Vogel Canyon is a beautiful sandstone canyon spattered with pinon
pine and shortgrass prairie. It was carved out by a tributary of
the Purgatoire River and has three permanent springs located at the
bottom of the canyon. This area offers some of the best hiking near
La Junta with four short trails of easy to moderate difficulty. The
sandstone walls of the canyon feature Native American rock art
dating from the 1200s to the 1700s.

A variety of wildlife inhabits this area including deer, antelope,
cottontail rabbit, whip tail lizards, coyote and various birds. The
best time to view wildlife is early in the morning or just before
sunset.

The cache is located deep in Vogel Canyon near one of
the springs. It is an ammo box containing a lot of great goodies. Remember, trade up trade even or don't trade at all. Let's keep these caches great for the next visitors please.
NOTE: the last 50ft of the trek to the
cache involves a little rock scrambling so please be careful with
your footing.
WARNING: the hint will be a
spoiler.

• LOCATION

From La Junta, drive south on Highway 109 for 13 miles. The turnoff
to the canyon is well marked on Highway 109. Turn right (west) on
County Road 802 for 1.5 miles. Turn left (south) on Forest Service
Road 505A (to Vogel Canyon) for 1.5 miles to the Vogel Canyon
parking lot.

• FEES

None

• FACILITIES

3 covered picnic tables with grills (charcoal fires allowed in
grills only)

1 vault toilet

4 hiking trails

Camping is allowed in the parking area only. However, no
electricity, water or garbage containers are available.

Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trails.

• ACCESSIBILITY

The Overlook is accessible to people with disabilities.

Be aware that temperatures can change quick, fast, and in a hurry
in this area. It is common for temps to reach over 100 degrees
during the summer months, so bring plenty of drinking water as none
is available on site. Also tred carefully and watch where you step,
prairie rattlers are commonly seen throughout this part of
Colorado. There are a few different trails that start out near the
parking area, the trailhead leading down to the southeast from the
middle picnic table is most convenient and well marked. You will
hike through pinon trees and beautiful rock formations as you
venture deeper into the canyon.

Take time to stop and read the informative markers near remnants of
old homesteads, then continue following the trail down where you
will eventually be surrounded by the large canyon walls of Vogel
canyon. Spring and fall are especially beautiful due to the
changing colors of the prairie and cactus. Proper footwear is
HIGHLY recommended, i.e. hiking boots or supportive sneakers will
do the trick. Also, during the warmer months bugspray will be your
best friend. This canyon is a beautiful diamond in the rough in
Southeastern Colorado. Please place the cache exactly as you found
it. Enjoy the peaceful hike and happy caching.