Prairie Fire Loop

You are not required to check in at the visitor center, but it is advisable to obtain current trail conditions and/or closures before heading out.

From Late March through April, controlled burns may be scheduled and some trails will be closed during burning operations. In addition, from April through July, you may encounter cattle in all pastures except Windmill. While these steers (not bulls) can be quite curious, they are not dangerous and pose no threat to hikers. Wherever you encounter a cattle guard, look for a gate off to the side for you to use. Please ensure that the gates are closed behind you.

Most trail junctions are marked with hunks of stone with a marbled map on top. Very helpful!

Restrooms and maps are available 24/7 at the visitor center.

Part gravel, part mowed grass trail around the Gas House and West-Branch Pastures. Only accessed via Scenic Overlook Trail or Davis Trail. Don't mind the cattle, just be respectful and ask them politely to let you pass if they are in the trail. You can use Gas House Cutoff to cut the loop in half, or to spice it up and add miles. At the northern terminus you can also do an out and back on the West Branch Trail, or the Palmer Creek Loop.