Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Rangely, Colorado
Rangely sits in the northwest corner of Colorado where the canyon country of the Piceance Basin takes over and the crowds thin out fast.
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View on mapHiking · 21 spots
Rangely sits in the northwest corner of Colorado where the canyon country of the Piceance Basin takes over and the crowds thin out fast. The hiking here runs almost entirely through BLM land, following old ranch and oil-field roads that have been repurposed as trails — names like Pollock Canyon Road, Rope Canyon Road, and Dripping Rock Road tell you exactly what kind of terrain to expect: carved sandstone, dry washes, and wide-open mesa views with very few other people on them. Most of the 21 listed routes skew easy to moderate, which makes Rangely a solid destination if you want genuine canyon scenery without technical scrambling. Rope Canyon Road appears in several variations and is one of the more versatile options in the area. Rocky Point Draw Road and Cow Canyon Road step up to moderate difficulty for hikers who want a bit more elevation change and route-finding. The landscape is high desert, so the hiking season runs long — spring and fall are the sweet spots, but early mornings in summer are workable. Come with a full water supply regardless of the season, because reliable water sources along these routes are not something you should count on.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time of year to hike around Rangely?
April through early June and September through October are the most comfortable windows. Summer temperatures in this canyon country regularly push past 90°F, and there is little shade on routes like Baseline Loop or Cottonwood Road. Winter hiking is possible on the easier routes when snow is light, but some access roads can become impassable in wet conditions.
Are these hikes suitable for beginners or families with kids?
A good portion of the listed routes are rated easy, including Pollock Canyon Road, West Creek Road, Little Burma Road, and the Baseline Loop, which makes Rangely a reasonable choice for newer hikers or families. The moderate routes — Rocky Point Draw Road and Cow Canyon Road — involve more uneven terrain and are better suited to hikers comfortable with a few miles of unpaved, sometimes rocky footing.
Do I need a permit to hike on these trails?
Most of these routes cross BLM land, which is generally open to hiking without a permit. That said, regulations can change and some areas near active energy operations may have access restrictions. It is worth checking with the BLM Little Snake Field Office before your trip, especially if you are planning to camp overnight.
What gear should I bring for a day hike in Rangely?
Water is the non-negotiable item — carry more than you think you need, because these are dry canyon routes with no reliable water sources along the way. Sun protection matters year-round here: hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Sturdy trail shoes or light hikers handle the road-style surfaces well, though Cow Canyon Road and Rocky Point Draw Road benefit from something with a bit more ankle support.
Is there cell service or reliable navigation on these routes?
Cell coverage in the canyons around Rangely is inconsistent and should not be relied on for navigation or emergencies. Download offline maps before you leave town, and note that many of these routes follow old road corridors that may not appear accurately on standard mapping apps. Letting someone know your planned route and expected return time is a practical precaution out here.
