The town of La Veta began as Fort Francisco, built in 1862 as a trading post and
place for settlers to find safety.
The town was renamed La Veta, which means the vein in Spanish,
The community grew and prospered depending on coal mining and ranching until 1876
when the railroad arrived . It was made the main stop for the Cucharas Valley
by the Denver& Rio Grande Railroad. When the trains stopped coming,
the town served the farmers and ranchers of the Cucharas Valley
(which is Spanish for spoon and describes the shape of this gorgeous valley)
Today La Veta is home to a growing community of artists and
has become a destination for people who want to experience the incredible natural beauty,
recreational activities, historic significance of the region, and the artistic splendor of its inhabitants.
The Major Attractions of the area are Grandote Peaks Golf Course, Highway 12-
The Scenic Highway of Legends, Lathrop State Park, Spanish Peaks Wilderness and
San Isabel National Forest.
Grandote Peaks Golf Course- Escape to Grandote Peaks Golf Club, one of the finest and
most affordable championship golf courses in Colorado.
The course was designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish- and boasts spectacular views
of the Spanish Peaks and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
The course plays over 7000 yards with 4 tee boxes for golfs of all skills and levels.
Play from May to October. The course is located just south of La Veta right on State Highway 12.
For more information call 1-800-457-9986 or go to www.grandotepeaks.com
The Scenic Highway of Legends- (Click here to see Map)
This 82 mile loop circles the Spanish Peaks or Huatoyas .
The loop winds through downtown La Veta and heads towards the dominating presence
of The Spanish Peaks - fodder for legend and tales for many centuries.
They are considered by the Utes to be the "breasts of mother earth" and the birthplace
of their civilization. As you wind down the road you pass the Devils Staircase-
which was thought to be the passage to hell. Following the path of the Cucharas river you climb
to Cuchara, Co a quaint town and great place to grab a bite on the ride.
The entrance to an Isable National forest is also off this loop along with Cucharas Pass,
Blue and Bear Lakes, till you reach the highest point of the bypass -Cucharas Pass (11091') .
After you climb to the peak of the pass you an take the road to Cordova Pass
( open usually from Mid June to first snow of the winter and is a beautiful place
to see the color changes come fall or continue down Highway 12.
The ride is quite beautiful and exciting- be careful to watch the wildlife along the road
as you check out the beautiful surrounding beauty. Stop and drop a line at North Lake or Monument Lake.
Stop for a bite in Stonewall or Weston and then enjoy the rest of the ride till Trinidad.
From Trinidad head North on I -25 to Walsenburg- out to Highway 160 to La Veta again
Charlies Cash and Carry
Lathrop State Park- This 1,594 acre recreation area opened in 1962 and was Colorado's first State Park.
The park contains picnic areas, two campgrounds, a golf course and two lakes.
The Lakes names Martin and Horseshoe are stock for anglers of all ages.
There is boating, watersking, windsurfing and swimming areas available on one of the two lakes.
Directions- from Walsenburg- Highway 160 west - 3 miles.
719-738-2376
www.coloradoparks.org
Accommodations:
Hunter House
PO Box 427
115 W. Grand
La Veta ,Colorado 81055
(719)742-5313
Proprietors -Bill and Wanda Hunter
1899 Inn- Bed & Breakfast
PO Box 372
314 S. Main.
La Veta ,Colorado 81055
(719)742-3576
Proprietor-Mary Schwartz Hall
Historic stonehouse in center of town has 5 guest rooms and cottage
Inn of Sun and Shadow B&B
113 W. Virginia St..
La Veta , Colorado 81055
(719)742-3159
Proprietors -Betty and Carroll Elwell
La Veta Inn
18 rooms inc. 8 small suites overlooking courtyard
103 W. Ryus Ave.
La Veta ,Colorado81055
1-888-806-4875
www.lavetainn.com
La Veta Map
La Veta Area Map
