Recreation

North Lake

There is no excuse for being bored in the Spanish Peaks region with boundless recreational opportunities including fishing, hunting, hiking, camping and sight seeing. The area is very popular for horses too. Public access is available through National Forest, State Parks and State Wild Life Areas. San Isabel National Forest includes over one million acres of beautiful scenery with snow-capped mountain peaks, spring wildflowers, autumn colors, crystal clear mountain lakes, clear blue skies to enjoy and miles and miles of excellent alpine hiking trails. The forest has a diversity of landscapes, alpine zones and geology to enjoy. Black bear, mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, turkey, and mountain lions are among the animals and birds that make the Forest their home. Hunting and Fishing in the region are excellent, attracting enthusiasts from around the country.

The Rio Grande, Carson, and Santa Fe National Forests, as well as the Sangre de Cristo, Wheeler Peak, Latir Peaks, Pecos, and Spanish Peaks National Wilderness Areas are all within easy drives.

Cuchara Area A little ways out of Cuchara, Blue Lake is a beautiful little lake located at 10,400' elevation. The campground has 15 sites for $7.00 per day. There are rest rooms and drinking water available. The fishing is excellent and there are several trailheads leading into the Sangre de Cristo mountains nearby. Continue past Blue Lake, and you will find Bear Lake. The campground at Bear lake has 14 official camp sites. There are rest rooms and drinking water available. Camping, picnicking, fishing, and parking are fee activities. There are several hiking trailheads nearby.

Splashing at Blue Lake

Cordova Pass at 11,225' elevation, is high and wild. There are parking areas and improved campsites available right at the pass. The road coming in from Cuchara Pass is pretty rough and really not recommended for RV's or long trailers. The Apishapa Arch on the east side of the pass is carved through one of the Great Dikes of the Spanish Peaks is a bit tight for large vehicles, but makes a great photo opportunity. There are several trailheads leading off into the forest from the pass area, including one that goes to the top of the West Spanish Peak.

Walsenburg /La Veta Area

The Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range runs North and South through the West side of Huerfano County. San Isabel National Forest, Spanish Peaks, East Mount Blanca Peak, Mount Meastas, Silver Mountain, Greenhorn Mountain, Copper Bull, Slide Mountain are all located in the region.

Wahatoya Lakes State Wildlife Area near La Veta offers dramatic views of the Spanish Peaks and the Sangres, and two lakes for fishing.

Lathrop State Park is nestled among the piñons and junipers on the prairie west of Walsenburg. Camping here is a real pleasure with the Spanish Peaks making a magnificent background to your activities. There are both electrical and primitive camping sites available. Showers, toilets, laundry facilities and drinking water are also available to campers. There's even a swimming beach at Martin Lake and water sports are allowed. Fishing is great in both Martin Lake and Horseshoe Lake, with two different environments, and different species in each lake.

Scenic Highway of Ledgends One of the first three scenic Highways in the State of Colorado and also one of the most scenic, beautiful and historic drives in Colorado. The Colorado State Scenic Byway begins either in La Veta or Trinidad and takes you through 22 communities, points of interest, scenic vistas, historical, cultural and recreational areas. If you visit this area be sure to take the drive around the Highway of Legends. This is one of the absolutely most beautiful drives in the entire State of Colorado! For a complete description, and point of interest, follow this link. Historic Santa Fe Trail Take a tour through history, culture and archeology as you follow the scenic byway.

The region is very popular for horse enthusiasts, with plenty of places to ride

Trinidad Area

Trinidad Lake State Park

Close to Trinidad, this park offers fishing, hiking and boating. Enjoy 62 campsites, electricity, showers, laundry, group shelters. The ideal hub for exploring scenic Southern Colorado.

Wildlife
The pinion-juniper forest offers wildlife viewing of many bird species including pinion jay and roadrunners as well as deer, elk, and a variety of smaller animals.

Anglers catch rainbow and brown trout, largemouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, crappie and bluegill. All types of boaters appreciate the open waters and modern services.

Monument Lake

Monument Lake is nestled among the pines and high altitude lakes. A legend here tells of two Indian chiefs who, in search of water for their thirsty tribes, met and embraced in peace, crying for the lack of water. A lake formed at their feet and a volcano erupted, enclosing the two chiefs in rock in the center of the lake. Today both this lake and nearby North Lake offer fishing and other year round outdoor activities.

Golf

Opening the summer of 2007 in Trinidad is a spectacular, Jack Nicolas golf course at Cougar Canyon. The links course takes advantage of the beautiful natural landscape to both challenge and delight golfers of all abilities. Trinidad also has a 9 hole municipal course.

Grandote Golf Course in La Veta sits at the base of the Spanish Peaks with awesome views and their is a 9 hole Municipal Golf Course in Walsenburg, located next to Lathrop State Park