Pawnee Buttes Trailhead
The Pawnee Buttes are located in the northeast corner of Weld County, Colorado, approximately 13 miles south of the Wyoming border. A predominant geologic feature within the Pawnee National Grassland, the Buttes rise 300 feet above the prairie. A 2-mile trail leads hikers to the first Butte. The second Butte is on private land. As the rock is crumbling sandstone, climbing on the Buttes is not recommended.
General Information
Take a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water, as temperatures may top one hundred degrees in July and August.
Please do not disturb any hawks and falcons nesting in the rocky cliffs.
Please do not try to climb the bluffs along the trail, as that will cause resource damage. The trail is off limits to mountain bikes.
The Overlook, the Lips Bluff trail and 200 yards from the bottom of Lips Bluff are closed to public access March 1 - June 30 to protect the nesting hawks, eagles and falcons. Please remain on the designated Pawnee Buttes Trail during the closure period to minimize disturbance to the nesting birds.
No Fees are required for this site.
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 40.8080275
Longitude: -103.9898442
Directions
From Ault, head east on Colorado Highway 14 for about 27 miles, then turn left on Weld County Road 105. Travel about 4 miles north and continue onto County Road 390. Travel 2 miles, then turn right onto County Road 103. Travel 2 miles north, then take a right onto County Road 104. Travel 4 miles east, and turn left onto County Road 111. Turn right onto County Road 110, followed by a left onto County Road 113. Travel 0.5 miles to the trailhead parking area.
Parking
Parking available at the trailhead.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
Pay attention to signage as to where stock is allowed.
