Did you know that Comanche National Grassland in southeastern Colorado houses one of North America’s largest dinosaur trackways, with over 1,900 fossilized footprints dating back 150 million years? This hidden gem spans 443,784 acres of diverse landscapes, from rolling shortgrass prairies to rugged canyons rimmed by pinion-juniper forests. Unlike Colorado’s crowded mountain parks, here you can explore prehistoric wonders, ancient rock art, and historic sites along the Santa Fe Trail in relative solitude.
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Comanche National Grassland is located in southeastern Colorado, divided into two main units: the Timpas Unit near La Junta and the Carrizo Unit near Springfield. The nearest major airports are Colorado Springs Airport (180 km/112 miles) and Denver International Airport (300 km/186 miles).
For the Timpas Unit, take Highway 350 south from La Junta. For the Carrizo Unit, take Highway 287 south from Springfield. Both units are accessible by regular passenger vehicles, though some attractions require high-clearance vehicles or hiking. Be sure to fill your gas tank before heading out as service stations are limited in this remote area.
Planning Tip: Stop by the Comanche National Grassland office in La Junta (1420 East 3rd St, La Junta, CO 81050, phone: 719-384-2181) to pick up free maps and get current information before exploring the grassland.
Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips
The ideal time to visit Comanche National Grassland is during spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when temperatures are moderate and wildflowers may be blooming. Summer months (June-August) can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F), while winter (December-February) can bring cold temperatures and occasional snow.
| Season | Temperature Range | Precipitation | Recommendation |
| Spring (Mar-May) | 10-24°C (50-75°F) | Moderate | Highly Recommended |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 21-38°C (70-100°F) | Thunderstorms | Early morning visits only |
| Fall (Sep-Nov) | 7-27°C (45-80°F) | Low | Highly Recommended |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | -7-10°C (20-50°F) | Snow possible | Not recommended |
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for hiking and exploring. Summer visitors should plan activities for early morning or evening to avoid the intense midday heat. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so check weather forecasts before heading out to remote areas.
Weather Alert: The grassland is prone to sudden weather changes. Check the forecast before your visit and be prepared for temperature swings of up to 20°C (36°F) in a single day.
Getting Around Locally
Exploring Comanche National Grassland requires a vehicle for traveling between major sites, as attractions are widely dispersed. Most main roads are gravel and generally passable with standard vehicles in dry conditions. However, a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for accessing more remote areas, especially after rain.
- The Timpas Unit features Picketwire Canyonlands and Vogel Canyon, accessible via Highway 350 south of La Junta.
- The Carrizo Unit contains Picture Canyon and other attractions, accessible from Highway 287 south of Springfield.
- Some attractions require hiking from designated parking areas. Trails range from easy 1-mile loops to challenging 17-mile round trips.
- Guided auto tours are available through the ranger office for Picketwire Canyonlands (reservation required).
Navigation Tip: Cell service is limited throughout the grassland. Download offline maps before your trip and carry physical maps available from the ranger offices.
Where to Stay
While there are no developed campgrounds within Comanche National Grassland itself, dispersed camping is permitted in most areas except Picketwire Canyon. For those preferring more comfortable accommodations, the nearby towns offer several options.
Camping Options
- Dispersed Camping: Free throughout most of the grassland. Use existing sites when possible.
- Picture Canyon: Primitive campsites near the trailhead (no facilities).
- John Martin Reservoir State Park: 30 miles east of La Junta with developed campgrounds.
Town Accommodations
- La Junta: Several motels and hotels including Holiday Inn Express and Hampton Inn.
- Springfield: Limited accommodations with basic motels.
- Trinidad: More options including historic hotels and B&Bs (about 1 hour from the grassland).
For the true grassland experience, nothing beats camping under the stars in this remote area. The night skies here are among the darkest in Colorado, offering spectacular stargazing opportunities.
Dining & Local Cuisine
The Comanche National Grassland region isn’t known for its culinary scene, but you’ll find authentic local dining in the surrounding towns. Pack plenty of food and water for your explorations, as there are no dining facilities within the grassland itself.
La Junta
- Mexico City Restaurant: Authentic Mexican cuisine.
- The Railyard: American comfort food with local ingredients.
- Boss Hogg’s Restaurant & Saloon: Steaks and American classics.
Springfield
- The Shack: Home-style cooking and breakfast.
- Longhorn Steakhouse: Steaks and Western fare.
- Main Street Diner: Classic American diner food.
Local Specialties
- Rocky Ford Melons: Famous cantaloupes from nearby Rocky Ford.
- Green Chile: Colorado-style green chile stew.
- Grass-fed Beef: Local ranches produce excellent beef.
Dining Tip: Most restaurants in the area close early (around 8-9 PM). Plan your meals accordingly, especially if returning from a day of exploration.
Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities
Comanche National Grassland offers a diverse range of attractions that showcase both natural wonders and historical significance. Here are the must-see highlights that make this grassland one of Colorado’s hidden treasures:
Picketwire Canyonlands
Home to one of North America’s largest dinosaur trackways with over 1,900 prints from Jurassic-era dinosaurs. The 17.5 km (10.9 mile) round-trip hike also passes by historic sites including an old Spanish mission and the Dolores Mission and Cemetery.
Vogel Canyon
A beautiful tributary of the Purgatoire River featuring four distinct hiking trails ranging from 1-3 miles. Explore ancient rock art, historic stage coach routes, and the remains of early homesteads while enjoying diverse ecosystems.
Picture Canyon
Located in the Carrizo Unit, this canyon features remarkable prehistoric rock art, unique rock formations, and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, especially for birdwatchers. The 8-mile Arch Rock Trail guides visitors through the highlights.
Santa Fe National Historic Trail
Follow in the footsteps of 19th-century traders along this historic route that connected Missouri and New Mexico. Look for limestone markers indicating the original trail path through the grassland.
Carrizo Canyon
A small, picturesque canyon with flowing water, cottonwood trees, and juniper forests. This area is excellent for wildlife viewing, especially birds, and features American Indian petroglyphs along the canyon walls.
Rourke Ranch National Historic Site
Also known as Wineglass Ranch, this preserved cattle and horse ranch was founded in 1871 and operated by three generations of the Rourke family, offering a glimpse into early ranching life on the plains.
Guided Tours: The Forest Service offers guided auto tours to Picketwire Canyonlands during spring, summer, and fall months. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the Comanche National Grassland office at (719) 384-2181.
Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals
While Comanche National Grassland itself doesn’t host museums or regular festivals, the surrounding area offers several cultural attractions that complement your grassland experience by providing historical context and local flavor.
Museums & Historic Sites
- Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site: Located near La Junta, this reconstructed 1840s trading post offers living history demonstrations.
- Koshare Indian Museum: In La Junta, featuring an impressive collection of Native American art and artifacts.
- Otero Museum: Preserves the history of Otero County with exhibits on pioneer life and agriculture.
- Comanche National Grassland Heritage Center: Small interpretive center in Springfield with exhibits on grassland ecology and history.
Annual Events
- Early Settlers Day: Held in Springfield each June, celebrating the area’s pioneer heritage.
- Arkansas Valley Fair: Colorado’s oldest continuous fair held in Rocky Ford each August.
- Koshare Indian Dancers: Traditional Native American dance performances in La Junta (seasonal schedule).
- Santa Fe Trail Day: Commemorates the historic trail with events in various towns along the route (September).
The cultural heritage of southeastern Colorado is a fascinating blend of Native American, Hispanic, and pioneer influences. Taking time to explore these cultural sites provides valuable context for understanding the human history of the Comanche National Grassland region.
Nature & Outdoor Experiences
Comanche National Grassland offers diverse outdoor experiences across its varied ecosystems. From shortgrass prairie to rugged canyons, the landscape provides habitat for numerous plant and animal species while offering excellent recreational opportunities.
Wildlife Viewing
The grassland is home to over 300 wildlife species, including:
- Pronghorn antelope and mule deer
- Prairie dogs and swift foxes
- Over 235 bird species including golden eagles, roadrunners, and burrowing owls
- Rare lesser prairie chickens (special viewing opportunities available during mating season)
Dawn and dusk offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities. Cottonwood Canyon in the Carrizo Unit is considered one of Colorado’s premier birding locations.
Hiking & Biking
Several trail systems offer opportunities for hikers and mountain bikers:
- Vogel Canyon Trails: Four interconnected trails ranging from 1-3 miles with varying difficulty.
- Picture Canyon: 8-mile Arch Rock Trail through unique rock formations.
- Picketwire Canyon Trail: 17.5 km (10.9 mile) round-trip trail to dinosaur tracks (challenging).
- Santa Fe Trail segments: Historic trail sections of varying lengths.
Trails are generally unmarked except for stone cairns. Carry detailed maps and plenty of water.
Photography & Stargazing
The grassland offers exceptional photography opportunities:
- Dramatic canyon landscapes with unique rock formations
- Spring wildflower displays (April-May)
- Historic sites and prehistoric rock art
- Dark skies with minimal light pollution for night photography and stargazing
The remote location provides some of Colorado’s darkest skies, making it an excellent destination for astrophotography and meteor shower viewing.
Fishing & Water Activities
Limited water activities are available:
- Fishing in the Purgatoire River and Carrizo Creek (primarily for channel catfish)
- Seasonal stream fishing in Timpas Creek
- More extensive water recreation at nearby John Martin Reservoir
A Colorado fishing license is required. Water levels can vary significantly by season.
Horseback Riding
The grassland is ideal for equestrian exploration:
- All trails are open to horses
- Picketwire Corrals provide public equestrian facilities
- Picketwire Canyon is particularly popular for horseback riding
- Bring your own horses as there are no rental facilities within the grassland
Riders should be prepared for rocky terrain and carry sufficient water for themselves and their horses.
Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs
Visiting Comanche National Grassland requires preparation and awareness of safety concerns. The remote nature of the area means visitors should be self-sufficient and respectful of both natural and cultural resources.
Safety Considerations
- Water: Bring at least 4 liters (1 gallon) per person per day. No reliable drinking water is available in the grassland.
- Weather: Check forecasts before departing. Be prepared for sudden changes, including thunderstorms in summer.
- Wildlife: Watch for rattlesnakes, especially in rocky areas. Keep a safe distance from all wildlife.
- Navigation: Cell service is extremely limited. Carry physical maps and inform someone of your plans.
- Sun Protection: The high plains offer little shade. Bring sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing.
Etiquette & Preservation
- Cultural Sites: Never touch rock art or remove artifacts. Oils from hands damage ancient art.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash and minimize your impact on this fragile ecosystem.
- Stay on Trails: Protect sensitive vegetation and prevent erosion by staying on established paths.
- Private Property: Respect private property boundaries within and adjacent to the grassland.
- Fire Safety: Check current fire restrictions. Never leave campfires unattended.
Emergency Preparedness: Due to the remote location, emergency services may be over an hour away. Carry a first aid kit and know basic wilderness first aid. The nearest hospitals are in La Junta and Springfield.
Visitor Comments About Comanche National Grassland
“I’ve visited national parks across the country, but Comanche National Grassland offered something truly unique. The dinosaur tracks at Picketwire Canyon were mind-blowing—standing where massive creatures walked 150 million years ago! The solitude and vast open spaces were a welcome change from crowded parks. Just remember to bring plenty of water and download maps beforehand.”
“As an avid birder, Comanche National Grassland exceeded my expectations. I spotted 47 species in just two days, including burrowing owls and a golden eagle! Cottonwood Canyon was particularly productive. The ranger at the La Junta office was incredibly helpful in suggesting locations based on recent sightings. This hidden gem deserves more recognition among wildlife enthusiasts.”
“The rock art at Picture Canyon was fascinating—a window into ancient cultures that once called this area home. I appreciated how uncrowded it was compared to other archaeological sites. The night skies were absolutely spectacular, with the Milky Way clearly visible. If you’re into photography, don’t miss the opportunity for both landscape and astrophotography here.”
Additional Nearby Destinations
While exploring Comanche National Grassland, consider visiting these nearby attractions to enhance your southeastern Colorado experience:
Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site
Located near La Junta, this reconstructed 1840s adobe trading post offers living history demonstrations and exhibits about the Santa Fe Trail era. The fort played a crucial role in U.S.-Native American relations and the settlement of the Southwest.
Distance: 20 km (12 miles) from La Junta
John Martin Reservoir State Park
Colorado’s second-largest body of water offers excellent fishing, boating, and camping opportunities. The reservoir is known for its population of walleye, saugeye, bass, crappie, perch, and catfish.
Distance: 48 km (30 miles) east of La Junta
Pawnee National Grassland
Located in northeastern Colorado, this is the state’s other national grassland. It features the iconic Pawnee Buttes and offers similar prairie ecosystems with different geological features.
Distance: 400 km (250 miles) north of Comanche
Southeastern Colorado Heritage Center
Located in Pueblo, this museum preserves the cultural heritage of southeastern Colorado with exhibits on Native American history, mining, ranching, and railroad development.
Distance: 110 km (68 miles) from La Junta
Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site
This solemn site commemorates the 1864 massacre of Cheyenne and Arapaho people by U.S. Volunteer Cavalry. It offers important historical context about Native American history in the region.
Distance: 125 km (78 miles) from La Junta
Practical Travel Tips
Make the most of your visit to Comanche National Grassland with these practical tips:
Essential Supplies
- Water (at least 4 liters/1 gallon per person per day)
- High-energy snacks and meals
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- First aid kit with snake bite kit
- Detailed maps (available at ranger offices)
- Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
Planning Resources
- Ranger Offices:
- La Junta: 1420 East 3rd St, (719) 384-2181
- Springfield: 27204 Highway 287, (719) 523-6591
- Call ahead for current conditions and tour availability
- Download Motor Vehicle Use Maps before your trip
- Check fire restrictions before camping
Local Insights
- Gas up completely before entering the grassland
- Shop for groceries in La Junta or Springfield
- Visit on weekdays to avoid the limited weekend crowds
- Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures
- Allow 2-3 days to explore the major attractions
Are permits required to visit Comanche National Grassland?
No permits are required for general visitation, hiking, or dispersed camping. However, guided tours to Picketwire Canyonlands require reservations through the ranger office. Hunting and fishing require appropriate Colorado state licenses.
Can I bring my dog to Comanche National Grassland?
Yes, dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times. Be aware that the terrain can be rough on paws, and rattlesnakes pose a danger to pets. Always carry water for your dog and clean up after them.
Is there cell phone service in the grassland?
Cell service is extremely limited throughout most of the grassland. Do not rely on your phone for navigation or emergency communication. Consider renting a satellite phone for extended backcountry trips, and always inform someone of your itinerary.
Embrace the Untamed Spirit of Colorado’s Plains
Comanche National Grassland offers a rare glimpse into Colorado’s less-traveled landscapes, where ancient dinosaur tracks, historic pioneer routes, and Native American rock art tell the story of this land across millennia. Unlike the state’s crowded mountain destinations, here you’ll find solitude, dark starry skies, and the freedom to explore at your own pace. Whether you’re tracking wildlife through Carrizo Canyon, marveling at 150-million-year-old dinosaur footprints, or watching the sunset paint Picture Canyon in golden hues, the grassland rewards those willing to venture beyond the typical tourist path. Pack plenty of water, bring your sense of adventure, and discover why this hidden corner of Colorado deserves a place on your travel bucket list.
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