Pawnee Pioneer Gravel Weekend

It is time to get off the pavement, hit the dirt and have some fun!  Venture to the Pawnee National Grasslands and the Colorado Eastern Plains to ride some gravel!  

There are route options for everyone: the newbie gravel rider to those looking for a serious challenge; those that just want to ride to those that want to compete for their best time; and to those that want to do just a day or those that want to make a weekend out of it.

The Pawnee Pioneer Gravel Weekend celebrates both Pawnee Pioneer Trails Scenic Byway, one of Colorado’s 26 Scenic & Historical Byways; and the communities that surround the Byway.  Everyone believes that Colorado is just the Rocky Mountains even people that live here but it isn’t! There is so much to explore on the Eastern Plains – join the wagon train.

Once a thoroughfare for ambitious settlers, entrepreneurs and migrating herds of bison, the plains of Northeast Colorado have changed quite a bit in the last two centuries.  But the Pawnee Pioneer Trails travels through some of the last untouched prairie in North America.  As you ride through the Pawnee National Grasslands you will see a landscape that is largely unchanged from what the original settlers saw. In some places you can see original wagon ruts left behind by pioneers.   

You will share the dirt roads with bison, pronghorn, lots of cows and on a rare occasion you will see a vehicle.  It is pleasant, scenic and challenging.  It is challenging because there is limited range and very few places on the route to stop for assistance.  You will need to rely on yourself and the basic rest stops provided along the way!   Don't hesitate to flag down one of the local ranchers if you need help!

You won't regret being part of the Pawnee Pioneer Gravel Weekend.