Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in FLORENCE, Colorado
Florence sits in the Arkansas River valley at the foot of the Wet Mountains, and the hiking around it reflects that in-between character — you're not in the high alpine, but you're not on flat plains either.
29 spotsUpdated weeklyFree to access
View on mapHiking · 29 spots
Florence sits in the Arkansas River valley at the foot of the Wet Mountains, and the hiking around it reflects that in-between character — you're not in the high alpine, but you're not on flat plains either. The terrain here runs through scrubby canyon country and rolling ranch land, with routes spreading out along Coyote Canyon, Newlin Creek Trail, and a network of county roads and rural corridors that most visitors overlook entirely. Newlin Creek Trail is the standout moderate option, following a creek drainage into the Wet Mountains with enough elevation change to feel like a real hike without requiring an early alpine start. The county road routes — including County Road 103, County Road 107, and County Road 11A — tend to be lower-key affairs, better suited to a morning walk or a leg-stretcher than a full-day objective. With 29 active listings in the area, there's more ground to cover here than the town's size suggests. Most of the access points are close to Florence proper, which makes this a practical base if you're also exploring the broader Fremont County area. Expect dry, exposed conditions on most routes, especially in summer, and plan water accordingly since shade is limited on the canyon and road-based trails.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best hike near Florence, CO for someone who wants a real workout?
Newlin Creek Trail is the most substantial option in the immediate area, rated moderate and offering genuine elevation gain as it climbs into the Wet Mountains terrain south of Florence. Most of the other listed routes, including the county road corridors like County Road 103 and County Road 107, are flatter and better suited to casual walking than strenuous exercise.
When is the best time of year to hike around Florence?
Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons. Summer temperatures in the Arkansas River valley regularly push into the 90s, and most of these routes have limited shade, so if you're hiking July through August, start before 8 a.m. and be off exposed terrain by midday. Winter is generally mild enough for hiking at this elevation, though Newlin Creek Trail can get icy in shaded sections after storms.
Are the county road hikes like County Road 103 and County Road 107 open to the public?
County roads are public rights-of-way, so you can walk them, but the land on either side may be private. Stay on the road corridor and watch for vehicle traffic, particularly on routes like County Road 103 B and County Road 11A where local ranch traffic is common. If you're unsure about a specific trailhead or access point, checking with Fremont County is the safest move.
What gear do I need for hiking near Florence?
For most routes here, trail runners or sturdy walking shoes are fine since the terrain is not technical. Bring more water than you think you need — the canyon and road routes are dry and exposed, and there are no reliable water sources on most of them. Sun protection is essential from late spring through early fall, and a light layer is worth carrying in shoulder seasons when afternoon temperatures can drop quickly.
Is Coyote Canyon suitable for beginners or families with kids?
Coyote Canyon is one of the more accessible options in the Florence area and works well for beginners and families, though the terrain is rocky in places so closed-toe shoes are a good idea for younger kids. There is no listed difficulty rating for it, which generally signals a gentler route rather than a strenuous one. Go in the morning during warmer months since the canyon can heat up quickly with limited tree cover.
