Date Hiked: July 23, 2013

Distance: 1.8 mi (RT)

Elevation Gain: Negligible

Elevation Start: 5,271 ft

Managing Agency: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Fee: None

Directions: From Denver, take I-70 east to the Quebec/Northfield Exit. Head North on Quebec and make a right onto Prairie Parkway (there are signs to the refuge). Turn left onto Gateway Road and enter the gates to the park. Follow this road to the Visitor's Center and head south to 6th Ave. Follow 6th Ave, Wildlife Drive, east until it becomes a good dirt road and the road dead ends. The parking area and trailhead are on the right.

Hike Description: The Bluestem Loop consists of a short hike through the prairie and seasonal wetlands. There is a boardwalk covering a good portion of the trail, but in July it is typically dry. The trail is hot one as there is little shade, but summertime brings nice wildflowers and a good view of the front range mountains. This is a very peaceful and quiet trail, it sees few visitors, and makes for a wonderful evening hike after the summer storms have moved through.