Cuchara Valley Area - South Central Colorado

Includes Cuchara, La Veta

Cuchara Valley Area, Colorado, Colorado Vacation Directory

Cuchara was home to settlers who found the soil ideal for growing potatoes. In 1908 George Mayes and his wife moved here and decided the valley was ideal for a summer resort and modern Cuchara was born. The Cuchara Valley Resort offers many winter activities, including downhill skiing. La Veta, settled in 1862, began when Colonel John M. Francisco and his partner Henry Daigre build a fort here for commerce and protection. Threats from Native Americans managed to be resolved without bloodshed and the town survived with the coming of the railroad.

The Spanish Peak in the Cuchara Valley, Colorado

The Majestic Spanish Peak and the Cuchara Valley

The town of La Veta, located North East of Cuchara, was once a vital life source for the area. Translated as "The Vein," La Veta provided the area with a trading area, supplying area with supplies. La Veta is home of the Historic Fort Francisco Museum built in 1862. The nine buildings on the site were formerly the site of an adobe trading post, and now housing many collections of furniture, tools and clothing: Open Memorial Day - Oct 15th.

The Scenic Highway of Legends (Highway 12) was designated as a Colorado State Byway in 1987 and a National Byway in 1988. Like its name, the highway passes through numerous towns which played a part in forming Colorado's fascinating historical legacy. Monument Lake is nestled among the pines and high altitude lakes. A legend here tells of two Indian chiefs who, in search of water for their thirsty tribes, met and embraced in peace, crying for the lack of water. A lake formed at their feet and a volcano erupted, enclosing the two chiefs in rock in the center of the lake. Today both this lake and nearby North Lake offer fishing and other year round outdoor activities.

It's been over 50 years since passengers have traveled this historic pass over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains between the towns of Alamosa, Antonito and La Veta. Steep grades and cliff-hanging curves await you. Once the rail hub of the region, Alamosa is the departure point for Colorado's newest scenic railroad!

Cuchara Valley Area is near: Stonewall & Walsenburg

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Featured Cuchara Valley Area Businesses

Circle the Wagons RV Park Web page link icon

Explore Southern Colorado at Circle the Wagons RV Park tucked away in the beautiful town of La Veta with 43 sites and 2 at-site vintage camper-trailer rentals. We Love Pets -- VIP dog park! Free good WiFi!

Cuchara Vacation Rentals Web page link icon

Affordable rentals in quaint village of Cuchara: cabins, condos, mountain homes. Vacation with your dog in the San Isabel National Forest: hike, bike, trout fish, horseback ride, 4-wheel, watch wildlife! Free WiFi.

Harding's Corner B&B
Along the Scenic Highway of Legends, on the corner, 5 blocks from downtown La Veta CO, sits this family friendly B&B. No Smoking or Pets. Harding's Welcomes Children! 5 bedrooms with private baths.

For more travel information contact:

La Veta/Cuchara Chamber of Commerce

Cuchara Valley Area Activities & Maps

National Historic Sites and Landmarks:
Spanish Peaks National Natural Landmark

Scenic Byways:
Highway of Legends Scenic Byway

The Colorado Vacation Directory

Colorado State Map

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