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Hartman Rocks Recreation Area

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Hartman Rocks Recreation Area

The Hartman Rocks Recreation Area is home to more than 14,000 acres of public land. This area has 45 miles of trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking, trail running, and dirt biking. The additional abundance of roads can be used by ATVs. Visitors stopping by in the winter should consider trying cross-country skiing and fat biking. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the Hartman Rocks Recreation Area is popular with nature enthusiasts, climbers and campers. There are 50 designated dispersed camping spots, allowing you to sleep out under the stars.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is only a couple of hours west. You'll also find Great Sand Dunes National Park about 140 miles southeast. Gunnison is the largest city in the area with a population of about 6,500. Stop by to stock up on supplies and check out Legion Park and the Gunnison Pioneer Museum.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Neversink Trail

This out-and-back trail is open year-round and offers great views of the landscape and local wildlife. Enjoy the gorgeous Gunnison River as you make your way across the gentle terrain. Local anglers often diverge off the path to fly fish.

Length: 1.3 miles

Intensity: Easy

Bambi's and Sawtooth Loop

Get away from the crowds by checking out this well-marked forest trail. There's very little shade, making it a great spring or autumn hike. The terrain is mostly easy with gradual inclines and some rocky sections.

Length: 3.1 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

The impressive Gunnison River is full of various trout. Feel free to wade in or take a boat out to find rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and brown trout. Head west to Curecanti National Recreation Area to take advantage of their three reservoirs on the Gunnison River. Along with trout fishing, you'll also find plenty of salmon and perch.

Climbing

The Hartman Rocks Recreation Area has countless climbing crags ready to be enjoyed. The granite rock has many bolted routes that can be accessed from the parking lot. All types of climbing can be done at this site from bouldering to beginner-friendly top rope.

Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife enthusiasts can expect to find beavers, prairie dogs, porcupines, marmots, raccoons, and armadillos. Crows, American robins, goldfinches, woodpeckers, and meadowlarks are also common. Large mammals in the area include deer, bighorn sheep, elk, and black bears. While mountain lions are found in densely forested foothills, hikers rarely hear or spot them.

Picnicking

Feel free to picnic beside your RV or in the parking area before starting your journey. More organized picnicking spots can be found at Red Bridge Campground and Cochetopa Canyon. Head into Gunnison for a lovely afternoon at Legion Park. No matter where you picnic on BLM lands, be sure to completely clean up after your group.

ATVing

With thousands of acres to explore, off-roading is the best way to maximize your exploration of Colorado. Pack up your ATV with plenty of camping supplies and head out over the hills and valleys. Be sure to stick to designated roads and keep an eye out for signs that indicate private property. The roads at the Hartman Rocks Recreation Area are perfect for ATVs, remotely operated vehicles and 4x4 trucks.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Make your RV camping trip one to remember by staying at one of the nearby Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. BLM sites like Red Bridge Campground have picnic tables, fire rings, multiple campsites, and a restroom. Mill Creek Campground has 22 campsites great for medium RVs and tents. They also offer various picnicking areas as well as potable water, dumpsters, and vault restrooms. BLM campgrounds charge small fees and give you the best access to fishing spots, world-class hiking trails, and wildlife experiences.

Explorers looking for modern conveniences like electricity and water hookups should check out campgrounds like Gunnison KOA Journey. This site offers propane services, a dog park, Wi-Fi, and a kitchen. Gunnison Lakeside RV Park & Cabins has full RV hookups, coin-operated laundry facilities, a general store, and RV and boat storage options. Modern campgrounds like these often charge more than BLM sites but can provide more luxurious amenities.

Free Camping

Don't miss out on the Bureau of Land Management free camping spots at Hartman Rocks Recreation Area and the Cochetopa Creek Rec Site. These designated dispersed camping spots are open to the public and can't be reserved ahead of time. Searching for BLM camping near me allows you to personalize your RV trip and experience the forests and hills of Colorado like never before. These dispersed camping sites often fill up quickly during peak visitor times in the summer.

RV Rentals Near Hartman Rocks Recreation Area Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Hartman Rocks Recreation Area BLM trip

Prepare for your Colorado trip by packing extra clothes and jackets. While you may feel comfortable in shorts during the day, you'll likely need long pants and socks once the sun sets. Bring plenty of extra water and consider investing in a filtration bottle or purification tablets. Sunscreen and insect repellant will keep you safe and comfortable as you hike and climb. Learn how to use bear spray in case of an emergency.

It's always a good idea to check in with the local BLM office for up-to-date animal sightings and safety reports. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Help the Bureau of Land Management protect and maintain the natural landscape of Colorado by always being a mindful explorer. Pack out all of your garbage and food scraps. Bury human waste at least 8 inches down and 200 feet away from any water source. Strive to be respectful toward any wildlife you encounter as well as other hikers. Camp on durable services and in areas that have already been used. Keep your campfires small and put them out completely before sleeping or moving on.