Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Limon, Colorado
Hiking around Limon, Colorado looks different from what most people picture when they think of Colorado trails.
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Hiking around Limon, Colorado looks different from what most people picture when they think of Colorado trails. Forget switchbacks and treeline scrambles — this is the shortgrass prairie, and the hiking here follows county roads like County Road 23, County Road 24, County Road 193, and County Road 3T through open rangeland, draws, and the wide eastern plains. The terrain is genuinely flat to gently rolling, which makes routes like County Road 26, County Road 19, County Road 193, and County Road 3Y reasonable options for beginners or anyone who wants mileage without elevation gain. What you trade in dramatic scenery you get back in sky — the views stretch for miles in every direction, and wildlife sightings (pronghorn, meadowlarks, raptors) are common if you move quietly. Most of these routes follow unpaved county roads through working agricultural land, so expect minimal shade, minimal signage, and minimal crowds. Limon sits at roughly 5,360 feet, which is high enough that summer sun hits harder than it looks. The hiking here rewards people who appreciate open space on its own terms, not as a consolation prize for somewhere else.
Frequently asked questions
What is the terrain like on these hikes near Limon?
The routes around Limon — including County Road 23, County Road 24, County Road 78, and County Road 189 — run through flat to gently rolling shortgrass prairie. There is no significant elevation gain on any of these listings, and several like County Road 26, County Road 19, and County Road 3Y are rated easy. You are hiking on or alongside unpaved county roads, not maintained trail systems.
When is the best time of year to hike near Limon?
Spring (April through early June) and fall (September through October) are the most comfortable seasons. Summer temperatures on the open plains regularly push into the 90s with no shade, and afternoon thunderstorms build quickly from July onward. Winter is generally passable since snowfall is lighter on the eastern plains than in the mountains, but wind chill on exposed county roads like County Road 2Y or County Road 3T can be brutal.
What gear should I bring for a day hike on these county roads?
Carry more water than you think you need — there are no water sources along these routes and shade is essentially nonexistent. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) matters more here than on shaded mountain trails. Sturdy walking shoes are fine for the flat gravel and dirt surfaces; technical hiking boots are not necessary. Let someone know your route since cell coverage is inconsistent in rural Lincoln County.
Are these hikes on public land, or am I walking past private property?
These listings follow county roads, which are public rights-of-way, but the land on either side is largely private agricultural and ranch land. Stay on the road surface and respect any fencing or posted signs. Do not assume open-looking land is public — most of the eastern plains around Limon is privately owned.
Is there a best time of day to hike here in summer?
Start early, ideally before 8 a.m., to get your miles in before the heat peaks and before afternoon storms develop. On routes like County Road 193 or County Road 3Y, there is nowhere to shelter if lightning moves in, so watching the western sky and heading back well before early afternoon is a practical habit from late June through August.
