• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Uncover Colorado Logo

  • Blog
  • Activities
  • Events
  • Towns
  • Lodging
  • Dining
  • Transportation
  • Brands
  • Search
  • Blog
  • Activities
  • Events
  • Towns
  • Lodging
  • Dining
  • Transportation
  • Brands
  • Search
South Platte River Trail National Scenic Byway Sign
About the South Platte River Trail Byway. Photo: colorado.com

South Platte River Trail Byway – Julesburg-Ovid

FacebookTwitter

Though known as the shortest byway in Colorado, the South Platte River Trail is big in history. It’s located near Nebraska’s border, and was used as a westward route by pioneering traders, fortune seekers and settlers of the 19th century. Covering the entire loop, it features a picturesque view of the South Platte River.

South Platte River Trail is only 19 miles long, and can be accomplished in just about 30 minutes. It’s really up to the traveler where he would want to start, but the trail usually begins and ends in the scantily populated Julesburg.

About 150 years ago, the town used to be the sole Pony Express station in the whole of Colorado. This is also where the 15-year old Buffalo Bill (William Cody) signed in as a rider. Going west of the trail is Fort Sedgwick, which served as an important installation used to protect travelers and telegraph lines from Indians and robbery threats.

Activities near South Platte River Trail

South Platte River Trail Byway
South Platte River Trail. Photo: rivertrailonline.org

Major points of interest along its path are the refurbished Hippodrome Arts Center, which was built in 1919. It features an art gallery, an event space and a movie house. The Fort Sedgwick Depot Museum features Indian artifacts, antique collections and other interesting memorabilia.

The byway is best navigated during spring, summer and fall, and offers enough recreation for its travelers. Sedgwick Bar and Julesburg State Wildlife areas provide good fishing and hunting grounds. South Platte River offers great tailwater fishing as well. Other delightful activities include bird watching, hiking and biking.

Read about the camping near Julesburg, CO and Lake McConaughy, NE.

Details

Address: Julesburg, CO

Passes through: Ovid, CO

Season: Year round

Length: 19 miles

Roads: 2WD

Map: South Platte River Trail Byway (png)

Website: codot.gov/…

Primary Sidebar

Join our Colorado travel community

Enter your email below and grab our free locals' guide and monthly what's up designed to help you live your Colorado life and uncover fun things to do. —and never miss out again.

Recent Posts

  • 18 Best Rock Climbing Gyms in Colorado
  • 15 Best Hiking Trails in Colorado
  • 4th of July Firework Shows in Colorado
  • 8 Best Breweries in Littleton
  • 12 of Colorado’s Most Beautiful Places

Footer

Get In Touch

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Resources
  • Disclaimer
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter

Disclosure: Uncover Colorado is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Things To Do

  • Travel Blog
  • Colorado Activities
  • Colorado Events
  • Colorado Towns
  • Colorado Hotels
  • Colorado Restaurants
  • Colorado Transportation
  • Made in Colorado

Visit Mile High Happy Hour for Denver neighborhoods' restaurant happy hours.

Spring Activities

  • Camping
  • Federal Lands
  • Ghost Towns
  • Hot Springs
  • Scenic Drives
  • Skiing and Snowboarding
  • State Parks
  • Waterfalls

Vacation like a VIP! Leisurely Lifestyle shares life and travel hacks, as well as cheap luxury travel.

Copyright © 2022 · Uncover Colorado | Sitemap | Advertise