Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Loma, Colorado
Loma sits at the western edge of Colorado where the high desert takes over and the trails reflect that — open, exposed, and best hiked before the afternoon sun turns the sandstone into a skillet.
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Loma sits at the western edge of Colorado where the high desert takes over and the trails reflect that — open, exposed, and best hiked before the afternoon sun turns the sandstone into a skillet. The area is anchored by the Highline Lake Trail and the network of routes spreading out from Mack Ridge, including the Mack Ridge Road and Mack Ridge Connector, which link up with shorter options like Steve's Loop, Steve's Loop Connector, and the Edge Cut Off Trail for hikers who want to customize their mileage. Trails here carry names that match the terrain and the culture — Lizard Loop, Giddy Up, Wrangler, and Zippity Doo Da Trail give you a sense of the loose, informal character of the system. Road-named routes like T Road, X Road, Q 1/2 Road, and 14 1/2 Road are exactly what they sound like: double-track and jeep roads that double as hiking corridors through the scrub and mesa country. With 172 active listings in the area, there is more ground to cover here than most visitors expect. The terrain is generally moderate with limited shade, so water management and timing matter more than technical skill on most routes.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time of year to hike near Loma?
Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the most comfortable seasons. Summer highs regularly push past 95°F and the trails here offer almost no tree cover, so mid-summer hiking is manageable only if you start before 8 a.m. and are back at the trailhead by noon. Winter is generally mild enough for hiking on most days, though some access roads can get muddy and rutted after snow melt.
What skill level do these trails require?
Most routes in the Loma network are beginner to intermediate. Trails like Highline Lake Trail, Lizard Loop, and Steve's Loop are accessible to casual hikers with basic fitness. The road-based routes such as T Road, X Road, and Mack Ridge Road are wide and non-technical. The bigger challenge here is heat and sun exposure rather than elevation gain or technical footing.
How much water should I carry?
Carry more than you think you need. There is no reliable water source on the trail network itself, and the desert environment will dehydrate you faster than you expect, especially in warmer months. A minimum of two liters per person for a half-day outing is a reasonable baseline; bump that up significantly in summer.
Can I combine multiple trails into a longer route?
Yes, and that is how most people get meaningful mileage here. The Mack Ridge Connector links Mack Ridge Road into the broader system, and trails like Steve's Loop Connector and Edge Cut Off Trail exist specifically to let you string routes together. Frontside Trail and Zippity Doo Da Trail also connect into the network, so with a map you can build loops of varying lengths without retracing much ground.
Is there parking and trailhead access for these hikes?
Access points vary by trail. Highline Lake Trail is reached through Highline Lake State Park, which has a developed parking area and charges a day-use fee. Many of the other routes in the network are accessed via informal pullouts along the area's grid roads. A high-clearance vehicle is useful but not always required; check conditions after rain since the clay soils in this part of Mesa County can make dirt roads impassable when wet.
