About Huerfano County
Size: 1578 square miles
Elevation: From 5280 ft on plains to 14,385 ft at the peak of Mt. Blanca.
Major Highways: I-25 north & south, U.S. Hwy 160 west, Colorado
Highway 10 to the east and highway 69 to Gardner & Westcliffe.
Closest to: Pueblo, Colorado 47 miles north, & Trinidad Colorado 37 miles south.
Environment: 4 seasons. Winter climate average cold is 33 degrees f. and
summer climate average of 89 degrees f.
Cities: Walsenburg is the county seat, La Veta is 20 miles south west of Walsenburg, Cuchara, (unincorporated), is 15 miles south of La Veta and Gardner, (unincorporated is 25 miles northwest of Walsenburg.
Population: 7980
Economic factors: CCA, Huerfano County Correctional Facility, employs 185, Spanish Peaks Regional Health & Colorado State Veterans Nursing Home employs 260, Huerfano County School District Re-1 employs 160 and Re-2 employs 50, The County employs 135 and The Cities each about 25-40. Quest Manufacturing employs 33. Agriculture is still a mainstay with ranching as its foundation. The original economic base was coal mining which produced over 500 million tons of low sulfur, bituminus coal during the early part of the century. Remnants of the coal mines & camps are still evident throughout the county.
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Welcome to southern Colorado's best kept secret!
Walsenburg and Huerfano County have a long history.
Walsenburg was settled in the mid 1800's by Mexicans who
migrated from the San Luis Valley. The town grew quickly
following the discovery of coal. Over 50 mines were developed.
Unfortunately, the mines began closing in the 1950's and are
no longer in operation.
La Veta, Colorado is 17 miles west of Walsenburg on Highway 12.
This road is known for its' scenic beauty and is called the
Highway of Legends. It begins in La Veta and makes its' way
through the Spanish Peaks Wilderness area, ending in Trinidad.
Travelers are treated to the Spanish Peaks mountain ranges,
the Cuchara River, ranches, rolling meadows, lakes, tall aspen
and pine trees and an assortment of wildlife.
As you continue south on highway 12, travelers will come to
the town of Cuchara. Originally settled by farmers it became
a resort area with breath taking beauty at over 8,000 feet.
Gardner is NW of Walsenburg on highway 69. It's a quaint ranching
community. The area is popular for hiking, fishing and backpacking
along the Huerfano River and east side of Blanca Peak.
Lathrop State Park is just 3 miles west of Walsenburg featuring
camping, fishing, boating, water-skiing and other recreation. | |
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