What To Do at the Pawnee National Grassland

Just 90 minutes north of Denver is a massive swath of land that offers countless hours of recreation, birdwatching, hiking and camping. This beautiful part of Colorado looks totally different to the alpine peaks of the Rockies, but it's certainly no less beautiful;. 

Here’s all you need to know about the Pawnee National Grassland and, of course, what you can do while you’re there!

History of the Pawnee National Grassland

The Pawnee National Grassland is an official United States National Grassland located in northeastern Colorado on the Colorado Eastern Plains. More specifically, it’s located in the South Platte River basin in remote northern and extreme northeastern Weld County between Greeley and Sterling.

Established in 1960, the Pawnee National Grassland covers 193,060 acres and is managed by the United States Forest Service through the United States Department of Agriculture. The grassland is a patchwork of both public and private land, with the Forest Service managing all activities and recreation on the public land.

The Pawnee National Grassland is located on the ancestral homelands of the Pawnee people who lived on the prairie for thousands of years, hunting bison and other animals and farming the land. In the early 1800s, European settlers began arriving in the area, and after the Homestead Act of 1862, even more settlers were encouraged to move to the West and claim land. However, the harsh climate and lack of water made it difficult to farm the land. By the late 1800s, many settlers had abandoned their homesteads.

In 1936, the federal government began purchasing land in the area in order to establish a range for grazing livestock. In 1960, the Pawnee National Grassland was officially established and the ecosystem has been under the management of the Forest Service ever since!

Things to do at the Pawnee National Grassland

Take a bird tour

One of the most popular activities here in the Pawnee National Grassland is birdwatching — and for good reason! Over 250 bird species have been spotted in the grassland, and the flocks of migratory birds that stop in this vast sea of grass to rest make the Pawnee National Grassland one of the best bird watching locations in the world!

There are two trails (mentioned below) that are great for a quick birdwatching stroll, but if you're really interested in the many avian species that live here, then follow the self-guided Pawnee National Grassland Bird Tour that will guide you through 21 miles of bird habitats and bird watching areas. 

Here’s a full list of all the birds you might catch a glimpse of here at the Pawnee National Grassland!

Take a hike

There are three main trails in the Pawnee National Grassland, two of which are located in the western half of the grassland and one in the eastern half. 

The Birdwalk Trail and the Trail of the Mourning Dove are both accessible from the Crow Valley Recreation Area, a popular site for birdwatchers and bird enthusiasts. Both trails run along different sections of Crow Creek and are relatively short, but even a quick stroll through the grasses are sure to reward one with an abundance of stunning bird sightings. 

The next hike is a 2-mile route to the Pawnee Buttes, two stunning geologic features striking high above the waving sea of grass. These buttes play an important role in the local ecology, providing shelter for migrating birds and nesting areas for raptors. It’s the only other trail outside of the bird watching trails in the Crow Valley Recreation Area. 

Go camping

The only designated camping sites are in the Crow Valley Recreational Area, where plenty of tent, RV and group camping sites are available first-come-first-serve and with a reservation through www.recreation.gov. 

Dispersed camping is allowed anywhere in the grasslands, too, if you’re looking for something a little more wild and rugged!

Pack a picnic

There are designated picnic spots at the Crow Valley Recreation Area, but if you’re looking for something a little more private then feel free to picnic anywhere on the grasslands!

Visit an educational site

In addition to the interpretive learning offered through the Pawnee Bird Tour, there are several other activities that offer learning opportunities to anyone interested in the flora, fauna and history of the Pawnee National Grassland. 

The Lee and Dorothy Rhodes Farm Implement Museum in the Crow Valley Recreation Area is a great place to learn about early farm machinery and homestead life back in the mid-19th and early 20th century before the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl drove people out of the area.

You can also follow the Pawnee Pioneer Trails Scenic and Historic Byway through the grassland’s recreation areas, historic sites and geologically-significant zones. This 68-mile-long route is a great option when the weather is a little too hot or cold to be out for too long, but you still want to see all the best that the grassland has to offer!

Try your hand at target shooting 

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or are just looking to try your hand at a 25-yarder, the Baker Draw Designated Shooting Area just 19 miles from Ault, Colorado, is a must-see for target shooters!

Go OHV road riding

The Pawnee National Grassland is a great place to take your OHV, though be sure to stay within the main OHV area in the northwest section of the grasslands during the proper season. 

Watch out for wildlife

The Pawnee National Grassland is home to a variety of wildlife that thrive in the wide open expanse. A few that you’re most likely to see include these popular grassland creatures.

Pronghorn

Pronghorn are one of the most iconic animals of the American prairie. They are the fastest land mammals in North America (capable of running up to 60 miles per hour!) and they are often seen grazing in the open grasslands.

Prairie dogs

Prairie dogs are social animals that live in large colonies called towns. They are important members of the prairie ecosystem, and they provide food for many other animals, including coyotes, hawks and eagles. If you can’t see them, keep an ear open for their short yips and barks!

Coyotes

Coyotes are the most common predator in the Pawnee National Grasslands, and they play an important role in the ecosystem by helping to control populations of rodents and other small animals. 

Bison

Bison were once plentiful on the lands of the Pawnee people, but they were nearly hunted to extinction in the late 19th century. Thanks to conservation efforts, however, bison have been reintroduced to the Pawnee National Grasslands! You can see some of these bison in the Pawnee Buttes Bison Herd Management Area.

Look for wildflowers

The spring and summer months are a beautiful time to visit the Pawnee National Grassland, as swathes of wildflowers blanket the grassy seas with bright purples, yellows, reds and pinks. Here are just some of Colorado’s wildflowers that you might spot while you’re out there!

The Pawnee National Grassland is just an hour and a half from our luxury Denver apartments, yet it’s often overlooked for the towering Front Range peaks that you can see from the city. Head out here next time you’re looking for some quality outdoor air and you’re sure to make it a regular destination!

Have fun!

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Featured photo courtesy Pixabay/Wolfgang_Hasselmann