Vilas ColoradoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Vilas, Colorado.
1. Picture Canyon
STUNNING NATURAL ROCK FORMATION
Picture Canyon offers visitors breathtaking views of ancient rock formations and petroglyphs carved by indigenous peoples. The canyon features scenic hiking trails that wind through unique geological features and diverse plant life. Visitors can enjoy bird watching and photography opportunities in this natural wonder that showcases Colorado's rugged beauty.
2. Black Mesa Summit Trail
PANORAMIC HIKING ADVENTURE
Black Mesa Summit Trail provides hikers with a challenging yet rewarding journey to one of the area's highest points. The trail offers panoramic views of the surrounding grasslands and distant mountain ranges that stretch across multiple states. Visitors frequently report sightings of local wildlife including pronghorn antelope and various raptor species along the path.
3. Comanche National Grassland
VAST PRAIRIE WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Comanche National Grassland encompasses over 440,000 acres of pristine shortgrass prairie near Vilas. The grassland preserves native ecosystems and provides habitat for numerous wildlife species including pronghorn, deer, and hundreds of bird species. Visitors can explore hiking trails, view dinosaur tracks at Picketwire Canyon, or stargaze under some of Colorado's darkest skies.
4. County Lollipops
SWEET LOCAL CONFECTIONERY
County Lollipops is Vilas' premier confectionery shop offering handcrafted candies and treats to locals and visitors alike. The shop specializes in both retail and wholesale confections made with traditional recipes and quality ingredients. Visitors can watch candy-making demonstrations while sampling some of the unique sweet creations that have made this shop a local institution.
5. Santa Fe Trail
HISTORIC TRADE ROUTE
The Santa Fe Trail passes near Vilas, offering history enthusiasts a glimpse into one of America's most important 19th-century trade routes. This historic pathway connected Missouri with Santa Fe, New Mexico, and played a crucial role in the westward expansion of the United States. Visitors can explore preserved wagon ruts and interpretive sites that tell the story of merchants, settlers, and soldiers who traversed this challenging terrain.
6. Eight Mile Corner
LOCAL HISTORICAL LANDMARK
Eight Mile Corner marks an important historical junction point in Baca County's development. The site commemorates early settlement patterns and transportation routes that shaped the region's growth. Visitors interested in local history find this landmark provides context for understanding Vilas' place in Colorado's agricultural heritage.
7. Cimarron National Grassland
DIVERSE ECOLOGICAL PRESERVE
Cimarron National Grassland offers over 108,000 acres of protected prairie ecosystem near Vilas. The grassland features diverse habitats including riparian areas along the Cimarron River where visitors can fish, hike, and observe wildlife. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the area for its birding opportunities, with over 300 species documented throughout the different seasons.
8. Two Buttes Reservoir
SCENIC FISHING DESTINATION
Two Buttes Reservoir provides a refreshing oasis for fishing and water recreation in the southeastern Colorado plains. The reservoir is stocked with multiple fish species including bass, catfish, and crappie, making it popular with anglers throughout the year. Surrounding bluffs and sandstone formations create a dramatic backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts enjoying this unexpected water feature in semi-arid terrain.
9. Springfield Trailside Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
Springfield Trailside Museum showcases the rich history of Baca County through carefully curated exhibits of artifacts, photographs, and documents. The museum highlights pioneer life, agricultural development, and the devastating impact of the Dust Bowl on local communities. Visitors gain insight into the resilience of southeastern Colorado residents who persevered through challenging times to build thriving communities like Vilas.
10. Carrizo Canyon Picnic Area
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Carrizo Canyon Picnic Area offers a tranquil setting for outdoor meals amid dramatic rock formations and native vegetation. The area features accessible tables, grills, and interpretive signage explaining the geological and ecological significance of the canyon. Visitors often combine a picnic stop with hiking nearby trails that showcase fossils and prehistoric rock art.
11. Baca County Fairgrounds
COMMUNITY CELEBRATION CENTER
Baca County Fairgrounds hosts the annual county fair and rodeo events that draw visitors from throughout southeastern Colorado. The venue showcases agricultural achievements, livestock competitions, and traditional rodeo sports that celebrate the region's ranching heritage. Year-round events include horse shows, craft markets, and community gatherings that provide entertainment for locals and tourists alike.
12. Walsh Golf Club
RELAXING PRAIRIE GOLFING
Walsh Golf Club offers an accessible 9-hole course designed for golfers of all skill levels amid the rolling prairie landscape. The club features well-maintained greens, a clubhouse with basic amenities, and affordable rates that make it popular with locals. Visitors appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and open vistas that create a uniquely peaceful golfing experience.
13. Baca County Dinosaur Tracks
ANCIENT PREHISTORIC FOOTPRINTS
Baca County Dinosaur Tracks preserve remarkable fossilized evidence of prehistoric creatures that once roamed southeastern Colorado. The trackway site contains footprints from multiple dinosaur species dating back approximately 150 million years to the Jurassic period. Guided tours provide fascinating insights into paleontology and the ancient ecosystems that existed in this region long before human settlement.
14. Main Street Cafe
HOMESTYLE REGIONAL CUISINE
Main Street Cafe serves as a community gathering place offering hearty, homestyle meals with an emphasis on local ingredients. The menu features regional specialties including green chile dishes, farm-fresh breakfast options, and homemade pies that draw diners from surrounding communities. The cafe's historic building with original architectural details provides a charming atmosphere that complements its comforting food offerings.
15. Prairie Junction Market
LOCAL ARTISAN GOODS
Prairie Junction Market showcases handcrafted items, artwork, and specialty foods created by regional artisans and producers. The market's ever-changing inventory includes everything from handmade quilts and pottery to locally produced honey and jams. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs that authentically represent southeastern Colorado's cultural heritage and creative spirit.