Hankins Pass Trail

Managing agency

U.S. Forest Service

Hankins Pass Trail is a 6.4-mile out-and-back hike located in Colorado near the Colorado area. This United States Forest Service trail gains 1,696 feet in elevation, offering a moderate challenge for hikers seeking alpine scenery and forest terrain. The out-and-back format allows hikers to turn around at Hankins Pass, making it easy to customize the hike's difficulty by choosing when to descend. The steady elevation gain of approximately 265 feet per mile rewards climbers with views typical of Colorado's high country. Managed by the United States Forest Service, the trail is maintained as part of the National Forest system. Hikers can expect typical forest service conditions and amenities. The combination of distance and elevation gain makes this suitable for hikers with intermediate fitness levels, typically requiring 3-4 hours for most parties. Best visited during summer and early fall months when snow clears from higher elevations, Hankins Pass Trail provides accessible alpine hiking within Colorado's extensive trail network.