Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Weston, Colorado
Weston sits in Las Animas County in southern Colorado's Purgatoire River country, a stretch of high desert and pinon-juniper terrain that most Front Range hikers drive past on the way somewhere else. That's largely to their loss.
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Weston sits in Las Animas County in southern Colorado's Purgatoire River country, a stretch of high desert and pinon-juniper terrain that most Front Range hikers drive past on the way somewhere else. That's largely to their loss. The hiking here runs along named roads and two-track routes — Wild Turkey Road, Dude Canyon Road, Fan Dike Road, Aspen Rose Drive, County Road 41.1, County Road 11, and the aptly named Shortys Hideout — which tells you something about the character of the place: this is working ranch and canyon country, not a manicured trail system with signage every quarter mile. Expect open skies, dry air, and the kind of quiet that's hard to find closer to the Interstate. Elevations in the Weston area sit in the foothills below the Culebra Range, which means shoulder-season hiking is genuinely viable here when higher-elevation trails in the state are still under snow. The trade-off is summer heat and limited shade, so early starts matter. If you're coming from out of town, the route names here double as navigation references, so download offline maps before you go — cell coverage in Las Animas County is inconsistent at best.
Frequently asked questions
What time of year is best for hiking near Weston, Colorado?
Spring (April through early June) and fall (September through October) are the most comfortable windows. Summer temperatures in this part of Las Animas County can push well into the 90s by midday, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August. Winter hiking is possible on routes like County Road 41.1 and Fan Dike Road when snow is light, but check road conditions before heading out.
Are these hikes suitable for beginners or families?
Most of the routes here follow road corridors rather than technical singletrack, so the footing is generally manageable for beginners. Wild Turkey Road and Aspen Rose Drive are reasonable starting points for casual walkers. That said, there are no maintained trailheads with facilities, so come self-sufficient with water, a map, and sun protection.
What gear should I bring for a day hike in this area?
Water is the priority — carry more than you think you need, as there are no reliable water sources along these routes. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, light long sleeves) is essential given the exposed terrain. Sturdy trail shoes or light hikers work fine on the road-based routes; you don't need technical mountaineering gear. A paper or offline map is strongly recommended given spotty cell service.
Is there parking and trailhead access at places like Shortys Hideout or Dude Canyon Road?
Formal trailhead infrastructure is minimal in this area. Most routes are accessed by pulling off at a road junction or a wide shoulder. Before visiting, confirm access points using a current topo map or the Roamze listing for the specific route, and be mindful of private property boundaries, which are common throughout Las Animas County.
Are there any permits or fees required to hike near Weston?
No permits or fees are required for the routes listed here, which are accessible via public road corridors. However, some surrounding land is privately held, so stay on the named routes and respect any posted signage. If you're unsure about a specific access point, the Las Animas County offices can clarify land status.
