[8] Settled in 1859, it was originally named "Wendling" after an early settler.

[9] Kiowa is located in western Elbert County at 39°20′39″N 104°27′46″W / 39.34417°N 104.46278°W / 39.34417; -104.46278 (39.344207, −104.462714),[11] on the east side of Kiowa Creek, a north-flowing tributary of the South Platte River.

Colorado State Highway 86 passes through the town, leading east 44 miles (71 km) to Limon and west 23 miles (37 km) to Castle Rock.

The town of Elizabeth is 7 miles (11 km) west on SH 86.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Kiowa has a total area of 0.89 square miles (2.3 km2), all of it land.