Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Bedrock, Colorado
Bedrock, Colorado sits in the canyon country of western Colorado, where the Dolores River has carved deep red-rock walls and the surrounding mesa terrain spreads out in a maze of backcountry roads and trails.
59 spotsUpdated weeklyFree to access
View on mapHiking · 59 spots
Bedrock, Colorado sits in the canyon country of western Colorado, where the Dolores River has carved deep red-rock walls and the surrounding mesa terrain spreads out in a maze of backcountry roads and trails. The 59 hiking listings here reflect that landscape honestly: most routes follow named forest and BLM roads like Dd14, Bb16, Gg15, and CC17, which means you are often walking on dirt two-tracks through open terrain rather than manicured singletrack. That is not a knock on the area — it is the point. Trails like the Dolores Canyon Overlook Trail and the Shamrock Trail (Y-11) offer genuine payoff views into the canyon system, while the Saucer Basin West Side Trail and Middle Saucer Basin Access Trail give access to a distinct high-desert basin environment north of the canyon floor. Elevations vary across the mesa, and exposed routes mean afternoon heat in summer and genuine cold snaps in shoulder seasons. This is remote terrain with minimal signage and no services nearby, so hikers who do well here tend to be comfortable with navigation, carry more water than they think they need, and treat road-walking as part of the experience rather than a detour around it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time of year to hike around Bedrock?
Spring (April through early June) and fall (September through October) are the most reliable windows. Summer temperatures on the exposed mesa and canyon rim can push well above 90°F by midday, making early morning starts essential from July through August. Winter access to many of the road-based routes like Bb16 and Gg17 can be cut off by snow or mud depending on elevation and aspect.
Are the road-based hikes like Dd14 and CC17 actually worth doing on foot?
Yes, if you understand what you are getting. These are low-traffic dirt roads through open canyon and mesa country, which means wide views, minimal crowds, and a lot of quiet. They are not loop trails with interpretive signs. Bring a map, know your turnaround point, and treat them as point-to-point walks through working BLM landscape.
What gear should I bring for a day hike in this area?
Water is the non-negotiable — carry at least a liter per hour in warm weather, and do not count on finding any along the route. A paper or downloaded offline map matters here because cell service is unreliable around Bedrock. Sun protection, a layer for wind on the canyon rim, and sturdy shoes for rocky two-track surfaces round out the basics.
How do I access the Dolores Canyon Overlook Trail and Saucer Basin trails?
These routes are accessed via the network of BLM roads west of Bedrock. A high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended for reaching trailheads, especially after rain when clay-heavy roads become impassable. Check current road conditions with the BLM Uncompahgre Field Office before heading out, as conditions change seasonally and after storms.
What skill level do these hikes require?
Most routes are moderate in terms of physical effort but require solid navigation skills and self-sufficiency. The road-based hikes are not technically difficult, but the remoteness of the area means a twisted ankle or a wrong turn has real consequences. The Dolores Canyon Overlook Trail and Saucer Basin routes involve more uneven terrain and should be treated as intermediate hikes for anyone unfamiliar with canyon country navigation.
