Great Weekend Getaways - The lure of the Plains

Vogel Canyon

By Shelly Steig

Millions of years ago, southeast Colorado's Vogel Canyon was carved into history when the forces of nature gouged a huge chasm through the Dakota Sandstone. It is a record that continued nearly a millennium ago when Native Americans carved and painted abstract shapes into the canyon's vertical rock face and shallow overhangs. Then finally, more than 100 years ago, stagecoaches carved deep ruts in the dirt. All these traces of the past can still be seen today.

Approximately 15 miles south of La Junta, Vogel Canyon is a record of creations, carved by both nature and man—a beautiful area, more wondrous because of its juxtaposition with the prairie. Located within the Comanche National Grasslands, the canyon is a haven for deer, jackrabbits, salamanders and many species of birds. It features four self-guided hikes varying in length and difficulty.

The first, Overlook Trail, is an easy one-mile hike that leads to a canyon overlook.

Mesa Trail is a two and a quarter-mile moderate trek through juniper woodlands and short grass prairies. It passes the ruined homestead of the Westbrook family, who settled in this region during the Depression, and vestiges of an old stagecoach station. The station served the Las Animas to Trinidad route, which was formed by the Barlow & Sanderson stagecoach empire as a spur off the Santa Fe Trail—the West's oldest commercial road.

The Canyon Trail is an easy one and three quarter-mile walk visiting the Overlook, the Westbrook ruins, rock art sites and one of the two permanent springs that feed the canyon and sustain its wildlife. Although it is difficult to determine what many of the ancient etchings represent, a large animal figure is prominent in the northern overhang.

The moderate 3-mile Prairie Trail passes through juniper woods and prairie grasses, and parallels the fading ruts formed by the stagecoaches.

The park offers covered picnic tables and rustic camping. Bring plenty of water, as neither of the springs in the canyon are safe for drinking.

Information: www.exploresoutheastcolorado.com, or contact the National Forest Service's La Junta branch, 719-553-1400.

Please note: This article is from our archives and some facts may have changed. Please contact your nearest AAA office and ask to speak to a travel counselor to update you on the latest travel information.

Shelly Steig is a Parker-based freelance writer who has written three books and more than 150 articles.