Birds and Bison in Nebraska Over Three Day Weekend

We’ll leave Boulder Friday afternoon and drive 4.5 hours to the Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge, near Ellsworth. This is one of the best birdwatching venues in the North America. After a few hours there we'll drive another 2.5 more hours to Valentine, Nebraska and stay at an Airbnb.

We might see Sandhill Cranes, as thousands are migrating across Nebraska, but in the fall they don't gather like they do in the spring.

We'll spend Saturday at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, near Valentine. This is a lush 300-hundred foot deep, half-mile wide sandstone canyon with a 45-foot waterfall. A herd of 350 bison live there as well as elk and other mammals. More then 200 species of birds have been seen. We'll rent canoes and/or go for a hike.

In 2007, National Geographic Adventure magazine included Valentine in its list of the best 100 adventure towns and cities. Outside Magazine also listed Valentine as one of the best outdoor sports towns. Tim Walz is from Valentine.

Sunday we'll visit the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge and then drive back via Scottsbluff and go for a hike. The drive each way is about 6.5 hours.

Expect to get up around 6am for sunrise birdwatching.

My cellphone is (720) 217-6589. Bring walkie-talkies (channel 1) so we can stay in touch outside of cell coverage.

Expect to spend about $100-150 for two nights at an Airbnb, plus a share of the fuel.

I'll crosspost this to the Colorado Backpackers Meetup.