South Platte River Trail Scenic and Historic Byway

The South Platte River Trail Scenic and Historic Byway is located in Sedgwick County in northeastern Colorado, just south of the border with Nebraska. It follows the historic trails used during westward expansion. Its 19-mile (31 km) route, which includes County Road 28 (CR 28) and U.S. Highway 138 (US 138), connects Ovid and Julesburg and encircles the South Platte River. It was designated a Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway in 1991.[1]

Anton Schonborn, Fort Sedgwick, 1870

There is a trailhead for the byway at the Colorado Welcome Center at Julesburg. Informative placards are found throughout the route to provide additional insight into the area's storied history. Area historic sites, three of which are on the route, include the 19th century Fort Sedgwick, the state's only Pony Express home station, Telegraph Line, and Transcontinental railroad.[1] Other historic sites include the Italian Caves, Devil's Dive, Upper California Crossing, a former Prisoner-of-war camp in Ovid, and the Julesburg Drag Racing Strip.[1] Along the route, informative placards provide information about Fort Sedgwick, the Pony Express, and the Transcontinental Railroad.[2]