Last updated: March 11, 2024
Place
Timpas Unit, Comanche National Grassland
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Location:
16 miles from La Junta, Colorado
Significance:
Timpas Creek was the first source of water for Santa Fe National Historic Trail travelers after leaving the Arkansas River heading southwest. Between 1869 and 1871 the Metcalf Ranch, previously located at this site, served as a stage coach station.
Designation:
National Grassland
MANAGED BY:
Amenities
2 listed
Picnic Table, Trailhead
Timpas Creek was the first source of water for Santa Fe National Historic Trail travelers after leaving the Arkansas River heading southwest. Between 1869 and 1871 the Metcalf Ranch, previously located at this site, served as a stage coach station.
Site Information
Location (16 miles from La Junta, Colorado)
A 1/2-mile loop nature trail will take you to Timpas Creek and back. Stone markers indicate where the Santa Fe National Historic Trail passes through the area. Hikers and horseback riders can follow a 3-mile section of the Santa Fe National Historic Trail to Sierra Vista Overlook. Start your hike at the nature trail and walk northwest to the stone trail post or, if you are on horseback, start your ride at the stock tank, following the fence northwest to the gate. From there turn northwest and go through the gate following the stone trail posts to Sierra Vista.