Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in La Junta, Colorado
La Junta sits in the Arkansas River Valley on Colorado's southeastern plains, and the hiking here looks nothing like the mountain trails most people picture when they think of Colorado.
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La Junta sits in the Arkansas River Valley on Colorado's southeastern plains, and the hiking here looks nothing like the mountain trails most people picture when they think of Colorado. The terrain is high desert and shortgrass prairie cut through by arroyos, canyon systems, and dry washes — and that's exactly what makes it worth the trip. The 194 listed routes in and around La Junta include everything from flat road walks along named arroyos like Crooked Arroyo, Alkali Arroyo, and King Arroyo to rougher canyon tracks like Devils Canyon Road and David Canyon D Road. The Santa Fe Nature Trail offers a more developed option closer to town if you're easing into the area. Most routes here follow county roads and arroyo corridors through open range country, so expect wide skies, minimal shade, and a landscape that rewards patience over peak-bagging. This is not technical hiking, but the heat, sun exposure, and remote feel of places like Bull Pasture Road or Rock Fall A Road mean you still need to come prepared. Distances and elevation change are modest compared to the Rockies, but the environment is unforgiving if you underestimate it.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time of year to hike near La Junta?
Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the most comfortable seasons. Summer temperatures regularly push into the 90s and higher with little shade on routes like the arroyo corridors and open county roads, so if you're hiking July or August, start before 8 a.m. and plan to be done by midday. Winter is generally mild and hikeable, though occasional ice and mud on unpaved roads can make access tricky.
What gear do I actually need for these hikes?
Sun protection is non-negotiable — hat, sunscreen, and UV-rated clothing matter more here than on shaded mountain trails. Carry more water than you think you need; there are no reliable water sources along routes like Alkali Arroyo East Road or Sierra Vista Road. Sturdy trail shoes or light hikers handle the terrain fine since most routes are road-based rather than technical singletrack. A paper or offline map is worth having because cell coverage is spotty in the canyon areas.
Are these hikes suitable for beginners or families with kids?
Most of the listed routes are low-elevation-gain walks along arroyo corridors and county roads, which makes them accessible for beginners and older kids. The Santa Fe Nature Trail near town is the most family-friendly starting point. Routes like Devils Canyon Road involve rougher, more remote terrain and are better suited to hikers comfortable navigating without marked trail infrastructure.
Can I hike these routes year-round, and are there any access or permit issues?
Most routes are accessible year-round, but unpaved county roads and arroyo crossings like Alkali Crossing Road can become muddy or impassable after heavy rain or snow melt. Many of these hikes cross open range land, so respect any posted private property boundaries and leave gates as you find them. No permits are required for the county road and arroyo routes listed here, but always verify current access conditions locally before heading out to more remote areas like David Canyon D Road or Bull Pasture Road.
What should I know about wildlife and hazards in this area?
Rattlesnakes are present in the canyon and arroyo terrain, particularly in warmer months, so watch where you step and don't reach into rock crevices. Cactus is dense in spots along the arroyo routes, which matters if you're hiking with dogs. Flash flooding is a real risk in arroyo corridors during afternoon thunderstorm season (roughly June through August) — if storms are building, get out of low-lying washes like Crooked Arroyo or King Arroyo and move to higher ground.
