Pritchett ColoradoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Pritchett, Colorado.
1. Picture Canyon
NATURAL WONDER WITH TRAILS
Picture Canyon is a scenic natural attraction in Pritchett with water flowing year-round and beautiful landscapes. The canyon features a two-mile hiking trail that encircles the area, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Although not particularly deep, Picture Canyon offers visitors a peaceful place to enjoy nature and observe the surrounding environment.
2. Comanche National Grassland
HISTORIC SHORT-GRASS PRAIRIE
Comanche National Grassland surrounds Pritchett and preserves some of the United States' last short-grass prairies. This historic landscape was crossed by pioneers forging their way west during the era of Manifest Destiny. Visitors can observe abundant wildlife, including pronghorn, North America's fastest land mammal.
3. Canyon Journeys
GUIDED TOURS AND LODGING
Canyon Journeys offers specialized tours of the Comanche National Grassland for visitors to Pritchett. This locally-run business provides unique lodging in their historical post office turned bunkhouse. Their services allow travelers to fully experience the natural beauty and historical significance of the area.
4. Pritchett Movie Theater
HISTORIC CINEMA BUILDING
The Pritchett Movie Theater stands as a reminder of the town's more prosperous past. This nice old theater is part of the town's historic business district with its eclectic architectural styles. Though likely no longer in operation, the building represents an important piece of local heritage and culture.
5. Stargazing at Pritchett
DARK SKY VIEWING
Pritchett offers exceptional stargazing opportunities thanks to its remote location and lack of light pollution. Visitors can enjoy bright starry skies uninhibited by city lights, making it an amateur astronomer's paradise. The dark skies of this small town provide a perfect backdrop for viewing celestial bodies and astronomical events.
6. Boggsville
HISTORIC SETTLEMENT SITE
Boggsville is a historic settlement site located near Pritchett that offers visitors a glimpse into Colorado's pioneer past. The site features restored buildings and educational displays about the early settlers in the region. Visitors can walk through history and learn about the challenges and triumphs of frontier life.
7. Black Mesa Summit Trail
SCENIC HIKING EXPERIENCE
Black Mesa Summit Trail is a highly-rated hiking destination not far from Pritchett across the state line. The trail leads to the highest point in Oklahoma and offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes. Hikers can experience diverse flora and fauna along the way to the summit.
8. Santa Fe Trail
HISTORIC TRAVEL ROUTE
The Santa Fe Trail is a historic travel route that passes through the region near Pritchett. This famous trail was used by traders, settlers, and military personnel traveling between Missouri and Santa Fe in the 19th century. Visitors can explore portions of the original trail and learn about its significance in American westward expansion.
9. Dinosaur Quarry
PREHISTORIC FOSSIL SITE
Dinosaur Quarry is a fascinating paleontological site near Pritchett where visitors can learn about prehistoric fossils discovered in the region. The quarry has yielded important dinosaur remains that have contributed to our understanding of the area's ancient history. Visitors can see excavation sites and learn about the scientific work being conducted there.
10. Hi-Lo Country Filming Locations
WESTERN MOVIE HERITAGE
Pritchett served as a filming location for the 1998 Western film "The Hi-Lo Country" starring Woody Harrelson. Movie enthusiasts can visit the town to see the authentic Western landscapes that provided the backdrop for this notable film. The filming locations offer a connection between Pritchett's rural character and Hollywood's portrayal of the American West.
11. Two Buttes Reservoir
FISHING AND RECREATION
Two Buttes Reservoir is a recreational water body located near the town of Two Buttes not far from Pritchett. The reservoir offers fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty of this rural Colorado destination.
12. Springfield Downtown
COUNTY SEAT ATTRACTIONS
Springfield's downtown area serves as the commercial and cultural center of Baca County, located just 15 miles from Pritchett. As the county seat, Springfield offers more dining, shopping, and service options than smaller surrounding communities. Visitors from Pritchett often travel to Springfield for additional amenities and activities.
13. Pritchett Business District
HISTORIC TOWN CENTER
Pritchett's Business District features several former stores and brick buildings that speak to the town's more prosperous past. The eclectic architectural styles showcase the development of this small prairie town over time. Though many businesses have consolidated in nearby Springfield, the district remains an interesting area to explore local history.
14. Grain Elevators
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE ICONS
The grain elevators of Pritchett stand as prominent landmarks signifying the area's importance as serious wheat-growing country. These agricultural structures represent the farming heritage that has sustained the community through generations. Visitors interested in rural American life can appreciate these iconic symbols of Plains agriculture.
15. Baca County Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Baca County Museum in nearby Springfield preserves the history and culture of the entire county, including Pritchett. Exhibits showcase artifacts, photographs, and stories from the region's past, including pioneer life, agricultural development, and the Dust Bowl era. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the forces that shaped communities like Pritchett throughout southeastern Colorado.