Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Crook, Colorado
Crook sits in the far northeastern corner of Colorado, out on the High Plains where Logan County's open rangeland stretches toward the Nebraska border.
5 spotsUpdated weeklyFree to access
View on mapHiking · 5 spots
Crook sits in the far northeastern corner of Colorado, out on the High Plains where Logan County's open rangeland stretches toward the Nebraska border. Hiking here looks nothing like the mountain trails most people picture when they think of Colorado — there are no switchbacks, no treeline, no summit views. What you get instead are rural county roads like County Road 58, County Road 70, County Road 73, County Road 76, and County Road 77 that cut through working agricultural land and shortgrass prairie. These are flat, exposed walks where the sky is the dominant feature and you can see weather coming from a long way off. County Road 70 is listed as easy, which tracks — the terrain across all five routes is gentle and the elevation change is minimal. This is honest, unspectacular hiking that suits people who want solitude, wide-open space, and a look at plains ecology that most Front Range visitors never bother with. Expect gravel and dirt underfoot, no trail infrastructure, and very little shade. If you're driving out from Sterling or further west, set realistic expectations: this is not a destination hike, it's a walk in a quiet, largely overlooked part of the state.
Frequently asked questions
What is the terrain like on the county road hikes around Crook?
All five routes — County Roads 58, 70, 73, 76, and 77 — run through flat to gently rolling shortgrass prairie and farmland. County Road 70 is explicitly rated easy, and the others are comparable. You won't encounter significant elevation gain, rocky scrambles, or technical terrain.
What is the best time of year to hike near Crook?
Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons. Summers on the northeastern Colorado plains get hot and exposed, with afternoon thunderstorms that build quickly and offer no shelter on open roads. Winter is cold and windy but hikeable on clear days when roads aren't icy or muddy from snowmelt.
What gear should I bring for a hike on these county roads?
Sun protection is the most important item — hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses — because there is virtually no shade. Bring more water than you think you need, since there are no water sources along the way. Sturdy walking shoes are fine; technical hiking boots are unnecessary on gravel and packed dirt roads.
Are there any facilities or trailheads at these locations?
No. These are rural county roads, not developed trail systems. There are no trailheads, restrooms, parking areas, or signage. You'll park at a road junction or pull-off and walk from there, so let someone know your plan before you head out.
What is the best time of day to hike here in summer?
Early morning is strongly preferable. Temperatures are lower, the light is better, and you'll want to be off the exposed roads before afternoon thunderstorms develop, which typically build from midday onward during summer months.
