Hartman Rocks
Hartman Rocks
 Mountain Biking
With trails like 20 mile "Rage in the Sage", a NORBA
sanctioned course, Hogsback, Sea of Sage, and Rattlesnake there is
something for everyone, and days of exploration are out there waiting
to be ridden. Picture yourself riding "buff" single track and slick
rock, and make it a reality.
More Hartman Rocks Info
Learn more about the 24 Hours in the Sage Mountain Bike Event held in August each year.
Getting to Hartman Rocks
Approximately 3.5 miles from Downtown Gunnison - drive time about 5 minutes.
- Head West on Hwy 50 from Downtown Gunnison
- Turn left on Gold Basin Road (follow the Brown signs)
- Turn right into the Base area for Hartman Rocks Recreation Area
Hiking at Hartman Rocks
Hartman
Rocks offers a variety of short to medium hikes on its network of both
dirt roads and single track trails. It is one of the first areas to
melt off in the spring so it may be accessible when other areas are
still muddy or snowed in. It is also a good place for a warm-up hike to
help you acclimate to the altitude before you head up into the higher
mountains. These routes wander through rolling hills of sagebrush
interspersed with scenic granite rock formations and Cottonwood groves
in some drainages. The area is dominated by an interesting geologic
formation called a ring dike about 6 miles in diameter. On the western
edge of this formation is the Aberdeen Quarry that was worked in the
late 1800's to provide high quality granite for the State Capitol
building in Denver.
Managed by the BLM, the Hartman Rocks Recreation Area has a trail network comprised of both single track and double track trails and is easily accessible from Gunnison, Colorado year-round. The summer season extends from April to October. A detailed Trail Report will confirm the official trail status. Mountain biking is the primary summer activity, but not the only activity possible at Hartman Rocks Recreation Area. Other activities include hiking, rock climbing, horse back riding, as well as winter activities like skiing and snowshoeing.
About the Trail System
More than 20 trails on 8,000 acres of public land and even more ways to combine them make your options endless. As you can imagine the trail system requires days of exploration, so plan to spend some time checking out all there is to see and do. Before you head out, we recommended bringing a map, and or guide book to learn more about the potential options even though the trails are clearly marked by signposts. Free brochures are available at the Gunnison Field Office. Personal guides are also available, if you are so inclined.
The character of the trails are smooth and rolling, winding through the sage, and over granite out-croppings reminiscent of Canyon Lands slick rock. The fragile ecosystem requires a sensitive approach, so please stay on marked trails and close any gates behind you, thanks!
Skiing and Snowshoeing are also fun, when snow permits. About 8 miles or 12k of the network is groomed for both skate skiing and classic cross country skiing whenever possible. The Winter Trail Report will inform you of current snow and trail conditions.
Weather
Hartman Rocks located, just south of “Sunny Gunny”, is a high mountain dessert. Not to say the area is always sunny, it is blessed by a minimum of 300 days of sunshine a year. Foul weather predominately rolls in from the West, and thanks to the National Park Service web cams you can preview what weather is on its way to Gunnison. Check out the current weather.
The BLM does a great job of managing the multi-uses of Hartman Rocks and maintains the experience for all users quite well, but we have to do our part too. Use this link to learn more about how to tread lightly on our Public Lands!
A big thanks goes to out to Arden Anderson from the BLM Gunnison Field Office for sharing information about the area.
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