Happy 135th Birthday Colorado!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Colorado! 135 years ago today Colorado became the 38th state to join the United States. Before become a state, we were part of the Texas Territory, a vast and untamed land that seemed to stretch forever.

Can you imagine the how the groups of settlers felt, crossing the prairie for what had to seem like an eternity, then coming up over the rise just past Sterling, Strasburg or Kiowa to catch a glimpse of the majestic Rocky Mountains? Then as they ventured West, they became more massive before them. Rumors had probably spread East about the amazing mountain range, but a story about it could never compare to seeing it!

If you would like to experience that same feel, load up the car and take what we call the Pioneer's Trips:

Northern Colorado:
Head East to Iliff, CO on either I-76 or across Hwy 14 to Hwy 138. While in Iliff, why not stop at the Iliff Tavern (Formerly Cecilia's Kitchen) for a bite, reasonably priced American Standards at the Iliff Trading Post shopping center. We have not been there yet, but would love to see your feedback if you get there before us. Finish your journey by heading west on Hwy 138 back to Hwy 14 or I-76 and watch as the magic unfolds, best just as the sun sets, really amazing! (while your up there, try to plan a detour to the Pawnee Grasslands, they are incredible during the latter parts of the day as the shadows are long and the sun is golden. Don't forget your camera!

Central Plains:
Head East on I-70 or Hwy 24 to Hwy 287 & Hwy 40 South toward Hugo, CO. Hugo was a water stop for the railroad back in the 1860s, Teddy Roosevelt stopped over on a visit West and stayed the night in Hugo. Now Hugo's main industry is wheat and agricultural. There are several places to eat in town and a Loaf N Jug (so you can use your fuel points from King Soopers). Then drive West over Hwy 24 to Colorado Springs, I-70 to Denver and watch as the Mountains seem to spring up over the horizon! Late afternoon or early evenings offer the most breathtaking effects.

Southeast:
This Journey is East to Las Animas and back, but a detour to John Martin Reservoir is a wonderful day trip and destination. From Trinidad take Hwy 350 Northeast to Hwy 50 East. From Pueblo take Hwy 50 East. Las Animas through the Arkansas Valley. John Martin is the largest of Colorado's Reservoirs and the Arkansas River travels over 1450 to join the Mississippi River just North of New Orleans. Although the terrain may appear flat along either highway, it is filled with winding canyons and live prairies. A beautiful road trip.

So as you enjoy these Pioneer Trips, try to imagine what the early settlers saw, enjoy the heritage and please let us know how your travels went, where you stopped, what you saw, etc.