Purgatoire River, River system in southeastern Colorado, United States.
The Purgatoire River flows eastward across southeastern Colorado through three counties, carving deep channels through limestone and sandstone layers. Along its course, the river winds through varied terrain where water seeps from springs and seasonal runoff feeds its flow.
Spanish traders named this waterway Rio de las Ánimas in 1719, a name that echoes in the river's current identity. Over time it became a route through the region as communities developed along its banks.
The river served as a home and gathering place for Jicarilla Apache, Southern Utes, and Comanche peoples for generations. Walking along its banks today offers a connection to the stories and traditions of these communities.
Water flow varies throughout the year, with higher levels during spring snowmelt and after heavy rains in other seasons. The banks can be steep and slippery in places, so sturdy footwear helps when exploring along the edge.
The riverbanks preserve over 1,500 dinosaur footprints from the Jurassic period, making it one of North America's largest collections of such fossils in stone. These tracks offer a glimpse into an ancient time when enormous creatures roamed this now-arid landscape.
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