Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Cimarron, Colorado
Cimarron sits in a narrow canyon along the Gunnison River in western Colorado, and the hiking here reflects that geography: you climb fast, the terrain is rugged, and the payoff is genuine backcountry solitude rather than a crowded summit selfie.
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Cimarron sits in a narrow canyon along the Gunnison River in western Colorado, and the hiking here reflects that geography: you climb fast, the terrain is rugged, and the payoff is genuine backcountry solitude rather than a crowded summit selfie. The 51 trails and roads in and around Cimarron range from the relatively mellow Little Cimarron Trail 229 and Lou Creek Trail 222 along valley drainages to more demanding routes like Alpine Trail 225 and the Uncompahgre Trail 246 that push into high-elevation plateau country. Beaver Lake Trail 130 and Clear Lake Trail 247 are good targets if you want a destination with water at the end. Fall Creek Trail 231 and Failes Creek Trail 230 offer creek-corridor hiking that stays cooler on hot afternoons. A handful of the listings are forest roads — Big Blue Ridge Road, Coyote Park Road, Alpine Plateau Spur 3H Road — that see light vehicle traffic and work well as hiking routes with broader views and easier navigation. The area sits in the Uncompahgre National Forest, so expect dispersed-use land management, minimal signage on some routes, and conditions that change quickly once you gain elevation. Come prepared to navigate, and check road and trail status before you go since access points like Little Cimarron Trailhead Road can be affected by seasonal closures.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time of year to hike around Cimarron?
Late June through September is the reliable window. Snow can linger on higher routes like Alpine Trail 225 and Uncompahgre Trail 246 well into June, and early-season mud can make forest roads like Big Blue Ridge Road and Alpine Plateau Spur 3H Road impassable. By mid-July the wildflowers are out and the creek trails along Fall Creek and Failes Creek are at their best. Plan to start early in the day since afternoon thunderstorms are common from July onward.
How do I access the trailheads, and do I need a high-clearance vehicle?
Several trailheads sit at the end of unpaved forest roads, and a high-clearance vehicle is a practical necessity for routes accessed via Little Cimarron Trailhead Road, Alpine Plateau Spur 3H Road, or Big Blue Ridge Road. A standard passenger car can reach some lower trailheads along the Cimarron corridor, but check current road conditions with the Uncompahgre National Forest before assuming anything is passable, especially early or late in the season.
What skill level do these hikes require?
The range is wide. Lou Creek Trail 222 and Little Cimarron Trail 229 are manageable for hikers with moderate fitness and basic trail experience. Routes that gain the alpine plateau, like Alpine Trail 225 and Uncompahgre Trail 246, involve significant elevation gain, exposure, and navigation challenges that suit experienced hikers comfortable with map and compass or GPS. If you are new to Colorado hiking, start with the creek-corridor trails and work up.
What gear should I bring?
Layers are non-negotiable even in summer since temperatures drop quickly at elevation and afternoon storms can bring hail. Carry rain gear, at least two liters of water per person, a paper or downloaded map since cell service is unreliable in the canyon and on the plateau, and trekking poles if you plan to tackle steeper routes like Eagle's Rest or the upper sections of Uncompahgre Trail 246. Sunscreen matters at altitude even on overcast days.
Are there any permits or regulations I should know about?
Most of the hiking here falls within Uncompahgre National Forest, which does not require a permit for day hiking. Dispersed camping is generally allowed following Leave No Trace and forest-specific fire restrictions, which change seasonally. Confirm current fire restrictions with the Gunnison Ranger District before your trip, particularly if you plan to camp near routes like Long Draw Camping Road or Beaver Lake Trail 130.
