The Lesser Eastern Loop

This loop leaves La Junta from the Otero County Courthouse north parking lot. Go east on 3rd to Adams, then north on CO 109 to CO 266. Turn west on CO 266 and continue on till you come to CO 24.5. Turn south there and follow into Swink. East on US 50 back to La Junta, ending at the starting point.

Distance: 24 miles

If you want to take the Greater Eastern Loop, do not turn on CR 24.5, but continue on CO 266 into Rocky Ford, then return to La Junta on US 50.

Distance: 34.5 miles.

Both loops give visitors a good idea of the nature of the farming and ranching environment in the northern part of the county. There is good birding from the roads; I saw several red-tailed hawks on this trip.

With no wind or light winds, these loops are not particularly demanding physically, though there is a gradual hill climb coming north out of La Junta on CO 109 that can be rough on younger riders or poorly conditioned adult riders. The wind can make this a very demanding ride, so pay attention to weather forecasts for predicted wind speeds and directions.

Bike: Fisher XCaliber

Date: 18 March 2006

Temp: 30-35 deg
Wind: SE, 0-10 mph

La Junta in the distance, looking south from Road EE and CO 109 Road EE is a minimally-maintained gravel track, and is not suitable for road bikes.

On CR EE, looking to the north, from just north of CBR.

Town of Cheraw, from about 5 miles south.

Unfortunately, I had no horse snacks.

CO 266, looking east. This is typical of the lack of traffic. Note also that the road is in good condition, and though the shoulder is quite narrow, this is not a problem because of the very light traffic.

Small cemetery off CO 266, just east of the intersection with CO 109. Unfortunately I neglected to obtain a GPS fix, but the cemetery is right next to the road and can't be missed. The cemetery is fairly well-tended. Keep in mind that this area is high plains shortgrass prairie, so the lack of vegetation and greenery is normal, especially at this time of the year (almost the last day of winter). Most of the stones are from the early 1900's.

CR 24.5, looking south toward Swink. This gives a good impression of the lack of traffic and the kinds of open spaces commonly seen in Otero County rides, even though this is in the northern, more populated part of the county.

Looking west down the Arkansas River from the bridge on CR 24.5 just north of Swink.

This bucolic shot is just north of Swink, on the south side of the Arkansas River, immediately east of CR 24.5

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