· Pawnee

Pawnee National Grasslands (East Section) & Pawnee Buttes

One of the most beautiful spots on Colorado’s eastern plains, the Pawnee Buttes are featured on many a wall calendar and postcard. Their dramatic bluffs provide nesting places for Rock Wrens and Prairie Falcons. Pronghorn and Black-tailed Prairie-Dogs are easy to see in this area; lucky observers may even spot a jackrabbit, a Swift Fox, or a Golden Eagle. Mountain Plovers nest in a few of the surrounding prairies and pastures. For a longer, scenic adventure, travel the Pawnee Pioneer Trails, a Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway.

For a self-guided birding tour: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5318485.pdf

County: Weld

Directions: From I-25 at Fort Collins: take exit 269-A, CO 14/Mulberry St. and go east for approximately 55 miles through the town of Briggsdale to CR 105. From Briggsdale, travel another 14 miles to CR 105. At CR 105, go north. CR 105 will "T" at CR 390; go northwest for a short distance to reconnect with CR 105 heading north. CR 105 will then end at CR 104; go east on CR 104 for three miles to CR 111. Head north on CR 111 to CR 110. Go east on CR 110; it will curve north and change to CR 113. Continue on and when the road curves east, go north onto Pawnee Butte Trailhead. Continue north to the parking lot on the east.

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Daylight hours
Ownership: USFS
Admission: Free

Restrictions: Some areas closed March 1 to June 30 to protect nesting raptors. Do not climb on the unstable bluffs.

Parking: Dirt parking area
Lodging: Hotels in Greeley, Fort Morgan, or Sterling

Handicapped Access: Limited birding from your car

Latitude: 40.808168
Longitude: -103.989381

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