SIERRA VISTA OVERLOOK

LOCATION:

From La Junta, Colorado drive southwest on Highway 350 for 13 miles. Turn right (north) at Highway 71 for 1/2 mile, then turn left (west) to the parking lot.

From Trinidad, Colorado drive northeast on Highway 350 for 56 miles. Turn left (north) at Highway 71 for 1/2 mile, then turn left (west) to the parking lot.

ATTRACTIONS:

For Santa Fe Trail travelers heading south, the changing horizon from plains to mountains was a major milestone on their journey. One of their guiding landmarks was the distant Spanish Peaks, which came into view along this section of the trail. A short walk up the side of a bluff, will give you a commanding view of the Rocky Mountains and surrounding prairie, much like what the early travelers saw.

Hikers can follow a 3 mile section of the Santa Fe National Historic Trail to Timpas Picnic Area. Stone posts mark the trail, beginning from the shelter.

FACILITIES:

scenic overlook
horse hitching rail
RV and bus parking
Daughters of the American Revolution SFT marker
drinking water not available

TIMPAS PICNIC AREA

LOCATION:

From La Junta, Colorado drive southwest along Highway 350 for 16 miles. Turn right (nothwest) at County Road 16.5 crossing the railroad tracks and then turn right (northeast) to the parking lot.

From Trinidad, Colorado drive northeast for 53 miles. Turn left (northwest) at County Road 16.5 crossing the railroad tracks and then turn right (northeast) to the parking lot

ATTRACTIONS:

Timpas Creek was the first source of water for the Santa Fe Trail travelers after leaving the Arkansas River heading southwest. Between 1869 and 1871 the Metcalf Ranch, previously located here, served as a stage coach station.

A 1/2 mile loop nature trail will take you to Timpas Creek and back. Stone markers indicate where the Santa Fe National Historic Trail passes through the area.

Hikers and horseback riders can follow a 3 mile section of the Santa Fe National Historic Trail to Sierra Vista Overlook. Start your hike at the nature trail and walk northwest to the stone trail post or if you are on horseback, start your ride at the stock tank, following the fence northwest to the gate. From there turn northeast and go through the gate following the stone trail post to Sierra Vista.

FACILITIES:

2 covered picnic tables with grills
group site - 4 covered picnic tables with grills
(only charcoal fires allowed in the grills)
vault toilet
drinking water not available
Daughters of the American Revolution SFT marker
RV and bus parking
nature trail
2 horse hitching rails
(stock water available for horses only)

IRON SPRINGS HISTORIC AREA

LOCATION:

From La Junta, Colorado drive southwest on Highway 350 for 27 miles. Turn left (south) at County Road 9 for 1 mile and then right (west) to the parking lot.

From Trinidad, Colorado drive northeast on Highway 350 for 42 miles. Turn right (south) at County Road 9 for 1 mile and then right (west) to the parking lot.

ATTRACTIONS:

Iron Spring was an important water stop for travelers on the Santa Fe Trail. Depending on the season or weather conditions, several routes to the spring were used. Between 1861 and 1871 Iron Spring was also used as a stage coach station. Trail ruts are still visible just west of the parking lot.

FACILITIES:

RV and bus parking
drinking water not available