When American settlers crossed the Great Plains many encountered the awe-inspiring view of the sandstone Pawnee Buttes rising nearly 300 feet above the Colorado prairie. They are located in the northeast corner of Weld County and approximately 13 miles south of the Wyoming border. Today’s visitors can access the Pawnee Buttes Trail for an easy four–mile hike and outing to enjoy the unique flora and fauna found around the trail. An accessible compacted gravel trail on the first 800 feet of the main trail leads to a scenic overlook of the buttes. The trail includes several shorter trail loops to the individual unique geologic features. The buttes are subject to erosion due to their loose rock composition, so hiking rather than climbing offers more secure footholds. Many volunteers helped build part of the new trail. Other project partners include the Federal Highway Administration’s National Scenic Byway Program, the Pawnee Pioneer Trails Scenic and Historic Byway Committee and Cedar Creek Wind Energy. Visitors can see raptors at the buttes such as prairie falcons and golden eagles. Bring your binoculars but be careful not to tread near nests in the rocky cliffs. Watch your step as rattlesnakes also call this area home.