Picket Wire Canyon
You can access Picket Wire Canyon through Withers Canyon Trailhead on the Comanche National Grasslands. Foot and bike access are allowed, and this wide canyon has permanent water. The hillsides here are dominated by pinyon-juniper, the valley bottoms by saltbush, and the riverside by sparse but large cottonwoods. From the parking lot, it is a mile to the river down a steep, rough, road. From there, it is a mile and a half south to the Las Animas County line, and five miles to the dinosaur tracks that many people come here to see. Ornithologically, Picket Wire Canyon is good for such SE specialties as Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Curve-billed Thrasher, Scaled Quail, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, and Cassin’s Kingbird, among many other possibilities. Mammals here include elk and deer. There is also mountain lion, bear and bobcat, although your chances of encountering any of these is very slim. Be aware summer experiences extreme heat in this area, so be prepared.
County: Otero
Attractions: Dinosaur tracks, Cane Ranch and Mission
Habitat: Pinyon/Juniper Forest, Sagebrush, Lowland Riparian, Stream
Directions: From La Junta, head south on CO 109 to GR 802 (David Canyon Road) and turn right (southwest). Follow this road to its T intersection with GR 25 and turn left (south). Follow this road six miles south to the entrance to Picket Wire Canyon.
Delorme: 100 B3
Roads of Colorado: 140 A2
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours:
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission: Free
Restrictions: Obey all rules and regulations
Parking: Gravel parking area
Lodging: Tent camping
Other Wildlife: herpetiles
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Limited
Elevation: 4315
Latitude: 37.659091
Longitude: -103.606353
Amenities
| Restrooms | Yes |
| Drinking Fountain | No |
| Gravel Trails | Yes |
| Paved Trails | No |
| Platform/Blind | No |
| Boardwalk | No |
| Concession | No |
| Visitor Center | No |
| Gift Shop | No |
| Primitive | Yes |
| Camping | Yes |
| Picnic | Yes |
| Hunting | No |
| Fishing | Yes |