Cuchara Valley
Shaped by the power that formed the Rockies and polished by abundant waters flowing down its slopes, the Cuchara Valley is a gem of southern Colorado. The valley begins in alpine meadows at 13,000 feet then descends through thick stands of pine and aspen that add brilliance to the area’s scenery.
Cuchara holds a gentle beauty, a landscape that has absorbed an influx of recent growth without losing the harmony created by wildlife and water, forest and field. These natural features abound in the valley, along with broad vistas and unique geological outcrops that make the region a popular tourist destination, a prime site for vacation properties, and home for residents who appreciate the local beauty, recreation, and climate.
Mountain Lakes
The Highway of Legends Scenic Byway (Colorado 12) boasts plenty of opportunity for adventure. On this scenic highway you can enjoy beautiful fields of wildflowers, aspen trees, wildlife, hiking, biking, jeep trails, horseback riding, ATV/dirtbike riding, fishing and more!
Within 20-30 minutes of Cucharas River Bed and Breakfast you will find 4 beautiful mountain lakes, Blue Lake, Bear Lake, Monument Lake, and North Lake. So if you are planning on hunting or fishing, you can get your license and lures right here!
Knowing that Southern Colorado has a subtropical climate, featuring over 300 days of sunshine per year, there are plenty of things to plan for in all 4 seasons. You’ll be right on Main Street in Cuchara, within walking distance of bars, restaurants and entertainment including mini golf and live music. Within a short drive you can enjoy all of the outdoor activities Colorado has to offer, including hiking, fishing, rafting, 4WD routes, the Highway of Legends Scenic Byway and the Great Sand Dunes National Park. There’s even an alligator park!
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.
The lore of this area is vivid, swirling in the spiritual myths of the American Indians and the history of their clashes with Spanish explorers. Like much of Colorado, where the promises of fortune led, trouble followed and tales of outlaws “settling their differences” are common.
Start by taking U.S. Hwy. 160 west from Walsenburg and branch off on Colorado Hwy. 12 to La Veta. Along this stretch of two-lane highway, you can view unusual volcanic formations radiating outward from the Spanish Peaks. The highway rises to Cuchara Pass on the shoulder of the Spanish Peaks. The Tarahumare Indians held these summits as sacred and believed that all life on earth originated from the area. Below the pass is the glorious Cuchara Valley, a hidden wonderland even most Coloradoans have failed to notice.
View the videos of Southern Colorado's Scenic Highway of Legends. This is truly one of the most unique and beautiful drives in the state:
Southern Colorado Scenic Highway of Legends.
Introduction
Southern Colorado Scenic Highway of Legends.
Walsenburg - Ludlow - Aguilar - Cordova Pass
Southern Colorado Scenic Highway of Legends.
Trinidad and the Purgatoire River Valley
Southern Colorado Scenic Highway of Legends.
Stonewall and the Spanish Peaks Wilderness
Southern Colorado Scenic Highway of Legends.
La Veta and the Cuhara River Valley
San Luis and Stations of the Cross
Sangre De' Cristo Mountains and Fort Garland
