Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Grover, Colorado
Grover sits in the far northeast corner of Colorado, deep in Pawnee National Grassland territory, and the hiking here is nothing like what most people picture when they think of Colorado trails.
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Grover sits in the far northeast corner of Colorado, deep in Pawnee National Grassland territory, and the hiking here is nothing like what most people picture when they think of Colorado trails. Forget switchbacks and treeline scrambles — this is wide-open shortgrass prairie, big sky, and the kind of quiet that takes some getting used to. The anchor of the area is the Pawnee Buttes Trail, which leads out to the two distinctive sandstone formations that rise abruptly from the flat grassland. Buttes Trail and Buttes 2 Trail offer variations on that same destination, while Lips Bluff Trail adds a bit of topographic interest along the bluff edge. Beyond those, most of the hiking around Grover follows forest roads and county roads — Road 669, Forest Road 98, Forest Road 121, Forest Road 109, Road 143 — that double as walking routes through the grassland. Several of these are rated easy and work well for families or anyone who wants mileage without technical terrain. The 16 listed routes give you real flexibility in how you piece together a day out here. Just know that shade is essentially nonexistent, water sources are not reliable on trail, and the wind is a constant.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time of year to hike near Grover?
Spring (April through early June) and fall (September through October) are the most comfortable windows. Summer temperatures on the exposed grassland can be brutal by midday, and afternoon thunderstorms build fast with very little shelter available. Winter hiking is possible on the easier forest road routes when snow isn't deep, but roads to trailheads can become impassable in wet conditions.
Is the Pawnee Buttes Trail suitable for beginners or families?
Yes — the Pawnee Buttes Trail is rated easy and the terrain is straightforward. The main challenge is sun and wind exposure rather than technical difficulty. Bring more water than you think you need, start early in warm months, and keep kids close near the bluff edges.
Are there any access restrictions I should know about before visiting?
Parts of Pawnee National Grassland, including areas near the Pawnee Buttes, are closed to entry from February 1 through June 30 to protect raptor nesting habitat. This closure affects some of the trails and roads in the area, so check current closure boundaries with the Pawnee National Grassland office before planning a spring trip.
What gear should I bring for a day hike around Grover?
Sun protection is non-negotiable — hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Carry at least two liters of water per person since there are no reliable water sources on these routes. Wind can drop temperatures quickly even on warm days, so a light layer is worth packing. The trails and roads are generally flat and dry, so trail runners or sturdy walking shoes are fine for most routes.
What is the best time of day to hike here in summer?
Start at or before sunrise. By 10 or 11 a.m. in July and August the heat and sun on the open grassland become genuinely unpleasant, and afternoon storms can roll in by early afternoon. Early morning also gives you the best chance of seeing pronghorn and raptors active in the grassland.
