Pike & San Isabel National Forests
Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands

USDA Forest Service
Pike & San Isabel
National Forests
Cimarron & Comanche
National Grasslands
2840 Kachina Drive
Pueblo, CO 81008
719-553-1400

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
719-553-1404

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

MAP:

TIMPAS PICNIC AREA

LOCATION:

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

From Springfield, Colorado, drive west on Highway 160 for 48 miles, then turn right (north) on Highway 109 for 43 miles. Turn left (west) on County Road 802 for 7 miles. Turn right (north)on Country Road 25 for 5 miles. Turn left (west) on County Road N for 8 miles. Cross Highway 350 and turn right (northeast) on the picnic area access road, located on the northwest side of the railroad grade.

ATTRACTIONS:

Timpas Creek was the first source of water for 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 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 northwest and go through the gate following the stone trail posts to Sierra Vista.

FACILITIES:

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

MAP:

IRON SPRING 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 turn right (west) to the parking lot.

From Trinidad, Colorado drive northeast on Highway 350 for 42 miles.  Turn left (south) at County Road 9 for 1 mile and then turn 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 different 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

MAP: