Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Maybell, Colorado
Maybell sits in the wide Yampa River valley in Moffat County, where the high desert rolls into canyon country and the crowds that hit more famous Colorado trailheads simply don't show up.
87 spotsUpdated weeklyFree to access
View on mapHiking · 87 spots
Maybell sits in the wide Yampa River valley in Moffat County, where the high desert rolls into canyon country and the crowds that hit more famous Colorado trailheads simply don't show up. The 87 hiking listings around town reflect how this area actually works: most routes follow county roads and BLM two-tracks through sagebrush, pinyon-juniper, and open draws rather than marked singletrack with trailhead kiosks. That means you get genuine solitude, but you also need to come prepared to navigate. The majority of listed routes, including Disappointment Gulch, the Confluence/Sand Canyon Access Trail, and most of the County Road 162 and County Road 66N options, rate easy to moderate, making this accessible terrain for hikers who are comfortable on unmaintained surfaces. County Road 75 is the notable exception, rated expert, and should be treated seriously. Old Chuck Wagon Road and Disappointment Draw Trail offer a bit more character than a straight road walk if you want something that feels like a trail. Elevations here sit in the high desert range rather than alpine, so summer heat is the main hazard, not altitude. Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons, and early morning starts matter in July and August.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time of year to hike around Maybell?
Late April through early June and September through October are the sweet spots. Summer works but daytime temperatures in the Yampa Valley can push well above 90°F, so plan to be moving by sunrise and off exposed routes before noon. Winter is generally hikeable on lower-elevation BLM roads when snow is light, but some county roads become impassable mud after snowmelt.
Are the hiking routes here marked and easy to follow?
Most are not marked in the traditional sense. Routes like County Road 66N, County Road 162, and the BLM Road listings follow vehicle tracks that are straightforward to follow visually, but there are no trail signs or blazes. Download offline maps before you go, because cell service in Moffat County is unreliable. The Confluence/Sand Canyon Access Trail and Disappointment Draw Trail have more defined footpath character than the road walks.
What gear do I actually need for a day hike here?
Carry more water than you think you need, at least a liter per hour in warm weather, because there are no reliable water sources on most of these routes. Sun protection is non-negotiable in open sagebrush terrain. Sturdy trail shoes or light hikers handle the surface well; full boots are only necessary on County Road 75 or rougher canyon routes. A paper or offline map is more useful here than a GPS watch.
Is County Road 75 appropriate for a fit beginner?
No. It is rated expert, which puts it in a different category from the majority of Maybell-area hikes. Without more specific route data it would be irresponsible to guess at the exact challenges, but treat that rating seriously and look for recent trip reports before committing to it.
Do I need a permit or any special access permission to hike BLM land around Maybell?
Most of the open BLM land in Moffat County does not require a permit for day hiking. That said, some routes cross or run adjacent to private ranch land, and fences and posted signs should be respected. If you are unsure about access on a specific county road or BLM track, the BLM Little Snake Field Office in Craig handles this area and can confirm current conditions and any seasonal closures.
