Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Rush, Colorado
Rush sits on the shortgrass prairie of eastern El Paso County, and hiking here looks nothing like what most people picture when they think of Colorado.
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Rush sits on the shortgrass prairie of eastern El Paso County, and hiking here looks nothing like what most people picture when they think of Colorado. Forget switchbacks and treeline scrambles — the routes around Rush follow county roads through open ranch country, where the land rolls out flat to gently rolling and the sky takes up more of the view than any peak. County Road 7, County Road 1, and Keller Road make up the current hiking options in the area, and they share a character: wide gravel or dirt surfaces, minimal shade, and long sightlines across high plains grassland. This is the kind of walking that rewards people who pay attention to what's underfoot and overhead — pronghorn, raptors, and native grasses that shift color through the seasons. There are no maintained trailheads with facilities, no blazed routes through wilderness, and no crowds. If you're coming from Colorado Springs or Pueblo looking for a low-key, accessible outing without elevation gain or technical terrain, Rush delivers that. Just go in knowing what it is: a quiet stretch of eastern Colorado where the hiking is really road walking through working agricultural land.
Frequently asked questions
What are the actual hiking routes available near Rush, Colorado?
There are three listed routes in the area: County Road 7, County Road 1, and Keller Road. All three are county road walks through open prairie rather than dedicated hiking trails, so expect gravel or packed dirt surfaces with no formal trailhead infrastructure.
What is the terrain and elevation gain like on these hikes?
The terrain around Rush is high plains shortgrass prairie — flat to gently rolling with minimal elevation change. These are not mountain hikes, and you should not expect significant elevation gain on any of the three routes.
What is the best time of year to hike near Rush?
Spring (April through early June) and fall (September through October) are the most comfortable seasons. Summer temperatures on the exposed, shadeless prairie can push well past 90°F, and there is essentially no tree cover to break the heat or sun. Winter is walkable on dry days but eastern Colorado plains can see sharp wind and sudden storms.
What time of day is best for hiking these routes?
Early morning is strongly recommended in summer — start by 7 a.m. if you can. The routes have no shade, so midday sun in July or August is genuinely punishing. In spring and fall, timing is more flexible, but morning still tends to offer calmer winds.
What gear should I bring for hiking near Rush?
Sun protection is the top priority: hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are non-negotiable on these exposed roads. Bring more water than you think you need since there are no water sources along the routes. Sturdy walking shoes or trail runners are fine — technical footwear is not necessary for county road surfaces.
