lake and Tincup Town.
Crystal Mill
Getting to the town of Marble in the Crystal River Valley is available to most of us only during the summer months. Between Marble and Crested Butte, accessed only in a 4-wheel-drive you'll find the Crystal Mill and the nearby town of Crystal via County Road 7. The Crystal Mill and the town itself are privately owned, so be sure to check the rules.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Options abound in RMNP for overland vehicles; Bunce School Road, Old Fall River Road, Middle Saint Vrain Trail System, Switzerland Trail, and Johnny Park to name a few.
Out-of-State
Nearby destinations outside of Colorado include Moab, UT, Grand Canyon North Rim, AZ, El Camino Del Diablo, AZ, and Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, WY/UT.
"Colorado hand-built by Colorado craftsman."