Huerfano County and the surrounding area have untold beauty that for many is still undiscovered. From majestic mountain ranges, with peaks so high they seem to touch the sky, to over 30 square miles of sand dunes that now make up the Great Sand Dunes National Park, and to valleys,rich and vibrant in color. Each road leads to scenic sights galore.
The Spanish Peaks are the eastern most mountain peaks of the Rocky Mountains. The San Juans, Sangre De Cristo and other mountain ranges make up the area. Mt. Blanca is the highest peak in the area at over 14,300 feet, 4th largest in Colorado.
Huerfano County is a gateway to many of these undiscovered sights. I-25, going north and south, takes you from tip to tip of Colorado. Hwy 160 stretches from the eastern plains of Colorado over some of the highest mountain passes in the country. Along the route, one can take detours to the Great Sand Dunes National Park, an alligator farm, unique to this climate and altitude. There's also lakes, valleys, farms and ranches and an abundance of wildlife. The Highway of Legends, Hwy. 12, takes you south from Highway 160 to La Veta, Cuchara and other small towns and villages leading down to Trinidad, the end of the route. You encounter spectacular views of mountains and valleys. The area is dotted with high altitude lakes, great for fishing, and forests which are great for hiking, camping, hunting, birdwatching, bike riding and many other outdoor activities.
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Mining was responsible for the growth of Huerfanco County. On your trek along Highway 12, you will come across old coal and silver mines. Their heyday is now long gone, but their history remains. coal was the "black diamond" of the area for many years and the heritage of Walsenburg and other coal mining towns are still celebrated today.
There is plenty to see and do on "day trips" from Walsenburg, La Veta, Cuchara and Gardner. You can drive the wide open plains, directly east of Walsenburg on Highway 10 or head for the top of mountain peaks just to the west. Be sure you bring your carmeras and plenty of film. There is so much to see and do that you can fill up a photo book in no time at all.
Those of us who live in Huerfano County are blessed with the sights we get to see each and everyday. Sometimes, if we take them for granted, we are thankful for the visitors who remind us how lucky we are to live in "Mother Nature's backyard."
Check out the "links" below for food and lodging in Huerfano County. We also have much more information about our county, with other links on the "About Us" page of this website. Additional links can also be found about surrounding counties on the "Area Links" page.
We would love for you to come see us and enjoy the beauty, the splendor and the hospitality of Huerfano County and southern Colorado. |
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