Welcome to Gunnison's Backcountry Mecca
When off-roaders talk about iconic trails in Colorado, names like Imogene and Black Bear come up often. But those in the know will point you to Hartman Rocks Recreation Area — a sprawling, high-desert playground just outside Gunnison, Colorado.
Managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the City of Gunnison, this 14,000-acre area offers full-size OHV access, technical rock features, and hundreds of miles of shared-use trails — plus free camping, world-class mountain biking, and epic stargazing.
Quick Trail Info
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Location: 4 miles southwest of Gunnison, CO
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Surface: Granite, slickrock, sand, alpine dirt
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Access: Year-round (weather permitting)
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Permits: Not required for personal OHV use
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Camping: Free dispersed camping (14-day limit)
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Land Management: BLM / City of Gunnison
Trail Overview: What to Expect on 4 Wheels
Whether you're in a built 4Runner, Tacoma, Jeep, or Land Cruiser, Hartman Rocks offers terrain to match:
🔹 Granite Scrambles
Smooth, sloped granite slabs make for fun traction tests and articulation flex. Think Moab, but closer to home.
🔹 Fast Desert Loops
Hard-packed double-track and wide-open space let you open it up and enjoy the flow.
🔹 Technical Rock Gardens
Sections like “Rattlesnake,” “Skull Pass,” and “Behind the Rocks” (not to be confused with Moab) offer real challenges for armor-equipped rigs.
🔹 Scenic Overlooks
Gain elevation for panoramic views of the Gunnison Valley, Collegiate Peaks, and Sawatch Range. Sunsets here are next-level.
Bonus Activities at Hartman Rocks
This isn’t just a 4x4 park — it’s a multi-use outdoor mecca:
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🧗♂️ Rock Climbing: Over 100 routes on volcanic tuff and granite
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🚵♀️ Mountain Biking: Over 40 miles of flowy singletrack
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🏕 Free Camping: Pull off, set up, and stay 14 days
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🐕 Dog-Friendly: BLM rules allow dogs off-leash in many areas
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🌌 Stargazing: Low light pollution means crystal-clear night skies
Tread Lightly — and Leave No Trace
RSG Offroad is proud to support environmental stewardship. That means:
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Stay on designated routes — the BLM maps are clear and posted
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Pack it in, pack it out — zero trash, zero excuses
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Respect seasonal closures for wildlife, soil recovery, or fire danger
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No trail building — use what exists, and keep it sustainable
If we want Hartman to stay open for future rigs, we’ve all got a role to play.
RSG Gear for Gunnison-Grade Trails
Hartman’s granite terrain dishes out plenty of scrape potential — here’s what we recommend:
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Angled Rock Sliders
Save your doors and sills on tight descents — Explore Now -
Full Skid Plate Protection
Especially critical for the oil pan and rear diff over sharp shelves — Shop Skids -
Recovery Gear
Sand, slickrock, and elevation shifts mean winches, straps, and traction boards are essential.
How to Get There
Directions from Gunnison:
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Take CO-135 south 2.5 miles
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Turn west onto County Road 32
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Follow signs to main Hartman Rocks entrance
There’s plenty of trailer parking and multiple staging areas for groups and solo runs.
FAQs: Hartman Rocks OHV Area
Q: Is Hartman Rocks good for full-size 4x4 vehicles?
A: Yes — there are dedicated OHV routes for full-size rigs. Look for signage and BLM maps.
Q: Is there a fee to ride?
A: Nope. It’s free. You just need to follow BLM use rules and tread lightly.
Q: Are the trails beginner-friendly?
A: Some are. While technical sections exist, you’ll find trails suitable for stock high-clearance vehicles.
Q: Can I camp on-site?
A: Yes. Free dispersed camping is allowed for up to 14 days. No services provided.
Q: Is there cell service?
A: Limited. Consider downloading maps offline (GAIA, OnX, BLM) before heading out.
Final Word: Gunnison’s Underrated Gem
If you’re looking to escape the crowds and still challenge your rig, Hartman Rocks should be on your list. It’s big. It’s raw. And it’s ready.
Just bring respect for the land — and armor that can handle a few scars.
RSG OFFROAD — Your Partners in Colorado Adventure
Tag @rsg_offroad with your Hartman photos and builds. We’ll feature the best.