Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in GUNNISON, Colorado
Gunnison sits at 7,703 feet in a wide valley ringed by public land, and the hiking here reflects that geography: long dirt roads that double as foot routes, technical singletrack, and open ridge walks with serious elevation gain once you start climbing.
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Gunnison sits at 7,703 feet in a wide valley ringed by public land, and the hiking here reflects that geography: long dirt roads that double as foot routes, technical singletrack, and open ridge walks with serious elevation gain once you start climbing. The Hartman Rocks Recreation Area is the obvious anchor, with trails like Broken Shovel, Lower Jacks, Dave Moe's, and the Qualifier spread across a BLM landscape of granite outcrops and sage. Beyond Hartman, routes push into the surrounding drainages — Beaver Creek Trail, Haystack Gulch Road, East Crystal Creek Spur, and the Tomichi Dome Access Road give you access to quieter terrain that sees a fraction of the foot traffic. Many of the 845 listings in and around Gunnison follow roads and doubletrack that are shared with mountain bikers and occasionally vehicles, so expect company on popular corridors and more solitude once you get onto the spur routes. Summers are short at this elevation — snow can linger into June on north-facing slopes and return by October — so the core hiking window runs roughly mid-June through late September. Afternoon thunderstorms are a near-daily reality in July and August, which shapes when and where you want to be on exposed ground.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time of year to hike around Gunnison?
Mid-June through late September is the reliable window. Lower-elevation routes around Hartman Rocks, including trails like Broken Shovel and Dave Moe's, often clear of snow by late May and stay hikeable into October. Higher terrain on routes like the Tomichi Dome Access Road or Signal Peak Road holds snow longer and can become muddy and difficult to navigate in early season.
What time of day should I plan to start a hike?
Start early, especially in July and August. Afternoon thunderstorms typically build between noon and 3 p.m. and can move in fast. For any route that puts you on open ridgelines or above treeline, aim to be heading back down by midday. Morning starts also mean cooler temperatures and better light on the granite at Hartman Rocks.
Are the trails around Hartman Rocks suitable for beginners?
Some are, some aren't. Hartman Rocks has a wide range of difficulty, and routes like the Hartman Rocks Road corridors are relatively mellow and well-marked. Trails like the Qualifier and The Notch involve more technical footing and route-finding. If you're new to the area, pick up a current trail map from the Gunnison BLM field office before heading out.
Do I need a permit to hike in the Gunnison area?
Most of the trails listed here cross BLM land, which generally does not require a permit for day hiking. That said, regulations can vary by specific area and season, particularly around wilderness boundaries or during fire restrictions. Check with the Gunnison BLM field office for current conditions before your trip.
What gear should I bring for a day hike out of Gunnison?
Layers are non-negotiable at this elevation even in summer — morning temperatures can be in the 40s and afternoons can swing dramatically if a storm rolls in. Bring rain gear, more water than you think you need (the valley is dry and the sun is intense at altitude), and sun protection. Many routes like Haystack Gulch Road and the Cabin Creek Cow Camp Road are remote enough that you won't see other people for hours, so a basic first aid kit and a way to navigate offline are worth carrying.
