The Hartman Rocks Recreation Area offers a convenient place near Gunnison for 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. <br />
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 1800s to provide high quality granite for the State Capitol building in Denver.
From Gunnison, go about a mile on US 50 W, turn left onto County Road 38. Travel about a mile <br />to the Hartman Rocks parking area on the right.
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