#pawnee national grassland

[angelkarafilli]

Pawnee Buttes,Weld, Colorado, United States

The Pawnee Buttes are two prominent buttes located within the Pawnee National Grassland in Weld County, of northeastern Colorado. Rising approximately 300 feet above the surrounding plains, the buttes are erosional remnants left standing in isolation as the surrounding High Plains surface has gradually worn away. The lower portions of the buttes are composed of relatively soft, clay-rich sedimentary rock called the Brule formation. The Brule formation is protected by an overlying layer of sandstone and conglomerate sediments called the Arikaree formation, which are more resistant to weathering. - Wikipedia

photo by JR Goodwin on Flickr

[kvetch19]

[probablyasocialecologist]

Tally of bones, artifacts reveals 2000 years of population swings among Indigenous Americans

Tens of thousands of radiocarbon dates track different regions’ population history before European arrival

Radiocarbon dates from tens of thousands of bones, textiles, food scraps, and charcoal bits are shedding light on fluctuations in Indigenous population numbers across the Americas before the arrival of Europeans. Researchers report today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that the population of North America reached its maximum around the year 1150 C.E., then fell at least 30% by 1500. Those numbers were beginning to rebound when European conquest wreaked massive upheaval upon Indigenous societies. “This study is incredibly innovative,” says Carlton Shield Chief Gover, an archaeologist at the University of Kansas and citizen of the Pawnee Nation. “It’s the first large-scale data set looking at population trends by subregion.”

[...]

Kelly and colleagues emphasize the data should not be misconstrued to justify pernicious colonialist mythologies that Indigenous Americans were “a dying race” when Europeans showed up. “This is not an excuse for [Christopher] Columbus and what happened after,” adds Shield Chief Gover, who did not participate in the study but reviewed early drafts of the paper. (He also studied under the lead author as a graduate student.) “These are separate issues, and one does not justify the other.” María Nieves Zedeño, an archaeologist at the University of Arizona who was not involved in the study, says the bird’s-eye, continental view doesn’t fully capture local dynamics of areas that bucked the trend. “During the time of apparent decline, there were regions across North America that actually witnessed population growth,” she says. People living on the northern plains, she points out, saw their populations grow between 1500 and 250 years ago thanks to expansion of grasslands and bison herds and the innovation of better bows, arrows, and landscape engineering to manipulate prey. Despite the population boom in some areas, “the continental trend of population decline prior to European arrival is undeniable,” she says. The new study also questions the inevitability of the conquest of the content. If Europeans had arrived a few centuries earlier and faced much larger Indigenous populations and well-organized tribal confederacies, the study authors conclude, “the history of North America might have been very different.”

3 February 2025

[delicatuscii-wasbella102]

Pawnee National Grassland ~ Colorado

[runkrookrun]

Pawnee National Grasslands

[drugstorewizard]

Some of my only recent paintings after a year of hikes and fighting The Observer

Top left: watercolor landscape of Pawnee National Grasslands

Bottom right: The Gardener, acrylic on panel. I fucking hate canvas panel and yes I only buy cheap ones!!!

Instagram @bronti3048

[thinkragelive]

2022 : Wind Fence [Bike Trip : CO]

Rte. 390 outside Pawnee National Grassland.

[all-about-tents]

Camping in Colorado: Exploring the Best Outdoor Accommodations

From Dispersed Camping to Glamping, Colorado Offers a Variety of Outdoor Accommodations

Colorado is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with its stunning landscapes and abundance of recreational opportunities. Whether you're an experienced backpacker or a novice camper, the state offers a wide range of camping options to suit every preference. From dispersed camping in remote locations to full-service campgrounds with modern amenities, there's something for everyone.

In this article, we'll explore some of the best camping options in Colorado, highlighting unique experiences and must-visit destinations.

Dispersed Camping: Finding Solitude in Colorado's Public Lands

Dispersed camping, also known as primitive camping, is a popular option for those seeking solitude and a closer connection to nature. These campsites are usually located along dirt roads in public lands, away from designated campgrounds. While they lack facilities, they offer unparalleled freedom and the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the wilderness.

One notable destination for dispersed camping is Pawnee National Grasslands, located northeast of Ault in Eastern Colorado. Here, you'll find numerous primitive campsites with established fire rings near the Pawnee Buttes Trailhead. The area offers a unique blend of grasslands and rock formations, making it a picturesque spot for camping.

The campsites are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Another great option for dispersed camping is Gross Reservoir/Winiger Ridge, located west of Boulder in the Front Range. This area, part of the White River National Forest, offers a handful of free, dispersed camping spots along a ridge above Gross Reservoir. While there are no facilities at the campsites, the stunning views and access to outdoor activities make it a worthwhile destination.

If you're looking for a more remote camping experience, consider Bear River Developed Campsites in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area. Located near Yampa in north-central Colorado, this area offers 30 designated dispersed campsites along the Bear River Corridor. These sites provide stunning views and easy access to lakes and hiking trails, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Camping at Trailheads: Early Morning Access to Stunning Hiking Trails

While most Colorado trailheads do not permit camping, there are a few exceptions that allow overnight stays. These trailhead camping options provide early morning access to some of the state's most stunning hiking trails, allowing you to beat the crowds and enjoy the wilderness in solitude.

One such trailhead camping option is Sheep Creek Hot Springs, located east of Durango in southwest Colorado. While there are no actual hot springs at this location, the trailhead offers primitive camping spots where you can spend the night. The Sheep Creek Hot Springs Trail descends to the confluence of Sheep Creek and the Piedra River, offering a lovely walk in the woods and the opportunity to sleep under the stars.

Another unique trailhead camping option is Picture Canyon, located in Comanche National Grassland in southeast Colorado. This remote area offers 13 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, as well as dispersed camping opportunities. The campsites are located in the picnic area near the parking lot and along several dirt roads in the area.

This is a great spot for birdwatching and exploring ancient rock art.

Best National Park/Monument Campgrounds: Immersing Yourself in Nature's Beauty

Colorado is home to five national parks and nine national monuments, each offering unique camping experiences. These campgrounds provide the opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world and explore iconic landscapes.

One of the best national park campgrounds in Colorado is Aspenglen Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park. Located near Estes Park on the east side of the park, this campground offers a remote-feeling experience with stunning views. It has 51 sites for tents and RVs, as well as facilities such as flush toilets, drinking water, and campfire programs.

If you're visiting Colorado National Monument, Saddlehorn Campground is a great place to stay. Situated near Fruita, this campground offers panoramic views over the valley and easy access to hiking trails. It has 80 sites for tents and RVs, as well as amenities like hot showers and flush toilets.

For a unique camping experience, consider Piñon Flats Campground in Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. This campground is located at the base of the iconic sand dunes and offers 88 campsites, as well as access to hiking and sandboarding. It's the perfect spot to witness the sunrise over the dunes and enjoy the natural beauty of the park.

Unique Full-Service Campgrounds: Combining Comfort and Adventure

If you're looking for a camping experience that combines comfort and adventure, Colorado offers a variety of unique full-service campgrounds. These campgrounds provide modern amenities and a range of accommodations, from tent sites to glamping options.

One such campground is Campfire Ranch on the Taylor, located near Crested Butte in central Colorado. This campground offers tent, car, and van camping, as well as rental camping gear from leading outdoor brands. It's surrounded by miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

If you're traveling with family or a large group, Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountain in Granby is a great option. This campground offers a variety of accommodations, including RV hookups, tent sites, Airstream trailers, and covered Conestoga wagons. It has on-site amenities such as a pool, hot tubs, and a playground, making it a perfect destination for a family reunion or group gathering.

For a unique glamping experience, consider staying at Rustic Rook Resort near Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. This camping compound offers furnished tents and upcycled grain bins with stargazing loft domes, as well as vintage RVs. It's a family-owned and operated business, offering fresh breakfast burritos and s'mores around the campfire.

Yurt and Wall Tent Camping: Comfort in a Rustic Setting

For those seeking a comfortable camping experience in a rustic setting, yurt and wall tent camping is a great option. These semi-permanent structures provide a cozy shelter and often come with amenities such as beds and wood-burning stoves.

One notable destination for yurt camping is Dunes Desert Camp near Mosca and Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. This private property offers luxury safari tents with views of the surrounding valley and mountains. It also arranges guided outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Another unique yurt camping option is Mudita Camel's Yurt near Alamosa in the San Luis Valley. This 35-acre property is home to a herd of camels, providing a truly unique camping experience. The yurt sleeps up to four guests and offers a farm tour and the opportunity to learn about camel milk products.

Colorado offers a diverse range of camping options, from dispersed camping in remote locations to full-service campgrounds with modern amenities. Whether you prefer solitude in the wilderness or a comfortable glamping experience, there's a camping option for everyone. Explore the state's stunning landscapes, immerse yourself in nature's beauty, and create unforgettable memories in the great outdoors.

[mbsposts]

20230606 Pawnee National Grasslands Colorado

[xtruss]

Horses Came To American West By Early 1600s, Study Finds

— By Christina Larson, Associated Press (AP) | March 30, 2023

In this photo provided by Sacred Way Sanctuary, He Stalks One spends time with a horse in Alabama in 2021. These horses are the descendants of those that accompanied the Cherokee, Choctaw, Muscogee, Chickasaw and Seminole Peoples on forced removals, referred to as the “Trail of Tears.” In a study published Thursday, March 30, 2023, in the journalScience, a new analysis of horse bones gathered from museums across the Great Plains and northern Rockies has revealed that horses were present in the grasslands by the early 1600s, an earlier date than many written histories suggest.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The horse is symbolic of the American West, but when and how domesticated horses first reached the region has long been a matter of historical debate.

A new analysis of horse bones gathered from museums across the Great Plains and northern Rockies has revealed that horses were present in the grasslands by the early 1600s, earlier than many written histories suggest.

The timing is significant because it matches up with the oral histories of multiple Indigenous groups that recount their peoples had horses of Spanish descent before Europeans physically arrived in their homelands, perhaps through trading networks.

The study, published Thursday in the journal Science, involved more than 80 co-authors — including archaeologists and geneticists, as well as historians and scientists from the Lakota, Comanche and Pawnee nations.

Prior genetic research has shown that the ancestors of horses first evolved in North America millions of years ago, before making their way to the central plains of Europe and Asia, where they were domesticated. But those early horse ancestors disappeared from the American archaeological record around 6,000 years ago.

In this photo provided by the University of Colorado-Boulder, Lakota archaeologist Chance Ward examines horse reference collections in the Archaeozoology Laboratory at the University of Colorado-Boulder in October 2020. In a study published Thursday, March 30, 2023, in the journalScience, a new analysis of horse bones gathered from museums across the Great Plains and northern Rockies has revealed that horses were present in the grasslands by the early 1600s, an earlier date than many written histories suggest.

In the new study, scientists examined about two dozen sets of horse remains from sites ranging from New Mexico to Idaho to Kansas to establish that horses were ridden and raised by Indigenous groups by the early 1600s.

“Almost every aspect of the human-horse relationship is manifest in the skeleton in some way,” said University of Colorado at Boulder archaeologist William Taylor, a study author.

The study found that the horses were present in the American West and Southwest several decades before the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 – when allied Indigenous groups pushed Spanish colonizers out of New Mexico.

The retreating armies left behind thousands of horses and livestock, and many historical accounts had inaccurately pinpointed this moment as the entrance of the horse into the cultures of Indigenous groups in North America.

“Now we can wave goodbye to the Pueblo Revolt as an explanation for the spread of the horse into the American West,” said Oxford University archaeologist Peter Mitchell, who was not involved in the study.

But Indigenous groups have long disputed this chronology, as the oral histories of many groups have told of them encountering horses before they met Europeans.

Rather than receiving horses directly from retreating Spanish armies, multiple oral histories suggest that Indigenous groups first encountered horses that had run away from Spanish camps, or been traded through tribal networks, said Jimmy Arterberry, a study author and Comanche tribal member and historian in Medicine Park, Oklahoma.

This photo provided by researcher William T. Taylor shows a three-dimensional model of horse skull in Boulder, Colo., in 2023, outfitted with a replica rawhide rope bridle, similar to those used by many Plains horse riders. In a study published Thursday, March 30, 2023, in the journalScience, a new analysis of horse bones gathered from museums across the Great Plains and northern Rockies has revealed that horses were present in the grasslands by the early 1600s, an earlier date than many written histories suggest.

“We have always known and said that we came across horses before we came across the Spanish,” he said.

Yvette Running Horse Collin, a study author who is an evolutionary geneticist at the Center for Anthropobiology and Genomics of Toulouse in France and a member of the Oglala Lakota Nation, said the findings show that the oral traditions of Indigenous peoples, which have often been neglected by outside historians, have unique value to understanding the past.

“Our cultures have been so misrepresented for so long,” she said. “Too often history has been told around us, without us.”

The ambitious research collaboration, which was initiated by Lakota scholars, is one step in repairing a longstanding mistrust between Indigenous groups and archaeologists, who in the early and mid- 20th century raided tombs and ceremonial sites for cultural artifacts without consent.

The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 – which established a process for museums and other institutions that receive federal funds to collaborate with tribes in returning stolen sacred objects – was a key early step in establishing some measure of trust and communication, said Carlton Shield Chief Gover, a study author who is a citizen of the Pawnee Nation and an Indiana University archaeologist.

This photo provided by Sacred Way Sanctuary shows Anasazi Sun, left, and his mares in Florence, Ala. in 2019. These Lakota-line horses were born in He’Sapa (The Black Hills), an area held sacred by the Lakota Peoples and many other tribal nations. In a study published Thursday, March 30, 2023, in the journalScience, a new analysis of horse bones gathered from museums across the Great Plains and northern Rockies has revealed that horses were present in the grasslands by the early 1600s, an earlier date than many written histories suggest.

“Hopefully seeing new research like this will push more Indigenous people to develop their own archaeological and anthropological expertise,” he said.

The study also showed that, over time, the genetics of horses in North America switched from being primarily of Spanish origin to a mixture of British and Spanish, reflecting the ascent of different empires.

“It means that the shift from a Spanish to a British dominant colonial power can be seen even in the horse genome itself,” said Ludovic Orlando, a study author who is an evolutionary geneticist at the Center for Anthropobiology and Genomics of Toulouse.

[westernpining]

Pawnee Buttes Sunset and Rain Squall by Martin Witt

[iso3200net]

Windmill Storm Twilight

This was taken the morning after the last posted image, after a night spent in the tent listening to thunderstorms dance around the prairie.

A windmill on the prairie in morning twilight with a waning thunderstorm in the distance. Pawnee National Grassland, Colorado - May 2020

Portra 160 4x5, 210mm lens

12 seconds at f32, 1 stop soft GND filter

Photo taken by  Alex Burke.

Sharing great work taken on a film.

[permanezca]

Colorado...

[pointandshooter]

Pawnee Buttes - Colorado

The Pawnee National Grasslands cover 193,060 arcres (781.3 sq km), however less than 3,000 acres (12,1 sq km) are protected from oil and gas drilling or fracking.

photo: David Castenson