Picket Wire Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite

Richard Rathe, November 2019 (Critters, History)

On my trip west this year I made sure I had time to visit this unique area. The Dinosaur Tracks are located within and along side the Purgatoire River within the COmanche National Grassland. It is located 35 miles south of La Junta, CO off the lightly maintained County Road 25 (upper left in the map above). The last few miles are on a primitive forest service road that ends at the Withers Canyon Trailhead and Campground (four sites with fire grates and a pit toilet).

The first portion of the 5.2 mile trail goes down a steep “stairway” to the canyon floor. I had to walk my bike most of the way but it’s not far. After that it flattens out into an easy path through grassland and cottonwood trees along the Purgatoire River.

About half-way I came upon the Dolores Mission from the 1870s to 1890s.

The small cemetery includes several well preserved headstones (mostly of children).

After another easy 1.5 mile cycle I was at the tracksite proper. There is a parking area for off-road vehicles and a pit toilet. There are several interpretive signs.

Someone obviously had a sense of humor… 😉

The tracks are on both banks and in the river bed itself. The water was low so I was able to access most of the site. Dirt, sand, mud, and debris covered portions.

To give a sense of how complex the site is I’ve borrowed part of this illustration from an excellent write-up I found online. [A Dash with the Dinosaurs Field Trip Guidebook (October 2000) compiled by Matthew Morgan for the Colorado Geologcial Survey]

I was alone for the entire day but I did encounter a few critters along the way…

My cycle back was idyllic! Speeding along with the warm sun at my back and a cool breeze on my face.

Did I mention the “stairway” back up to the trailhead?

I hadn’t expected there to be designated campsites at the trailhead, so I decided to camp instead of driving back to civilization in the dark. It was a nice, quiet and beautiful night!