Comanche National Grassland

The Comanche National Grassland covers 443,750 acres in Baca, Otero and Las Animas counties. The Comanche's topography varies from steep canyons to the flat and gently rolling slopes of eastern Colorado.

Picket Wire Canyonlands is rich in historic and prehistoric sites. Guided tours are offered of the largest dinosaur tracksite in North America. You also can hike, mountain bike or horseback ride on day trips in the canyonlands.

Picture and Vogel canyons contain prehistoric Native American village sites and remarkable rock art.

The Santa Fe National Historic Trail cuts through the grasslands and for 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 Sierra Vista Overlook provides a commanding view of the Rocky Mountains and surrounding prairie, much like what the early travelers saw.

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

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, located here, served as a stage coach station.

A half-mile loop nature trail travels 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 three-mile section of the Santa Fe Trail to Sierra Vista Overlook.