Colorado ZR2 macho, capable

Road Test: 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

LESLEY WIMBUSH at the ATV riders plowing through the water, sending up rooster tails of spray.

“That would make a fantastic picture,” I said. “We gotta come back here when we’re done.” Famous last words.

The combination of fine sand and impressive suspension create a cushiony landing after catching air over a small berm. Navigating a 30-degree banked turn with steep dirt walls was no problem for the ZR2, which may as well have yawned.

After several hours of exploring, we headed back to the trailhead and the aforementioned pond. The middle was presumably deeper, so I pointed the truck’s nose across from where we’d seen the ATVs playing. Like choosing the red wire when you should’ve picked the yellow, this was a very bad decision. The flat shallow sand abruptly ended, and the truck performed a sickening nose dive.

Apparently, the truck was perched at the rim of a precipitous drop. In full-on panic mode, and with dusk descending, we suddenly heard an approaching dirt bike. Under different circumstances, the expression on the rider’s face would have been funny.

We’re extremely lucky. Our Samaritan on a KTM returned with two ATVs, whose drivers had just been preparing to leave. A quick yank with a tow strap, and the truck popped out like a cork — filthy, dripping, but mercifully running. Parking it on an incline, I opened up the door and watched, stupefied, as the water poured out.

Two runs through the car wash and several hours with the shop-vac later, the Colorado ZR2 looked none the worse for wear. Nevertheless, I shamefacedly let GM know of the extent of my stupidity. Fortunately they were pretty understanding. Stuff sometimes happens.