Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Howard, Colorado
Howard sits in the lower Arkansas River Valley at roughly 6,400 feet, tucked between the Sangre de Cristo Range to the east and the rolling BLM benchlands to the west — and that geography shapes what hiking here actually looks like.
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Howard sits in the lower Arkansas River Valley at roughly 6,400 feet, tucked between the Sangre de Cristo Range to the east and the rolling BLM benchlands to the west — and that geography shapes what hiking here actually looks like. Most of the 25 trails and routes in and around town are on Bureau of Land Management land, ranging from open road-walks like the BLM 5965 and 5966 Powerline Road corridors to more defined paths like Hunts Lake Trail 1405 and the Ogden Loop. Sand Gulch Road and Kerr Gulch Road offer straightforward access into the drier canyon terrain west of the valley, while Rainbow Branch is one of the few routes in the area tagged as moderate, making it a reasonable step up if you've done the flatter stuff. This isn't a destination for technical alpine hiking — the trails here reward people who want open space, big sky, and quiet. Crowds are not a problem. What you will deal with is heat in summer afternoons, loose sandy soil on several routes, and the occasional unmarked junction on BLM double-track. Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons, and early morning starts in July and August are worth the effort.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time of year to hike near Howard, Colorado?
Late April through early June and mid-September through October are the sweet spots. Summer hiking is doable but afternoon thunderstorms build quickly over the Sangres, and the open BLM terrain around routes like Sand Gulch Road and the Powerline Road corridors offers little shelter. Snow can linger on higher routes like Hunts Lake Trail 1405 into May.
Are the BLM trails near Howard well-marked and easy to navigate?
Many of the routes here follow BLM roads and double-track — think BLM 5965, 5965B, 5965C, 5965D, and the 5966 series — which means navigation is generally straightforward but signage is minimal. Download an offline map before you go, because cell service in the gulches and on the benchlands is unreliable.
Do I need a permit to hike on BLM land around Howard?
No permit is required for day hiking on BLM land in this area. If you're planning to camp overnight along any of these routes, dispersed camping is generally allowed on BLM land but check current fire restrictions with the Royal Gorge Field Office before your trip, especially in summer.
What gear should I bring for a day hike out of Howard?
Carry more water than you think you need — the lower-elevation terrain around Sand Gulch Road and the Powerline Road routes is dry and exposed. Sun protection is essential year-round at this altitude. Sturdy trail shoes handle the sandy and rocky double-track fine; full boots are worth it for Hunts Lake Trail 1405 where the terrain gets rougher.
Which hike near Howard is best for someone who wants a bit of a challenge without going full backcountry?
Rainbow Branch is the one listing in the area specifically tagged as moderate, making it the clearest step up from the flat road-walks. Hunts Lake Trail 1405 is also worth considering if you want more elevation gain and a defined trail feel rather than open BLM double-track.
