East Santa Fe Street - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

There are plenty of things to do at Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway. The area is home to several National Parks, including the Great Sand Dunes National Park and the Rocky Mountain National Park. There are also plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore, as well as several lakes and rivers. In addition, the area is home to a number of historical sites, including the John C. Fremont House and the Kit Carson Home and Museum. Whether you're looking for a place to hike, bike, or just explore, Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway is a great place to visit.

The Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway runs through Prowers County in southeastern Colorado. The byway follows the route of the historic Santa Fe Trail, which was used by settlers and traders in the 19th century. Today, the byway is a popular scenic route for travelers who want to experience the beautiful landscapes of Colorado. The byway begins in Lamar, Colorado, and winds its way through the countryside for nearly 100 miles. Along the way, visitors can see a variety of historical sites, including Fort Bent and Boggsville. The byway also passes through the town of Trinidad, which was once an important stop on the Santa Fe Trail. Trinidad is now a National Historic Landmark District, and its Victorian-era architecture is a popular attraction for visitors. The Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway provides a wonderful opportunity to experience the history and beauty of Colorado.

The best time to visit the Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway is from May to October. This is when the weather is warmest and the days are longest, making it ideal for exploring the Byway's many hiking and biking trails. In addition, this is the peak season for birdwatching, as migrating species flock to the area in search of food and shelter. 

1. Stop at the John Martin Reservoir State Park Visitor Center to learn about the area's history and ecology.
2. Drive slowly and carefully - the byway is winding and has some steep sections. Take advantage of the many pull-offs along the route to take in the views.

3. Visit Boggsville, an abandoned town that was once an important stop on the Santa Fe Trail.

4. Stop at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site to learn about life on the trail in the 1800s.

5. Visit Aiken Springs, a natural spring that was once an important water source for travelers on the Santa Fe Trail.

6. Drive west to Granada, an old trading post town that was once an important stop on the Santa Fe Trail. Today, Granada is home to a museum and several small shops.

7. Another must-see stop on the byway is Fort Garland Museum, a former military fort that dates back to the 1850s. The museum offers guided tours and special events throughout the year.

8. From San Luis, head west to Cuchara, a charming mountain village with great views of the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Cuchara is also home to several ski resorts and hiking trails.

9. The final stop on the byway is Trinidad, a historic coal mining town with a thriving arts community. Trinidad is also home to several museums and art galleries.

1. The Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway is a 130-mile stretch of road in southeastern Colorado.
2. The byway winds through the scenic Arkansas Valley, home to towering sandstone cliffs, lush meadows, and crystal-clear streams.
3. Along the way, visitors can explore historical sites like Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site and the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site.
4.  In Lamar, visitors can learn about the town's history at the Lamar Heritage and Railroad Museum. In Holly, they can stroll down Main Street, lined with quaint shops and restaurants.
5. The byway is designated as an National Scenic Byway and a National Historic Byway.
6. In 2018, the byway was named one of the "10 Best Scenic Drives in America" by USA Today. 10  In 2019, National Geographic named the Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway one of "20 Must-See Places in America."

The entire byway can be explored in a single day, but allow additional time if you want to stop and enjoy all the sites along the way.

To reach the Byway from Lamar, take Highway 287 south for about 15 miles. From La Junta, take Highway 109 north for about 20 miles. The Byway is well signposted and there are plenty of places to pull over and enjoy the views. 

While there is no entrance fee to explore the byway, visitors can purchase a pass that gives them access to all of the byway's scenic pull-offs and historic sites.

The Byway is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, certain sections of the Byway may be closed due to weather or other conditions.