With its wide open spaces, unique landscape, and rich pioneer history, Baca County offers visitors an authentic glimpse into the American West.
In This Article
TL;DR
- Baca County's main appeals include scenic byways showcasing colorful sandstone canyons, high mountain vistas, historic small towns, dinosaur fossil sites, and outdoor recreation.
- The culture celebrates the Santa Fe Trail, as well as artistic traditions like quilting and chuckwagon cuisine.
- Numerous hiking trails wind through pinon-juniper forests, sandstone formations, wetland habitats, and alpine tundra.
- Historical attractions include dinosaur tracks, abandoned homesteads, ancient Puebloan ruins, and museums chronicling the railroad and Dust Bowl eras.
- Festivals, rodeos, guest ranches, and stargazing excursions make Baca County an ideal family destination.
A Land of Extremes
Baca County encompasses some of Colorado’s most diverse and extreme landscapes, from the arid shortgrass prairie to high mountain peaks. The Carrizo and Apishapa Rivers have carved colorful sandstone formations resembling Desert Southwest topography. By contrast, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains bordering the county reach altitudes over 14,000 feet. This intersection of high plains, desert, wetlands, and alpine environments creates a rich diversity of plant and animal life. Deer, antelope, coyotes, and various bird species are common sights.
Tracing the Santa Fe Trail
Baca retains much of its frontier charm as one of Colorado’s least populated counties. The Santa Fe Trail National Scenic Byway follows wagon ruts left by pioneers traversing the historic trade route. Museums and historic markers document the county’s ranching roots and railroad history. Towns like Pritchett, Springfield, and Walsh preserve their Main Street ambiance with restored architecture and local galleries. Annual festivals celebrate the region’s Hispanic, Native American, and cowboy cultures.
Dinosaurs, Ancient Ruins, and Ghost Towns
Evidence of both ancient and prehistoric inhabitants can be found across Baca County. Dinosaur tracks record the movements of creatures like Apatosaurus and Allosaurus. Excavated fossils reside in museums and universities worldwide. The Picture Canyon Archaeological District contains petroglyphs and ruins left by ancestral Puebloan peoples. More recent ghost towns like Thatcher and Chico offer glimpses into the county’s homesteading past. This well-preserved history provides a window into eras spanning millions of years.
Hiking and Outdoor Recreation
With over 300,000 acres of public lands, Baca County is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Numerous scenic byways traverse the landscape, including the Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway, the Gold Belt Tour, and the Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway. Hiking trails range from easy wetland walks to strenuous mountain summit treks. Camping, hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, biking, and off-roading opportunities also abound. In winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing adventures await. Those preferring cultural activities can explore historic sites and towns at a relaxed pace. With so much to experience, Baca County promises something for every interest and ability level.
Cuisine from the Land and Range
The remote location and ranching heritage of Baca County shape its distinctive cuisine. Family-owned restaurants in towns like Pritchett and Walsh serve home-style comfort fare alongside Mexican specialties. Locally-raised beef and lamb feature prominently on menus, as do crops from regional farms. Chuckwagon cookouts allow visitors to sample traditional open-fire fare like biscuits, beans, coffee, and Dutch oven desserts. The county also boasts several guest ranches offering an immersive culinary and lifestyle experience. From campfire breakfasts to cowboy cookouts, Baca County’s food culture celebrates the flavors of the American West.
Four Distinct Seasons
Baca County’s diverse topography creates four distinct seasons, each with its own activities and attractions. Spring welcomes migrating sandhill cranes to wetland preserves, baby animals on ranches, and wildflowers carpeting the prairie. Summer brings rodeos, county fairs, outdoor concerts, hiking among high peaks, and stargazing under dark night skies far away from city lights.
Vibrant cottonwoods and aspens usher in the fall, providing a colorful backdrop for harvest festivals, fossil digs, and scenic drives to view the elk rutting season. Even winter has its own appeal, with snow-dusted landscapes perfect for sleigh rides, ski tours, eagle watching, and cozying up by the fireplace in a historic hotel. With so much variety, Baca County entices people to visit for year-round exploration.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Baca County offers many family-friendly attractions, from hands-on museums to dude ranch vacations. At Koshare Indian Museum and Shrine Circus, kids can learn Native American dances and crafts. Dinosaur and petroglyph-themed parks let imaginations run wild exploring natural history.
Parks offer hiking trails, fishing, playgrounds, and shaded picnic areas. Seasonal festivals feature carnival rides, pioneer reenactments, chili cook-offs, and more. For multi-generational travelers, guest ranches provide a number of all-inclusive itineraries blending outdoor adventures with cowboy culture. With kid-approved activities indoors and out, Baca County makes an ideal family getaway.
Lodging and Camping
As a rural county, Baca offers peaceful solitude unmatched by crowded resort destinations. Guest ranches like the 4UR Ranch and A Painted View Ranch provide all-inclusive itineraries blending gourmet dining with horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and more. For independent travelers, towns have historic hotels, motels, and bed and breakfast inns. Numerous campgrounds and RV parks also dot the landscape, some on reservoirs popular for boating and fishing. With plentiful lodging options in inspiring natural settings, Baca County promises restorative escapes from urban life.
Travel Tips and Resources
Although accessible via highways 50, 385, or 160, Baca County remains off the beaten path for most tourists. Advance planning using guides like the Baca County Tourism website helps maximize your experience. Consider visiting during annual events like Wool Days, the Sand and Sage Round-Up, or the Santa Fe Trail Days to fully immerse in local culture. Allow ample time to follow scenic byways like Highway 12 through Picture Canyon or the Gold Belt Tour. Booking ranches, museums, and guided tours well in advance prevents missing out on popular attractions. With insider knowledge and flexible timeframes, Baca County offers memorable journeys of discovery for individual travelers and families.
FAQ
What is the best way to experience Baca County’s ranching heritage?
Ranches like 4UR Ranch and A Painted View Ranch offer all-inclusive dude ranch vacations with horseback riding, chuckwagon dinners, and cowboy entertainment. The Baca County Fair and Cattlewomen’s Day feature livestock exhibitions, educational programs, rodeos, and equestrian shows.
Where can I see dinosaur tracks and fossils?
Stop by the Picture Canyon Archaeological District to view real dinosaur tracks or visit the Baca County Museum for fossils excavated from the Apishapa Formation.
What is there to do in Baca County besides outdoor recreation?
Explore historic small towns with antique shops and galleries. Visit pioneer and Native American museums showcasing local culture. Take in festivals, concerts, holiday parades, and other annual events.
What time of year has the best weather for visiting Baca County?
Spring and fall are best for avoiding extreme heat, cold, and winter storms. Wildflowers bloom in spring while fall brings golden cottonwoods and mild temperatures. The region enjoys sun and clear skies for much of the year.
What should I pack for an outdoor adventure in Baca County?
Dress in layers and bring sun protection, proper footwear, and plenty of water. Consider packing binoculars for wildlife viewing, hiking poles for uneven trails, and camping gear if lodging outside developed areas. Always check forecasts and prepare accordingly.
