If you’re looking for a laid-back vacation in the Colorado Mountains, La Veta is a great choice. This mountain town is home to the Spanish Peaks, a thriving art scene and small festivals.
The town is also located on the Highway of Legends, a scenic byway that connects Walsenburg and Trinidad. It’s a wonderful way to experience the Spanish Peaks and Cuchara Valley.
1. The Spanish Peaks
The Spanish Peaks are a pair of prominent mountains located in southwestern Huerfano County, Colorado. The Ute Indians named them Huajatolla (pronounced Wa-ha-toy-a), meaning “two breasts of the Earth.”
They are east of, and separate from, the Culebra Range of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Together, they rise above La Veta Pass, which connects Costilla and Huerfano counties.
Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the Spanish Peaks region, as is fishing, big game hunting, geological study and rock climbing. Winter sports, including backcountry skiing and snowshoeing, are also available here.
There are several vacation rentals in La Veta that make a perfect place to stay while you explore the area. One great option is “Cabin Nestled In Pines – Valley View”, which is around 7 miles south of the center of town and offers 3 bedrooms. A family-friendly getaway, it features handy amenities like a TV and barbecue grills.
2. The Highway of Legends
The Scenic Highway of Legends ties Walsenburg, La Veta, Cuchara, Stonewall, Trinidad and Aguilar together with a ribbon of asphalt that winds through some of the nation’s most beautiful national forests, state parks, wildlife areas and mountain ranges.
This byway connects several southern Colorado towns and areas steeped in frontier legend and folklore. Travelers can stroll through coal mining towns and Hispanic settlements, explore galleries and museums, shop, hike, fish, picnic or admire the spectacular fall colors.
You may also have the opportunity to see the unique geological formations called dikes. These are sheets of rock formed in a fracture of a pre-existing rock body.
You’ll spot up to 400 of these formations on the Highway of Legends. Among them is Profile Rock, where Native Americans tell of giants that roamed the area using huge boulders as weapons.
3. The Cuchara Valley
A hidden gem, the Cuchara Valley sits below the 9,995-foot Cuchara Pass, a sweeping stretch of Colorado Highway 12 that hugs the shoulder of the Spanish Peaks. From there, you’ll find hiking and camping trails to enjoy the area’s natural beauty and wildlife.
The Cuchara Valley is also home to the Parker-Fitzgerald Cuchara Mountain Park, a former ski resort that has since been converted into a public park and is open year-round for activities like disc golf, mountain biking, hiking and even cross country skiing. In addition, the old guest lodge is now serving as a day lodge, and hopes are that one day a lift will be restored.
The Cuchara Colorado Vacation offers plenty of lodging options to suit your needs and budget, from quaint B&Bs on the river to upscale luxury cabins in the mountains. Browse the listings below and start planning your trip to Spanish Peaks Country! You’ll be sure to have an unforgettable stay in La Veta.
4. The Town of La Veta
La Veta is a historic railroad stop town nestled in the foothills of Southern Colorado. It’s also an artsy community with cozy shops and restaurants.
The first settlement in the area was established in 1862 when Colonel John M. Francisco secured a 1,700-acre grant for the purpose of building a fort. This fort and later a hotel, post office and storehouse were the first buildings to be built in town.
When the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad was built in 1876, La Veta became the train station and terminal for freight, livestock and passengers. The trains would pass through town four times a day, two to the east, two to the west.
When the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad was sold years ago, the depot, which stood next to Main Street by the tracks, was moved across the road and renovated into the La Veta Town Hall. This historic building is now a museum and is one of the most significant parts of La Veta’s history.