Hiking The Western Trail Of Colorado

The Western Trail was originally used for the carriage of horses and cattle to markets in northern and eastern states during the late nineteenth century. Today it is recognized as the American West Trail or the Grand Canyon Trail. It was one of the greatest transits of the United States. It was one of the first transits along the Colorado Trail, which led to the Oregon Trail and finally to the Pacific Coast. It took more than one hundred days from beginning to end to reach their ultimate destination.

It followed the old west highway number 101 through the Grand Canyon. It was a great historic trip seeing the “Junction of the Colorado and the Western Trail.” There were plenty of beautiful spots along the way including ponderosa pines, tumble dry junipers, and cacti along the way. Some sections of the route were mountainous with great views such as the Continental Divide and ponderosa fir forests.

The “Great Western Trail” was officially named the National Scenic Trail by President Theodore Roosevelt in recognition of the hundreds of millions of wildlife and vegetation that thrive in the area. The main trail follows the west rim of the Grand Canyon, the Colorado River, the Roaring Fork canyon, and the Green River. Other smaller trails include the Snake River Camping Trail and the Cadillac Trail. The Green River connects to the Green and Snake rivers. Cadillac is on the southern most Colorado portion of the Western Trail. There are opportunities for camping, hiking, river rafting, bicycling, horseback riding, wildlife watching, and much more.

For those wishing to view the panoramic mountains of Texas and New Mexico, the west rim of the Grand Canyon will prove to be a wonderful location for hiking. The trail also affords spectacular views of the surrounding wilderness such as Canyons, cliffs, mesas, and the Continental Divide. Hikers can take in all the scenic beauty, the west hills and mountains have to offer. A portion of the western trail leads hikers to historic Fort Collins, CO. Within a few miles of this historic landmark, one can stop to see the beautiful Charles Mountains and their abundance of wildflowers.

The “Cattle trail” leads hikers through a beautiful area of pine forests, oak groves, and small towns. One section of the route passes through cattle farms and ranches that are managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Calforn cattle are a major part of the Texas economy, and are a major source for the state’s beef production. For those who enjoy the taste of southern cuisine, stopping at Fort Collins’ McAllister Hotel and Gardens is an excellent way to end the western route of the American western trail. Other attractions located in close proximity to the town of Fort Collins are the Science Center, Old Town Square, and the Historic Downtown Building.

As the trail continues into Yampa, another ancient Indian town, tourists can visit Taos’ Hotel Zocalo. Built in the Spanish colonial style, the hotel offers modern amenities and comfortable rooms. While staying at the hotel, take time to explore the Zocalo and view its stone walls, which depict scenes from the Old West. Another point of interest on this route of the Western Trail includes the Historic Oak Creek Fireplace, which serves as a wonderful place to sit and enjoy the quiet of the evening. Located in the center of the trail, the fireplace is surrounded by a large circle of stones containing the names of all the American pioneers who settled the region.