Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge

Trails

Seven trails and one auto tour are open from sunrise to sunset. Trails may be closed during controlled hunts, prescribed fires and for required maintenance. Five trails and the Harold F. Miller Auto Tour are open all year: Eagle Roost Trail, Hoot Owl Loop, Casey Marsh Trail, Sandpiper Trail and Jet Recreation Trail. Two fishing trails: Sand Creek Fishing Trail and Cottonwood Point Fishing Trail are open seasonally during April 1 to October 15. Fishing trails are only open for fishing.

Only accessible through Eagle Roost Trail, this additional loop, meanders through wetlands and woodlands. Great for waterfowl fall through spring, birds of prey, and passerines.

Trail Length (mi)

1.34

Trail Difficulty

Moderate

Route Type

Loop

Trail Activities

Suitability

Dog friendly

Kid friendly

Eagle Roost Trail

View Trail

Traverse through native prairie and view the northern portion of the salt flats with an observation deck and spotting scope. Observe a variety of shorebirds and wading birds migrating and nesting.

Trail Length (mi)

0.27

Trail Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Activities

Suitability

Dog friendly

Kid friendly

Wheelchair friendly

Sandpiper Trail

View Trail

Great place to view eagles and diving ducks at Great Salt Plains Lake. In late summer and fall, look for monarch butterflies in the trees and American White Pelicans on the lake.

Fish along the shoreline of Great Salt Plains Lake from April 1 through October 15. Fishing follows state and refuge regulations.

Trail Length (mi)

0.95

Trail Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Activities

Suitability

Dog friendly

Kid friendly

Jet Recreation Trail

View Trail

Great place to view and photograph waterfowl. Look for the start of this trail on your left when driving the Harold F. Miller Auto Tour. This leads to a photo blind overlooking moist soil wetlands.

Trail Length (mi)

0.14

Trail Difficulty

Easy

Trail Activities

Suitability

Dog friendly