Favorite Local Drives
With all the beautiful mountains, surprising rock formations, crystal blue lakes in and around the Cuchara Valley, sometimes a leisurely drive is the best way to experience them. Below are some of our favorite area scenic drives.
"Cuchara Valley" - Hwy 12 from La Veta to Cuchara Pass
Dike and Dakota Ridge formations are visible along much of the Cuchara Valley
A dike named the Devils Staircase is particularly unique
Hwy 12 is beautiful in every season!
Stop by Cuchara Village - and stop by the Dog Bar or Yacht Club for food & drink
Forest Road 422: Hwy 12 turn-off to Bear Lake and Blue Lake
Turn west from Hwy 12 to County Road 422
Gravel road lined with trees
Follow the road to the camp ground at the end. There are several hiking trails and picnic spots along the way
Blue and Bear Lake are favorite fishing and camping spots
Cordova Pass heading east toward I25
Farley Overlook is located about a mile from the Cordova Pass turn-off Hwy 12
The Overlook offers sweeping views of the Valley below
Fall colors along Cordova Pass In September and October
Drive through a historic Arch build through a dike wall
Hwy 12 from Cuchara Pass to Trinidad
Enjoy the sweeping view of the Cuchara Valley from the top of Cuchara Pass
Explore the turn-off leading to Purgatory Campground and the North Fork trail head
Enjoy brilliant fall colors in September and October
If you are lucky, you may share the road with some local cattle
North Lake is popular for boating and fishing
Monument Lake Resort has a lovely restaurant and boat rentals!
Trinidad State Park - stop by to see layered rock formations...
including the KT boundary created 65M years ago by an Astroid that ended the age of Dinosaurs!
Map of North Lake and Monument Lake area
Map of the Trinidad State Park area