picketwire canyonlands

We live in Colorado Ski Country but the skiing is not very good now so we decided to take a road trip to SE Colorado and see the Dinosaur Tracks. From La Junta, the closest town it is about a 45 minute drive, half on dirt roads to the trailhead. The dirt road is very good and your rental sedan can probably make it up the last 3 miles to the trailhead. The Canyon was much more interesting than the Grasslands we expected. After a relatively steep decent most of the trail was flat and very exposed. We left early morning in early March but by the afternoon return, it was bloody hot. It was a very long hike to see Dinosaur tracks but if you are a Paleontologist, you probably would be thrilled.

Hiked to the dinosaur tracks from Withers Canyon TH. After the first 1/4 mile, the hike was mostly flat and easy. It can be very hot. Even though it was December, I was comfortable in a t shirt and used most of my 3L Camelbak. I really enjoyed the Dolores Mission and several other ruins on the trail. The dino tracks were neat to see as well. I also saw some Petroglyphs along the trail. I ran into a few groups on my way back, but for most of the hike it felt like I was the only one within miles. I got a late start and did not have enough daylight to make it to the Rourke Ranch, but I felt like I got to see the highlights of the trail.

I explored Picketwire Canyon and the dinosaur tracks in Nov 2014. I took the 5.3 mile hike from Withers TH. Aside from the 200ft vertical drop at the beginning it was a fairly flat hike. Just getting to the coral and then even further to the TH is a very remote destination. I did see two hunters from the coral to the TH but no one was at the TH when I arrived.Very isolated, remote and quiet was my impression, skyward there were plenty on contrails from airliners which assured me I’m still on Earth (plenty of them until about noon then the frequency died down). Odd how people 30,000 ft above me were immersed in state of the art 21st technology and I’m on foot in the rugged terrain of a very remote canyon…The trail is well marked and signed and quickly parallels the Purgatoire River. Continue following and you’ll soon discover ruins of adobe structures where some hearty individuals made a go of it. Fascinating how well these structures have held up w/o any maintenance, though they are clearly being re-assimilated to the Earth. I can imagine that some of these would be harder to discern in the summer and fuller vegetation, but in the fall the vegetation is brown and thinner. I did keep my eyes open and discovered the Petroglyphs that have been mentioned in other reviews or hike descriptions. I clearly found two examples of this rock art. I did ventured about once I found these examples – up the canyon walls looking for a “greater” example but each time I did not find any more. Though I understand there is more but none of it is marked – you’re on your own but from the trail a couple of examples can be seen – you just have to catch ‘em. I think I might have found a LARGE petroglyph on my way out, but it was up the canyon wall a bit and the shadows were getting long, and I was not sure it was actual art or simply natural rock wear. To climb up and it be the natural rock wear would have been a waste of time and energy when it’s getting late/dark/ and colder (this was late Nov). I took a picture with zoom and I give it a greater than 50% it was but… Maybe explore on a 2nd trip? Venture further along and then the ruins of an old Spanish mission is the next sightseeing attraction. Complete with a tiny cemetery. A short hike further along and you have arrived at the largest concentration of dinosaur tracks in North America ( This goes back and forth between the world and N. America, though the site itself stated N. America – so maybe there’s a larger known concentration somewhere in the world? ) Regardless there’s over 1300 of them here, basically brontosaurs (plant eaters) and allosaurs (meat eaters). Discovered in the 1930’s, it was from this site that - the theory that the herbivore dinosaurs traveled in herds and the meat eaters were usually solitary. There are tracks on both sides of the river. I heard that the better/more of them are on the south side where one must ford to see. I actually thought the footprints on the north side were more distinct but I did de-shoe and walk across the river. To and fore it was maybe mid calf deep and cold. But the temp was 60*F and sunny so dry and warm in short order. Simply fascinating.I’d recommend a 10 essentials pack based especially on the season. From the steel pole gate to dino tracks I left at 10 AM and arrived at 1:30 PM – this included taking in adobe structures, petroglyphs and exploring for more and the mission. Left the dino tracks at 2:45 PM and arrived at steel pole gate at 4:37 PM. Pack at least two quarts/liters of water regardless of the season. A small water pump or even purification tablets as a backup would be a good idea too – there is water in the Purgatoire River, even in the driest of seasons – might have to look for pools during the most extreme drought condition. I would explore again!

Visited for the second time, (2012) but now in September, with more favourable temperatures then last time and together with the Misses. We did not see a soul, it was an absolute beautiful day. It was a long and tiring hike but well worth it. Took a bit of a shortcut, down the canyon wall, which was challenging. Bring loads of water, food and good walking shoes. They put up new information shields. On the trip via the Comanche grassland we saw, Roadside hawk, Red Tailed hawk, a Mule deer at the entrance of the canyon and Turkey vulture when we were climbing the canyon wall and on the way back a scared coyote. Again a trip never to forget.

The guided auto tour is a great way to experience the dinosaur track site along the Purgatoire River near the southeastern town of La Junta. The Forest Service Ranger that guides to tour provides lots of information on the track site and its history. Other stops on the tour include native american pictographs, the Dolores Mission and cemetery and the historic Rourke Ranch-house. The eight-hour tour is very interesting and informative. Tour participants meet at 8 AM at the Comanche National Grassland office on US Highway 50 in La Junta at 1420 E Third Street (phone is 710-384-2181 or you can register on-line). Cost is $15 for adults and $7.50 for kids and it was a really enjoyable and educational experience for the kids on the tour we took. You need a high clearance vehicle for some rough spots, but overall the roads are good. The auto tour is only available in May and June or September and October.

I just completed the hike to the dinosaur tracks on June 2. It was a great experience. I camped in the Withers Canyon campground with the plan of taking off a first light to avoid the heat. There are only four campsites and no water so pack plenty. This area has extreme heat in the summer so plan this hike for spring or fall. Make sure you have a minimum of two liters of water per person. The hike starts downhill the follows an old jeep road to the mission and dinosaur tracks. Watch out for snakes during the hike. Rattlers usually warn you of their presence but that's not a guarantee.The creek at the track site is high in the spring so plan on taking off your hiking boots to cross or walk back in wet socks/boots (not recommended). Take a camera and enjoy the history. Have plenty of water and be in decent shape.Mark this one off the bucket list.

There have been migrating people living in this location since 5,500 BC... WOW! Take water when hiking and watch out for snakes. Trail markers are not always easily located.

My spouse and I hiked/walked to the dinosaur track site (not the private jeep tour) and it was a perfect hike for a warm winter day. It took us about 7 hours total with lunch break and stops to look at the petroglyphs along the way. I personally wouldn't recommend hiking the trail with young children that aren't experienced hikers, as it was a very long 11 miles for us (in decent shape). I was particularly concerned with being able to drive our car to the trailhead parking since it was advised to not take the 3 mile trail from the main dirt road unless you had a 4WD vehicle, but we managed just fine (just be careful not to get high centered in a couple spots). I definitely wouldn't take a car up the trail if the roads were wet or muddy. We didn't see anyone else on the trail or at the tracks until we were leaving the site after lunch. It was neat to experience the tracks by ourselves and to literally "discover" the petroglyphs (or at least the ones we found) as they are not marked by signs, but we spotted them as we were walking along the trail and trying to be on the lookout. One tip-wear wool socks and good hiking/tennis shoes and bring an extra pair of socks in case they get wet crossing the river. I had major blisters on the hike back from wearing wet cotton socks. Also bring LOTS of water. Even though it was only 75 degrees as a high the day we went, we each went through a full camelback bladder and two extra pints of water.

Fascinating land, a part of Colorado that remains well hidden. We took the 8-hour Forest Service tour--starting at 8 a.m. in La Junta and caravaning to the canyon. There were four other cars, plus a lead car with our guide and a car at the end with two volunteers. The Forest Service will give you recommendations on how to prepare, so pay attention. Make sure you have a spare tire. One car did have a flat. Take a lot of water. And make your lunch compact, as you walk across the river with it. We went when the river was a tad high, but walking across was no problem. And it helped to cool us off in the 100 degree heat. I wish the Forest Service would cut the ranch at the end out of the tour--it was not that big of a deal, plus it was way too hot by then. I also would have paid a bit more to have had some printed materials for additional information and to help remember some of what the guide said. It is hard to say what my favorite part was--probably the dinosaur tracks. But I loved the overall environment and the drive itself, with all the amazing rock formations. The time flew. Our four-wheel drive handled the trip well, as did we--we're both in our late 60s.

We were fortunate to have a private tour of the Picketwire Canyonlands with a group from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science in August and it was nearly 100 degrees. The dinosaur track area is amazing as it is the largest track area in the world. You can hike or bicycle in on a 11+ mile round trip on your own, or take a tour with a Forest Service staffer. Taking a tour is a great way to go. The staffer is full of information and very knowledgeable. You must have a reservation and a high clearance 4 wheel drive. The tours are given on Saturdays in the spring and fall.

There are 2 ways to see this ancient trackway. Unless you are in good physical condition and can tolerate the heat; it's well worth the money to take the guided tour. Along the way you will find the ruins of an old church & cemetery from the time of the Spanish exploration and settlement of the area; as well as pictographs etched into the sand-stone by Native Americans. You can go it alone - but it's a long hike. Depending on the time of year, heat can be a major factor. It's doable if you are able bodied - either way you make the trek, this is well worth your effort.

Picketwire, or Purgatoire, is home to the largest site of dinosaur tracks in America. My girlfriend and I camped at the campsite the night before, and then hiked in early the next morning. The canyon is beautiful; we enjoyed the sights as we walked the 5.3 miles to the site of the tracks. The tracks themselves were amazing! Mostly Allosaurus and Apatosaurus. The walk back was quite hot, since at that point it was 1030am. Wear light clothes and bring plenty of water. The effort is worth it, though - trust me!

I want to come back here with better camera equipment than I had with Me. How did this place come to be? You start looking around and suddenly there's just not enough time in the day to see it all! I'll be back here for sure on my next trip!

Take the guided,ranger led, four wheel drive tour. We didn't have a four wheel drive vehicle so we rented one in town. Hertz is located out of the KOA. The rangers are very knowledgeable and professional. We were one of ten vehicles. First you'll caravan out to the petroglyphs. The drive out is fascinating by itself. Watch for deer and wild turkey. The next stop is a stunningly beautiful arch. Great photo op. Then, the main attraction, the dinosaur tracks. Kevin, our guide really knows his stuff. What an interesting site. The longest set of tracks in the world. This is where scientists discovered these huge beasts traveled in herds. Then there are the three toed tracks of the carnivores They didn't travel in herds. The Forest Service just did some more excavation so we were among the first people to see the new tracks. You can see tracks from three species of dinosaurs. So cool! After lunch, we went to the ruins of the mission and Kevin translated the headstones from Spanish to English. The final stop is the historic Roark ranch. You must have a 4WD vehicle and you must make reservations. The cost is only $15 for adults and kids are half off. You meet at the headquarters at 8a.m and get back somewhere around 4pm. As of 2013 the tours are given in spring and fall. Summer is just too hot for some visitors. Take two quarts of water per person, pack a lunch, bring sunblock, sunglasses, a hat and bug repellent. Also take a first aid kit and enough medication to last 24 hours, just in case. Oh, and bring a spare tire and lug wrench that fits. We didn't have any flats, but it happens now and then, This is a rocky winding road that's steep in places. Don't forget your camera! Wear hiking boots, but bring an old pair of tennis shoes or water shoes to walk across the river. This, their second year of drought, the river is so low we didn't have to change shoes. On the up side, we got to see tracks that are usually covered by the river. You'll have a great time!.

We signed up for a 4-wheel drive, Ranger led tour of Picketwire Canyon- a terrific experience from petroglyphs, dinosaur tracks, historic mission and homestead in the canyon. While you can hike in, this ranger led group is well done and fun.