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Cedar Canyon Overlook Trail

Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest, Nebraska · 3 min read

Distance
3.5 mi
Elevation Gain
250 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
April through October
Est. Time
2-2.5 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
4 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
None
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Low canyon rim with views across the Snake River drainage and surrounding Sandhills
  • Eastern red cedar canyon with typical Great Plains canyon character
  • Visible Merritt Reservoir glinting in the distance from the overlook
  • Good habitat for prairie falcon, red-tailed hawk, and other raptors on the canyon rim
  • More varied terrain than the flat meadow trails elsewhere in the forest
viewswildliferock formations

Overview

The Cedar Canyon Overlook Trail is one of the few hikes in Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest that involves significant elevation change, climbing 250 feet through eastern red cedar canyon terrain to a rim with views across the Snake River drainage and a distant glint of Merritt Reservoir. The Sandhills terrain at this point is slightly more canyon-influenced than the flat dune country near the reservoir, and the overlook provides a sense of scale for the surrounding landscape.

The 3.5-mile round trip is accessible for hikers in reasonable condition. No water is available; carry all water from home. No permit required.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1: Cedar canyon approach. The trail descends slightly from the trailhead before climbing through a narrow cedar canyon. Eastern red cedar is dense on the canyon slopes, providing shade but limiting views. The cedar canyon section is the most sheltered part of the route.

Miles 1 to 1.75: Rim climb. Above the cedar zone, the trail climbs more steeply through open grassland to the canyon rim. The final quarter-mile to the overlook is the steepest section, gaining about 100 feet in a short distance.

The overlook is a broad grassy area on the canyon rim with unobstructed views in most directions.

When to Hike

April through October: Best hiking conditions. Spring visits offer raptor nesting activity on the canyon walls. Summer mornings are best to avoid midday heat. October brings deer rut and hunting season; blaze orange is recommended.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 1.5 liters of water for this round trip. The exposed overlook is hot in July and August. Binoculars are useful for raptor watching at the rim.

Trailhead Access

From Merritt Reservoir, take FR-517 south about 4 miles. Gravel road, standard vehicles adequate in dry conditions.

Practical Details

No permit is required for day hiking on this trail. Dogs are welcome on leash. No restroom facilities are at the trailhead; plan accordingly. No water source is available at the trailhead; carry all water from home. No cell service is available in this area; download offline maps before leaving the main road.

The recommended season for this trail is April through October. Conditions outside this window may include challenging weather, trail closures, or reduced accessibility. Always verify current conditions with the Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest ranger district before visiting, particularly at the beginning and end of the recommended season when conditions are most variable.

Summit and viewpoint conditions depend on weather and visibility; clear days produce the best results. Wildlife is present throughout the forest. Maintain distance from any animals encountered on or near the trail.

Before any visit, review the Leave No Trace seven principles and our checking conditions guide for current fire restrictions, trail closures, and ranger district advisories. The America the Beautiful pass covers day use fees at developed recreation areas where applicable. Veterans and active military have additional access options covered in our veteran benefits guide.

Nearby

Combine with the Merritt Reservoir Loop for a full day at the reservoir. Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest has several other trail options in the grassland and meadow terrain nearby. Review Leave No Trace principles and our checking conditions guide before visiting.

Trailhead Parking

Cedar Canyon Trailhead on FR-517 south of Merritt Reservoir. Gravel pullout. No fee. No facilities.

← Back to Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the climb to the overlook?
The 250-foot gain is spread across 1.75 miles, making the grade moderate throughout. Most hikers find it an easy to moderate effort. The trail surface is grassy with some rocky sections near the rim.
What raptors can I see from the overlook?
The canyon rim provides thermal lift that raptors use for soaring and hunting. Red-tailed hawks are common year-round. Prairie falcons nest in rock faces throughout the Sandhills canyon country and are frequently seen from rim overlooks. Ferruginous hawks are present in the open grassland below the rim in migration.
Is there any shade on the trail?
The cedar canyon section of the approach provides some shade from eastern red cedar. The overlook itself is open and exposed. A hat and sunscreen are recommended for midday summer visits.