 |
|
The 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. |
-
- ©
Gordon Kelley Photography
|
|
At the downriver end of Cuchara Valley is La Veta, a town of
900 people that lies at 7,100 feet elevation amidst expansive vistas of
mountain and prairie. La
Veta was founded in 1876 and has retained its history and small town
charm that invites newcomers to enjoy its breathtaking setting and many
attractions. The Fort Francisco Museum, art galleries,
community theater, seasonal festivities, and Grandote Golf Course (ranked
as one of the finest courses in Colorado) add to the ambiance of this
peaceful, yet thriving, community.
|
-
- ©
Gordon Kelley Photography
|
Traveling south from La Veta, the historic Highway of
Legends (State Highway 12) winds through Cuchara Valley flanked on the
west by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and on the east by the twin
Spanish Peaks of volcanic origin (called Huahatoya or ‘breasts of the
earth’ by the Native Americans).
- © Julie Walia
This unique landscape provides spectacular views of mountain scenery
interspersed with massive lava-wall outcrops as the road rises through
ranchland meadows towards the mountain community of Cuchara.
|
-
-
Even the bears love to
visit Bear Lake near Cuchara. Photograph © Rick Carpenter,
click here
to order a reprint
|
|
Beginning in the early 1900’s, Cuchara has drawn summer visitors from
Texas, Oklahoma, and southern Kansas who appreciate not only its beauty
but also the fact that Cuchara Valley is their closest destination for
enjoying the scenic Colorado Rockies. Located above 8,000 feet,
‘Cuchara Camps’ evolved over the decades into a picturesque mountain
community that annually welcomes an influx of winter skiers and summer
residents from throughout the nation. Nearby mountain lakes, hiking
trails in the surrounding National Forest, abundant wildlife, and fishing
opportunities make Cuchara the hub of a recreational paradise with plenty
of space to welcome new arrivals to discover its beauty and bounty. |
|
