Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Olathe, Colorado
Olathe sits at the western edge of the Uncompahgre Plateau in Montrose County, and the hiking around it leans heavily on the plateau's network of roads and trails that cut through pinyon-juniper scrub, canyon rims, and open mesa country.
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Olathe sits at the western edge of the Uncompahgre Plateau in Montrose County, and the hiking around it leans heavily on the plateau's network of roads and trails that cut through pinyon-juniper scrub, canyon rims, and open mesa country. The 76 listings in this area include everything from short connector paths to longer road-walks like Roatcap Gulch Road and Coalbank Canyon Loop Road, with named trails like Porkchop Trail, Redwall Trail, and the Ewok Village Trail adding some variety to the mix. Cushman Mesa is a recurring anchor point — the Fingers Trail, Cushman Mesa Road, and Cushman Overlook 1 Road all orbit that terrain, which offers exposed rim views across the valley toward the San Juan Mountains. Most of the hiking here is on public land managed by the BLM, and the trails range from easy road-walks to more rugged canyon routes. Elevation on the plateau sits well above the valley floor, so even summer mornings can be cool before the sun gets high. This is not a heavily developed trail system with signage at every junction, so navigation skills and a downloaded map matter more here than they would at a resort-style trailhead.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time of year to hike near Olathe?
Spring (April through early June) and fall (September through October) are the most comfortable seasons. Summer works but the plateau gets hot by midday, so starting before 8 a.m. is a practical habit. Snow can close higher mesa roads and trails from November through March, and some years into April.
What skill level do these hikes require?
The range is wide. Road-walks like Roatcap Gulch Road and Cushman Mesa Road are straightforward and low-consequence. Trails like Redwall Trail and Porkchop Trail involve more uneven terrain and require basic route-finding. None of the listings here are technical climbs, but the lack of consistent signage means you should be comfortable navigating with a map app or downloaded GPX file.
Do I need a permit to hike in this area?
Most of the hiking around Olathe is on BLM land, which generally does not require a permit for day use. That said, regulations can change, and specific areas may have seasonal closures for wildlife or fire. Check with the BLM Uncompahgre Field Office in Montrose before your trip for current conditions.
What gear should I bring?
Water is the priority — there are no reliable water sources on most of these plateau routes, so carry more than you think you need, especially in summer. Sun protection matters on the exposed mesa terrain around Cushman Overlook and the Fingers Trail. Sturdy trail shoes or light hikers handle the rocky road surfaces well; full boots are worth it on canyon routes like Coalbank Canyon Loop Road.
Is there reliable cell service or parking at the trailheads?
Cell coverage on the Uncompahgre Plateau is spotty to nonexistent in many areas, so download your maps offline before leaving Olathe. Most access points are informal pullouts along dirt roads rather than developed trailheads with facilities. A high-clearance vehicle is useful for reaching some of the more remote starting points, particularly after wet weather.
