Kit Carson Travel Guide

Planning to visit Kit Carson? Check out our comprehensive travel guide featuring a list of places to visit, hiking/biking routes, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Kit Carson

Kit Carson is a small town located in Colorado’s Eastern Plains, in the Rocky Mountains region of the United States of America. Once a bustling railroad town, Kit Carson now attracts visitors looking for a taste of life in rural America.

From hiking and biking in the great outdoors to exploring museums and historical sites, there’s plenty to see and do in Kit Carson. Keep reading to discover the top places to visit, where to stay, and tips for making the most of your trip to this charming town.

List of Places to Visit in Kit Carson

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Kit Carson County Carousel: A beautifully restored 1928 carousel that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

  • Old Town Museum: A living history museum that showcases the lifestyles and culture of early 20th century Eastern Colorado.

  • Pioneer Kitchen: A unique restaurant that serves traditional “Cowboy Cuisine” and also doubles as a museum.

  • Kit Carson Cemetery: The final resting place of the legendary frontiersman, Kit Carson.

Natural Attractions of Kit Carson: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Bonny Lake State Park: A popular spot for fishing, boating, and camping.

  • Comanche National Grassland: A vast expanse of public land that offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography.

  • Bethune Park: A small park with walking trails and a fishing pond.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kit Carson

  • Kit Carson Trail: A 2.5-mile trail that winds through town and offers views of historic buildings and the Kit Carson County Carousel.

  • Comanche Grassland Prairie Trail: A 3-mile round trip hike that crosses a prairie dog town and offers stunning views of the surrounding grasslands.

  • Smoky River Trail: An 8-mile round trip bike ride that follows the Smoky River and offers great views of the countryside.

Best Things to Do in Kit Carson: Activities and Tours

  • Take a walking tour of downtown Kit Carson to see historic buildings, antique shops, and art galleries.

  • Visit the Kit Carson County Carousel and take a ride on one of the beautifully restored horses.

  • Go fishing at Bonny Lake State Park, where you can catch bass, catfish, and crappie.

  • Take a guided tour of the Old Town Museum, which includes a church, general store, and a prairie schoolhouse.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kit Carson

Day Activities
Day 1 Arrive in Kit Carson, take a walking tour of downtown, and have dinner at the Pioneer Kitchen.
Day 2 Visit the Kit Carson County Carousel, have lunch at a local diner, and spend the afternoon fishing at Bonny Lake State Park.
Day 3 Take a guided tour of the Old Town Museum, have lunch at the museum café, and spend the afternoon hiking along the Smoky River Trail.
Day 4 Drive to the Comanche National Grassland and spend the day exploring the area.
Day 5 Rent a bike and take the Smoky River Trail to Bethune Park, have a picnic lunch, and spend the afternoon fishing at the park’s pond.
Day 6 Take a day trip to nearby Lamar to visit the Big Timbers Museum and have lunch at a local café.
Day 7 Pack up and head home.

Food and Drink Scene of Kit Carson

Must-Try Dishes

  • Rocky Mountain Oysters: a local delicacy that consists of fried bull testicles.

  • Chicken Fried Steak: a hearty dish made with breaded beef and gravy.

  • Green Chile: a spicy stew made with pork, green chiles, and potatoes.

Local Beverages

  • Colorado Craft Beer: Kit Carson is located near several breweries that produce some of the best craft beers in the state.

  • Western Plains Wine: The nearby Western Plains Vineyard produces a variety of high-quality wines using locally grown grapes.

Where to Stay in Kit Carson: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Cobblestone Inn and Suites: A modern hotel with comfortable rooms and free breakfast.

  • Bunkhouse Motel: A budget-friendly option with clean rooms and a convenient location.

  • Airbnb: There are several Airbnb rentals available in Kit Carson and the surrounding area.

What to Buy in Kit Carson: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Kit Carson County Carousel Merchandise: Shop for t-shirts, hats, and other souvenirs featuring the iconic carousel.

  • Western Plains Vineyard Wine: Bring home a bottle (or two) of locally produced wine.

  • Antiques and Collectibles: Kit Carson is home to several antique shops where you can find unique items to take home.

Local Culture and Customs of Kit Carson

  • Kit Carson is a friendly town where locals take pride in their community and heritage.

  • The town celebrates several annual events, including a Fourth of July parade, a Christmas celebration, and a summer rodeo.

  • Visitors are encouraged to respect the local culture and the environment by practicing Leave No Trace principles when enjoying the outdoors.

Best Time to Visit Kit Carson

The best time to visit Kit Carson is from May to September when the weather is warm and the outdoor activities are in full swing. However, visitors can enjoy the town’s history and attractions year-round.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kit Carson

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.

  • Practice Leave No Trace principles when enjoying the outdoors.

  • Try the local cuisine.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the environment.

  • Disrespect the local culture or community.

  • Ignore safety precautions when engaging in outdoor activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Kit Carson

Kit Carson is a safe town with a low crime rate. Visitors should still exercise caution when engaging in outdoor activities and follow basic safety precautions.

Health in Kit Carson

There is a small medical clinic in Kit Carson, but emergency services may be located a significant distance away. Visitors should be prepared with any necessary medications or treatments and take care when engaging in physical activities.

Getting to Kit Carson: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Kit Carson

The nearest airport to Kit Carson is Denver International Airport, located approximately 150 miles away. From there, visitors can rent a car or take a shuttle to Kit Carson.

Bus Stations Near Kit Carson

There are no bus stations in Kit Carson. The nearest Greyhound station is located in Burlington, approximately 30 miles away.

Other Options

Driving is the most convenient way to reach Kit Carson. Visitors can also take a train to nearby Limon and rent a car or take a shuttle from there.

How to Get Around in Kit Carson

Kit Carson is a small town that is easily navigated on foot or by bike. Visitors can also rent a car to explore the surrounding area.

Where to Go Next from Kit Carson: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Lamar: A small prairie town with a variety of historic sites and outdoor activities.

  • Cheyenne Wells: Another rural Colorado town with a rich local history and a welcoming community.

Conclusion

Kit Carson is a hidden gem in Colorado’s Eastern Plains. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, rich history, or small-town charm, Kit Carson has something for everyone. Plan your trip today and discover all that this charming town has to offer!