Early season camp and hike to dinosaur tracks. This is southeast Colorado and the temp should have a high around 78 and a low of 48. There is a vaulted toilet at camp/trailhead, no water. Last time I was there cell service was spotty.
You must bring your camping gear, food, water, etc. For Friday night through Sunday morning. Their is only 4 first come first serv camping sites (FREE) at the trailhead. The spots go fast, it would be helpful if anyone would like to head down Thursday as I am and camp the extra night to hold a second spot. Parking is limited within camp/trailhead. Car pooling is suggested but not mandatory.
If you choose to hike Saturday, It will be hot during the day. You must be well prepared for the hike with plenty of water and food. You also must be able hike the 10.5 mile round trip.
Please bring a bundle of wood for the campfire. As there is no firewood to buy or collect at camp.
Friday:
We will be camping within the Comanche National Grassland at the Withers trailhead, bring your spirits and smores for an evening of socializing around the campfire and planning for the hike on Saturday.
Saturday: 6:30 AM
Hike the Withers trail to the Dinosaur tracks, it's 10.5 miles round trip. We will stop at the Spanish Mission Cemetery and then on to the Dinosaur Tracks for lunch. The trail does continue to the Rourke Ranch if you choose to hike there. To get to the main section of dinosaur tracks we will need to cross a shallow portion of the creek. Bring some water slippers.
Saturday evening:
Socializing around the campfire.
Here's a pic of some of the tracks.
http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/6/2/c/highres_419730252.jpeg
Here's the Saturday hike.
http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/d/2/c/600_432323852.jpeg
Directions:
http://goo.gl/maps/rqBtD
From La Junta, Colorado drive south on Highway 109 for 13 miles; turn right (west) on County Road 802 (David Canyon Road) and continue for 8 miles. Turn left (south) on County Road 25 and travel for 6 miles. Turn left at Picket Wire Corrals onto Forest Service Road 500A. Travel along Forest Service Road 500A for 3 miles, following the signs to the Withers Canyon Trailhead. Park in Withers Canyon Trailhead parking loop.
I will be driving my red dodge pickup with a 19" camper trailer.
Backup camping location:
Vogel Canyon
Directions:
From La Junta, CO
- Head north toward W 3rd St 341 ft
- Turn right onto W 3rd St 0.6 mi
- Turn right onto CO-109 S/Adams Ave Continue to follow CO-109 S 13.6 mi
- Turn right onto David Canyon Rd 1.4 mi
- Turn left 1.7 mi
Unknown road
Google link to backup location (http://goo.gl/maps/It25p)
More info:
Withers Canyon Trailhead (http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/psicc/recarea/?recid=12444)
Explore Southeast Colorado (http://www.exploresoutheastcolorado.com/picketwire.htm)
USDA Forest Service Auto Tour (http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/psicc/about-forest/districts/?cid=fsm9_032707)
Picket Wire Canyon ON Comanche National Grassland (http://www.santafetrailscenicandhistoricbyway.org/pwdino.html)
Last minute supply's in La Junta:
La Junta Safeway (http://goo.gl/maps/tCp9X)
La Junta Walmart Supercenter (http://goo.gl/maps/TQgqK)
Dogs are welcome, NO pit bulls or pit bull mix please.
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This being a early season trip it could be cancellation or postponed do to heavy rain or hail storms in the weather forecast.
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--------------------- DISCLAIMER -----------------------
By signing up for this hike & camp you acknowledge that you are solely responsible for you and your family's own safety and will do the necessary research to understand the conditions of this hike & camp and the gear you will require.