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For the love of wandering
Pawnee Butte, Trail# 840 - May 26, 2008
This easy 3 mile round trip hike offered a marvelous experience in a very different environment than we have typically hiked. Arid terrain, sandstone formations, BUT no less than TWENTY FIVE new wildflower species delighted us! The flower feast had us agog! We took the hike based on a critique of the area in the book Colorado's Best Wildflower Hikes. It was a fine recommendation. Our arrival coincided with predicted rain fall and heavy cloud cover. We were dismayed and uncomfortable trying to photograph the first flowers we were finding in the very wet and windy conditions. After a brief wait to see if circumstances would improve, we took to the trail. The rain subsided, and not another drop fell for the entire course of our exploration of the area!! Indeed, within 10 or 15 minutes of returning to the car after the hike, the rain resumed heavily and continued all the way home and throughout the night. What incredible luck of timing! The site is located in Weld County Colorado and is a good trek from services. Supplies should come along with you, they will not be available nearby. The birding that the area is also noted for was, on this day, almost non-existant for raptors. The bluff was closed to hikers since this is a key nesting time. The area opens after June 30. This timeframe is slightly past the peak bloom season for wildflowers so time your visit accordingly. Whatever your interest in visiting Pawnee Butte, chances are very good that you will be well pleased for your effort in reaching this rather remote location!
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