Vast shortgrass prairie in northeastern Colorado with excellent birding and stark, beautiful landscapes very different from mountain Colorado
Pawnee National Grassland, administered by the Arapahoe-Roosevelt National Forest, encompasses approximately 193,000 acres of shortgrass prairie in Weld County in northeastern Colorado, roughly 90 miles north of Denver near the towns of Briggsdale and Grover. The grassland represents one of the largest and most intact examples of the shortgrass prairie ecosystem that once covered much of the Great Plains, and protects habitat of critical importance to bird and mammal species adapted exclusively to open grassland.
The landscape is strikingly flat and open, interrupted by the distinctive Pawnee Buttes — two isolated sandstone towers rising approximately 350 feet from the surrounding plain. These formations served as landmarks for Plains Indian peoples and early European travelers for centuries. A 1.5-mile trail from a trailhead on County Road 110 accesses the base of the buttes, passing through grassland that in spring supports some of the densest nesting populations of grassland birds in the region.
Birding is the primary draw for most visitors. The Pawnee National Grassland supports nesting populations of mountain plover, a grassland-specialist shorebird in significant decline across its range, as well as ferruginous hawks — among the largest hawks in North America — burrowing owls, lark buntings (Colorado's state bird), chestnut-collared longspurs, and Cassin's sparrows. Prairie falcons are regularly observed hunting over the buttes area. During migration, the grassland can host uncommon species typically associated with the interior plains.
The Pawnee National Grassland Birding Trail, a marked auto route through sections of highest habitat diversity, guides visitors past areas of known nesting activity without requiring extensive off-road navigation. No infrastructure beyond basic signage is provided; visitors must be self-sufficient with water, food, and navigation capability as services are essentially absent in the grassland interior.
The grassland also preserves evidence of early 20th-century homesteader settlement — abandoned farmsteads and fence lines document the agricultural occupation followed by the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, which drove many families from the land. Much of this acreage was subsequently purchased by the federal government for restoration to native grassland.
Highlights
- Pawnee Buttes — twin sandstone towers rising 350 feet from the prairie, accessible via a 1.5-mile trail from County Road 110
- Mountain plover and ferruginous hawk nesting habitat — among the best locations in Colorado for these declining grassland species
- Lark bunting (Colorado's state bird) and burrowing owl routinely visible along the grassland birding auto route
- Marked Pawnee Grassland Birding Trail — an auto route through the highest-quality bird habitat areas
- Abandoned homesteader farms and fence lines from the 1920s-1930s Dust Bowl era visible throughout the grassland
Tips for visiting
- Bring a spotting scope or binoculars with at least 8x magnification — grassland birds often perch on fence posts at distance
- The Pawnee Buttes trailhead is reached via County Road 110 north of Briggsdale — a standard passenger car can manage the gravel roads in dry conditions
- Download offline maps before visiting as cell service is largely absent throughout the grassland interior
- Carry all water and food — the nearest services are in Briggsdale or Grover, which have very limited facilities
- Visit in the first two hours after sunrise for the best bird activity; grassland birds become less visible once midday heat arrives
- April through June bird activity peaks with territorial song and breeding behavior; fall migration (September-October) brings diversity
When to visit
Late April through mid-June is the definitive visit window for grassland birding — territorial males are singing, nesting is underway, and the prairie shows spring wildflower color. Early morning visits (sunrise to 9 AM) yield the highest bird activity regardless of season. September brings fall migration diversity; winter is the quiet season with very little visitor presence.
Accessibility
The Pawnee Grassland Birding Trail is a self-guided auto route on gravel roads accessible by standard passenger cars in dry conditions. The Pawnee Buttes trailhead is a flat, unpaved area; the trail itself is a compacted dirt path with minimal elevation change that may be manageable for some mobility aid users in dry weather. No accessible facilities are present within the grassland proper. The nearest accessible restrooms are in Briggsdale.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time of year for birding at Pawnee National Grassland?
Late April through mid-June is peak nesting season when mountain plovers, ferruginous hawks, burrowing owls, and lark buntings are territorial and actively displaying. Males sing from fence posts and elevated perches making them much easier to locate than at other times of year. The Pawnee Grassland Birding Trail organized by the US Forest Service and Colorado field ornithologists is most productive during this window.
Is the Pawnee National Grassland suitable for visitors who are not birders?
The buttes themselves are a worthwhile geological destination for non-birders — the 1.5-mile trail and dramatic prairie-rising towers provide a striking landscape experience very different from Colorado's mountain scenery. The homesteader ruins and vast sky provide a meditative open-landscape experience. However, visitors seeking active recreational amenities or interpretive programming will find the grassland offers minimal developed infrastructure.
Are there entrance fees for the Pawnee National Grassland?
No — the Pawnee National Grassland is public land administered by the US Forest Service and has no entrance fee or day-use charge. America the Beautiful passes are not required. The grassland is open year-round, though some unpaved access roads may be impassable in wet conditions or after significant snow.