SOUTHEAST COLORADO
The meandering Purgatory (Picketwire) River flows through red rock canyons, a visual surprise in Southeast Colorado. Dinosaur tracks, adobe homesteads and pristine rock art are glimpses into the past. Mountain plover, swift fox, pronghorn and lesser prairie chickens are noteworthy prairie species in this section of the state.
Mountain plovers are a species of concern on the shortgrass prairie, but populations nest successfully in Southeast Colorado. (SEColorado7255)
View from the dramatic mesa headlands overlooking the Purgatoire River. It is an excellent example of the range of biodiversity in Southeastern Colorado. (SEColorado6991)
Southeast Colorado is subject to severe drought, however, deep winter snows plus heavy spring rains made 2007 an extraordinary year for wildflowers. Pinon Canyon Expansion Area. Indian paintbrush and gunnison's mariposa lily. (SEColorado7091)
Swift fox are a species of concern in Colorado. These residents of the prairie are half the size of the more common red fox. (SEColorado2635)
Pronghorn roam the grasslands of Southeastern Colorado, foraging on grasses, shrubs and cactus. (SEColorado7536)
Dinosaur tracks in Picketwire Canyonlands, southeast Colorado. (071004-2542)
Canyon areas throughout southeast Colorado abound with rock art and artifacts, reflecting Native American occupation. (SEColorado2595)
This seven generation ranching family represents Southeast Colorado's rich historic legacy spanning more than 100 years. (SEColorado6922)
View in Southeast Colorado. (SEColorado6540)
These grasslands with Spanish Peaks in the distance are the richest component of Southeast Colorado. Grassland habitat provides the economic base sustaining the region. (070612-0061)
Long-billed curlews are among the species of concern on the prairie. Southeast Colorado may have the greatest density in the state. (SEColorado0411)
Canyon habitat is typically full of surprises. Deep springs and rain runoff create pockets of water where salamanders and frogs live. (SEColorado7235)
Dinosaur tracks in Picketwire Canyonlands, Southeast, Colorado. (071004-2502)
Dinosaur tracks in Picketwire Canyonlands, Southeast, Colorado. (071004-2532)
Dinosaur tracks in Picketwire Canyonlands, Southeast Colorado. (071004-2567)
Ancient drawings etched on rock wall. (071004-2596-pano)
Homesteading began in the late 1800's, but many families were forced to abandon their land at the onset of the dust bowl era. Pinon Canyon near the Purgatoire River in Southeast Colorado. (SEColorado7041)
Texas horned lizard - Southeast Colorado is located at the boundaries of four major ecosystems, resulting in unusual diversity of reptiles and snakes. (SEColorado6836)
Dinosaur tracks in Picketwire Canyonlands, Southeast, Colorado. (071004-2491)
View from the dramatic mesa headlands overlooking the Purgatoire River. It is an excellent example of the range of biodiversity in Southeastern Colorado. (070529-6993)
Virtually unknown due to limited access, the canyon country in Southeast Colorado exhibits dramatic geology and rich riparian habitat. (SEColorado1088)
1500 dinosaur tracks in Southeast Colorado are visible in our aerial. The U.S. Forest Service administers this site in Picket Wire Canyon. (070520-1106)
Dinosaur tracks in Picketwire Canyonlands, Southeast Colorado. (071004-2570)
Dinosaur Tracks in Picketwire Canyonlands, Southeast, Colorado
Hoodoo rocks are just one of the remarkable examples of geology in the Southeast Colorado region. (SEColorado3191)
View of River Canyon ranch. (SEColorado0323)
Pinon canyon expansion area. (SEColorado0058)
Bovine grazing on prairie. (SEColorado7307)
Pinon canyon expansion area. (SEColorado0034)
Dinosaur tracks in Picketwire Canyonlands, Southeast, Colorado. (071004-2490)