Description
- This route travels through the shortgrass prairie that was once inhabited by Plains Indians and buffalo. This territory was also used by Overland Trail travelers and fur trappers in the Nineteenth Century. Agriculturalists homesteaded this land and still reside there today. The route leads east from Ault to Briggsdale on State Highway 14. In Briggsdale the route turns northward on to State Highway 392. At this point the byway enters Pawnee National Grassland and leads toward Grover. Immediately east of Grover the byway follows an abandoned railroad bed that eventually merges with State Highway 14. Pawnee National Grassland lies east and north of this stretch of the route. The next community the byway enters is Raymer. From this point the byway divides and heads east to Sterling on State Highway 14 and south to Fort Morgan on State Highway 52. This byway leads through 125 miles of northeastern Colorado's high plains. The Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways Commission offers this travel advice for the route: start with a full tank of gas and avoid gravel roads in heavy rain or snow.
Recreation - The most obvious recreation opportunity along the byway is scenic driving. Within Pawnee National Grassland you will find mountain biking, hiking, picnicking and camping facilities. Climate - The region through which Pawnee Pioneer Trails Scenic Byway travels is the high prairie. The general elevation of the region is 4,000 feet plus. Few trees exist in the area therefore, shelter from the sun and wind is limited. Summer temperatures can reach into the triple digits. The sun really bakes this area so it is necessary to protect your skin from it. Winter temperatures can be bitterly cold, but the sun shines throughout the season providing warmth from the cold winds. Location -
This scenic byway is located in the northeast region of the state. It leads through the shortgrass prairie of Pawnee National Grassland connecting the communities of Ault, Briggsdale, Sterling and Fort Morgan.
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