DIRECTIONS:

From Greely, head north on Hwy 85. Turn right (east) on Hwy 392/68 to the town of Briggsdale and CO Hwy 14. Cross Hwy 14 onto County Road 77. Follow the signs into the Crow Valley Recreation Area.

HIKE DESCRIPTION:

If you are looking for a hike that explores Colorado’s plains and prairie or if you are just nuts about birds and want to do a little birding, then you might just want to head out to the Crow Valley Recreation Area in the Pawnee National Grasslands. This sleepy little campground and recreation area caters to birders. There are two trails in the area and this is arguably the nicer trail. The hiking is easy so I would recommend hiking both trails together.

The birdwalk generally starts at the information kiosk near the picnic area and main parking lot. The trail enters the cottonwoods and crosses the often dry Crow Creek multiple times. There are a number of social trails here so finding your way may be a bit tricky. That being said you are never far from the road or picnic area and getting lost is near impossible, so enjoy your stroll. The trail may hit a few dead ends but in order to access the eastern section hike back to the bathrooms and head down towards the creek on the eastern side of the picnic area. You should find the trail without too much trouble. Hike the trail east through trees and across meadows until you reach the road and the eastern trailhead. From here you can either return along the trail or hike back along the road.

Of course the main attraction here are the birds and there are some education signs along the way…all I can tell you is, yes there are birds, they are nice, and they are plentiful…that is the extent of my birding knowledge….