Weston, CO -Las Animas County
Population (2000): Las Animas County 15,207
History:
Weston was originally named Los Sisneros, after Juan Sisneros, a rancher who
homesteaded the area in the early 1880's - but the name was changed as time went on
until the name of Weston was decided on when the first post office was founded and
thus was namd after the first town postmaster.
Before occupation by settlers the area was favored by the Ute and
Jicarillo Apache Indians who lived in the foothills of the mountains . Also the Commanche and
Kiowa made there way north to this area during the summer hnting seasons.
Weston boasts beautiful views of the Sangre de Cristo (Blood of Christ) Mountain range to the West
and is accessed by State Highway 12- " The Scenic Highway of Legends" .
There are much folklore and tales that surround the Weston area and its natives of the past...
Legend and historians have it that Black Jack Ketchum robbed a Wells Fargo Coach and
deposited the sacks of gold he stole in the hills of Weston. Come and visit Weston and
indulge yourself in a piece of American History and maybe catch a glimpse of the gold shimmering
among the aspens.
Area Recreation
Bosque de Oso Wildlife Area:
On the edge of Weston is located one of the newer state wildlife areas called Bosque de Oso ,
" the Forest of the Bear", named approriately this area teems with wildlife.
The area consists of 33,000 acres with access to coldwater river ( The Purgutorie) and
Hunting is extremely limited. There are parking areas and restrooms and
also a site for camping that follows strict low impact camping.
Fishing Areas:
Trinidad Lake State Park Lake and River fishing - in Trinidad Lake and
The Purgutorie River approximately 15 miles
Lake fishing also High mountain lake fishing at Blue , North, and Monument, and Bear Lakes -
all within 30 miles.
