Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in SOMERSET, Colorado
Somerset sits in the North Fork Valley of western Colorado, wedged between the Ragged Mountains and the West Elk Wilderness, and the hiking here reflects that geography — long ridge roads, creek-bottom routes, and high-country trails that most Front Range visitors never find.
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Somerset sits in the North Fork Valley of western Colorado, wedged between the Ragged Mountains and the West Elk Wilderness, and the hiking here reflects that geography — long ridge roads, creek-bottom routes, and high-country trails that most Front Range visitors never find. The 107 active listings around Somerset range from mellow road walks like Minnesota Creek Road and Beaver Reservoir Road to more committed backcountry routes like Oh-Be-Joyful Pass Trail and the Raggeds Trail 820. Little Elk Basin Trail 892 and East Flat Iron Trail 721 push into genuine wilderness terrain, while routes like Bull Mountain Road and Buzzard Divide Local 4C Road follow old forest roads that double as hiking corridors with wide views and minimal crowds. Elevations in this area climb well above 10,000 feet on the higher trails, so even fit hikers coming from lower elevations should plan an acclimatization day. The North Fork Valley gets less foot traffic than the Crested Butte corridor to the east, which means trailheads are quieter, but also that you should not count on cell service or other hikers nearby if something goes wrong. Come prepared with a paper map or downloaded offline route, and check road conditions before heading out — several trailheads here are reached via unpaved forest roads that can be impassable after heavy rain or before snowmelt clears in late spring.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time of year to hike around Somerset?
Mid-June through September is the reliable window for most trails. Higher routes like Oh-Be-Joyful Pass Trail and Little Elk Basin Trail 892 often hold snow into late June and can see early-season storms by late September. Lower road-based walks like Minnesota Creek Road and Coal Gulch Road are typically accessible from May onward.
Are the trailheads easy to reach, or do I need a high-clearance vehicle?
It varies by route. Trails accessed off paved county roads — like those along the North Fork of the Gunnison — are generally fine for standard vehicles. Routes like Buzzard Divide Local 4C Road, Watson Flats Road, and Dry Fork Minnesota Creek Road follow rougher forest roads where a high-clearance vehicle is a practical advantage, especially after rain or early in the season when ruts are soft.
What gear should I bring for a day hike in this area?
Afternoon thunderstorms are common from July through August, so a rain layer is not optional — plan to be off exposed ridgelines by early afternoon. Bring more water than you think you need; many of the road-based routes have limited shade. A downloaded offline map is important because cell coverage is unreliable across most of the trail network here.
How difficult are the trails around Somerset?
The range is wide. Road walks like Bear Road and Clear Fork Road are low-gradient and accessible to most fitness levels. Trails like Raggeds Trail 820 and Oh-Be-Joyful Pass Trail involve significant elevation gain and rougher terrain that suits hikers with some backcountry experience. Altitude is a factor across the board — even the easier routes sit at elevations where exertion feels harder than it would at sea level.
Are dogs allowed on these trails?
Dogs are generally permitted on National Forest trails and roads in this area, but must be under control at all times, and some wilderness-adjacent areas may have specific rules posted at the trailhead. Check current regulations with the Gunnison Ranger District before your trip, as rules can differ between Forest Service roads and designated wilderness zones.
