Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Two Buttes, Colorado
Two Buttes sits in the far southeast corner of Colorado, out in Baca County where the shortgrass prairie stretches flat in every direction until it doesn't — and then you get the buttes themselves, a pair of volcanic remnants that rise
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Two Buttes sits in the far southeast corner of Colorado, out in Baca County where the shortgrass prairie stretches flat in every direction until it doesn't — and then you get the buttes themselves, a pair of volcanic remnants that rise abruptly from the plain and give this remote corner of the state its name. Hiking here means walking county roads like County Road 37, County Road SS, County Road WW, and County Road QQ through open rangeland, with the buttes as your landmark and the horizon as your ceiling. This is not a trail-system destination in the conventional sense. There are no maintained singletrack loops, no trailheads with pit toilets, and no crowds. What you get instead is genuine high-plains solitude, wide-open skies, and the kind of quiet that's hard to find anywhere closer to the Front Range. The eight routes in this area follow county roads through working agricultural land, so expect gravel, cattle gates, and the occasional ranching operation. If you're coming from Denver or Colorado Springs, budget for a long drive — Two Buttes is roughly four hours southeast, and the remoteness is part of the point.
Frequently asked questions
What are the hiking routes like around Two Buttes?
The listed routes — County Road 37, County Road 37.5, County Road 38 5/10, County Road 34, County Road SS, County Road WW, County Road QQ, and County Road MM — are county roads that traverse open shortgrass prairie. Expect flat to gently rolling terrain with the buttes as the dominant visual feature. These are not groomed trails, so you're walking on gravel or packed dirt roads through working ranch country.
When is the best time of year to hike near Two Buttes?
Spring (April through early June) and fall (September through October) are the most comfortable seasons. Summer temperatures in Baca County regularly push into the 90s and the prairie offers almost no shade, so if you go in July or August, start before 7 a.m. and be done by midday. Winter is generally mild enough for hiking but can bring sudden cold snaps and wind.
What gear should I bring for a day hike here?
Carry more water than you think you need — there are no water sources along these county roads and the dry air and sun will work against you fast. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) is essential year-round. Sturdy walking shoes or trail runners are fine for the road surfaces; full hiking boots are not required. Cell service is unreliable this far into Baca County, so a downloaded offline map or paper topo is worth having.
Are there any access or land-use considerations I should know about?
The routes here follow public county roads that pass through or alongside private ranch land, so stay on the road and respect any fencing or posted signage. Do not cross onto private property without permission. Two Buttes Reservoir State Wildlife Area is nearby and has its own access rules managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, so check current conditions with CPW before your trip if you plan to combine hiking with a visit to the reservoir.
Is this area suitable for beginner hikers?
The terrain itself is beginner-friendly — flat county roads with no technical sections or significant elevation gain. The challenge is logistical: extreme remoteness, no services, no shade, and limited cell coverage mean you need to be self-sufficient. A fit beginner who plans carefully and brings adequate water and sun protection will do fine; someone who shows up unprepared for the heat and isolation may not.
