Our byway is well equipped for passenger vehicles and bicyclists, offering
flat or slightly rolling terrain. Highways 160 and 350 from Trinidad to
La Junta have two undivided lanes. From La Junta east to the Kansas border
on State Highway 50, the highway varies between two and four lanes. These
road segments have light traffic volume, 12-foot lane widths, and good sight
lines, but the road shoulders are fairly narrow with 2-foot widths. Designated
bicycle routes are not available but long distance bicyclists can be found
riding the route on any given day. The communities along the byway are small,
with populations less than 10,000 people and local traffic has minimal impact
on visiting pedestrians, bicyclists, or vehicle traffic. Bicyclists are
permitted on the I-25 since there are no alternative routes. Pedestrian
usage is concentrated in commercial areas where sidewalks are available.
The Mountain Branch of the Santa Fe Trail offers an ideal bicycling
environment. With wide-open spaces, blue skies and mild winters, bicycling
can be enjoyed year round. Our byway provides road riding, trail riding
and off-road riding.
Road riding provides paved roads with a consistent and faster surface. Road riding comes with auto traffic signs and laws, and provided you have wide shoulders, no highway ripples and low traffic. It is simple and enjoyable, not to mention very good for the spirit and the body!
Road riding suggestions:Interstate 25 between Pueblo and Trinidad provides a good long ride,
ample signage to alert drivers of bicyclists and plenty of wide shoulders.
U.S. Highway 350 between Trinidad and La Junta
Colorado State Highway 109 between La Junta and Cheraw
Colorado State Highway 10 between Walsenburg and La Junta
U.S. Highway 160 between Trinidad and Springfield
Colorado State Highway 96 between Eads and Sugar City
Trail riding suggestions:Trinidad, along the Purgatoire River
Lake Trinidad State Park
John Martin Reservoir State Park (near Las Animas)
Off-road riding is a rugged and unrestrained way to experience the varied terrains of the Byway. There are countless off-road opportunities throughout the byway for you to explore.
Off-road suggestions:
Picketwire Canyon, off-road bicycling is a great way to view the Spanish
Mission cemetery, ruins and dinosaur tracks, since motorized vehicles are
not allowed in the canyon. Contact the Forest Service for guidelines before
attempting to ride here. Country roads are a great way to begin. Usually
maintained they offer the peace of mind that you are not trespassing on
private land. Local bike shops along the byway can give you good recommendations.
Don't be shy to ask other bicyclists where they have tried off-road bicycling.
Many improvements to trails have been implemented recently. For example, a hiking/biking trail at John Martin Reservoir was constructed in 1997 and is the first leg of a proposed trail connecting the reservoir to Boggsville. Other recent trail projects include a new trail head at Lake Hasty swim area, a disability accessible trail at Trinidad Lake State Park, and an acquisition of 220 acres in Long's Canyon in conjunction with a new trail and wildlife viewing area.
Hiking Areas Site Map |
La Junta Sites |
Lamar Sites |
Trinidad Sites |
Byway Museums |
Byway Events |
Byway Links |
