Colorado's Canyons & Plains: The Ultimate Adventure

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 days
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Experience the outdoor adventures found in the Canyons & Plains of Colorado while learning about the heritage of the region.

Sustainability Activity
5 Steps to Care for Coloradans

Here are some ways to be conscientious and caring on your adventures, while ensuring you make the most out of every second of your vacation. Learn More

Insider's Tip
Local Knowledge

Only the Lamar locals know that the Wash Spott Car Wash has an excellent old-timey soda fountain ice-cream shop tucked inside. Worth a visit whether you're getting a car wash or not!

Day
1
Activity
Hike the Reilly & Levsa Canyons Trails in Trinidad State Park

The Levsa Canyon Trail is a moderate one-mile walk with views of mountains, lakes and wooded coves. The Reilly Canyon Trail is for the hiking enthusiast — it branches off from the Levsa, continuing four miles farther toward the Reilly Canyon and historic town of Cokedale.

trinidad smokehouse photo
Lunch
Trinidad Smokehouse
Signature barbecue favorites with delish sides Southwest tacos and fried pickles We also offer great steaks and limited sea food selection. With…
Activity
Trinidad History Museum
Explore Trinidad's past and place in the American West. Complex includes 1870s adobe Baca House, 1882 Victorian-style Bloom Mansion, Santa Fe…
Dinner
Las Animas Grill
Bringing Trinidad a freshly made menu, craft beers and cocktails with excellent customer service!
Activity
Trinidad Lake State Park
Close to Trinidad, with fishing, hiking, biking and boating. Enjoy 73 campsites, electricity, showers, laundry and group shelters. The ideal hub…
Lodging
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Trinidad
Take advantage of our pet-friendly hotel's many modern amenities, free hotel features, friendly service, and convenient location near the city's…
Day
2
Breakfast
The Cafe
Breakfast, lunch, coffee and drinks in a charming location on Trinidad's Main Street.
Activity
Bike or Hike Wormhole Loop Trail

These non-motorized multi-use trails are free and open to the public. You can hike up for views of the surrounding mountains and mesas.

Lunch
Sita's Kitchen
Sita's Kitchen — feeding body & soul. All vegan all the time, & as organic & local as possible.
Activity
Ride the Rails

Amtrak's Southwest Chief departs from La Junta on Saturdays and Sundays in the summer for day trips to Las Vegas. Volunteers narrate the excursions as you learn the stories of people, plants and animals of the area.

Dinner
Mexico City Cafe
Mexico City Cafe originated over 15 years ago. It was started by Mona Munoz Chaparro. It has grown steadily from it's inception. We now offer an…
Activity
Koshare Indian Museum
The Koshare Indian Museum is one of Colorado's great repositories of Southwest art and Native American artifacts. Antiquities, pottery and textiles…
Lodging
Holiday Inn Express La Junta
Our Holiday Inn Express hotel is located on US Highway 50, just minutes from downtown and close to area attractions.
Day
3
Breakfast
LA Cafe
Your home-town restaurant bringing our community together with good home-town cooking.
Activity
Follow Dinosaur Footprints at Picketwire Canyonlands

Located in the Comanche National Grassland, just south of La Junta, these primitive canyons are home to the largest dinosaur tracksite in North America. The round-trip hike to the dino tracks is 11.2 miles, so plan to head out early and take plenty of water (about a gallon per person).

Lunch
Copper Kitchen
Biscuits and gravy, huevos rancheros and other breakfast and lunch delights. Friendly waitstaff and locally owned.
Activity
Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site features a reconstructed 1840s adobe fur trading post on the mountain branch of the Santa Fe Trail where…
Dinner
Lucy's Tacos
Dishing up fresh tortillas and even fresher ingredients from downtown La Junta.
Activity
John Martin Reservoir State Park
A sportsman's paradise, the park offers fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, bike riding and boating. Features 109 electrical campsites and 104 non…
Lodging
Days Inn - Lamar
You will find that the west is the best at Days Inn Lamar hotel off Highways 50 and 287 near John Martin Reservoir State Park. Get a deep sleep on…
Day
4
Breakfast
LA Cafe
Your home-town restaurant bringing our community together with good home-town cooking.
Activity
Boggsville Historic Site
Come visit this restored mid-19th-century settlement.
Lunch
Bjs Super Burger
Great burgers, amazing shakes, friendly service. Ask for the pureed jalapeño on your burger for zesty flavor in every bite!
Activity
Go Birding

In the spring and fall, the Two Buttes Trail is the perfect place to spot migrant birds.

Activity
Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site
See where 675 U.S. volunteers led by Colonel John Chivington launched an attack on a peaceful village of Cheyenne and Arapaho who were camped…
Lodging
Cobblestone Inn & Suites
Welcome to the Cobblestone Inn & Suites in Holyoke, Colorado. Our beautiful hotel is conveniently located near everything that Holyoke, Colorado…
Insider's Tip
More Time

If you have a little extra time by the end of day four, the Willow Creek Nature Trail is a short hiking path with some great birding in the town of Lamar.