by Michele Kadison

Pawnee Pioneer Trails Scenic and Historic Byway
Beginning and End Points: Ault, Fort Morgan, Sterling
Points of interest: Ault, Pawnee National Grassland, Pawnee Buttes, Fort Morgan, Sterling
Distance one way: 128 miles
Estimated driving time: 3 hours

Ault
Entering the Pawnee Pioneer Trails Scenic and Historic Byway from the west, you will come upon the quaint town of Ault.  With its charming building facades that speak of times gone by, you can enjoy the sensation of a truly agrarian town that keeps close to its early roots.

Pawnee National Grassland
As one of the most traveled routes during the great pioneer treks across the plains, the Overland Trail still holds vestiges of its past as seen in the wagon ruts visible along most of the prairie.  Off road, you will see paths where juniper trees have taken root in the indented areas where the wagon wheels once traversed the land, carving parallel lines into the pristine landscape.  Do be sure to take your eyes off the road occasionally to see the abundance of wildlife in the area.  Hawks and pronghorn antelope are among some of the most visible, so have your camera ready at hand.

Pawnee Buttes
Rising up from the plains are sandstone structures known as the Pawnee Buttes.  Standing at 5,500 feet above sea level, the pinnacles create a startling backdrop as they jut straight out of the stark landscape.  Take a 1.5 mile hiking trail that begins at the parking lot to Lips Bluff and West Butte for an amazing view.  (East Butte is inaccessible as it stands on private property.)  The area is known for fossils, especially vertebrate fossils with over 100 species having been located in the area.  Make sure you look up to see the many hawks, falcons, and swallows soaring over the cliffs as they make their way to their nests.

Fort Morgan
With its agricultural, military, and industrial past, this area is a great vacation highlight for the whole family.  Visit the Rainbow Arch Bridge which forms an entry point to the Pawnee Trails scenic Byway and out into the Pawnee National Grassland.  The Fort Morgan Museum contains a large amount of information on the history of the region, with an excellent display of memorabilia from the town’s famous former resident, the one and only big band leader, Glenn Miller.

Sterling
As the largest city in the region, Sterling provides the vacation traveler with much to explore.  Take some time in the Overland Trail Museum where you will learn about the history of the town along with visiting an old-time schoolhouse.  Take time to stroll about Columbine Park where you can see trees that have been sculpted into such shapes as a herd of giraffes, a golfer, and a mermaid!

North Sterling State Park
Bring along your fishing gear when you visit this area, which includes Prewitt Reservoir.  With bass, muskie, and walleye populating the waters, you will have your days full of some of the best angling in Colorado.  The park has close to 100 campsites for RVs, including hookups for electricity and water.  With no city lights to compete with the darkness, make sure you look to skies where the stargazing is at its best.

Editor’s Note:  Many areas along this road are packed dirt, which can become dangerous during rainy or snowy conditions.

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