Last updated: October 20, 2023
Place
Museum of the West Old Spanish Trail North Branch
Photo / Museums of Western Colorado
Quick Facts
Location:
462 Ute Ave. Grand Junction CO, 81501 (39.0656, -108.5651)
Significance:
The Old Spanish Trail North Branch is a trail corridor that extends Northward from Sante Fe, NM through the San Luis Valley, westward over Cochetopa Pass to Grand Junction, CO and terminates where it reconnects to the main branch near the Utah/Colorado state line. The Museum of the West houses historical, archeological exhibits and artifacts related to the Old Spanish Trail, Western Colorado art, and history.
Designation:
Certified Site, American Alliance of Museums, Blue Star Museum, Museums For All
MANAGED BY:
Located at the renovated C.D. Smith Warehouse at 5th and Ute Avenue. The Museum of the West houses exhibits on Western Colorado with a regional perspective. Come explore the life and times of the people who formed and shaped the area we now call Grand Junction.
In the Native American Gallery, you will see items used for daily living and hunting. Learn how the Mountain men traveled the Old Spanish Trail to trade and guide explorers, eager to chart the unknown West. “Ride” in a reproduced Mud Wagon Stagecoach from the 1880’s.
Take the elevator up the Tower for a fascinating, 360° view of the Grand Valley and the Old Spanish Trail. Exhibits provide information about the history of the Trail and the surrounding area.
The Old Spanish Trail, North Branch has a full and rich history dating back to the Native American trade and migration routes and continues to be of use today. Visitors can explore the trail by hiking, mountain biking, or on horseback. Mountain men traveled the Old Spanish Trail for trading and guiding explorers eager to chart the unknown West. Guests can learn more about The Old Spanish Trail at The Museum of the West and get their Passports stamped.
Site Information
Location (The North Branch trailhead can be accessed by the Orchard Mesa staging area (39.03266, -108.5249) or the Whitewater staging area. (38.9917, -108.4727) Museum of the West is located in historic downtown Grand Junction at 462 Ute Ave. Grand Junction CO, 81501 (39.0656, -108.5651))
Available Facilities
At the Museum: Parking, Restrooms, Indoor space, Elevator Accessibility
At the trailheads: Parking, Staging area, Horsetrailer parking, Interpretive wayside exhibits, Wayside signage along trail, Hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, picnic area, birding,dog walking, Historical, archeological, and paleontological interest.