The shortgrass of the Pawnee National Grassland covers 193,060 acres intermixed with private land. Opportunities for recreation, wildlife study, sight-seeing, photography and bird watching abound. This area is nationally known to bird watchers with over 290 species sighted. The Pawnee Buttes tower 250 above the prairie and are a popular destination for hikers, horseback riders, and day trippers. Due to the inermingling of private and public land, a Pawnee Grassland map is recommended for planning your trip. Many roads become impassable when wet.