Cuchara is a mountain town that’s perfect for family vacations and romantic getaways. It’s located between the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Cucharas River and is surrounded by the San Isabel National Forest.
One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of this region is through hiking and skiing. During the winter, you can head up to the Spring Creek trailhead to get your fill of Colorado mountain scenery.
Hiking
Hiking is one of the best ways to take in Cuchara’s breathtaking scenery. You can hike in the town itself, or up on one of the nearby mountains.
South of town along Colorado 12, part of the scenic Highway of Legends, travelers find stunning views topping out at the 9,995-foot Cuchara Pass. You can also hike at North Lake State Wildlife Area or Monument Lake Park.
There is hiking for every level, from easy to difficult. If you’re new to hiking, start off with a short hike that’s not too challenging and work your way up as you get more comfortable.
In summer, Cuchara Mountain Park has a lot to offer hikers, with trails that are flanked by Douglas firs and fiddlehead ferns. In winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are available in the park.
Fishing
Whether you’re planning a vacation to Cuchara Colorado or just passing through on your way to other areas of the state, you can get some excellent fishing in here. The Cuchara River is a popular place for fly-fishing, but you can also catch trout and other fish at some of the smaller lakes in the area.
A good place to start is at Cucharas Reservoir, which is located just 13.1 miles from Walsenburg in Huerfano County, Colorado. It is an incredibly scenic lake that’s known to have some really good fishing opportunities for trout. Other options include Blue Lake, which is just a short drive south of Cuchara and Bear Lake, which is a high-elevation lake that’s great for fishing.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is a popular activity in Cuchara Colorado. You can explore the Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, with a century of experience under their belts, or enjoy a ride through the backcountry at Mission: Wolf, a sanctuary for wolves and wolf-dog crosses.
Hiking is another favorite way to explore Cuchara. There are a variety of trails from easy to difficult. Some of the favorites include Spring Creek Trail, Dikes Trail and West Spanish Peak Trail.
You can also check out some of the local lakes. Blue Lake and Bear Lake are both great fishing locations. North Lake and Monument Lake are other great options.
Golf
Located in the heart of Southern Colorado, Cuchara Valley is surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The area is home to an assortment of vacation rentals including cozy cabins, beautiful mountain homes and affordable condos.
A trip to this little town is sure to impress even the most jaded traveler. The town boasts a boardwalk town featuring the best of local art galleries, silversmiths and jewelers, gift shops and casual and fine dining restaurants.
The city also boasts a recreation hall where volunteers put on the best of bingo and other events during the summer months. The town is also known for its highest-flying golf course in the state of Colorado – a links-style course designed to challenge any skill level.
Shopping
The peaceful town of Cuchara Colorado is surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and rich forests of the San Isabel National Forest. It has an abundance of outdoor activities for residents and visitors alike.
The boardwalk town of Cuchara is reminiscent of a turn-of-the-century mountain resort. It offers a variety of local artists galleries, souvenir and gift shops as well as casual restaurants.
The Cuchara Country Store & Gift Shop is a must-stop when visiting the town of Cuchara. It features unique Cuchara gifts, T-shirts and Cuchara liquor. Dakota Dukes is also a great stop for a bite to eat and a friendly tail-waggin’ hello from the “Dakota Duke”. A drive along the Highway of Legends takes you to many more points of interest, scenic vistas and historical areas in Southern Colorado.