Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Ordway, Colorado
Hiking around Ordway, Colorado looks nothing like the mountain trails most people picture when they think of the state. This is the Arkansas River Valley on the southeastern plains — flat to gently rolling, wide open, and honest about what it is.
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Hiking around Ordway, Colorado looks nothing like the mountain trails most people picture when they think of the state. This is the Arkansas River Valley on the southeastern plains — flat to gently rolling, wide open, and honest about what it is. The nine routes listed here run along county roads and lanes like County Road 16, County Road AA, County Road EE, and the Colorado Canal Road, which traces irrigation infrastructure through agricultural land and offers some of the most straightforward walking in Crowley County. These aren't marked wilderness trails with trailheads and pit toilets; they're rural road walks where you'll share the route with the occasional farm truck and get unobstructed views of the Sangre de Cristo range to the west on a clear day. That simplicity is the point. If you want a place to log miles without elevation gain, practice long-distance pacing, or just walk somewhere genuinely quiet, the road network around Ordway delivers. Skill level is low across the board — the terrain is accessible to most fitness levels — but the exposed, shadeless conditions mean preparation matters more than athleticism out here.
Frequently asked questions
What are the trails around Ordway actually like?
These are rural road walks on county roads and lanes — paved or graded dirt surfaces running through flat to gently rolling farmland. Routes like County Road 29, County Lane 22 4/10, and County Road V have no significant elevation change and no technical terrain. You're walking in the open with wide sightlines, not navigating a marked trail through wilderness.
When is the best time of year to hike here?
Spring (April through early June) and fall (September through October) are the most comfortable seasons. Summer temperatures on the southeastern Colorado plains regularly climb into the 90s, and there is almost no shade on any of these routes. Winter is generally mild enough for walking but can bring wind and occasional snow.
What time of day should I go?
Early morning is strongly recommended from late May through August. These routes are fully exposed with no tree cover, so by midday in summer the heat and sun are genuinely punishing. In spring and fall, midday walks are fine.
What gear do I need?
Sun protection is the non-negotiable item here — hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses matter more than footwear. Carry more water than you think you need since there are no water sources along these county road routes. Sturdy walking shoes or trail runners are sufficient; technical hiking boots are overkill on flat road surfaces.
Are there any access or parking considerations?
These are public county roads, so access is generally straightforward, but there are no designated trailhead parking areas. Pull well off the road surface before leaving your vehicle, and be aware that farm equipment uses these roads regularly, especially during planting and harvest seasons in spring and fall.
