Early Campsites and River Crossings

Native American hunters following bison and other game used a favored river crossing and campsite at the junction of the South Platte River and Lodgepole Creek. After burning the first Julesburg in 1865, Indian raiders camped here before continuing north into the Powder River country. Pioneers on the Overland Routes called this popular ford the Upper California Crossing. A branch of the Overland Route followed Lodgepole Creek into Nebraska. Lodgepole Creek may be the longest creek in the United States, flowing more than 150 miles from its origin in the mountains of Wyoming to its meeting with the South Platte River. The broad Lodgepole Valley suggests the creek was once much larger than the quiet stream here today.

Colorado · United States