The Colorado Plains Town Of La Junta Is The Perfect Day Trip From Denver
Is it just us, or are Colorado’s plains often overlooked in place of the mountains? Sure, our mountains are downright spectacular but so are the Eastern Plains, as they are both colorful and full of surprising things to see and do. To experience the plains for yourself, we recommend escaping the city for a day or two and visiting a town like La Junta:
Located in southeast Colorado, La Junta is a small town that is home to 7,000 residents and some of the most surprising attractions in the state!
Incorporated in 1881, La Junta was established as a resting spot and trading post along the Santa Fe Trail and has since evolved into both the home of Otero Junior College and historic sites galore.
What kind of history will you find in La Junta? For starters, there is the first prominent white American settlement on the Santa Fe Trail between Missouri and Mexico (Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site), the largest track site for dinosaurs in the United States (Picketwire Canyon, pictured), and several impressive museums.
While you're visiting, be sure to stroll the downtown area, which houses the aforementioned 1st Street Emporium, plus other shopping and dining opportunities.
