From La Junta, Colorado drive south on Highway 109 for 13 miles. At the Vogel Canyon sign turn right (west) for 1 mile, then turn left (south) for 2 miles to the parking lot.

ATTRACTIONS:

Geologically scenic Vogel Canyon is a tributary on the Purgatoire River drainage.

Two permanent springs located at the bottom of the canyon help to support a variety of wildlife, which can best be seen early in the morning or just before sunset.

Four hiking trails take you to the canyon bottom and mesa top, while walking through shortgrass prairie and juniper trees.

American Indians lived in the canyon 300-800 years ago and left rock art which is visible on the canyon walls.

During the 1870's, a spur off the Santa Fe Trail (Las Animas to Trinidad) was developed by the Barlow and Sanderson Mail and Stage Line, Sections of the stage coach road and ruins of the station can still be found.

Settled during the depression era, stone walled ruins from the Westbrook homestead still stand.

FACILITIES:

3 covered picnic tables with grills
(charcoal fires allowed in grills only)
1 vault toilet
4 hiking trails
2 horse hitching rails & trailer parking
Drinking water not available

CAMPING:

Camping is allowed in the parking area only. However, no electricity, water or garbage are available. Please pack out all trash.

USE:

Special Users Fee - none
Heavy - spring and fall
Moderate - summer
Light - winter

HIKING TRAILS:

Trail distances are round trip, beginning at the parking lot.

Overlook Trail
Length: 1 mile
Difficulty: easy
Highlights: canyon overlook

Mesa Trail
Length: 2 1/4 miles
Difficulty: moderate
Highlights: ruins, juniper woodlands, shortgrass prairie

Canyon Trail
Length: 1 3/4 miles
Difficulty: easy
Highlights: ruins, overlook, springs, rock art

Prairie Trail
Length: 3 miles
Difficulty: moderate
Highlights: stage tracks, juniper woodlands, shortgrass prairie

CONSERVATION & PROTECTION:

Today vandalism is a continuing problem in this fragile area. Rock Art is particularly sensitive. Please photograph but do not touch or apply any photographic enhancing or replication materials.

These sites on public lands are protected under federal law. We thank you for observing all the regulations for this area and for helping us to preserve this valuable resource. Please be part of the solution, not part of the problem.