Top Ten Places to See on the Great Plains Trail

The moment has arrived to begin sharing more detailed ideas about the Great Plains Trail. Recently, interest in this proposed route has grown significantly, and it is exciting to discover that more people understand the importance and potential of creating a National Scenic Trail across the Great Plains region.

I am currently developing a possible route map for the trail. Naturally, there are countless choices and alternative paths that could eventually become part of the final route. My main objectives are to make use of accessible public lands whenever possible and to connect the trail with locations that offer remarkable scenery and unique experiences.

The areas considered for the route are selected because they feature one or more of the following qualities: rich wildlife habitats, diverse landscapes, fascinating geological formations, important historical connections, or beautiful locations near rivers, lakes, and other waterways.

The Top Ten Highlights Along the Great Plains Trail

The following locations represent some of the major places where I envision the Great Plains Trail traveling. This is still a broad concept, and more detailed planning will develop over time. For now, take a look at an atlas and explore what I consider the “Top Ten” destinations along the proposed trail. The list is arranged geographically from north to south rather than by ranking.

Northern Terminus Near Canada

The northern starting point of the Great Plains Trail would be located along the United States and Canada border, next to the western portion of Canada’s Grasslands National Park.

This location provides an ideal introduction to the Great Plains landscape, connecting two regions that share similar grassland ecosystems and natural features.

American Prairie Reserve and Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge

The trail would travel through the vast American Prairie Reserve, which covers more than three million acres, as well as the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge in eastern Montana.

These areas offer extraordinary opportunities to experience wide-open prairie landscapes, abundant wildlife, and some of the most intact grassland environments in North America.

The Black Hills of South Dakota

The Great Plains Trail would incorporate the natural beauty of South Dakota’s Black Hills, an area known for its forests, clear lakes, flowing streams, and impressive mountain scenery.

This region adds dramatic elevation changes and a greater variety of landscapes to the otherwise expansive prairie environment.

Western Nebraska Landscapes

Continuing south, the trail would pass through western Nebraska, where visitors can discover pine-covered hills, towering buttes, rugged badlands, and the famous Scotts Bluff National Monument.

This area combines unique geological formations with important historical connections to western migration routes.

Pawnee National Grassland in Colorado

The route would cross the visually striking Pawnee National Grassland in northeastern Colorado.

Known for its dramatic scenery, open plains, and unique natural features, this grassland represents an important example of the diverse environments found throughout the Great Plains.

Arikaree Breaks in Western Kansas

The Great Plains Trail would extend into western Kansas to showcase the unexpected beauty of the Arikaree Breaks.

This lesser-known landscape contains colorful canyons, unusual rock formations, and surprising terrain that challenges the common perception of Kansas as only flat prairie.

Comanche National Grassland in Southeastern Colorado

Comanche National Grassland would provide another major highlight along the route. The area contains rich wildlife habitats, impressive canyon landscapes, and ancient dinosaur tracks preserved in the rock.

Its combination of natural history and geological wonders makes it a significant destination on the proposed trail.

Kiowa National Grassland and the Santa Fe National Historic Trail

In northern New Mexico, the Great Plains Trail would connect with sections of the historic Santa Fe National Historic Trail while passing through Kiowa National Grassland.

This portion of the route would combine cultural history with the unique landscapes of the southern plains.

Views of the High Peaks of Eastern New Mexico

The trail would continue far enough west in New Mexico to provide views of mountain peaks rising above 10,000 feet.

These distant high elevations would create a dramatic contrast with the surrounding plains and add another layer of scenic diversity to the journey.

Southern Terminus at Guadalupe Peak

The southern endpoint of the Great Plains Trail would be located at the summit of Guadalupe Peak in Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

Standing at the highest point in Texas, this dramatic mountain destination would serve as a fitting conclusion to a trail that crosses some of the most diverse landscapes of the Great Plains region.

Continuing Development of the Trail

I welcome thoughts, questions, and suggestions regarding the details of this larger vision. As planning continues, future updates will explore more about the exact route, the character of the trail, and the steps needed to transform this idea into reality.

The Great Plains Trail is still in its early stages, but with continued effort and support, it has the potential to become an extraordinary long-distance trail celebrating the landscapes, wildlife, geology, and history of the Great Plains.