Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Briggsdale, Colorado
Briggsdale sits in the shortgrass prairie of Weld County, roughly 50 miles northeast of Fort Collins, and the hiking here is nothing like what most Colorado visitors expect.
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View on mapHiking · 16 spots
Briggsdale sits in the shortgrass prairie of Weld County, roughly 50 miles northeast of Fort Collins, and the hiking here is nothing like what most Colorado visitors expect. Forget switchbacks and treeline scrambles — this is open-sky walking on county roads and two-track paths through the Pawnee National Grassland, where the terrain is flat to gently rolling and the payoff is space, silence, and birds. Most of the 16 listed routes, including Road 607, Road 672, Road 674, and Forest Road 109, are rated easy, making this a legitimate destination for families, older hikers, or anyone who wants mileage without altitude stress. Road 736 steps up to moderate, which in this landscape usually means longer distance or softer footing rather than steep climbing. The Cvra Birdwalk Trail and Cvra Mourning Dove Trail stand out as the most purpose-built walking experiences in the area, designed specifically for foot traffic through Comanche National Grassland-adjacent habitat. Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons, but summer mornings before 9 a.m. can work fine if you carry enough water. There is almost no shade on any of these routes, so sun protection matters more here than it does on a forested mountain trail.
Frequently asked questions
What skill level do I need to hike around Briggsdale?
The majority of listed routes, including Road 607, Road 674, Road 731, and Forest Road 109, are rated easy. Road 736 is the one moderate option in the area. If you can walk a few miles on a flat surface, you can handle most of what Briggsdale offers.
When is the best time of year to hike here?
April through early June and September through October are the sweet spots. Summer temperatures on the exposed grassland can push well past 90°F with no tree cover, and afternoon thunderstorms build quickly in July and August. Winter is hikeable on calm days but wind on the open prairie can make it genuinely brutal.
Are the Cvra Birdwalk Trail and Cvra Mourning Dove Trail good options for first-time visitors?
Yes, these are the most straightforward entry points for someone new to the area because they are purpose-built walking trails rather than road walks. They are well-suited for birdwatching, which is one of the main draws of the Pawnee grassland region in the first place.
What should I bring that I might not think to pack for a flat prairie hike?
Sun protection is the big one — a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses matter more here than on a shaded forest trail. Carry more water than you think you need since there are no reliable water sources on these routes. Wind can be strong, so a light layer is worth having even on warm days.
Is there cell service or parking infrastructure at these trailheads?
Cell coverage in Weld County's rural grassland areas is inconsistent and should not be relied upon for navigation or emergencies. Most access points are roadside pullouts rather than developed trailheads with facilities. Download offline maps before you leave town and let someone know your plan.
