of the Santa Fe Trail |
of the Santa Fe Trail |
Several significant archaeological sites are found within and in proximity
to the Santa Fe Trail corridor. These sites contain pictographs, petroglyphs,
dinosaur tracks, fossils, Native American teepee rings, fire circles, and
other evidence of both prehistoric and settlement-era human activity. The
numerous rock art sites document continuous habitation of the region for
approximately 5,000 years. Significant archaeological sites exist at Picket
Wire Canyonlands, Picture Canyon, Comanche National Grassland, and Pinon
Canyon. The Louden-Henritze Archaeology Museum (Trinidad) features exhibits
on the area's geology, fossils and archaeology. Experience guided tours
where you'll discover dinosaur tracks and Indian rock art in Las Animas
County. Go Petroglyph hunting along the wondrous Picture Canyon of Baca
County. Bicycling is an excellent way to explore the Comanche National Grasslands.
Contact the USDA Forest Service in LaJunta at for information
on access to the dinosaur tracksites.
Southeastern Colorado is abundant with sites that have both Petroglyphs
and Pictographs. Petroglyphs are images that are carved into the rock and
Pictographs are painted onto the rock. These historic treasures tell of
the past.
Archaeological Sites
Several rock art sites bearing Pictographs and Petroglyphs.
Numerous archaeological sites on Comanche National Grassland. A 1997
archaeological survey documented more than 70 sites in the Timpas Creek
area alone.
Vogel Canyon, a State Archaeological District.
Native American tipi rings and fire circles.
The Louden-Henritze Archaeology Museum (Trinidad)
Picket Wire Canyonlands
Picture Canyon
Pinon Canyon
Dinosaur Track SitesAlthough it may be hard to imagine, the National Grasslands area was once the site of an ancient sea. Today fossils of prehistoric creatures of this sea have been found in the Comanche National Grassland. The grasslands are also home to the Dinosaur Tracks, the longest set of tracks in North America, located in the Picket Wire Canyonlands. These tracks are part of the Late Jurassic Morrison Formation.
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La Junta Sites |
Lamar Sites |
Trinidad Sites |
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