Sand Creek Massacre National Historic

Things To Do Near Sand Creek Massacre National Historic

Join a park ranger-led tour to learn more about the events surrounding the Sand Creek Massacre. The Visitors Area is a great place to reflect while being surrounded by nature. Stop at the Repatriation Area to pay tribute to those who died that brutal day. There are great hiking trails to explore in this area as well. 

Hiking Trails

• Monument Trail

  The Monument Trail starts near the ranger's station at Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site and ends in the monument area. This trail is lined with interpretative panels to help you better understand the events of that fateful 48 hours. Much of this trail runs along a creek bed. 

  Location

  Ranger station, Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site, 55411 County Rd West, Eads, Colorado 81036

  Length

  0.5 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Ridge Trail

  The Ridge Trail starts at the ranger's station and follows the Monument Trail to the Repatriation Area. Then, it runs along the top of the ridge for another mile. This allows you to see the entire area, including where the calvary mounted its attack. 

  Location

  Rangers Station, Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site, 55411 County Rd West, Eads, Colorado 81036

  Length

  1.5 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Bent's Old Fort Hiking Trail

  Hike under cottonwood trees along the Arkansas River on this trail at Bent's Old Fort. Interpretative panels along the path tell you more about this ecosystem. It is a fantastic place to go bird-watching. 

  Location

  Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site, 35110 Colorado 194, La Junta, Colorado 81050

  Length

  1.5 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• John Martain Reservoir State Park

  Enjoy a day of water fun at John Martain Reservoir, where you can go boating, swimming, and kayaking. This park is a fantastic place to go bird-watching as well. There are even several geocaches that you can search for during your visit. 

  Location

  30703 County Road 24, Hasty, Colorado 81044

• Amache

  At Amache, you can learn about how people with Japanese ancestors were put in this incarceration camp during World War II. See how they lived and what they experienced. Learn about how the school was established for children. 

  Location

  County Road 23 5/10, Granada, Colorado 81041

• Queen's State Wildlife Area

  The Queen's State Wildlife Area is a fantastic place to go fishing at Nee Gonda Reservoir. It also offers seasonal hunting for quail, deer, pheasant, rabbit, and waterfowl. 

  Location

  Nee Gonda Reservoir, US-287 South Eads, Colorado 81036

Museums

• Boggsville

  See some of the oldest territorial farms in Colorado by stopping at Boggsville. The farms have been restored with period tools and equipment. There is also an early pioneer cemetery to explore. 

  Location

  SH 101, Las Animas, Colorado 81054

• Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site

  Visit the reconstructed fort at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site. The original fort was constructed in 1833, and it served as the only major white American permanent settlement on the Santa Fe Trail between Missouri and the Mexican settlements. The fort was destroyed in 1849, but it has been reconstructed. 

  Location

  35110 Colorado 194, La Junta, Colorado 81050

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Forty Mile Feed Store

  Get propane and firewood at Forty Mile Feed Store. Your pets will love food and treats from this shop. Be sure to leave time to browse their collection of novelty items.

  Location

  10240 Colorado 86, Kiowa, Colorado 80117

• Be True Western

  Find cute western clothes at Be True Western. You can also find fabulous jewelry to dress up your current western wardrobe. 

  Location

  102 US-287, Kit Carson, Colorado 80825

• Trading Post Restaurant

  Start your day with one of their great skillet scrambles. At lunchtime, you may want to try their country-fried steak or a delicious hamburger. This restaurant opens early in the morning, so you can get your day off to a great start. 

  Location

  602 US 287, Kit Carson, Colorado 80825

• Big Dawg BBQ

  Find terrific Texas-style barbecue at Big Dawg BBQ. They also do steaks and have amazing sides. All food is served from a food trailer. 

  Location

  Kit Carson RV Park, 201 US 287, Kit Carson, Colorado 80825

How To Get To Sand Creek Massacre National Historic

It is easy to get to Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site from Pueblo and other locations along Interstate 25 South. If necessary, use Exit 97A so that you are going north on the interstate. Take Exit 100 A and get on US 50 East. Turn left on Colorado 96 East. While this road does some turning, stay on it until you get to County Road 49 and turn left. Make another left onto County Road 50. Finally, turn right on County Road W. 

Address

55411 County Rd W, Eads, Colorado 81036

Fee: Entry fee $0

While Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site is in a remote location, you will not want to miss joining the park rangers for the twice-daily tour of the site where the United States government massacred over 150 Native Americans. Then, head nearby to see the largest fort on the Santa Fe Trail and the site where Japanese residents were held during World War II. There are fantastic places to go hiking, and bird-watching can be outstanding for those who enjoy wildlife. Throw a line in the water to catch a big fish or go on a kayaking adventure nearby. There are great restaurants and places to shop. There is lots more to do in this remote area, so be sure to bring your RV. If you do not have one, rent one on RVshare.com. You can find options that you pick up and others that can be delivered to your choice of campgrounds. Each unit is covered by 24/7 roadside assistance.