Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Burlington, Colorado
Burlington sits in the high plains of eastern Colorado, where hiking looks nothing like what you'd find along the Front Range. There are no fourteeners here, no alpine switchbacks.
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Burlington sits in the high plains of eastern Colorado, where hiking looks nothing like what you'd find along the Front Range. There are no fourteeners here, no alpine switchbacks. What you get instead is wide-open grassland terrain on routes like County Road 49, County Road 51, County Road 58, and County Road S — flat to gently rolling walks where the sky takes up more of the view than any peak ever could. Most of the 21 listed hikes in and around Burlington are rated easy, which makes this a reasonable destination for families, older hikers, or anyone who wants mileage without technical challenge. Lincoln Street and Rose Avenue routes keep things close to town, while the county road walks push you further out into working agricultural and shortgrass prairie landscape. Wind is a real factor out here year-round, and shade is scarce, so sun protection and water matter more than your boot choice. Summer mornings are the move — temperatures climb fast by midday from June through August. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions, and the open terrain means you can often see weather coming from miles away, which is genuinely useful when afternoon thunderstorms roll through.
Frequently asked questions
What are the easiest hikes near Burlington, Colorado?
Several routes are specifically listed as easy, including County Road 49, County Road 42, County Road 58, County Road B, and County Road S. These are flat or near-flat walks on open terrain with no significant elevation gain, making them accessible for most fitness levels.
What is the best time of year to hike around Burlington?
Late April through early June and September through October offer the most comfortable temperatures. Summer hiking is doable but plan to start early — by late morning in July and August, heat and direct sun on exposed prairie routes like County Road 50 or County Road EE can make the experience genuinely unpleasant.
What gear should I bring for hiking in this area?
Sunscreen, a hat, and more water than you think you need are the essentials. There is almost no shade on routes like County Road 54 or County Road Nn 8/10, and wind can dehydrate you faster than you expect. Trail runners or sturdy sneakers are fine for the easy-rated county road routes — technical footwear is not necessary.
Are the county road hikes on public land or do they cross private property?
The listed routes follow county roads, which are public rights-of-way. Stay on the road corridor and be aware that the land on either side is typically private agricultural property. Do not leave the road to access adjacent fields or pastures without landowner permission.
Is Burlington a good base for hikers who want varied terrain?
It depends on what you want from a hike. If you are looking for elevation change, technical trails, or forested routes, Burlington is not the right base — the terrain here is shortgrass prairie and the hikes reflect that. If you want uncrowded, easy walks with big sky views and minimal logistics, the 21 routes around Burlington deliver that reliably.
