Outdoor Recreation
Hiking is plentiful in Spanish Peaks Country, with landscapes ranging from alpine forests to grass-filled prairies. Whatever type of hike you’re looking for, the towns of Walsenburg, La Veta, and Cuchara have them. Check out some of these local favorites. Walsenburg Trails #1 – Hogback Nature Trail 2 miles | Gentle The Hogback Nature Trail […]
Tags: hike, hiking, trails
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Experiences, Outdoor Recreation
Chase the burn in Spanish Peaks Country where “burn” morel mushrooms are almost guaranteed to sprout from the giant burn scars left in the wake of the 2018 Spring Creek Fire, which ravaged parts of La Veta and beyond in 2018. The Spring Creek Fire damaged 108,000 acres, making it the third largest wildfire in [...] Tags: mushroom hunting, mushrooms
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Experiences, Outdoor Recreation
Add a little extra flavor to your next hike by discovering a waterfall at the end of it. Apache Falls The Apache Falls are in the Greenhorn Mountain Wilderness, northwest of Walsenburg. While the hike is beautiful, it can take several hours, so be prepared. Nonetheless, the waterfall that pours from the cliffs creates a [...] Tags: waterfalls
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Experiences, Outdoor Recreation
Cuchara Recreation Area gives outdoor enthusiasts a myriad of choices, such as picnicking, hiking and walking, hunting, lake fishing, and four-wheeling. The Cuchara Day Use Areas include four picnic areas. These sites are located along Forest Road 422, on Cuchara Creek, within the first two miles of the road. This is a popular summer destination [...] Read more
Outdoor Recreation
In today’s ski industry, mega resorts are buying up the little guys so quickly, it’s easy to forget that not long ago, most ski areas were small, individual businesses dedicated to the skier. But over the years, these mom-and-pop hills were bought by non-skiers who often ran the mountains out of business. At the same [...] Tags: abandoned movie, cuchara ski mountain, ski resort
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Experiences, Outdoor Recreation
Spanish Peaks Country in Southern Colorado is a magical place unlike the rest of Colorado. While you may have traveled throughout the state, over passes, around mountains, across plains, and below mesas, there’s nothing quite like the fertile valley that sweeps across the lower half of Spanish Peaks Country or the unique geological features that [...] Tags: scenery
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Experiences, Outdoor Recreation
Just one mile west of La Veta is the Southern Colorado Astronomical Park, a crossroads of ancient and modern astronomy, including a stone calendar and two observatory structures. The land on which the park sits was donated to the Southern Colorado Astronomical Society for the purposes of education, research, and enjoyment by all. Here, you [...] Tags: astronomical park, dark skies, star gazing
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Experiences, Outdoor Recreation
Looking for a place to set up a tent? Park a camper? This handy map will show you all the places you can do just that. Tags: campground, camping
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Experiences, Outdoor Recreation
State Trust Lands Blackhawk - GMU 85 Directions: From Walsenburg go south on -25 to exit 42, Rouse Road. Turn west and then immediately south. The road will turn west again and cross the railroad tracks. Go through the town of Pryor, stay straight, and head past the entry feature at Blackhawk Ranch. The parking [...] Tags: camping, fishing, gmu, hunting, lake, state trust lands, wildlife area
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Experiences, Outdoor Recreation
Lake Isabel is a favorite vacation spot in the southern Wet Mountains, offering picnic areas, a campground, and several parking areas scattered around the lake. There is also a number of private vacation homes on the north shore and cabins you can rent at “the Lodge.” The lake welcomes non-motorized boats for fishing in waters [...] Tags: camping, fishing, lake
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Experiences, Outdoor Recreation
Cordova Pass sits on the western shoulder of the West Spanish Peak, rises to an elevation of 11,2560 feet, and lies just outside the Spanish Peaks Wilderness. Cordova Pass is reached via the Apishapa Road, a leg of the Scenic Highway of Legends. Most of the time, the pass may be traversed by passenger vehicles, [...] Tags: hiking, mountain pass
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Experiences, Outdoor Recreation
Blue Lake Campground, located at 10,440 feet in elevation, has a beautiful little lake ideal for fishing. This rustic campground has 16 campsites, each with a table and fire ring. Some are shaded; others provide full sunlight. An on-site camp host offers firewood bundles for sale. Vault toilets and drinking water are available. No electric [...] Tags: campground, camping, lake
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Experiences, Outdoor Recreation
Bear Lake Campground is located in the beautiful San Isabel National Forest at an elevation of 10,480 ft. Views of the nearby Culebra Mountain Range with aspen and spruce forests offer campers a genuine Colorado experience. This rustic campground has 14 campsites, each with a table and fire ring. Some are shaded while others provide [...] Tags: campground, camping, lake
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Experiences, Outdoor Recreation, Scenic Drives
Farley Wildflower Overlook is a pull-off on Cordova Pass Road just east of the summit of Cucharas Pass. The view of the meadow from the Overlook is simply spectacular as it’s a riot of color throughout wildflower season. There are three large, interpretive boards at the Overlook, a view of West Spanish Peak, and a [...] Tags: mountain pass, scenic drives, scenic overlook, wildflowers
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Outdoor Recreation
There are so many ways to enjoy the dunes, and if you're the type who likes to explore, these trails might be perfect for your next Great Sand Dunes adventure. Medano Creek Trail In spring and summer, there’s water in Medano Creek at the base of the dunes. Everyone seems to enjoy playing in this [...] Tags: hiking, medano creek, medano primitive road, sand dunes, trails
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Outdoor Recreation
San Isabel National Forest is one of eleven National Forests in Colorado. The Forest includes over one million acres of beautiful scenery with snow-capped mountain peaks, spring wildflowers, autumn colors, crystal clear mountain lakes, and clear blue skies to enjoy. Prior to the establishment of the forest, the presence of American Indians, Spanish Land Grants, homesteading, and the [...] Tags: biking, birding, camping, fishing, hiking, lake, national forest
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Experiences, Outdoor Recreation
The Wahatoya Lakes State Wildlife Area—one mile east of La Veta on Bear Creek Road—offers the perfect respite for fishing, picnicking, hiking, wildlife viewing, and non-motorized boating. The main trail at this 203-acre state wildlife area meanders through fields, woods, and into a deep arroyo on the south side. There is a by-pass trail for [...] Tags: fishing, hiking, lake, picnicking, trails, wilderness area
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Experiences, Outdoor Recreation
What was once an area made of homesteads and cattle ranches in now the Greenhorn Mountain Wilderness Area. Designate by Congress in 1993, the wilderness area totals 23,087 acres, some of which lay on the plains of northern Huerfano county and others which rise from 7,600 feet in elevation to 12,347 feet at its peak. [...] Tags: hiking, wilderness area
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Experiences, Outdoor Recreation
Relieve stress, enjoy Southern Colorado's great weather, spend time with family and friends, and have loads of fun on a four-wheeling adventure. Spanish Peaks Country offers miles of trails for the novice and experienced rider. From open meadows to forested trails, an OHV ride will showcase the region’s famous landscapes. #1 & #2 - Cuchara [...] Tags: atv, cordova pass, cuchara recreation area, medano pass, ohv, trails, utv
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Experiences, Outdoor Recreation
Spanish Peaks Country is gorgeous, and what better way to soak it all in than on a bike? Whether you’re into a mellow ride or something more intense, the towns of Walsenburg, La Veta, and Cuchara have the trail for you! For more information, visit www.LaVetaTrails.com. Take your cruiser or road bike on the following [...] Tags: biking, moutain biking, road biking, trailheads, trails
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Experiences, Outdoor Recreation
Colorado Parks and Wildlife began building the statewide Colorado Birding Trail in 2000, connecting points rich in birds and wildlife. The trail now consists of three regions—Western Colorado, Rocky Mountains, and Eastern Plains. It's in the Rocky Mountain region that you'll find the Spanish Peaks Birding Trail. The Spanish Peaks Birding Trail follows the Highway [...] Tags: bird watching, birding, birds
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Experiences, Kids & Family, Outdoor Recreation
Spanish Peaks Country’s public parks serve a vital role for locals and visitors alike. From baseball fields and playgrounds to skate parks and basketball courts, there’s something for everyone. Whether you live in town or are visiting for a day or two, be sure to check out one of our parks to play, relax, or [...] Tags: baseball, basketball, park, playground, softball, train
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Experiences, Featured Posts on Homepage, Outdoor Recreation
Cuchara, with its lush, pine forests, is made for hiking. Plan your next weekend getaway to Cuchara and spend your days lost in nature on any one of the following trails. #1 - Spring Creek Trail 10 miles | Moderate to Difficult The Spring Creek Trail is a moderate to difficult trail that winds up [...] Tags: cuchara, hiking, mountain biking, trailheads, trails
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Experiences, Outdoor Recreation
From Walsenburg, take a quick hike in Lathrop State Park or head north for the more arduous, yet adventurous, Lily Lake Trail. #1 - Hogback Nature Trail 2 miles | Gentle The Hogback Nature Trail at Lathrop State Park winds through sandstone formations before climbing up the rocky Hogback Ridge that forms the park's northern [...] Tags: biking, hiking, lathrop state park, trails, walsenburg
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Experiences, Outdoor Recreation
With a wide range of waters from high mountain lakes and streams to rivers, reservoirs, and lakes, you’ll find a variety of cold and warm water fish in and around Spanish Peaks Country. Check out the following Spanish Peaks fishing holes: #1 - Lathrop State Park Fish for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, walleye, rainbow [...] Tags: fishing, lakes, reservoir, rivers, trout
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Attractions, Experiences, Kids & Family, Outdoor Recreation
Colorado’s first state park, Lathrop State Park features two lakes and nearly 1,600 acres of recreational land nestled among the pinyons and junipers of the Spanish Peaks' foothills. Martin Lake offers water skiing, power, and sail boating. It’s also a warm-water lake, making it great for swimming. Horseshoe Lake is a peaceful haven for canoeists, [...] Tags: birding, boating, fishing, hiking, lake, playground, state park, swimming
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Attractions, Experiences, Kids & Family, Outdoor Recreation
There’s so much to do in Spanish Peaks County, where does one start? Good thing we compiled a list of some of our favorite activities. Take our challenge and try to do all 10! Find that one-of-a-kind item on Walsenburg’s Main Street and at the Antique Mall Go four-wheeling over Medano Pass to the Great [...] Tags: birding, fishing, four-wheeling, hiking, historic district, mini golf, trails, water park
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Experiences, Outdoor Recreation
La Veta is a pocket of pristine beauty in the heart of Spanish Peaks Country. While a variety of recreational opportunities are available to all visitors, it’s the city’s trails that bring people back again and again. Whether you like to walk, run, or bike, there’s a trail for you ranging from easy to difficult. [...] Tags: daigre reservoir, dikes, hiking, indian trail, la veta, la veta loop, trails
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Experiences, Outdoor Recreation
Spectacular Mountain Views! The course is located within Lathrop State park. No parks pass is required. Just drive through. If asked, say you are going to the golf course. Come and get right on. Elevated, well-manicured greens. This hidden gem is a must-play. The clubhouse serves great food. The best golf value in Colorado or [...] Read more
