Quick Info
Size: 193,000 acres. Location: 30-50 miles northeast of Greeley. Best for: Birding, hiking, prairie experience. Highlight: Pawnee Buttes. Season: Spring for birds, avoid summer heat.
Pawnee National Grassland preserves 193,000 acres of short-grass prairie ecosystem northeast of Greeley. While most Colorado visitors head to the mountains, the grassland offers something different - big sky views, prairie wildlife, and a landscape most of Colorado looked like before settlement.
For birders, Pawnee is a destination. The grassland hosts species found nowhere else nearby. For everyone else, it's a chance to experience the high plains and understand a different Colorado.
Birding
Pawnee is one of Colorado's premier birding destinations. The short-grass prairie hosts species adapted to this specific habitat:
- Mountain Plover: Rare ground-nesting bird found on the prairie
- Burrowing Owl: Lives in prairie dog colonies
- Lark Bunting: Colorado's state bird, common here in summer
- Ferruginous Hawk: Large hawk of the open plains
- McCown's Longspur: Grassland specialist
- Horned Lark: Abundant year-round
Spring migration (April-May) brings the best birding. Early mornings are most productive.
Hiking
The Pawnee Buttes Trail is the main hiking destination - a 3-mile round trip to dramatic rock formations rising from the prairie. Beyond this main trail, the grassland allows cross-country hiking, though trail markers are sparse.
The terrain is flat to gently rolling. Navigation is generally straightforward since the buttes and distant mountains provide orientation. Carry water - there's no shade.
Other Wildlife
Beyond birds, you may see:
- Pronghorn antelope (common)
- Prairie dogs (extensive colonies)
- Coyotes
- Rattlesnakes (watch where you step)
- Various lizards and smaller wildlife
Planning Your Visit
Getting there: From Greeley, drive northeast on Highway 85 then east on country roads. The Pawnee Buttes trailhead is about 50 miles from Greeley. Roads are paved until the final stretch.
When to go: Spring (April-May) for birding. Fall is also pleasant. Summer can be brutally hot with no shade. Winter is cold and windy.
What to bring:
- Lots of water - more than you think
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
- Binoculars for birding and wildlife
- Snacks - no services nearby
- Full gas tank - no stations in the grassland
Fees: Free. No entrance fees or permits required.
Facilities: Minimal. Vault toilets at the Pawnee Buttes trailhead. No water, food, or other services.
Respecting the Land
Parts of the grassland are private land (checkerboard ownership). Stay on public land and respect posted boundaries. During nesting season (roughly March-June), stay on designated trails near the buttes to protect nesting raptors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there camping?
Dispersed camping is allowed on most public portions. No designated campgrounds or facilities. Come fully self-sufficient.
Can I drive around the grassland?
Yes, roads cross the grassland. Some are paved, some gravel. High clearance isn't required for main routes but helps on back roads.
Are there rattlesnakes?
Yes. Watch where you step and put your hands, especially in warm months. They're not aggressive but will defend themselves.
How is cell service?
Spotty to nonexistent. Don't rely on your phone for navigation. Bring paper maps or download offline maps.