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The Pawnee Blooms Again

Pawnee Buttes, Josh Cornell 2013


The Pawnee Blooms Again
by Josh Cornell, Horticulturist, The Gardens on Spring Creek

One of the most anticipated arrivals to the winter weather weary residents of Northern Colorado each spring is that of the annual wildflower bloom.  While most people’s thoughts drift to the mountain slopes, as they eagerly wait for the snowpack to melt, there is another place that can prove to be just as soul stirring as any alpine scene.  The Pawnee Buttes are often unheard of, as they reside in the overlooked (and underappreciated) eastern half of the state, but the area has much to offer. 

The Buttes (the tallest of which is more than 300 feet tall) are located in the 193,000-acre Pawnee National Grassland, which is one of the few remaining examples of the natural, short-grass prairie that once dominated the landscape of the Great Plains.  In prehistoric times, this area was part of a large inland sea, and most would be surprised by looking at this arid climate today that it sits over a portion of the Ogallala Aquifer, one of the world’s largest subterranean water sources.
  
While some may peer to the east and picture only flat, arid lands that rise to cornfields, oilfields and feed lots, many know that one of the jewels of the state is the flurry of color that drapes the plains each May.  There is no better place to take in this beauty than the Pawnee Buttes.  The orange flare of  cowboy’s delight (Sphaeralcea coccinea) along with the lemony hues of lavenderleaf sundrops (Calylophus lavendufolius), western wallflower (Erysium capitatum) and prickly pear cactus (Opuntia polycantha) set the grassland afire as they spill over and cling to the arroyo walls that spread from the buttes.  

In contrast, the small purple flowers of the western sandwort (Tradescantia occidentalis) join in with the violet and fuchsia hues of sweetvetch (Hedysarum boreale) and Rocky Mountain beeplant (Cleome serrulata).  Added in to complement the kaleidoscope of colors, are the snowy blooms of the tufted evening primrose (Oenothera caespitosea) and prickly poppy (Argemone polyanthemos).  All of these species as well as so many others combine with the native grasses, sages and yuccas to make a striking palate that is only amplified by the dramatic presence of the buttes looming in the distance.  

Time your visit out to add in one of our glorious Colorado sunrises or sunsets and you are in for a truly unforgettable encounter.  While there, keep an eye out for wildlife such as pronghorn, lark bunting (Colorado’s state bird) and even short-horned lizards.  If you want to experience the quintessential beauty, openness and freedom of the West, this is a trip for you.

Prickly pear cactus (Opuntia polycantha) in bloom.  Pawnee Buttes, Josh Cornell 2013


The best time to view is May into June.  To get to the Pawnee Buttes head east from Fort Collins on Highway 14 for 54 miles until you will take a turn to the north on Weld County Road 105.  There is a sign at this intersection as well as at the several turns you will have to make on various county roads to get there.  The buttes are approximately 15 miles by road north of Highway 14.  Entering Pawnee Buttes Trailhead into Google Maps will give you great directions.  Make sure to write them down or print them out, as cell phone coverage on site is spotty at best. 

Currently the restrooms and picnic areas are closed at the trailhead, so be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks to keep you going.  Maintain appropriate social distancing between other hikers, and lastly, don’t forget your camera!

We are currently working with City officials to develop a plan for reopening The Gardens on Spring Creek.  If you aren't able to make the trek out to the Pawnee Buttes, you can find several of these beautiful blooms at The Gardens when we reopen in the upcoming weeks.

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