Hartman ColoradoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hartman, Colorado.
1. Hartman Rocks Recreation Area
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARADISE
Hartman Rocks Recreation Area encompasses over 8,000 acres of public land jointly managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the city of Gunnison, and Gunnison County. This paradise offers desert mountain biking, hiking, motorcycling, rock climbing, horseback riding, trail running, and Nordic skiing with miles of maintained trails. With 40 miles of singletrack trails and 33 miles of road open to biking, it caters to riders of all skill levels including newly added adaptive hand cycling trails.
2. Camp Amache
HISTORIC INTERNMENT SITE
Camp Amache is a significant historic site that served as a Japanese American internment camp during World War II. Visitors can explore the grounds where over 7,000 Japanese Americans were confined between 1942 and 1945. The site now serves as an important educational landmark with a memorial and remaining foundations that help tell this crucial chapter of American history.
3. Amache Museum
PRESERVING INTERNMENT HISTORY
The Amache Museum houses artifacts, photographs, and personal stories related to the Japanese American internment experience at Camp Amache. Exhibits showcase daily life, art created in the camp, and the contributions of Japanese Americans despite their unjust confinement. The museum is maintained by the Amache Preservation Society and provides valuable context for visitors before or after touring the actual camp site.
4. North Gateway Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
North Gateway Park offers visitors a peaceful natural setting with recreational opportunities along the Arkansas River. The park features fishing access, walking trails, picnic areas, and wildlife viewing opportunities in a serene environment. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities and the chance to experience eastern Colorado's natural beauty.
5. Pike's Tower
HISTORIC LANDMARK VIEW
Pike's Tower stands as a historic landmark offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The tower commemorates the explorations of Zebulon Pike, who ventured through this region in the early 19th century. Visitors can climb to the observation deck for sweeping vistas of the plains and learn about the area's historical significance.
6. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
DRAMATIC CANYON VIEWS
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park showcases some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America. The Gunnison River carved this spectacular canyon over millions of years, creating a landscape of dramatic vertical walls that plunge as much as 2,700 feet to the river below. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails, wildlife watching, and stargazing in this less-crowded but awe-inspiring national park.
7. Browns Canyon Rafting
THRILLING RIVER ADVENTURE
Browns Canyon offers exhilarating whitewater rafting adventures through one of Colorado's most popular river sections. The Arkansas River features exciting class II-IV rapids surrounded by stunning canyon scenery and abundant wildlife. Experienced guides lead rafters through this national monument, providing both adventure and educational insights about the unique ecosystem.
8. Aspen's DarkSide Ghost Tour
SPOOKY HISTORICAL JOURNEY
Aspen's DarkSide Ghost Tour takes visitors on a fascinating journey through the haunted history of this famous mountain town. Guides share spine-tingling tales of mining disasters, frontier justice, and persistent spirits said to linger in historic buildings. The evening walking tour combines local history, architecture, and supernatural lore for an entertaining and educational experience.
9. Crested Butte Mountain Resort
EXTREME MOUNTAIN RECREATION
Crested Butte Mountain Resort offers world-class skiing in winter and mountain biking in summer with over 1,500 acres of skiable terrain and miles of scenic trails. The resort is known for its challenging extreme terrain, laid-back atmosphere, and stunning alpine scenery surrounded by wildflower meadows. Visitors enjoy the authentic mountain town experience with excellent dining options and a vibrant arts scene just minutes from the slopes.
10. Main Street Gunnison
HISTORIC SHOPPING DISTRICT
Main Street Gunnison offers a charming collection of locally-owned shops, restaurants, and galleries in a historic western setting. Visitors can browse outdoor gear stores, western wear boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops offering unique Colorado products. The walkable downtown area provides a genuine small-town experience with friendly service and access to local cuisine featuring farm-to-table ingredients.
11. Gunnison Valley Observatory
CELESTIAL MOUNTAIN VIEWING
The Gunnison Valley Observatory offers visitors spectacular night sky viewing through professional-grade telescopes in one of Colorado's darkest regions. Public viewing nights feature guided tours of planets, star clusters, galaxies, and other celestial objects visible from this high-altitude location. Knowledgeable astronomers provide educational presentations and answer questions about the cosmos while visitors experience the wonders of the universe firsthand.
12. Gunnison Pioneer Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Gunnison Pioneer Museum showcases the rich history of the Gunnison Valley through extensive exhibits housed in multiple historic buildings. Visitors can explore artifacts from Native American cultures, mining operations, railroads, ranching, and early pioneer life in the region. The outdoor museum complex includes a schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, railroad depot, and many other structures that bring the area's heritage to life.
13. The Bean Coffee House
LOCAL GATHERING SPOT
The Bean Coffee House serves as a popular community hub offering locally-roasted coffee, homemade pastries, and light meals in a cozy atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the friendly service, comfortable seating, and free WiFi that make it perfect for relaxing after outdoor adventures. The café showcases local art and often features live music from area musicians on weekend evenings.
14. Blue Mesa Reservoir
COLORADO'S LARGEST LAKE
Blue Mesa Reservoir is Colorado's largest body of water, offering 96 miles of shoreline and exceptional opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports. The reservoir is renowned for its kokanee salmon and lake trout fishing, with several marinas providing boat rentals and supplies for visitors. Surrounded by dramatic mesas and volcanic cliffs, the sapphire-blue waters create a stunning contrast against the high desert landscape.
15. High Alpine Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
High Alpine Brewing Company crafts exceptional beers inspired by the mountain landscape and outdoor lifestyle of the Gunnison Valley. The brewpub offers a rotating selection of handcrafted ales and lagers paired with a menu featuring locally-sourced ingredients and wood-fired pizzas. Visitors enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, outdoor patio seating, and opportunities to meet locals while sampling unique brews named after area landmarks and trails.