Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Naturita, Colorado
Hiking around Naturita, Colorado puts you on a network of backcountry roads and open terrain in the Paradox Valley region of the western San Juan Mountains foothills.
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Hiking around Naturita, Colorado puts you on a network of backcountry roads and open terrain in the Paradox Valley region of the western San Juan Mountains foothills. The trails and routes here -- Ee22 Road, Ee18 Road, Hh19 Road, Ee21 Road, and County Road FF -- are working dirt and gravel roads that double as hiking corridors through high desert scrubland, pinyon-juniper country, and open mesa. This is not a manicured trail system with signage every quarter mile. What you get instead is wide-open space, long sight lines, and the kind of quiet that's hard to find closer to Telluride or Moab. Elevations in the Naturita area sit in the 5,400-to-6,500-foot range, which means the air is thinner than the Front Range but the terrain is more forgiving than the high alpine. Most of these routes follow road corridors, so navigation is straightforward, but you'll want to watch for vehicle traffic, especially on County Road FF. Summer temperatures regularly push past 90°F in the valley bottom, so early morning starts matter here more than almost anywhere else in Colorado.
Frequently asked questions
What are the hiking routes like around Naturita -- are these actual trails or road walks?
The listed routes -- Ee22 Road, Ee18 Road, Hh19 Road, Ee21 Road, and County Road FF -- are road-based corridors rather than singletrack trails. You're walking on dirt and gravel surfaces through open range and high desert terrain. Expect minimal shade, no maintained trailheads in the traditional sense, and occasional truck or ATV traffic.
When is the best time of year to hike near Naturita?
Spring (April through early June) and fall (September through October) are the most comfortable windows. Summer is doable but the valley bottom gets genuinely hot by mid-morning, so plan to be moving by 6 or 7 a.m. and off exposed terrain before noon. Winter hiking is possible in mild years since the elevation stays below true alpine, but snow and mud can make road surfaces slick and unpleasant.
What gear should I bring for a day hike on these routes?
Carry more water than you think you need -- a minimum of two to three liters for a half-day outing given the heat and dry air. Sun protection is non-negotiable: hat, sunscreen, and light long sleeves are standard. These routes don't have water sources along the way, so everything you need goes in your pack. Sturdy trail runners or light hiking boots work fine on the gravel road surfaces.
Are there any access or parking considerations for routes like County Road FF or Hh19 Road?
These are public road corridors, so access is generally open, but there are no designated trailhead parking areas. Pull well off the road surface before leaving your vehicle, and be aware that some sections cross private land on either side of the road right-of-way -- stay on the road itself. Cell service in the Naturita area is limited, so download any maps you need before you leave town.
How difficult are these hikes, and are they suitable for beginners?
The road-based routes are moderate in terms of physical effort -- the terrain is not technical and there's no significant scrambling involved. The main challenge is environmental: heat, sun exposure, and the absence of shade or water make these hikes harder than the mileage alone would suggest. Beginners who are heat-aware and well-supplied will manage fine; anyone expecting a shaded forest walk will be caught off guard.
