Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Texas Creek, Colorado
Texas Creek sits in the lower Arkansas River canyon country of Fremont County, where the terrain shifts from pinyon-juniper scrub to open BLM land cut by dry washes and ridge lines with long views toward the Sangre de Cristos.
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Texas Creek sits in the lower Arkansas River canyon country of Fremont County, where the terrain shifts from pinyon-juniper scrub to open BLM land cut by dry washes and ridge lines with long views toward the Sangre de Cristos. The hiking here is managed almost entirely by the Bureau of Land Management, and the five trails in and around town reflect that: these are working public-land routes on BLM 6020, BLM 6021, BLM 6040, and BLM T6025, plus the Lonestar Trail, which is a mixed-use corridor shared with ATV traffic. None of these are groomed interpretive trails with signage every quarter mile. You are navigating open BLM land, which means you need a decent sense of direction, a downloaded topo or the relevant BLM surface map, and enough water for the full round trip since there are no reliable water sources on these routes. The elevation here sits in the foothills rather than the high alpine, so the hiking season runs longer than most of Colorado, with spring and fall being the most comfortable windows. Summer afternoons get hot and exposed, and afternoon thunderstorms build fast in July and August. If you are coming from the Front Range or from Salida, Texas Creek is an easy base for a half-day or full-day outing on land that sees far less foot traffic than the more publicized trails nearby.
Frequently asked questions
What trails are available for hiking around Texas Creek?
There are five listed routes: BLM 6020, BLM 6021, BLM 6040, BLM T6025, and the Lonestar Trail. All are on BLM-managed land. The Lonestar Trail is a shared-use route that also sees ATV traffic, so expect motorized users, especially on weekends.
Do I need a permit to hike on the BLM trails here?
BLM land in this area is generally open to dispersed recreation without a permit. That said, regulations can change, and specific closures for fire, wildlife, or resource protection do get posted. Check with the Royal Gorge Field Office of the BLM before your trip for any current restrictions.
What is the best time of year to hike near Texas Creek?
Spring (April through early June) and fall (September through October) offer the most comfortable temperatures and manageable conditions. Summer hiking is doable but start early to avoid afternoon heat and the lightning risk that comes with afternoon thunderstorms in July and August. Winter is generally mild at this elevation compared to higher Colorado destinations, though cold snaps and ice on north-facing slopes are possible.
What gear should I bring for a day hike here?
Carry more water than you think you need since there are no reliable water sources on these routes. Bring a downloaded topo map or the BLM surface management map for this area because trail signage is minimal. Sturdy footwear matters on the rocky, uneven terrain typical of pinyon-juniper BLM land. Sun protection is essential given the exposed nature of most of these routes.
Are these trails suitable for beginners or families with kids?
The BLM routes here are better suited to hikers comfortable with route-finding on unmarked or lightly marked terrain. They are not technical in the mountaineering sense, but the lack of consistent signage and the shared ATV use on the Lonestar Trail make them less ideal for young children or first-time hikers unfamiliar with navigating open public land. Confident beginners with a map and a clear turnaround plan will do fine.
