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Canyon Country and Comanche Grassland Loop Tour
An introduction to Canyon Country for hikers, bird watchers, and those interested in glimpsing dinosaur tracks and rock art. Take plenty of water and food.
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3 Days/2 Nights
Destinations Include:
La Junta
Vogel Canyon
Picket Wire Canyon
Pritchett
Carrizo Canyon
Picture Canyon
Day One: La Junta, Vogel Canyon
Stop at the Forest Service Headquarters of the Comanche Grassland in La Junta for orientation materials and maps. Head south on Highway 109 to Vogel Canyon. Several hiking trails, rock art sites, and the ruins of an old stagecoach stop. Return to La Junta for overnight accommodations.
Day Two: La Junta or Pritchett
Hike in Picket Wire Canyon, one hour drive from La Junta. The hike in is approximately five miles where you can see longest mapped dinosaur tracksite featuring Allosaurus alongside a Apatosaurus, rock art, and during the hike you can see an historic Spanish church constructed of rock, sheep pens, and homesteads. Overnight in Springfield or at the Estelene Bunkhouse at the Everett Ranch located five miles from Carrizo Canyon.
Day Three: Pritchett or Springfield
Hike in Carrizo, the smallest of the canyons and shortest hike. This easy hiking rewards ones with petroglyphs rich with images of animals. Alternatively, head for Picture Canyon to see more unusual rock art, with many etched petroglyphs in the Plains Biographical Style. One can also see painted Pre-Columbian petroglyphs.
