The Great Outdoors in Southern Colorado

Close to Cucharas River Bed and Breakfast

Explore the San Isabel Valley, follow trails through tall evergreens and quaking aspens. Stand on rock outcroppings and survey the valleys and vistas as they tumble upon each other to the horizon. Sit under a tree and listen...to the songs of the birds, the wind, the trees...the song of the mountains. Relax you're in the Cuchara Valley.

For recreation there is hiking and fishing in our high mountain lakes and National Forest. Mountain biking, camping, and horseback riding.

Hiking and Mountain Biking

Cuchara Valley offers some fantastic opportunities for experiencing the mountain feeling and to enjoy your surroundings with the clean air and sunshine 300+ days a year.

Cordova Pass Trailhead Parking/Day Use, Cuchara Creek Parking/Day Use Areas, Purgatoire. Visit the La Veta Trails website, www.lavetatrails.org for descriptions of trails and trail heads.

The Cuchara’s River Bed and Breakfast will also have trail maps for sale.

Cuchara Mountain Park

Cuchara Mountain Park offer year-round outdoor recreational opportunities with a focus on free and affordable activities that allow anyone, no matter one's background, skill level, or age. Our mission is to ensure no one is denied the benefit of the outdoors and help to ensure our community and economy thrive.

Cuchara Mountain Park offer Skiing, Snowshoeing, Cross / Back Country Skiing, Mountain Biking, Disc Golf, Hiking, Sledding & Snowplay and Star Gazing .

Travel time: 9 minutes (3.6 Miles)
Directions to Cuchara Mountain Park

Wahatoya 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 people who prefer not to enter the arroyo. The trail follows a berm on the north side that offers a beautiful view of the Spanish Peaks and Mt. Mestas.

At 7,100 feet in elevation, anglers catch rainbow, brown & cutthroat trout. Please note, this is a cold-water lake where only artificial flies and lures are allowed.

Travel time: 20 minutes (12.4 Miles)
Directions to Wahatoya State Wildlife Area

North Lake State Wildlife Area

Between Trinidad and La Veta, Colorado, the North Lake State Wildlife Area is an easily accessible designated wilderness area found along the Highway of Legends (State Highway 12) in Las Animas County. North Lake SWA is bordered by private land and the San Isabel National Forest and is found just north of Monument Lake Park.

In total, the SWA covers 840 acres of protected, scenic territory in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, which ranges from 8,478 to 9,905 feet in elevation. There are many, designated parking areas with posted information in the North Lake SWA, which offers visitors a chance to stop, stretch their legs, and enjoy the remote alpine territory.

Travel time: 21 minutes (13.3 Miles)
Directions to North Lake State Wildlife Area

Blue Lake

Blue Lake is located in San Isabel National Forest an also has a developed campground with lake and stream fishing opportunities. The trailhead for Indian Trail #1300 is located on the north side of campground. This trailhead is a multi-use trail system and accesses 23 miles of motorized trails available for ATV, motorcycle, bicycle, foot, and horse use.

Common Species: Tiger Trout, Splake, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Kokanee Salmon

Travel time: 20 minutes (7.1 Miles)
Directions to Blue Lake

Bear Lake

Bear Lake is located in San Isabel National Forest an also has a developed campground with lake and stream fishing opportunities. The trailhead for Indian Trail #1300 is located on the north side of campground. This trailhead is a multi-use trail system and accesses 23 miles of motorized trails available for ATV, motorcycle, bicycle, foot, and horse use.

Common Species: Tiger Trout, Splake, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Kokanee Salmon

Travel time: 27 minutes (8.9 Miles)
Directions to Bear Lake

Monument Lake

Monument Lake is also called Monument Reservoir. Anglers can expect good to excellent fishing for most trout species stocked in Colorado including tiger trout, splake, kokanee salmon, rainbow, and brown trout. These reservoirs [North and Monument] provide a unique opportunity to fish a “trout-only” lake on the east slope of the divide.

Common Species: Tiger Trout, Splake, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Kokanee Salmon

Travel time: 30 minutes (17.6 Miles)
Directions to Monument Lake