Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Ault, Colorado
Hiking near Ault, Colorado means trading switchbacks and summit crowds for something genuinely different: the open shortgrass prairie of the Pawnee National Grasslands.
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Hiking near Ault, Colorado means trading switchbacks and summit crowds for something genuinely different: the open shortgrass prairie of the Pawnee National Grasslands. The routes here, including Pawnee National Grasslands Road, Pawnee Grasslands Road 500, and a network of named county roads like Road 65, Road 102, Road 108, Road 609, Wildhorse Well Road, and Sand Creek Road, run through flat to gently rolling terrain that reads as easy across the board. That rating is accurate for elevation gain, but the grasslands have their own demands. There is almost no shade, water sources are scarce, and the wind off the plains can be relentless. What you get in return is real solitude, wide-open sky, and some of the best prairie birding in northeastern Colorado, particularly during spring and fall migration. These are not destination hikes in the traditional sense, but if you want to walk somewhere that feels genuinely remote without driving to the mountains, the roads and two-tracks spreading out from Ault into the Pawnee are a legitimate option. Most routes follow maintained dirt roads or double-track, so navigation is straightforward and the access points are easy to find off US-85 heading north from Ault.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difficulty level of hiking near Ault, Colorado?
All of the listed routes, including Pawnee National Grasslands Road, Road 102, Road 108, and Pawnee Grasslands Road 500, are rated easy. The terrain is flat to gently rolling shortgrass prairie with minimal elevation change. The main physical challenges are sun exposure, wind, and the lack of shade or water rather than any technical difficulty.
What is the best time of year to hike in the Pawnee National Grasslands area?
Spring (April through early June) and fall (September through October) are the most comfortable seasons. Summer temperatures on the open prairie can be intense, and there is no tree cover on routes like Sand Creek Road or Wildhorse Well Road to provide relief. Winter is generally hikeable but wind and occasional snow can make conditions unpleasant.
What gear should I bring for a hike on these grassland roads?
Carry more water than you think you need since there are no reliable water sources along routes like Wildhorse Well Road or Road 609. Sun protection is essential year-round: hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Wind layers are useful even in summer, and sturdy walking shoes handle the dirt road surfaces well.
What is the best time of day to hike here?
Early morning is the best option in summer, both to beat the heat and to catch wildlife and bird activity before midday. On routes like Pawnee National Grasslands Road, morning light also makes for better visibility across the prairie. In spring and fall, midday hiking is perfectly reasonable.
Are there any access or regulations I should know about before hiking in the Pawnee National Grasslands?
The Pawnee National Grasslands is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and portions of the land are a mix of public and private parcels, so stay on the named roads and two-tracks listed here rather than cutting across unfenced land. Check with the Pawnee National Grasslands office in Greeley for current conditions, seasonal closures, or any restrictions that may apply during nesting season.
