Colorado Main Campgrounds and Walking Areas

The Western Trail is a beautiful way to see the spectacular Colorado scenery. The trail follows the Sky Road, a historic train line that connecting Denver with the west coast. The road is still used today for passenger trains.

The Western Trail is a beautiful route through some of the most beautiful wildflower meadows in the entire west. The route passes through several scenic areas such as Big Thompson Canyon, Rocky Mountain National Park, and the Continental Divide. The beautiful Cripple Creek Watershed on the way into Elko Park, and the historic Roaring Fork Trail make this route an unforgettable experience. The Skywalk at Pikes Peak adds to the beauty of the trip.

The beautiful Skywalk at Pikes Peak adds to the beauty of the trip. The three countries’ national parks provide a glimpse into the history and culture of the western trail. The Chisholm Trail, also on the west side of Colorado, connects the Continental Divide to the north with the Roaring Fork River. The Chisholm Trail makes an easy hiking path from the parking lot on the west side. It climbs gradually and includes sweeping curves in the direction of the river. A beautiful overlook of Pikes Peak, the highest peak in Colorado, is found just below the trail’s left turn.

The Skywalk at Pikes Peak gives a panoramic view of the Continental Divide. This route, also used by train passengers, connects the two states with a quick turnaround. A spectacular view of the Rocky Mountains can be viewed from this point. From the parking lot, Old Town Square has been built with beautiful stone walkways, benches, gardens, and a fountain. Nearby is a gift shop selling local art, antiques, clothing, and western gifts.

Leaving the Skywalk, the Western Trail continues along State Road 511 heading due west. The route also includes portions of Old Town Square Historic District. The route then becomes increasingly rugged as it goes further west. Several miles of this route, called the Crossroads of the West, are designated as an emergency back-up route due to flooding and a possible earthquake.

Traveling from the parking lot to the first marker, the Western Trail covers several miles. It passes through scenic meadows and thickets of wildflowers, open meadows with creeks running through them, and flat, grassy areas with cattle wandering in every direction. The route then makes a difficult climb into the Rocky Mountain National Park. A spectacular view of the continental divide can be seen from the tops of large cliffs hundreds of miles away.