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Huerfano, (pronounced WAR-FA-NO), County welcomes you to the land of “History, Mystery & Fascination. This south-central area of the state of Colorado has long beckoned the weary traveler with its geologic formations, mild climate and soothing scenic panorama. The area boasts a wealth of recreational opportunities including some of the best fishing in the state. The San Isabel National Forest is south and west of town, around the Spanish Peaks and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. North of town Greenhorn Mountain and most of the Wet Mountains are also part of the National Forest. Due south about 10 miles are the Black Hawk State Trust Lands.

Historic sites abound from which the mystery of the past can be recalled and the present population offers inviting and hospitable respite from the road. Huerfano means ‘orphan,’ and a lone volcanic protrusion can be seen for miles on the bank of the Huerfano River in I-25 this little volcanic cone never reached productive adulthood, but gives some idea of the immense volcanic activity that gave the landscape in Huerfano County its fascinating and picturesque characteristics.

Walsenburg

Walsenburg was originally settled as La Plaza de los Leones in 1852 but is named after Fred Walsen, a businessman who settled here about 1870. It was Fred who opened the first coal mine in the county just west of town in 1876. Walsen Mine was the largest and most productive coal mine in Huerfano County. During the latter half of the 1800's and early 1900's, this area produced over 500 million tons of Black Diamonds from various mines in the county.

La Veta

La Veta is situated on the eastern side of La Veta Pass through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. To the south of town is the foot of the West Spanish Peak and the eighteen hole, Tom Weiskopf designed Grandote Golf Course. La Veta is surrounded by great stone dikes, or large, vertical granite formations that radiate outward from the Spanish Peaks. These days the town has become known throughout Colorado as an artist colony, although there are still plenty of cattle ranchers and an elk rancher or two.

The Cuchara Valley has something for almost everyone. For history buffs, a visit to Francisco Fort Museum in La Veta is a must. La Veta is also home to several working artists, whose work can be seen at the Gallery in the La Veta Town Park, as well as several local businesses. The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad operates The San Luis Express between Alamosa and La Veta.

For recreation there is hiking and fishing in our high mountain lakes and National Forest. Mountain biking, camping, horseback riding, and golf at Grandote Peaks, our top rated course.

Cuchara

Cuchara, Colorado is situated on the eastern slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the heart of the Cucharas River Valley. The town is surrounded by the San Isabel National Forest with all its' lakes, mountains and wilderness. On the east side of town is the West Spanish Peak. The Cuchara River flows along the edge of town.

The community was named for the river which is Spanish for "spoon"