Byers & Pecos

Rate this place

Parks

Colorado

Nearby: West-Bar-Val Wood Park Aspgren Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Byers and Pecos are two small towns located in the state of Colorado that offer visitors a variety of attractions and activities.

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Byers is located in eastern Colorado, about an hour east of Denver, and is known for its wide-open spaces and outdoor recreation opportunities. Pecos, on the other hand, is located in southern Colorado, near the border with New Mexico, and is known for its rich history and cultural heritage.

Some good reasons to visit Byers and Pecos include their natural beauty, rich history, and diverse range of activities and attractions. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the many hiking trails, fishing streams, and wildlife viewing areas in and around Byers, while history buffs will appreciate the many museums, historic sites, and cultural landmarks in Pecos.

Specific points of interest to see in Byers include the Byers Peak Wilderness Area, the Bijou Creek County Park, and the Comanche Crossing Historical Park. In Pecos, visitors can explore the Pecos National Historical Park, the Pecos River Canyon, and the Santa Fe Trail.

Interesting facts about the areas include that Byers was once a major stop on the Denver and New Orleans Railroad, and that Pecos was once a thriving trading center and religious pilgrimage site for the Pueblo people. Today, both towns are home to vibrant communities of artists, musicians, and outdoor enthusiasts, and offer visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture.

The best time of year to visit Byers and Pecos varies depending on your interests. Summer is a popular time for outdoor activities, while fall offers spectacular foliage and wildlife viewing opportunities. Winter is a great time for skiing and snowboarding in the nearby mountains, and spring is a beautiful time to experience the area's wildflowers and wildlife.

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

Related References