Pawnee Pioneer Trails
Local Visitor Information
Discover more ways to experience this byway — photos and local partners.
Explore Resources
Find maps, guides, weather, and seasonal information for this byway.
Byway Overview
This drive takes visitors through the rugged Colorado Piedmont, a wide-open region anchored by the towering Pawnee Buttes.Travelers can imagine how the shortgrass prairie appeared to Native Americans many centuries ago, and to the frontiersmen, cattle ranchers, and homesteaders who followed. Here, nineteenth-century settlers endured the hardships of wind, drought, and isolation. Today, the communities that remain are as tough and resilient as the land they occupy, hardy symbols of America's pioneering spirit.
Quick Facts
- Designation
- State Byway
- Location
- CO
- Total Length
- 128 miles
Visitor Information & Byway Partners
Contact Details
For personalized travel assistance and local recommendations, please reach out to our regional visitor center.
Local Byway Partners
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Pawnee National Grassland
Contained within Pawnee National Grassland’s 30-by-60 mile area are 193,060 acres managed by the National Forest Service. The wildflowers, flora and fauna in the area are adapted to the environments therein.
Please refer to a Motor Vehicle Use Map for location of public lands, as it is intermixed with a lot of private land. There are also some two-tracks that are closed to the public.
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Crow Valley Recreation Area
An ideal spot for camping and picnics, this recreation area is often visited by birdwatchers and outdoor lovers.
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Pawnee Buttes
These iconic rock formations are a must-see for hikers and nature enthusiasts, offering stunning views and a glimpse into the region’s geological history. Please note that one of the buttes is located on private property
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Fort Morgan Museum
Fort Morgan Museum’s rich history is reflected in exhibits ranging from the pioneer era to the cultural contributions of Glenn Miller.
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Rainbow Bridge in Fort Morgan
Rainbow Bridge provides access to the South Platte River and the regional Riverside Park. The Rainbow Bridge in Fort Morgan, one of the famous Marsh Arch Bridges, is one of the largest in the United States and the only one of this type in Colorado. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated a Colorado Civil Engineering Landmark. Today, it’s pedestrian-only and offers a beautiful view of the South Platte River.
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Overland Trail Museum
The Overland Trail Museum focuses on the history of Logan County.
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Jackson Lake State Park
Jackson Lake, located one hour and 15 minutes from downtown Denver and a half-hour from Fort Morgan, is considered one of the best beaches in Colorado.
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Town of Ault CO: Many park facilities.
Liberty Park and Caboose Parks provide visitors with interpretation, information, and recreational facilities. Additional parks include: West Park/Skate Park; East Park; Wagon Wheel Park and Doc's Park.