Trail Description:
This trail parallels the Santa Fe National Historic Trail, which served as a primary trade route between Franklin, MO and Santa Fe, NM during the mid-1800�s. The companion trail closely follows the existing remnants of the Santa Fe Trail, and consists of a grassy trace across the prairie. Sagebrush and cacti have been removed to make the trail sufficiently evident to the hiker without noticeably altering the prairie vistas.
Hiking the
Companion Trail:
The eastern terminus of the Companion Trail is the Conestoga Trailhead located 3 miles east of the Wilburton Crossing on FS 600 (FS 600 parallels the Cimarron River to the north side), then 2 miles north Western terminus is the Murphy trailhead, about 7 miles west of highway 27 on FS 600. To reach the Murphy trailhead, take FS 600 west where it crosses highway 27. Follow for approximately 7 miles the trailhead is on the north side of FS 600. Easy to moderate. The terrain varies between primarily flat prairie land, occasional draws, and the relatively gradual incline up to and down from Point of Rocks. Motorized vehicles are not permitted on this trail. Use is limited to bicycle, foot, wheelchair, horse, draft and pack stock, and wagon travel. The trail is not paved, compacted or leveled, and is sandy in some places. Potable water is available at the Cimarron Recreation Area, and the Cottonwood and Middle Springs Picnic Grounds. Hikers are advised to carry their own water. Stock water is available at the trailheads and occasionally at windmills situated across the Grassland. The Santa Fe Trail also extends across the Comanche National Grassland and the Kiowa National Grassland. The Comanche National Grassland has several National Historic Trail Sites.
Specific Hiking and Trail Information for the Companion Trail
Camping and Backpacking Opportunities: Established camping is available at the Cimarron Recreation Area. Dispersed camping is permitted throughout the Grassland, with the exceptions of the Cimarron Recreation Area, Point of Rocks and the Cottonwood and Middle Springs Picnic Grounds.
Best Seasons: Year Round
Length of Trail: Over 10 miles
Estimated Difficulty (Forest Service Estimate): Easy
Travel Information
Trailhead Directions: Travel north of Elkhart on Highway 27, cross the Cimarron River bridge and take the first gravel road east (FS 600, a right turn if you are heading north). Continue 7 miles east to Wilburton Crossing, go another 3 miles east, then north 2 miles to the Conestoga Trailhead. A gravel parking lot accommodates passenger vehicles and vehicles with stock trailers. The following facilities are available: unloading, watering, and stock tying facilities, handicapped mounting/dismounting facilities, and restrooms. Identical facilities are available at the Murphy Trailhead, 19 miles southwest.
For more information on this hike
National Forest: Pike & San Isabel National Forest
Local Office: Pike & San Isabel National Forest
Address:
2840 Kachina Drive
Pueblo, CO, 81008
719-553-1400
719-553-1404
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