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A longer, more remote, experience out at Hartman Rocks.


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Map Key

16.7

Miles

26.8

KM

75%

Singletrack

8,688' 2,648 m

High

7,885' 2,403 m

Low

1,977' 602 m

Up

1,976' 602 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (3°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Unknown

Features Drops/Jumps · Views

All trails south of Powerline Road are closed March 15 - May 15 for Sage Grouse habitat. Find out more here.

Overview

Hartman Rocks is known for its sweeping landscape, high desert singletrack, and 360° views. This ride is no exception in that it features all of the best that Hartman Rocks has to offer from technical singletrack, flow sections, and the feeling of being in a very remote area.

The ride has longer climbs than in the traditional loops at Hartman's, but it also makes up for it with longer downhills as well. Traditionally, this is less frequently ridden than the busier main trailhead on the north side.

Description

Start by driving out to the Bambi's parking/trailhead near the southeast side of Hartman Rocks off of Road 38.

Ride up Bambi's, then onto Road 3575 all the way out to where it connects with Road 3550 (Powerline Road). You'll see a sign for South Beaver Creek, go through a gate/cattle guard and start descending rapidly down the road. Don't ride too fast as you'll miss the turn off/sign for Skull Pass. Ride Skull Pass and enjoy the technical section near the end.

Near the end, stay right where it connects with a road and follow the pumping uphill back to Road 3550 (Powerline Road). Keep following Road 3550 (Powerline Road) downhill and back uphill. It will cross a creek in another half mile. Right after the creek, stay right on the main road. Head uphill after the creek and look for a sign on your left in a half mile for the start of Aberdeen Loop.

Now, you're on the main trail. From here, there are no bailout points. You are either turning around or riding the full loop. Keep in mind, the full loop is a bit over seven miles total. Aberdeen Loop West from here is mostly uphill and Aberdeen Loop East is mostly downhill.

After riding 3.4 miles on Aberdeen Loop West, the trail will dump you out to a road, take a left on this road. Stay on the road, follow the signs and stay left until you get to the trail sign and start of Aberdeen Loop East. There is a bit of an uphill at the start of the east side of the loop, but it's mostly a mix of fast downhill.

At the end of the Aberdeen Loop East, the trail will dump you out onto a primitive road. Take a left here and ride 1/4 of a mile to join back up with Road 3550 (Powerline Road). Take a right on Road 3550 (Powerline Road), cross the creek again, and climb the, at times, brutal uphill back out the way you came.

After making the arduous climb back out and across the cattle guard, you'll have the option to ride up Road 3575 and take a right on Outback to get some extra fun singletrack. If you're super tired, just ride Road 3575 and back down Bambi's to your car.

History & Background

Named after one of the most important stone quarries in the state of Colorado during the late 1880s and 90s. It was the source of stones for the State Capitol building, the Denver Mint, and many other buildings and palatial homes. When a railroad spur was built to the site, Aberdeen flourished from 1889 to the turn of the century. Activity began to decline, the railroad tracks were removed, and the town's population moved elsewhere.

Contacts

Shared By:

Adam Kagy

Trail Ratings

  3.6 from 16 votes

#2453

Overall
  3.6 from 16 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
31%
3 Star
19%
2 Star
25%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#374

in Colorado

#2,453

Overall
12 Views Last Month
3,830 Since Jul 15, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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44%
11%
44%
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Photos

Railing the flow downhill.
Jul 15, 2016 near Gunnison, CO
See for miles in the high desert landscape.
Jul 15, 2016 near Gunnison, CO

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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Check-Ins

May 10, 2020
Catfish Crenshaw
May 22, 2019
Grant Beveridge
Jun 6, 2018
Scott Edwards
super fun ride with plenty of climbing, some of which gets quite steep at times. there is a long sustained climb, which seems to never end. but the… 18mi
May 25, 2018
Rad Anzulovic
May 17, 2018
Dani Leach
Took longer than I thought, more uphill than in description in my opinion. But I’m new to this so I’m probably wrong lol. Fun ride all in all. 16.6mi
Jun 4, 2017
L M
18.2mi
Nov 13, 2016
Jennifer Hillebrandt
Oct 25, 2016
thomas feistl
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