Picket Wire Canyonlands
La Junta, CO
Picket Wire Canyonlands
For the first-time visitor to the plains region of eastern Colorado, the relatively deep and expansive canyon system carved by the Purgatoire River might come as quite a shock. Some 350 feet deep and rimmed by substantial cliff faces of sandstone, these canyons offer truly wonderful hiking opportunities where access is permitted. One such place is the Picket Wire Canyonlands area, located south of La Junta. Recently transferred to the Comanche National Grassland from the U.S. Army, this area offers not only some surprising canyon scenery but also a treasure chest of paleontological, prehistoric, and historic delights. The name Picket Wire originated with the way in which French trappers pronounced the Spanish-inspired name, Purgatoire. Locals have held on to the misnomer ever since.
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Directions to: Picket Wire Canyonlands
print directionsTrail Statistics & Information
| Activity | Hiking |
|---|---|
| Nearby City | La Junta |
| Length | 17.4 mi |
| Elevation Gain | 0 ft |
| Skill Level | Moderate |
| Duration | 12 hours |
| Season | Year-round |
| Trailhead Elevation | 4,660 ft |
| Top Elevation | 4,660 ft |
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