When you think of Colorado, what comes to mind? Likely, it’s snow-capped mountains, vibrant ski towns, and breathtaking alpine vistas. But beyond the iconic Rocky Mountains lies a vast and often-overlooked landscape: the Eastern Plains. Recently, I embarked on a two-part road trip that offered a look at this expansive and sparsely populated region.
The first leg of the journey took us north, starting from the aptly named Last Chance, Colorado. The name, we learned, harks back to a time when it was truly the “last chance” to stock up on supplies before venturing into the vast plains of Colorado and Kansas. Today, it’s a testament to the area’s solitude, with little more than a church marking the spot, and an art installation a few miles south.
From Last Chance, we continued on Highway 71 to Brush, eventually picking up Business 76 and heading toward Sterling. The landscape, dominated by endless stretches of farmland, unfurled before us. We saw fields of corn and wheat, their green and golden hues a testament to the agricultural heart of the state. It was a reminder that while the mountains draw the tourists, the plains feed the nation. Our journey continued on to Sterling, a cute looking town, but after an extremely long wait and disappointing, lunch, I forgot to hit record. It wasn’t until the Nebraska border when I turned it on again, losing about 60 miles of recording. From there, we drove on Highway 138 to 26, reaching Windlass Hill in Lewellen, Nebraska. The short, steep hike offered a chance to stretch our legs again before we set off for North Platte, Nebraska, via Highways 26 and 30. The camera battery died just shy of town.
Our destination was North Platte, Nebraska. You can read about that here.
The return trip was almost identical in scenery. From Julesburg, we headed south on Highway 385, a route that took us past Wray to Idalia where we stopped to get a coffee. This leg of the journey was perhaps even more remote than the first, with less towns along the way. The sheer emptiness of the landscape was striking. The roads, often devoid of other cars or trucks for long stretches, were our own. This is a region where preparation is key. Gas stations, restaurants, restrooms, and coffee shops are few and far between. Turning west on Highway 36, we drove toward Strasburg where we picked up the Interstate for the last 30 minutes of our drive, aching to be home.
This journey through the Eastern Plains was a powerful reminder of Colorado’s incredible contrasts. Just a few hours west of here, you’re met with mountains, but a few hours east, the landscape opens into expansive plains. We drove from populated areas to near-ghost towns, a humbling reminder of how fortunate we are. While the lack of amenities on these back roads might deter some, for those seeking a true escape, this drive is a poignant reminder of just how big the world is.
Though taking the Interstate is certainly faster, this leisurely drive offered a unique look at a side of Colorado most people never see. Out here, the sky feels bigger, the horizon stretches on forever, and the silence is a profound companion. It may not be for everyone, but for those who take the time, the reward is a quiet beauty all its own.
The full round trip from our starting & ending point prior to Last Chance and Strasburg was 11 hours 18 minutes and 626 miles. If we stuck to the interstate, it would have been 7 hours 51 minutes and 564 miles. Those extra three hours seemed so much longer.