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Old Spanish Trail: Colorado Western Slope Itinerary

Old Spanish National Historic Trail

A map of Colorado near Montrose. The map depicts a road traveling from east to west, and then north to Grand Junction. There is a linear feature indicating the presence of the Old Spanish trail along this route.
Highway 50 follows the path of the Old Spanish Trail. Click on the map image to take a closer look!

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Explore the Old Spanish Trail on the Western Slope

Planning a trip to the western slope? As you drive on Highway 50 between Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Grand Junction, Colorado, you will be traveling near the Old Spanish Trail. The modern roadway was constructed over or near the national historic trail, giving you a unique opportunity to take a view back in time!

Do you want to learn more? Would you like to hike on the Old Spanish Trail? Check out these trail sites:

(Please contact site managers before visiting for current information on hours, conditions, etc.)

Showing results 1-9 of 9

  • Old Spanish National Historic Trail

    Cerro Summit

    • Locations: Old Spanish National Historic Trail
    A grassy meadow opens up to an expansive view of distant mountains under a pink, sunset sky.

    The Cerro Summit Recreation Area is a 110-acre property owned and managed by the City of Montrose, CO. It is managed as open space and is open year-round. The Old Spanish National Historic Trail passes directly through the trail system, on the south side of Highway 50.

  • Old Spanish National Historic Trail

    Curecanti National Recreation Area, the Old Spanish Trail

    • Locations: Old Spanish National Historic Trail
    A railroad crossing sign in front of the tracks, with a small red building behind.

    As you travel on Highway 50, past the Curecanti National Recreation Area, you will reach the Cimarron Visitor Center and Historic Cimarron. The Old Spanish Trail mirrors the Highway in this area and passes through the National Recreation Area near the visitor center. Stop at the Visitor Center for information and to visit the Morro Point Dam overlook. 

  • Old Spanish National Historic Trail

    Rabbits Ear Trailhead, McInnis Canyon National Conservation Area

    • Locations: Old Spanish National Historic Trail

    Rabbit Ears Trail gives the sense of how harsh an environment Old Spanish Trail travelers would have contended with, as the national historic trail passes through the vicinity. The McDonald Creek Trail accesses McDonald Creek. While the creek is south of the trail, historic travelers may have explored this area. Explore the campground to learn more about the history of Rabbit Valley.

  • Old Spanish National Historic Trail

    Montrose Public Lands Center

    • Locations: Old Spanish National Historic Trail
    A brown exhibit sign next to a sidewalk leading into a yellow, one-story buidling.

    The Visitor Center is a great place to get information about the area and how to explore the Old Spanish Trail. You will find helpful Bureau of Land Management and US Forest Service staff that will help you plan your trip, answer questions, acquire any needed permits, and shop at the educational and area oriented gift store.

  • Old Spanish National Historic Trail

    Kokopelli's Trailhead, McInnis Canyon National Conservation Area

    • Locations: Old Spanish National Historic Trail

    Located just below the Old Spanish National Historic Trail, the Hawkeye trail is a part of Kokopelli Loops within the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. The area is popular for mountain biking, but is a great opportunity to get out on a trail and take a step back in time!

  • Old Spanish National Historic Trail

    Colorado Welcome Center, Fruita

    • Locations: Old Spanish National Historic Trail
    A large brown building with a wooden sign in the front.

    The Colorado Welcome Center (Fruita) contains information on the Old Spanish Trail that went through Colorado and the areas the travelers rested in Colorado. Find information about trail sites and opportunities within the area.

  • Old Spanish National Historic Trail

    Museum of the West Old Spanish Trail North Branch

    • Locations: Old Spanish National Historic Trail
    Building at night, the outside The Museum of the West lit by one light from the top right side

    The Old Spanish Trail, North Branch has a full and rich history dating back to the Native American trade and migration routes and continues to be of use today. Visitors can explore the trail by hiking, mountain biking, or on horseback. Mountain men traveled the Old Spanish Trail for trading and guiding explorers eager to chart the unknown West. Guests can learn more about The Old Spanish Trail at The Museum of the West and get their Passports stamped. 

  • Old Spanish National Historic Trail

    Fort Uncompahgre Interpretive Center

    • Locations: Old Spanish National Historic Trail
    Two people in historic costumes stand outside an 18th century frontier fort.

    The Fort is a reconstruction of the original Fort Uncompahgre built by Antoine Robidoux in 1828. Experience the frontier on the old Spanish Trail. The Premier Delta County facility which promotes tourism, history and cultural education

  • Old Spanish National Historic Trail

    Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area

    • Locations: Old Spanish National Historic Trail
    Rolling hills lead to distant desert canyons. Logo sign in foreground.

    Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area (NCA) comprises 210,172 acres of protected public lands, and includes the 66,280-acre Dominguez Canyon Wilderness. Known for its breathtaking scenery, Dominguez-Escalante NCA is a fine example of the spectacular canyon country of the Uncompahgre Plateau. Red-rock canyons and sandstone bluffs hold geological and paleontological resources spanning 600 million years, as well as many cultural and historic sites.

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Last updated: November 13, 2023