Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Kim, Colorado
Kim, Colorado sits in the far southeast corner of the state, deep in Las Animas County, where the shortgrass prairie rolls out flat and wide before breaking into dry creek drainages and low mesa edges. Hiking here looks nothing like the Rockies — there are no treeline scrambles or alpine lakes.
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View on mapHiking · 17 spots
Kim, Colorado sits in the far southeast corner of the state, deep in Las Animas County, where the shortgrass prairie rolls out flat and wide before breaking into dry creek drainages and low mesa edges. Hiking here looks nothing like the Rockies — there are no treeline scrambles or alpine lakes. What you get instead are open-sky walks along county roads and ranch access routes like Rourke Road, Track Trail Admin Road, and Bunkhouse Admin Road, where the landscape rewards patience and a good eye for wildlife, wildflowers, and the kind of quiet that's genuinely hard to find. The 17 listed routes in and around Kim are mostly flat to gently rolling, following county road corridors such as County Road 30.0, County Road 46, and County Road 62.0 across open rangeland. Elevations in this part of Las Animas County sit roughly in the 5,000-to-6,000-foot range, so altitude is rarely a factor, but sun exposure and heat absolutely are. This is honest, no-frills hiking for people who want wide horizons and solitude over summit selfies. Come with water, a hat, and realistic expectations about shade — there isn't much.
Frequently asked questions
What is the terrain like on the hiking routes around Kim?
Most routes follow county road corridors and admin roads across open shortgrass prairie, so expect flat to gently rolling ground with minimal technical difficulty. Rourke Road, Track Trail Admin Road, and Bunkhouse Admin Road are representative of what you'll find: wide, exposed, and easy underfoot but with little to no shade or wind protection.
When is the best time of year to hike near Kim, Colorado?
Spring (April through early June) and fall (September through October) are the most comfortable seasons. Summer temperatures in southeast Colorado regularly push into the 90s with intense direct sun, and there is almost no tree cover on these routes to offer relief. If you do hike in summer, start before 8 a.m. and plan to be done by midday.
Are the county road routes open to the public, or is access restricted?
County roads like County Road 30.0, County Road 46, and County Road 183.2 are public rights-of-way, so you can walk them without special permission. Admin roads such as Track Trail Admin Road and Bunkhouse Admin Road may have different access rules depending on land management status, so it's worth confirming current access with Las Animas County or the relevant land office before you go.
What gear should I bring for a day hike in this area?
Carry significantly more water than you think you need — a minimum of two liters for a half-day outing given the heat and lack of water sources. Sun protection is non-negotiable: hat, sunscreen, and light long sleeves. Sturdy trail shoes or boots are fine since the terrain is not rocky, but watch for rattlesnakes, especially in warmer months near brush and drainage edges.
Is Kim a good base for hiking if I'm traveling with beginners or kids?
Yes, with the right timing. The flat, road-based routes around Kim have no significant elevation gain or technical sections, which makes them accessible for most fitness levels. The main challenge for younger or less experienced hikers is the heat and sun exposure, so plan shorter outings in the cooler morning hours and keep water intake high.
