Located in northeastern Colorado, the Pawnee National Grassland spans over 193,000 acres of wide-open prairie, dramatic escarpments, and wind-sculpted buttes. This national site preserves a rare piece of the once-vast shortgrass prairie ecosystem, offering visitors a chance to experience the quiet beauty and biodiversity of the American plains.
Designated as a national grassland in 1960, Pawnee was established in response to the Dust Bowl era’s devastating effects on over-farmed and overgrazed land. Its restoration marked a commitment to conservation, soil preservation, and sustainable land use. Today, it serves as a model for balancing public access with environmental stewardship.
The area is a haven for birdwatchers, hikers, and photographers, particularly around the iconic Pawnee Buttes—towering sandstone formations that rise above the prairie. Spring and early summer bring bursts of wildflowers and migratory birds, including raptors, larks, and mountain plovers.
