Hartman Rocks Trail Running and Hiking Trails

Discover your new favorite trail run or rugged hike at Hartman Rocks Recreation Area. This high-desert playground in Gunnison might be known for mountain biking, but it’s also an incredible setting for hiking and trail running. The 40+ miles of trails, wide-open views and striking rock formations offer much to explore. Keep reading to learn more about favorite hiking and trail running routes at Hartman Rocks.

What is Hartman Rocks?

With over 8,000 acres of land, Hartman Rocks is a recreation paradise. Whether you’re looking for gravel roads, singletrack, hiking trails or rocks to climb, find it at Hartman Rocks.

Where is Hartman Rocks?

To get to the main entrance:

Hartman Rocks Recreation Area is only a 15-minute drive from downtown Gunnison. Head west on Highway 50 from downtown Gunnison. Before crossing the Gunnison River, turn left on Gold Basin Road (CR 38). Continue on Gold Basin Road for about 2.8 miles until reaching the Hartman Rocks entrance sign on the west side of the road.

To get to the back entrance:

The back entrance of Hartman Rocks is called McCabe’s. Head west on Highway 50 from downtown Gunnison. After four miles, turn left onto to CR 32. There will be a turnoff just past a gravel pit after about 1.5 miles. Continue for about .5 miles past the motorcycle jumps, and park in the large lot by the pit toilet.

When is the best time to hike and trail run at Hartman Rocks?

Spring, summer and fall are the best seasons for hiking and Hartman Rocks trail running. Trails at Hartman Rocks usually open for the season in April and stay open until snow accumulates on the ground. Because Hartman Rocks offers little shade, hikers and runners find mornings and late afternoons the best times to explore the trails. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the mountains, so come prepared with a rain jacket during July and August.

Hiking at Hartman Rocks

Wander through rolling sagebrush hills, granite outcroppings and open vistas on Hartman Rocks hiking trails. Trails range from flowy and smooth to steep and rocky. Whether you’re seeking a short walk or a more challenging trek, Hartman Rocks delivers an unforgettable outdoor experience.

Favorite hikes at Hartman Rocks

Jack’s Trail – Moderate, 2-miles round trip

This trail begins right next to the pit toilets at the main parking area. Walk on the meandering trail of sagebrush to the top of a ridge. Gain a couple hundred feet in elevation for a short and invigorating climb. Connect to many other trails at Hartman Rocks from here. The view from the top of the trail is expansive. Take in the surrounding peaks, Hartman Rock’s iconic formations and the town of Gunnison.

Bambi’s and Sawtooth Loop – Moderate, 3.1 miles round trip

To get to these Hartman Rocks hiking trails, drive past the main entrance of Hartman Rocks for a few miles until the pavement ends to get to Bambi’s. Park near the large map at the trailhead. Bambi’s begins in a gulch of thick sagebrush and vegetation. It winds through a small canyon before ascending a slickrock section. The trail tops out on an open plateau.

Take in the wide-open views of Hartman Rocks the plateau provides. Turn back or make a loop on Sawtooth Trail to the north. Rocky ridges and slickrock make up Sawtooth Trail, which is .8 miles point-to-point.

The Ridge Trail – Challenging, 1.2 miles point-to-point

This is the most challenging and technical hike at Hartman Rocks. The best way to get to The Ridge trail is to park at the top of Kill Hill. Then, take Tailpipe (.5 miles) west to where it connects to The Ridge. The hike begins with a climb on slickrock and other rock features. This short climb brings you to the top of a rocky ridge, which is the edge of an ancient meteor crater. As you follow the ridge west, take in the views of Gunnison and the surrounding mountains. The trail then descends gently down into a small valley.

Trail running at Hartman Rocks

The endless combinations of trails at Hartman’s make it easy to plan a Hartman Rocks trail running route of any distance. Check out steep, rocky and technical trails like Rocky Ridge and Graceland for a challenge. Or discover something flowy and smooth that cuts through fields of sagebrush, such as The Luge or Five-O. At an elevation of around 8,000’, Hartman Rocks offers a challenge for your lungs and legs. Make sure you have plenty of sunscreen and water before hitting the trail!

Trail running routes at Hartman Rocks

Graceland Trail – Moderate, 3 miles

Graceland Trail starts on the northwest side of Hartman Rocks across the road from Gateway. Run Graceland Trail clockwise for more of a descent. For a longer climb, run it counterclockwise. Rock features and switchbacks require sharp focus on your footwork.

Gateway Trail – Moderate/challenging, 2.3 miles

This Hartman Rocks trail running route offers a mix of smooth, intermediate terrain mixed with short technical sections. An average grade of 4% with sections reaching up to 20% provides trail runners with a mix of challenging and mellow sections.

Aberdeen Loop West – Moderate, 3.4 miles

This winding trail is one of Hartman Rock’s longest. It’s best run counterclockwise, but either direction works. Runners looking for a high desert cross-country experience will love this trail. It is not very technical, but the remote-feeling wide open sage country is a beautiful setting for a long run. As you run along the ridges, take in views of the San Juan Mountains to the southwest.

Other top trail running routes at Hartman Rocks

• Rocky Ridge
• Rattlesnake
• Beck’s
• Top of the World
• Josie’s

What amenities does Hartman Rocks have?

Bathrooms are situated at the main parking areas and throughout the area. A handful of picnic areas make for great resting spots.

Does Hartman Rocks have parking?

Multiple parking areas make it easy to visit Hartman Rocks. There is parking at the front and back entrances of Hartman Rocks. There is also parking at the top of Kill Hill. Limited parking is available at the trailhead for Bambi’s, which is south of the main parking lot.

Is Hartman Rocks dog-friendly?

Dogs are allowed at Hartman Rocks but must be leashed or under verbal command. Make sure you pick up after your pet, too.

Tips and trail etiquette for hiking and trail running at Hartman Rocks

Share the trail! While hiking, be mindful of other trail users. Keep these tips in mind when using the trails at Hartman Rocks:

• Uphill hikers have the right of way. Downhill hikers should move off the trail to let uphill hikers pass. Bicyclists should yield to hikers. Hikers yield to horses and pack stock.
• Only hike on the designated trail to avoid damaging vegetation.
• Maintain distance from wildlife.
• Don’t hike on muddy or wet trails. If you encounter mud, turn back or go through it (rather than around it) to avoid damaging the trail.
• Make sure you’re prepared with plenty of water, snacks and layers.
• Shade is sparse at Hartman Rocks. Wear a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
• Obey trail closures.

Favorite Gunnison Hikes

After you explore the high desert Hartman Rocks hiking trails, check out these other exceptional Gunnison Hikes.

Mill-Castle Trail – Challenging, any distance

The rugged canyon walls, towering rock pinnacles and green meadows of Mill-Castle Trail will take your breath away. The whole Mill-Castle Trail is 25-miles round trip. You can turn back at any time to make it shorter, though.

Park at the trailhead on Mill Creek Road (Forest Service Road #727). Cross Mill Creek about a mile in. In about five miles, the trail turns into steep and rocky switchbacks. The trail becomes steep over Storm Pass on the way to Castle Creek. While hiking, you’ll catch glimpses of the rock formations this trail is named for.

Lamphier Lake – Challenging, 5 miles out and back

Discover a stunning alpine lake on this hike near Pitkin, Colorado. Located in Fossil Ridge Wilderness, Lamphier Lake is a difficult hike with a high reward. Beginning at Gold Creek Campground, the trail ascends through dense pine forests. Gunsight Pass and Square Top Mountain are visible from Lamphier Lake.

Crystal Creek Trail – Moderate, 1.5-miles one way

This trail in Curecanti National Recreation Area meanders through wildflowers, Gambel oaks, aspens and conifers. It also provides stunning views of the Cimarron Valley, the West Elk Mountains and the San Juan Mountains. Two overlooks provide views of Crystal Reservoir.

Plan your trip

Find all the resources you need to start planning a Hartman Rocks trail running and hiking trip with our trip planning guide. Book flights, research restaurants, plan things to do and check local conditions.

Find a place to stay in Gunnison

Camping at Hartman Rocks is first-come, first-serve and fills up quickly in the summer and fall. Those coming from out of town will have better luck booking a campsite at a campground that takes reservations. Better yet, treat yourself to a comfy bed and shower by booking a hotel or vacation rental.