Pawnee National Grassland is one of the few places you can go to see Colorado’s natural prairie landscape. It’s located east of Fort Collins in the plains.
There’s not much water in the grassland, though there are a few seasonal creeks. Afternoon and evening lightning storms are common in the summer, and it get get windy.
Activities
Birding: The grasslands are a famous birding site, with over 300 species, including Colorado’s state bird, the lark bunting.
Camping: Allowed
- Dispersed camping is permitted on many of the roads within the park. The most concentrated section is around the Pawnee Buttes. Just look for existing fire rings. It does get real windy though for tent camping.
- Crow Valley is the one campground within the grassland. It’s located in the southern part of the grassland, close to Greeley. The campground has plenty of tall trees and a baseball diamond.
Hiking: There is a short trail out to an overlook at the Pawnee Buttes.
Horseback Riding: Allowed
Hunting: Permitted during appropriate seasons.
OHV: Allowed
Scenic Drives: Pawnee Pioneer Trails Scenic Byway runs through part of the grasslands, including the Buttes.
Details
Address: Grover (near Fort Collins and Greeley)
Phone: 970-346-5000
Motor Vehicle Use Maps: Large, PDF’s from the USFS. They show forest service roads and where dispersed camping is permitted.
- Pawnee East – Sterling
- Pawnee West – Fort Collins, Greeley
Website: fs.usda.gov/…
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