The Pawnee Buttes Trail has a spring closure for nesting raptors

The Pawnee Buttes rise out of the shortgrass prairie in the far northeast corner of Weld County, on the Pawnee National Grassland. A trail of about two miles leads from the trailhead out to the first butte. The second butte sits on private land, so the public route stops short of it.

If you go in spring, plan around the birds. Each year, roughly from early March through the end of June, the Forest Service closes the Overlook and the Lips Bluff area to protect nesting hawks, eagles, and falcons that use the cliffs. During that window, stay on the designated Pawnee Buttes Trail so you do not disturb the nests. The exact dates can shift, so check the trail page before you drive out.

A few other things make this an easier day. The buttes are crumbling sandstone, so climbing on them is discouraged and can be dangerous. Mountain bikes are not allowed on the trail. There is little to no shade, and summer afternoons can get very hot, so bring water, a hat, and sun protection. The trailhead is reached by a string of unpaved county roads east of Ault, and they can turn slick after rain.

For current trail status, the closure dates, and driving directions, check the Forest Service Pawnee Buttes Trail page.