First News Spring 2003

Cover Story: Summertime in the Cuchara Valley
 

   Come visit the delightful, undiscovered Cuchara Valley of southern Colorado for a day, a week, or a summer, and you'll return again and again. The Cuchara Valley, named after the Spanish word "spoon" for its spoon shape, is considered one of the most naturally beautiful and cultural historic areas in Colorado. In fact, most people say half the fun of being in La Veta is just getting there. Travel state Highway 12, also known as the Highway of Legends and designated as one of Colorado's Scenic Highways and Byways. It meanders through the San Isabel National Forest where the Sangre de Cristo Mountains carve a spectacular backdrop against the horizon. Discover a valley rich in breath-taking scenery, geological wonders, and historical sites and ruins.

The Cuchara Valley

   Historically, Highway 12 began as a dirt trail first carved out by the Ute Indians in 1770 as a pathway through the valley to neighboring Apache tribes, their common hunting grounds and sacred sites.

   Today, you'll see picturesque farms, ranches and natural rock sculptures. You'll find yourself surrounded by extraordinary rock formations created by forces of nature. The imposing Spanish Peaks rise majestically to over 13,000 feet in the southern sky. This natural beauty was formed 50-60 million years ago during volcanic times when all of Huerfano County was undersea. Tremendous underground pressure caused a great upheaval that penetrated the earth's crust creating two large igneous rocks - named by the Ute Indians as “Breasts of the Earth". Their isolated location on the plains and abrupt rise dominate the landscape. Many of the other naturally carved rock formations scattered throughout the Cuchara Valley such as Goemmer's Butte, Devil’s Stairsteps, and Profile Rock are massive walls of volcanic rock formed when the Spanish Peaks were active volcanoes. Steady eruptions created a river of molten lava that poured into the deep crevices torn apart by the earth's internal pressures. The lava flowed and filled these crevices much like Jell-o poured into a mold. Over the ages, sedimentary deposits from the earth’s surface eroded around the igneous rocks due to weather conditions such as wind and rain. Eventually, the stone was left standing alone, hundreds of feet above the current elevation.
Surrounded by all the natural beauty lies the historic town of La Veta at 7,013 feet above sea level, considered the gateway into the valley and hub of commerce for its residents. It's an eclectic community with a small town atmosphere, but all the sophistication of much larger cities with its art galleries, live theater, casual and fine dining, musical entertainment and unique shopping. The stunning mix of awesome scenery and historical sites has proven to be a popular haven for artists developing an impressive art colony. Their work can be found in the Gallery in the Park, displayed throughout local businesses, and at many art shows held annually. Otherwise, just stop by the numerous art studios to view photography, porcelain, sculptures, watercolors, weavings, pottery, stained glass, and batik fabrics. There are bronze makers, a custom log furniture manufacturer, designers of leather fashions and hand made guitars and flutes.

Cuchara Village

   If you plan to stay awhile, there's a wide range of accommodations from local inns, a hotel, motels, RV parks, guest ranches and several charming bed and breakfast establishments. Take time to visit with the local residents. There are an intriguing mix of ranchers, novelists, photographers, dot commers, cowboys, poets, hippies, retirees and transplants from stressful big city life. You might find them sitting outside enjoying homemade ice cream on a cool mountain evening just shooting the breeze. The only crowds you'll encounter are those created by children playing, riding bikes or skateboarding. Tour pictureque La Veta on a “Towny Bike”; it’s free to use on the honor system. What's to do? For starters, don't miss La Veta’s "First Friday Town Walk". The First Friday of each month, all local merchants remain open until 8pm, serving refreshments and offering various demonstrations. There are strolling street musicians, museum ghost stories by candlelight and live entertainment in the restaurants. Taking in the tour of Francisco Fort Museum on Main Street with its various exhibits and displays of local historical and cultural significance will enlighten the senses. Wander over to the La Veta School of the Arts for demonstrations or a quick class in the basics of fine art creation. Then stop by the town park to watch the locals engage in the ancient beauty of Tai Chi class. Leave the kids at the new skateboard park and accompany the little ones to the miniature train for a ride as it chugs through a resident’s 8-acre back yard.

Entrance to the Francisco For Museum

   With the San Isabel National Forest surrounding Cuchara, there are a lot of opportunities for camping, hiking, mountain biking, hunting, cross-country skiing, and fishing. Public access for fishing can be found at Bear and Blue Lakes at the Cuchara Recreation Area south of Cuchara, or at Daigre and Wahatoya Lakes just east of La Veta. Trail information can be obtained from the San Isabel National Forest Office in La Veta. For recreation there is hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, camping, and the highly rated Grandote Golf Course. Who wouldn't enjoy a mountain meadow picnic surrounded by Colorado blue spruce and aspen, framing panoramic views? It's just a short drive up to Cuchara Pass and the Farley Wild Flower Meadow.

Spanish Peaks

   Animal lovers will find La Veta to be a paradise of both tame and wild animals. The valley is home to a variety of wildlife such as deer, elk, big horn sheep, black bear, mountain lion, fox, bobcat, coyote and beaver. Visit the alpaca, llama, miniature horse and donkey farms. Stop by and say “Hi” to Bob the Bird Man, who rescues injured local species. Find the herd of deer that live in town, or stop and see the local bears snoozing in the trees at the Francisco Fort Museum.

   Visit the nearby community of Cuchara, a small western village with its charming boardwalk. Choose from several cafes, adequate lodging, country style shopping, fine dining along the enchanting Cuchara River, a summer concert series and other weekend activities currently being scheduled. Don't miss the world famous Dog Bar Saloon complete with yup, dogs. The evening's a perfect time for a hayride and sing-a-long, barn barbecue and dance, or a leisurely stroll through town culminating with a fine dinner and theatrical production - several are planned this summer. Plan a weekend stay around La Veta's summer festival, its rodeo or the Oktoberfest. There's plenty to do and lots of ways to relax.

18th Green at Grandote

   When was the last time you visited a community where the heartbeat of activity is the public library - sponsored functions, such as a first rate movie or ice cream social? That's where the locals go to find out what's happening, explore, and learn. They offer dozens of classes in computer, writing, and genealogy.
If La Veta sounds like mountain paradise, come see for yourself. Start by contacting the Chamber of Commerce @ 719/ 742-3676 or toll free @ 1-866/ 651-3676 for brochures and a calendar of events for La Veta and Cuchara. Otherwise, log onto www.lavetacucharachamber.com for the most up-to-date information. We look forward to seeing you in our little piece of mountain paradise soon.