Jed Johnson Tower Trail (Wichita Mountains) Hiking Guide
The Jed Johnson Tower Trail is one of the gentlest walks in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge: a half-mile path along Jed Johnson Lake to a stone observation tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It sits in the eastern part of the refuge, which pitches it as a kid-friendly hike with big views of the lake and the granite hills around it.
Length and Footing
The refuge lists the trail at 0.5 miles one way, rated Easy, on a mix of dirt, gravel and rock; its trail-length table gives 0.52 miles. Hiking Project maps 0.6 miles from the Jed Johnson Lake parking area with about 54 feet of climbing and a 5 percent maximum grade. Walk out and back and you cover a little over a mile with roughly 60 feet of total climbing, short enough for small children and slow walkers.
The Tower
The refuge credits the Civilian Conservation Corps with building and repairing roads, dams and recreation facilities across the refuge, and this tower is one of its works. You reach its base for the view down the lake, but the refuge says the tower itself is not open to the public, so don't plan on climbing it. The lake and surrounding peaks are the payoff from the rocks at its foot.
On and Around the Lake
Jed Johnson is one of four refuge lakes where non-motorized boats, paddleboards and small boats with electric trolling motors are allowed, so you may share the view with kayaks. Fishing follows state and federal rules, and wading is allowed only while fishing; swimming is prohibited. Leashed dogs are welcome on a lead shorter than 10 feet.
Practical Notes
Entry to the refuge costs nothing. Parking is at the Jed Johnson Lake lot, which, like every refuge trailhead, closes from sunset to sunrise. Bring water, since the refuge has no drinking water, and don't count on a phone signal. Bison and longhorn roam the whole refuge; if they're near the path, wait or detour well around them.
Seasons and Closures
The refuge lists the trail as open year-round. Winter elk hunts close parts of the public use area for a few days at a time, so check the refuge's notices from December into early February. Midsummer heat is the bigger concern: temperatures here have passed 100 degrees, so go early in the day from June through August.
Hiking tips for Jed Johnson Tower Trail (Wichita Mountains)
- Bring young kids; the refuge rates it Easy and kid-friendly.
- Enjoy the view from the tower's base; the tower is closed.
- Pair it with the Mount Scott road, also on the refuge's east side.
- Leave the swimsuit at home; swimming is banned in refuge lakes.
- Go early on summer days, when the rock and lakeshore heat up.
Nearby trails to explore
- Mount Scott Service Road (Wichita Mountains)
- Little Baldy Trail (Wichita Mountains)
- Bison Trail (Dog Run Hollow)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Jed Johnson Tower is an easy pick for a family meetup or a group with beginners. Post a walk on TrailMates, settle the start time and who brings snacks in the event's group chat, and meet at the Jed Johnson Lake parking area. Download TrailMates on the App Store or Google Play.