Name: Prairie Trail
Rating: 3.3

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Plan in onX Backcountry

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Dogs Leashed

Features Wildflowers · Wildlife

Refuge Hours
Winter (Oct-Apr): 8 AM - 5 PM
Summer Weekdays (May-Sept): 7 AM - 5 PM
Summer Weekends (May-Sept): 7 AM - 7 PM

Hardwicke Interpretive Center
Year round 9 AM - 4:30 PM
$5 Adults (13-64)
$2 Children (3-12, under 3 FREE)
$3 Seniors (65+)
$1 Discount per person (with Military ID-Active/Retired)

For more information, visit the park's website.

Runner Notes

◦ Walk only on marked trails
◦ Bicycles, jogging, vehicles and horses are not permitted on trails

Description

This trail is a relatively flat loop through a prairie of tall native grasslands and wildflowers. You can access the Prairie Trail from the interpretive center via the Caprock Trail or from the prairie dog parking lot.

Along the trail, you'll be able to see a grazed pasture housing the bison (seasonal rotations, ask ranger their location first) as well as smaller animals and songbirds meandering through the wooded area. Make sure you stop at the Prairie Dog Town for a glimpse of the social black-tailed critters that are active throughout the year. This is also a good spot to check out local birds of prey soaring high above the grasslands.

Flora & Fauna

The terrain is exposed limestone with areas of sandy-loam where tall grasses thrive. Stop by in the spring to view the wild display of native flowers that attract various butterflies and bees.