Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in ALMONT, Colorado
Almont sits at the confluence of the East and Taylor Rivers in the heart of Gunnison County, and it punches well above its size when it comes to hiking access.
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Almont sits at the confluence of the East and Taylor Rivers in the heart of Gunnison County, and it punches well above its size when it comes to hiking access. With 293 active listings in the area, the trails and roads here range from easy valley walks to longer backcountry routes pushing into the surrounding Gunnison National Forest. Doctor Park Trail 424 is one of the more established named trails in the mix, rated moderate and offering a genuine climb away from the river corridor. Beyond that, a large share of the routes here follow forest roads and two-track paths — think Bone Basin Road, Lost Canyon Road, Upper Pass Creek Road, and Paymaster Mine Road — which means you get wide, navigable terrain with real elevation gain and mountain views without the crowds that pile up in more publicized Colorado destinations. Bowman Creek Trail and the Taylor View 586 route add variety for hikers who want something closer to a traditional trail experience. The area sits at roughly 8,000 feet, so even the flatter walks require some acclimatization if you're coming from lower elevation. Summer and early fall are the primary hiking seasons, with July through September offering the most reliable conditions before snow closes higher routes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time of year to hike around Almont?
July through mid-September is the sweet spot. Snow can linger on higher routes like Upper Pass Creek Road and Bone Basin Road into June, and early-season trails can be muddy and soft. By late September, afternoon temperatures drop fast and early snowfall is possible, though lower valley routes near the river corridor often stay accessible into October.
Are the hiking routes here suitable for beginners?
Many of the forest road routes — including One Mile Road, Cow Creek Connector Road, and Lodgepole Campground Road — are wide and relatively flat, making them accessible for beginners or families. Doctor Park Trail is rated moderate and involves more elevation change, so it's better suited to hikers comfortable with sustained climbing. The area sits around 8,000 feet, which adds effort regardless of trail difficulty if you're not acclimatized.
Do I need a permit to hike in the Almont area?
Most of the routes here run through Gunnison National Forest on forest roads and open trails, which generally don't require a permit for day hiking. That said, regulations can change and some trailheads may have specific rules around camping or group size. Check with the Gunnison Ranger District before your trip for the most current information, especially for overnight plans.
What gear should I bring for a day hike out of Almont?
Layers are non-negotiable at this elevation — afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August, sometimes building quickly, so a rain shell belongs in your pack even on clear mornings. Bring more water than you think you need, as many of the forest road routes don't have reliable water sources along the way. Trekking poles are useful on routes like Doctor Park Trail where the terrain gets uneven.
Is there parking and trailhead access for these routes?
Access varies by route. Many of the forest road hikes start from pullouts along Highway 135 or off Taylor Canyon Road, with informal parking rather than developed trailheads. A high-clearance vehicle is an advantage for reaching starting points on routes like Paymaster Mine Road or Lost Canyon Road, especially earlier in the season when road surfaces can be rough. Arrive early on weekends in summer, as parking near popular access points fills up.
