The Hinman Park Trail in Routt National Forest follows a mountain valley northwest of Steamboat Springs through one of the classic "parks" of the Colorado Rockies: an open meadow floor surrounded by forested slopes where wildlife congregate and wildflowers thrive. The 4.5-mile round trip is gentle by Routt standards, gaining only 600 feet, and provides a more accessible alternative to the high-elevation Zirkel Wilderness routes.
Hinman Park is the kind of Colorado mountain scenery that defines the aesthetic of the western slope: vast meadows, aspen-fringed forest edges, and the constant possibility of elk in the early morning light.
The Route
The trail follows a tributary creek through the Hinman Park valley from the trailhead. The meadow floor is wide and flat in the lower sections, with the trail moving through the meadow edge rather than the open grassland. As the valley narrows in the upper section, the terrain becomes more forested.
The turnaround at 2.25 miles reaches the upper end of the open meadow terrain. Return on the same trail. The views are broad throughout, with the surrounding forested ridges framing the valley on both sides.
What to Expect
Early morning is the optimal time for this trail. Elk use the meadows heavily in the hours around sunrise, and the midsummer light in the open valley is excellent for photography. By midday the meadows are largely empty of wildlife and the sun is high.
Wildflowers in July make the meadow walk particularly rewarding. The combination of open grassland and creek-side willows supports a wide diversity of blooming plants.
Nearby
Steamboat Springs is about 20 miles southeast on Colorado roads and provides full resort-town services. The Elk River valley between Steamboat and Clark is one of the most scenically consistent drives in the Routt National Forest. Strawberry Park Hot Springs, north of Steamboat, is one of Colorado's most pleasant natural hot spring facilities.
Leave No Trace
This trail receives enough use that following Leave No Trace principles is important for preserving the experience for future visitors. Stay on the marked trail to prevent erosion. Pack out all waste. Avoid camping within 200 feet of water sources or the trail. Use existing fire rings only where campfires are permitted, and check current fire restrictions at checking conditions before you go before any visit. The trail and surrounding terrain remain in good condition because previous visitors have respected these norms.