Comanche National Grassland

Tucked away in southeastern Colorado, the Comanche National Grassland offers a rugged and captivating glimpse into the heart of the American West. I chose to start my adventure here, partially in hopes of seeing some of the migrating tarantulas. Spanning over 440,000 acres, this vast expanse of rolling prairie and rocky canyons is a treasure trove of natural beauty, history, and adventure. The grassland is famous for its prehistoric dinosaur tracks preserved in Picket Wire Canyonlands — the largest set of dinosaur tracks in North America — where visitors can literally walk alongside the footprints of giants from over 150 million years ago.

The dramatic red-rock cliffs and winding canyons also reveal centuries of human history, from ancient Native American petroglyphs to the remnants of 19th-century homesteads. Wildlife thrives here, with herds of pronghorn antelope, mule deer, and golden eagles soaring above the bluffs. Hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing are popular pastimes, with the open skies offering some of the clearest views of the Milky Way.