COME TO LIFE Pawnee Pioneer Trails Scenic and Historic Byway On Colorado’s northeastern plains, Pawnee Pioneer Trails opens up a region shaped by geology, shortgrass prairie and homesteading history. The route spans Ault to Sterling, with an offshoot to Fort Morgan, and rewards travelers with wide-open views, wildlife sightings and cultural stops tied to the land’s agricultural legacy. Near Ault, the Pawnee Buttes rise from the prairie, two sedimentary formations more than 300 feet high. The hike from the trailhead crosses open rangeland and includes interpretive panels about the area’s unique ecosystem. This is one of the best places in the state to view shortgrass prairie birds including mountain plovers, burrowing owls and lark buntings — Colorado’s state bird. In Sterling, the Overland Trail Museum recreates a frontier-era town. The museum’s layout encourages self-guided wandering through shaded grounds. Step into a general store, print shop or church, each staged with tools and artifacts that reflect early settler life on the plains. Power up the car by Parts & Labor Brewing Company , which pours small-batch beers inside a converted auto shop. Sample a lineup that highlights regional ingredients and classic styles — like a dry-hopped pilsner crafted with Colorado-grown malt or a seasonal wheat beer flavored with local fruit — all while surrounded by retro decor. Find More Scenic & Historic Byways TONY LITSCHEWSKI Pawnee Buttes near Ault 118 1-800-COLORADO
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2026: Page 118
