Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Joes, Colorado
Hiking around Joes, Colorado puts you in the middle of the High Plains, where the terrain is open, the horizons are wide, and the trails are about as far from crowded as you can get.
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Hiking around Joes, Colorado puts you in the middle of the High Plains, where the terrain is open, the horizons are wide, and the trails are about as far from crowded as you can get. The three routes in and around Joes follow county roads — County Road 1, County Road 17, and County Road K — which means you're walking through working agricultural and rangeland rather than a designated wilderness corridor. County Road 1 and County Road K are both rated easy, making them accessible to most fitness levels without technical preparation. This is flat-to-gently-rolling eastern Colorado, so expect exposed conditions: full sun, wind, and very little shade at any point in the day. The appeal here is solitude and a genuine sense of the shortgrass prairie landscape that most hikers never bother with. If you're driving through Yuma County and want to stretch your legs on something quiet and unhurried, these routes deliver that without any fuss. Just don't expect trailheads with kiosks and parking lots — you're working off county road access, so a little navigation prep goes a long way.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difficulty level of the hikes near Joes, Colorado?
County Road 1 and County Road K are both rated easy, suitable for casual walkers and families. County Road 17 does not carry a listed difficulty rating, but given the flat eastern Colorado terrain in this area, it is unlikely to present significant elevation challenges.
When is the best time of year to hike near Joes?
Spring (April through early June) and fall (September through October) are the most comfortable seasons, with moderate temperatures and lower wind. Summer hiking is doable but the High Plains sun is intense and there is no tree cover on these routes, so early morning starts are strongly advisable if you go in July or August.
What gear should I bring for hiking these county road routes?
Sun protection is the top priority — hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are non-negotiable on exposed plains routes. Bring more water than you think you need since there are no water sources along county roads. Sturdy walking shoes are sufficient given the easy-rated terrain; technical hiking boots are not required.
How do I access the trailheads for County Road 1, County Road 17, and County Road K?
These routes follow public county roads rather than developed trailheads, so access is from the road itself. A reliable map or GPS is worth having before you go since signage in rural Yuma County is minimal and cell service can be inconsistent.
Are there any regulations I should know about before hiking here?
County roads are public rights-of-way, but the land on either side is largely private agricultural property — stay on the road and do not cross fences or enter fields. No permits are required for walking these routes.
