Outdoor Recreation
Where to See Fall Colors in Spanish Peaks Country
If you’ve traveled to other parts of Colorado and come to Spanish Peaks Country for the first time, you might find yourself surprised and delighted by how diverse, rich, and stunning the landscape is. From Spanish Peaks Country’s unique geological features to its fertile fields and green mountains, the region is one of Colorado’s most [...]
Colorado Stargazing: Experience the Night
In 2019, The Huerfano County Tourism Board partnered with The Headwaters Alliance, San Luis Valley Museum Association, and Custer County Tourism Board to create and launch Colorado Stargazing: Experience the Night, a self-guided stargazing tour found at www.Colorado.com/ColoradoStargazing. Colorado Stargazing: Experience the Night connects seven Colorado locations known for their dark skies and incredible stargazing [...]
Cuchara Mountain Park
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 [...]
Spanish Peaks Country Campground Map
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. Campgrounds Purgatoire Campground Blue Lake Campground Bear Lake Campground Cordova Pass Campground Dakota Campground Yucca Campground at Lathrop State Park Pinon Campground at Lathrop State Park La Vista Campground [...]
Birding in Spanish Peaks Country
Birding is enjoyable and easy. It happens naturally in people curious about life in nature. Seeing the brilliant yellow warbler or orange oriole in nature's green summer garb is exciting and a joyous event! Children especially will remember this experience. Most birders carry a guidebook or smart phone "app" and binoculars to help clearly see [...]
Morel Mushrooms Grow Like Wildfire in The Spring Creek Burn Scars
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 [...]
Waterfalls of Spanish Peaks Country
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 [...]
Cuchara Recreation Area
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 [...]
Spanish Peaks Country Scenery
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 [...]
Southern Colorado Astronomical Park
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 [...]
Spanish Peaks Country’s State Trust Lands and Wildlife Areas
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 [...]
Lake Isabel
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 [...]
Cordova Pass
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, [...]
Blue Lake Campground
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 [...]
Bear Lake Campground
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 [...]
Farley Wildflower Overlook
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 [...]
Trails in and Around the Great Sand Dunes National Park
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 [...]
San Isabel National Forest
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 [...]
Wahatoya Lakes State Wildlife Area
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 [...]
Greenhorn Mountain Wilderness Area
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. [...]
OHVing in Spanish Peaks Country
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 [...]
Biking in Spanish Peaks Country
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 [...]
Spanish Peaks Birding Trail
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 [...]
Walsenburg and La Veta Parks
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 [...]
Cuchara Trails
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 [...]
Walsenburg Trails
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 [...]
Fishing in Spanish Peaks Country
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 [...]
Lathrop State Park
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, [...]
Twelve Must-Dos in Spanish Peaks Country
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 [...]
La Veta Trails
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. [...]