On the Pawnee National Grassland, public and private land sit side by side

The Pawnee National Grassland, in the rolling shortgrass country of northern Weld County, is open public land. But it is not one solid block, and that surprises people.

The grassland is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, and its acres are mixed in with private ranchland and state land in a patchwork. From the road, one stretch of grass looks much like the next, yet some of it is public and some is private. The Pawnee Buttes and their trail draw visitors, but the surrounding land can switch between owners without a fence or sign to mark the line.

For motorized travel, the Forest Service publishes a Motor Vehicle Use Map. Roads and trails not shown on that map are not open to public motor vehicle use, and some two-tracks that look drivable are closed. Carrying the right map is how you stay on public ground and off a neighbor’s property.

This is also dry, exposed country with long distances between services, so a full tank, water, and a plan matter. Before a trip to the Pawnee National Grassland, check the current maps and rules with the U.S. Forest Service.