Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways - 2024/2025

The South Platte River Trail stewards a fascinating history along a mere 19 miles. At the heart of this byway, as the name implies, is the South Platte River. As one of the few reliable sources of year-round water, the river was a natural guide for settlers who were venturing west along the Overland Trail. Julesburg is a settlement that was built, razed, rebuilt and abandoned three separate times within roughly the same geographic location over three decades. Interpretive signage indicates not only where the town’s original sites were located, but also where Colorado’s only Pony Express station was situated. A monument to the hard-galloping mail carriers can be found along the route, just southeast of Ovid on County Road 28. Another historical site of significance is Fort Sedgwick, commemorated with interpretive signage at its original locale. Built in 1864, it was arguably the most important military installment along the Overland Trail. The byway ends where it begins, in Julesburg.

Distance: 19 miles • Allow 1 hour
Total elevation gain: 3,477–3,521 feet