![]() ![]() Sit on the bench, unwind, and enjoy views of the endless sky and prairie with zero distractions from the outside world. Once you reach the top, which is a gradual ascent across the gently rolling prairie rather than the steep climb point that you would expect with a state’s highest point, you will find a monument surrounded by a bison-proof railing which was placed in 1971, a metal desk with a register in its drawer where you can log your visit, and a bench installed by the Highpointers Foundation, which faces southwest and provides a view of the distant mountains in Colorado and Wyoming. The group has also installed signs to assist visitors in their travels to Panorama Point, and to warn about bison, which are roaming free on the property.įeel free to take photos of the bison and other wildlife from your vehicle, including pronghorn and whitetail deer, but do not get out until you reach the high point site, as bison can be unpredictable and dangerous, weighing over 2,000 lbs and capable of reaching speeds of up to 35 mph, and there is no cell phone service available if you are injured by one of them. Instead, continue on past the large white house on your right, which Google Maps will erroneously try to tell you is Panorama Point, another half a mile or so until you reach the final turn-off at the entrance to the site, which is just over a mile of the graveled trail which was repaired with the assistance of the Highpointers Foundation in 2016.Ī passing storm on the high plains of Western Nebraska © Hawk Buckman Kimball County residents Art Henrickson and Claude Alden, using a World War 1 altimeter, discovered the site in October of 1951, which is now located on the High Point Bison Ranch.īe sure to bring cash, as the site is located on private property on a working bison ranch, and there is a $3 per person entrance fee, which can be deposited in a box on your way into the trail.ĭon’t trust Google Maps in this instance for directions, as it will direct you to a home near the property. At an elevation of 5424 feet, this unique destination should undoubtedly be on any peak bagger or Highpointer’s to-do list. Stop in at the Bear Creek Café in Kittredge for lunch or dinner, or try out Little Bear or Cactus Jack's in Evergreen for even more good eats.On the seemingly boundless grasslands of far southwestern Nebraska, in an area dotted with working cattle ranches, farms, and towering windmills, lies the highest point in the state, Panorama Point. If you're feeling a little peckish after your hike, the nearby mountain communities of Kittredge, Morrison, and Evergreen offer great restaurants and unique shopping experiences. If you go this route, the hike is about 5 miles round-trip.Ĭaution: Bear Creek Trail is FULL of bikes! Be careful to keep control of your pets if you use this trail. (You should cross a creek this is at the western-most edge of Lair o' the Bear.) Follow BCT up the mountain until you see the Panorama Point spur (this time to your left). 74, cross the road to a small pullout area a little further on, and follow that trail down to the start point of BCT. Whichever way you choose, go left on BCT and continue back the way you came.įor a longer hike, park at the parking area further east on Hwy. You can return the way you came, or continue along an unofficial trail which will take you back to a different point along BCT. The outcropping of boulders makes a great resting and picnic place. There is no marking indicating Panorama Point, but you will know you've reached it when you can see Mount Evans and the village of Kittredge laid out below. This is the steepest part of the trail, and is about 1/2 mile from BCT to Panorama Point. (BCT is a popular and heavily used multi-use trail that runs through Lair o' the Bear, Corwina, O'Fallon, and Pence Parks.) Hang a left on BCT and follow it a short ways until you see another trail going off to the right, with the sign for Panorama Point. This short-but-sweet trail follows a seasonal stream uphill until it joins with the Bear Creek Trail. If the parking lot happens to be full, there is limited roadside parking along Hwy. Follow the directions from the location marked on this site, and you should find it easily enough. The parking area for Corwina can be easy to miss-it looks like someone's driveway. Sitting between the popular (and overcrowded) Lair o' the Bear and O'Fallon Parks, Corwina offers a great little day hike with an impressive view of Mount Evans from Panorama Point. Corwina Park is a small section located off Hwy. One of the best, however, is often overlooked, as it is sandwiched between bigger and more popular parks. Jefferson County, the "Gateway to the Rockies" has dozens of great parks and trails. Close to several mountain villages with great restaurants and shopping. Begins at 6750' and ends at 7390'Great trail for runners. ![]()
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