Discover the nature of northeastern Colorado’s Yuma County: The county’s sand sage prairies are considered a core area for Greater Prairie-Chickens in Colorado. The region also offers a variety of perspectives. In Wray, a miles-long trail follows the Republican River and connects three parks; in the southern county, wheat and sunflower fields shape the high plains. Historic museums, an open-air amphitheater, and rural farm experiences offer other highlights. You can tailor your trip to your interests: birdwatching, history, riverside trails, or rural life.
Watch Greater Prairie-Chickens
The sand sage prairies of Yuma County are considered a core area for Greater Prairie-Chickens in Colorado. If you’d like to look for these birds, you can use the county roads north of Wray and east of US 385 as a guide. The hours just after sunrise in April and May are a good time to look. Stay on public roads; you must not leave them while watching. Greater Prairie-Chicken Viewing Tours take place annually in March and April. When planning for the season, note that the time periods overlap in April: tours run in March and April, while searching along the roads is best in April and May. Check the specific tour dates for your intended travel year.
Wray: River Trail and Amphitheater
The miles-long walking and biking trail in Wray follows the Republican River and connects three parks. One route brings together the river and the park connections; you can explore both on foot or by bike. The Wray Lions Amphitheater offers a different setting: It is a natural, open-air amphitheater within the Caliche Bluff walls on the southeastern edge of Wray. Unlike an enclosed stage, it is outdoors and framed by the bluff walls.
History in Wray and the County
Yuma County has historic sites and museums that tell the county’s story; the Wray Museum presents the 1868 Battle of Beecher Island. Another chapter in regional history is the Wray State Fish Hatchery, located in Yuma County, three miles northwest of Wray. A private fish farmer established it in 1937; Colorado Game and Fish acquired the facility in 1939.
Rural Life in Southern Yuma County
High plains dotted with wheat and sunflower fields shape the landscape of southern Yuma County. Rural farm experiences are also offered in the region, including in Joes, Kirk, and Idalia. Offerings may vary by host and season; check in advance about seasonal farm experiences. A craft tradition is also connected to agriculture and livestock: artisans depict rural life and celebrate Colorado’s rural culture.
Fishing and Pheasant Hunting
Yuma County also offers opportunities for fishing and pheasant hunting. Both activities are subject to seasonal regulations; fishing also has access requirements.
Discover more destinations: Wray, Saguache County, San Juan County, Jefferson, Broomfield, San Miguel, Clear Creek, Custer.
For the main travel overview: Colorado.
