South Platte River Trail Scenic and Historic Byway

The South Platte River Trail Scenic and Historic Byway is a 19-mile (31 km) Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway located in Sedgwick County, Colorado, USA. The byway follows the historic trails used during westward expansion. The route, which includes County Road 28 (CR 28) and U.S. Highway 138 (US 138), connects Ovid and Julesburg and encircles the South Platte River. It was designated a Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway in 1991.[3]

South Platte River Trail
Scenic and Historic Byway
Route information
Maintained by CDOT
Length19 mi[1][2] (31 km)
Existed1991–present
Major junctions
East end US 138 / US 385 Julesburg
West end US 138 Ovid
Location
CountryUnited States
StateColorado
CountiesSedgwick County
Highway system
  • Colorado State Highway System

Route

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Anton Schonborn, Fort Sedgwick, 1870

There is a trailhead for the byway at the Colorado Welcome Center at Julesburg. Informative placards are found throughout the route to provide additional insight into the area's storied history. Area historic sites, three of which are on the route, include the 19th century Fort Sedgwick, the state's only Pony Express home station, Telegraph Line, and Transcontinental railroad.[3] Other historic sites include the Italian Caves, Devil's Dive, Upper California Crossing, a former Prisoner-of-war camp in Ovid, and the Julesburg Drag Racing Strip.[3] Along the route, informative placards provide information about Fort Sedgwick, the Pony Express, and the Transcontinental Railroad.[4]

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See also

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Notes

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References

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  1. ^ "South Platte River Trail". Colorado Department of Transportation. 2021. Retrieved April 8, 2022.
  2. ^ "South Platte River Trail". America's Scenic Byways. Retrieved April 8, 2022.
  3. ^ a b c "South Platte River Trail Byway: Location and Description". Colorado Department of Transportation. April 2012. p. 13-14.
  4. ^ "South Platte River Trail". Colorado.com. December 4, 2017. Retrieved June 8, 2018.
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40°57′59″N 102°15′13″W / 40.9663°N 102.2536°W / 40.9663; -102.2536 (Julesburg Welcome Center, Colorado, USA)