The Arkansas Valley of Colorado refers to the River Valley which runs from Turquoise Lake near Leadville clear to the Kansas line. It is generally divided by locals into the Upper Arkansas Valley (Salida to Leadville) and the Arkansas Valley (Avondale to Holly). Our focus is on the latter. Right in the center of this area is Bents Old Fort National Historic Site. This is a must if you have never been through the area. Rockyfordmelon.com is just down the road from the fort, 1 mile west.

A little further west is the Town of La Junta. La Junta is the home of The Koshare Indian Museum and the Kiva where they still perform the ancient dances. They also have the Picketwire Center for Performing and Visual Arts if you like the theatre.

East of La Junta near the town of Las Animas is the historic town of Boggsville and the last known residence of Kit Carson. Further east is John Martin Reservoir a popular stop for fishermen and water sports enthusiasts.

South of La Junta is the Comanche National Grasslands home of the Picketwire and Vogel Canyons if you want to see Dinosaur Tracks, do some bird watching or just take a hike.

West of La Junta is where it all began, Rocky Ford, central to some of the most fertile soils in the nation, Rocky Ford Silty Clay Loam. They have been growing Watermelon and Cantaloupe there since the late 1800's.

• Arkansas Valley Fair
• Bents Old Fort National Historic Site
• Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway
• Boggsville
• ColoradoPlains.com
• Comanche National Grasslands
• The Koshare Indian Museum
• LaJunta Chamber of Commerce
• LaJunta
• City of Rocky Ford

34349 Hwy 194 * La Junta, CO 81050
rockyfordmelon@hotmail.com