Backpacking
Picture Canyon
Experience the canyon on an overnight trip mileage and itinerary can be customized for the group, making this a great trip for first time backpackers and families. Canyon Journeys may be able to provide some equipment, but not all. We will work with you to make sure the group has the equipment that they need. All backpacking trips follow Leave No Trace techniques on the grasslands, and will not have campfires. We can also offer specialized instruction regarding hiking safety, navigation etc. on these hikes if a group desires. Ages 12-18 , adult required.
Distance: Can be customized 4-15 miles
Cost: $75/pp, Max 4 participants
Day Tours
Sunrise Equinox Tour of Crack Cave in Picture Canyon
Picture Canyon, while tucked away in SE Colorado, is well known for the Equinox solar alignment that occurs on Equinox morning at sunrise in Crack Cave. The sun’s rays fall precisely on ancient markings on the cave wall only two times a year for approx 12-15 minutes on Equinox mornings. This tour is a unique experience and the tour itself is limited to 15 people in order to ensure a quality experience. Once the solar alignment is over, the tour includes interpretive stops at two more sites on the way out of the canyon expanding the visitor’s understanding of the area and its early inhabitants.
Group Size: 1-15 – Reservation Required!
Cost: $30/pp
Time Required for the Tour: From Springfield 6 hours, From the canyon site 3-4 hours, From Everett Ranch 6 hours.
Picture Canyon – Comanche National Grasslands
Picture Canyon has been a crossroads for travelers since people came to
what is now know as southeast Colorado. With readily available water and
mild winters, it provided fertile grounds and protection. The canyon is
in southwest Baca County and borders Oklahoma. It houses petroglyphs,
a stunning equinox site and many clues for the debate over the pre-history,
of America and pre-Columbian European visitors. The canyon also has picnic
tables, good walking paths, good opportunities for birding and wildlife
viewing, camping, and restroom facilities.
Group Size: 1-15
Cost: $30/pp, $200/day 10+
Time required for tour: from Pritchett
5hrs, from canyon site 2-3hrs, Everett Ranch 5hrs
Carrizo Canyon- Comanche National Grasslands
Carrizo Canyon is a beautiful site that provides opportunity for viewing
petroglyphs, birding, hiking, and camping. The canyon is a good example
of early indian inhabitance with live water year round, and protection.
Restrooms are also available.
Group Size: 1-15
Cost: $30/pp, $200/day 10+
Time required for tour: from Pritchett 4hrs,
from canyon site or Everett Ranch 1.5hrs
Driving Tours
Holt Canyon Driving Tour
For those who would like to see the Picture Canyon area scenery, history
and heritage but aren’t able to walk or would like a driving tour this
option is for you. The North or Holt Canyon area is adjacent to Picture
Canyon and along with a scenic drive allows visitors to experience homesteads,
historic buildings, unique sandstone structures, and a historic cemetery
from the turn of the century.
Group Size: 1-10
Cost: $30/pp, $200/day 10+
Time required for the tour: from Pritchett
6hrs, from the Everett Ranch 6hrs.
Cottonwood Canyon Driving Tour
County Rd M winds down into and back out of Cottonwood canyon in Baca
County, SE Colorado. The drive is scenic ranging from flat prarie with
open range roads, to flat top mesas and canyon lands where deer, turkey
and desert big horn sheep like to graze in the field bottoms. Good for
birding and a snap shot of area history, the tour is mainly for wildlife
viewing and is best done in the evening or very early morning.
Group Size: 1-6
Cost: $30/pp
Time requiredfor tour: from Pritchett 2-2.5hrs, Everett Ranch 1hr
Santa Fe Trail – Cimarron Cut-Off
Guided to and around several Santa Fe Trail Sites in north eastern New
Mexico. Learn little known facts and see the actual ruts of the Santa Fe
Trail on private property. Can be customized to include museums, other
local rock formations, dinosaur tracks, and other local attractions or
simply kept to the Santa Fe Trail. Did you know there was up to 8 tracks
coming across north eastern New Mexico on the Cimarron Cut-off? Let us
show you all the things you might miss!
Group Size: 1-12
Cost: $50/pp or $200/day 10+
Time required for tour:This is an all-day tour.
You can make it a two way or one-way to Clayton, NM.
Travel Packages
Tour and Stay Package
Choice of day tour and lodging for one night in the Historic Estelene Guesthouse. Package price good for two people.
$150/couple, small group quotes available