For Santa Fe National Historic 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. A view very similar to that seen by early travelers. Hikers and horseback riders can follow a 3-mile section of the Santa Fe National HistoricTrail to Timpas Picnic Area. No bathrooms or water are available at this site.
Directions
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.
GPS Coordinates
Latitude 37° 51′ 41.5020″ N
Longitude 103° 43′ 48.3593″ W