Fort Robinson Before the Fire

In preparation for our upcoming Huron Peak hike with friends from McCook, Sam and I ventured to Fort Robinson early Saturday morning (6/6/2026). Little did we know it would be the last time we saw those buttes in that state. A massive fire has burned through them over the last 72 hours, threatening both Fort Robinson and the town of Crawford - I wish I had taken more photos.

My heart aches thinking of the lost beauty and the people affected. This area was one of the reasons I wanted to move back to Northwest Nebraska- we will have to find beauty whatever the Lord leaves us after the fire.

To get to the start of our hike coming from Crawford, take a right onto Soldier Creek Road (the first road coming into the park from the east). We started at the parking area just to the left (north) of the road. It's an obvious place to park. Since we are training for elevation gain (and I continue to try to be less of a fatty), we did the first ascent twice.