Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Towner, Colorado
Hiking around Towner, Colorado puts you squarely in the shortgrass prairie of Kiowa County, where the landscape is flat to gently rolling, the sky is enormous, and the trails are really county roads — County Road WW, County Road M, County Road 79, and County Road A.
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Hiking around Towner, Colorado puts you squarely in the shortgrass prairie of Kiowa County, where the landscape is flat to gently rolling, the sky is enormous, and the trails are really county roads — County Road WW, County Road M, County Road 79, and County Road A. That's not a knock on the area; it's just the honest picture. These are open, exposed routes through agricultural and rangeland terrain, not mountain singletrack. What you get here is solitude, big views to the horizon, and a genuine sense of how much of Colorado is actually plains. There are no maintained trailheads with signage or facilities, so you're navigating by road names and your own sense of direction. The area suits walkers who want a quiet, low-key outing without crowds, or anyone passing through who wants to stretch their legs on a longer road trip. Come with water, sun protection, and realistic expectations about shade — there isn't much. If you're looking for elevation gain or forest cover, this isn't your destination. If you want to walk somewhere genuinely empty and unhurried in eastern Colorado, Towner delivers that.
Frequently asked questions
What are the hiking routes around Towner actually like?
The four listed routes — County Road WW, County Road M, County Road 79, and County Road A — are unpaved county roads through open rangeland and farmland. Expect flat to very gently rolling terrain, gravel or dirt underfoot, and no formal trailhead infrastructure. You're essentially walking rural roads, so watch for occasional vehicle traffic.
When is the best time of year to hike near Towner?
Spring (April through early June) and fall (September through October) are the most comfortable, with mild temperatures and lower wind. Summer works but eastern Colorado plains get genuinely hot by midday, and there's almost no shade on these routes. Winter is passable on dry days but wind chill on open prairie can be brutal.
What time of day is best for these walks?
Early morning is the clear choice in summer — temperatures are cooler and the light on the plains is worth getting up for. In spring and fall, midday is fine. Avoid afternoon starts in warm months; there's no tree cover to retreat to if a thunderstorm builds, and afternoon storms are common on the eastern plains from May through August.
What gear should I bring?
Sun protection is non-negotiable — hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Carry more water than you think you need since there are no water sources along these roads. Sturdy walking shoes are sufficient given the flat terrain; technical hiking boots aren't necessary. A paper map or downloaded offline map is useful since cell service in Kiowa County is unreliable.
Are there any access restrictions or permits required?
County roads are public rights-of-way, so no permit is needed to walk them. Be aware that the land on either side of the road is private ranch or farmland — stay on the road itself and don't cross fences. If a road is gated or posted, respect that and turn back.
