Western Trail Guide For Driving west in Your Car
The Western Trail is a historic trail, which follows its entire length along the banks of the Little Colorado River. It starts in Fort Collins in Colorado and runs east until it reaches the Mexican border. It is a beautiful route for hiking and offers some of the best wildlife viewing you will ever have. It provides access to more than 80 miles of Colorado’s Western Slope. It meanders through a spectacular mountain landscape, providing amazing views of the Rocky Mountains and the Continental Divide.
The Western Trail is a paved trail which starts out in Fort Collins and covers approximately one hundred miles. The name Western Trail comes from the old Indian phrase, “The white man’s dust.” This phrase refers to the dust, the whites would carry with them every trip they traveled through to help clean their boots. The trail meanders along the west rim of the Grand Canyon.
The Great Western Trail is used for travel across the desert for livestock, moving horses and cattle to markets in northern and eastern states. It is also called the Grand Canyon Trail, Fort Collins Trail, Dodge City Trail or the Northern Trail. Today, it is one of the most popular biking trails in the country. The trail meanders through an area of high cliffs, spectacular scenery and beautiful wildflowers. There are several miles of sandy beaches and a few very challenging climbs and descents.
Another view of the western trail near present-day Dodge City, Colorado is the confluence of two rivers, Cherry Creek and Cedar Creek. North of present-day Dodge City, you can cross the confluence of these two rivers on your way to the famous Poudre Canyon. Back when the Poudre Canyon was a massive canyon, it was home to an enormous buffalo population. Now, the land slopes towards the south and the water flows into the South Platte River drainage.
On the way to the Grand Canyon, you will pass through several national and state parks. You will cross the first U.S. border in Colorado when you enter Texas. The first park you should visit is Fort Bowie, which is on the Texas Mexican border. Nearby are several other Texas zoos and parks, all of them near or within driving distance of Dallas. In addition to the vast areas of Texas longhorns and wildflowers found within the state, you will find wildlife watching and hiking opportunities.
Some of the greatest sights can be found within a one-hour drive of Dallas. Fort Bowie and Lackawah (also known as Wilsonville) have old fort structures, cowboy attractions and historic landmarks. Within driving distance, you can find the world’s third largest rodeo arena, a world-class rodeo arena where you can cheer on the rodeo stars from a variety of vantage points. The Western Trail is sure to provide an enjoyable outdoor adventure as you travel westward across the state of Texas in your car.