Pawnee Buttes Trailhead
Unique rock formations rise from vast prairies, offering stunning, exposed landscapes and a sense of wild solitude.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and wind.
Pawnee Buttes Trailhead
Best Time
Beat the heat and wind.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Unique rock formations rise from vast prairies, offering stunning, exposed landscapes and a sense of wild solitude.
"A barren but beautiful place with wide open spaces and blue sky that has a liberating feeling. "
🚗 Drive Carefully In
The last stretch is a one-lane gravel road. Be courteous and watch for wildlife. 🚗
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
No shade here! Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. :droplet:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 302 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Pawnee Buttes
Trailhead
Unique geological formations rising from the prairie, offering stunning panoramic views. A photographer's dream.
Panoramic Prairie Views
Summit of the Buttes
Experience the vast, open skies and rolling grasslands of the Pawnee National Grasslands. Truly liberating.
Dinosaur Bone Hunting
Off-trail areas
Historically a spot for finding fossils. Explore with respect for the natural environment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for the Elements
Gravel Road & Wildlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pawnee National Grasslands are something else
I grew up out there. My dad still teaches out there at the k-12 school in Grover. Swing by the Market Basket for a mediocre but affordable lunch!
🚗 Drive Carefully In
The last stretch is a one-lane gravel road. Be courteous and watch for wildlife. 🚗
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
No shade here! Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. :droplet:
Car camping in Eastern Colorado
Pawnee Buttes! I've stayed in that exact spot, and several others there (I grew up an hr away). Super brave to test out an awning with how the wind can get there lololol!
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential. You'll be fully exposed. ☀️
🌬️ Be Ready for Wind
It can get very windy. A jacket is recommended, even on warm days. :windblowingface:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Carefully In
The last stretch is a one-lane gravel road. Be courteous and watch for wildlife. 🚗
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
No shade here! Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. :droplet:
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential. You'll be fully exposed. ☀️
🌬️ Be Ready for Wind
It can get very windy. A jacket is recommended, even on warm days. :windblowingface:
🚫 Respect Fragile Lands
Stay on trails to protect the grasslands. Avoid driving off-road. :evergreen_tree:
🐦 Nesting Bird Closures
Lips Bluff & Overlook closed March 1-June 30 for nesting birds. 🐦
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Pawnee Buttes a beautiful, albeit exposed, natural wonder. The unique rock formations and vast prairie views are consistently praised, offering a sense of liberation and solitude. However, the lack of shade, strong winds, and the rough gravel road to access the site are common drawbacks that require careful preparation.
"Long drive at the end on a gravel road but very pretty. If you go off trail a bit up to the top of the rocks you get a great view and it continues on the back side and reunites with the actual trail to circle back to the parking."
Lori Beer
"Been coming here since 1977 and it's always beautiful. Now with public restrooms and parking makes it nice.
The jeep trails east of parking area are fun with ATV's but yesterday I saw 2 vehicles off the road driving through the grass. Tho this is not prohibited i wish people would take more care for the fragile grasslands. If you're a photographer, UTV's and ATV's are a great way to get different shots and travel the 5.5 mile jeep trail."
Trace Tomky
"Nice hiking spot, there are a few camping up the hill. Please be careful driving in (it's one lane, coming in and out. Please be courteous when coming in and out.) There are horses and cattle in this area, so please drive careful (can't stress that enough), also great area to take photos."
Aerial Jones (Lady's Adventure Time)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is accessed via a gravel road, which can be rough. Be prepared for a potentially slow drive. There are no nearby gas stations, so fill up before you go.
The final stretch is a gravel road. While generally passable for most vehicles, high-clearance vehicles might be more comfortable. Drive slowly and cautiously.
Drive slowly and be aware of oncoming traffic, as it's often a one-lane road. Watch out for potholes and loose gravel.
No, there are no services like gas stations or stores directly at the trailhead or on the way. Plan accordingly and bring everything you need.
GPS can be helpful, but cell service is unreliable. It's wise to download offline maps or have a physical map as a backup.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to access the Pawnee Buttes Trailhead and the surrounding Pawnee National Grasslands. It's a free public access area.
The area is open year-round during daylight hours. However, certain sections like Lips Bluff and the Overlook are closed from March 1st to June 30th due to nesting birds.
No advance booking is required. Pawnee Buttes is a natural area accessible on a first-come, first-served basis.
Yes, Lips Bluff and the Overlook are closed from March 1st to June 30th for bird nesting. Always respect the fragile grassland environment and stay on marked trails.
From March 1st to June 30th, Lips Bluff and the Overlook are closed to protect nesting birds. You can still hike to the first butte if you stay on the correct trail.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
It's an out-and-back trail leading to unique rock formations. You'll encounter stairs between 'lips bluff' and 'the overlook' areas. The trail is about 2 miles to the first butte.
The hike itself is moderate, but the exposure to sun and wind can make it challenging. The terrain includes some stairs.
The second butte is on private land and is not accessible to the public. The main trail leads to the first butte.
You might see horses and cattle grazing in the area. Coyotes can be heard at sunrise and sunset.
Absolutely! The unique buttes, vast landscapes, and open skies make it a fantastic spot for photographers. UTVs and ATVs can offer unique vantage points on the jeep trails.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no food services available at the trailhead or on the trails. You must bring all your own food and drinks.
The closest town with dining options is Grover. Travelers suggest stopping at the Market Basket for a meal.
Yes, there is a nice picnic area at the trailhead. It's a great spot to enjoy a meal before or after your hike.
Pack plenty of water and snacks. Consider sandwiches or portable meals for a picnic. Remember to pack out all trash.
There are camping spots nearby, but they are primitive. You'll need to be self-sufficient for all food and cooking needs.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for the buttes and the vast prairie landscape. Early mornings also help avoid harsh midday sun.
It's ideal for landscape photography, capturing the unique geological formations, wide-open spaces, and big skies. Wildlife photography is also possible.
The main trail to the first butte offers numerous vantage points. Exploring the jeep trails with an ATV can provide unique perspectives.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. Don't forget a sturdy tripod, especially for low-light conditions.
Visit during weekdays or very early in the morning. Be aware of nesting bird closures which might affect access to certain viewpoints.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit