Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests
Pawnee National Grassland

Pawnee National Grassland Scenic Drives

Pawnee Pioneer Trails Scenic and Historic Byway

Experience native buffalo and blue gramma grasses ankle high as far as the eye can see. The shortgrass prairie or steppe beckons the traveler to the wide-open spaces. To some, there is nothing to see, but the discerning traveler will find over 400 species of grass, shrubs, and trees; drought tolerant mammals and reptiles; and 300 species of birds. Considered one of the best birding spots in the United States, people often make the Pawnee their destination.

History unfolds as you travel the 125 mile byway. The story of this land includes tales of buffalo hunters following the great herds, trappers and miners following the river, cowboys chasing strays, and sodbusters chasing dreams. But life can be tough on the shortgrass prairie. Summers are hot; winters are cold and you can't count on the rain. It takes a certain kind of stubborn to make a living here. Most of the public land of the Pawnee are the remants of failed homesteads. Today’s ranchers represent successful descendents of the homesteading days.

For all the hope and heartbreak, the human story is short. The rhythms of this place are ancient, far older than the people passing through. As you drive the byway you'll travel through geologic features created by the sedimentary deposits of an ancient sea and sculpted by wind and water, millions of years in the making.

The Byway passes through Weld, Morgan and Logan counties in northeastern Colorado. Gateway communities are Sterling and Fort Morgan on Interstate 76 on the east, and Ault at the intersection of U.S. 85 and Colorado Highway 14 on the west. Other Byway communities include the incorporated rural towns of New Raymer and Grover, and the smaller unincorporated communities of Stoneham and Briggsdale. Services in the smaller towns can be somewhat limited so be prepared, if you break down or run out of gas, particularly off the pavement, help may not be easily accessible. The unpaved roads can be treacherous when wet. If you're planning to get off the beaten path take a good map so you know where you are and don't trespass on private property.

Please check out the forest roads status page.

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USDA Forest Service, Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, Pawnee National Grassland
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Last modified March 25, 2009