Favorite Day Trips
Cuchara as vacation home base
We have learned that Cuchara Valley makes a terrific home base for some amazing day trips! We love that we can easily visit a variety of cool locations within a couple hour drive - then spend a relaxing evening back in the beautiful Cuchara Valley. Some of our favorite day trips are listed below.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
(1:20 hr drive from Cuchara Village)
Great Sand Dunes National Park - The views are amazing!
Rent sleds! this is more fun than you might think
The creek crossing is at its widest in the spring - enjoy the beach!
Hike at the nearby Zapata Falls trail
Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Train
(based out of Antonio, CO - 1:50 hrs from Cuchara Village) This historic steam engine train offers a
The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Train is beautifully refurbished
The trip starts in Antonio, CO
The sweeping mountain vista views are phenomenal!
Trip ends in Charma, NM having taken 6 hrs to get there but only 1 hour bus ride to return
Taos, New Mexico
(2:15 hr drive from Cuchara Village) The beautiful historic town of Taos has an amazing array of things to do and see. It has great shopping, art studios, museums, restaurants, historic churches all within the lovely Pueblo style architecture.
The Taos main plaza is a must see!
Nearby is the Taos Pueblo community, which offers a fascinating tour
Visit the Rio Grande Gorge and Bridge. Enjoy hiking and photo ops. Hint: match this visit with a nearby Hot Springs! there are several options
Taos has many museum options... a special shout out to Millicent Rogers Museum!
Crestone, Colorado
(2:10 hr drive from Cuchara Village) Crestone is a tiny town at the foot of the very impressive Sangre de Cristo mountains. There are many popular hikes in the area. The town itself also has some surprises to offer - including a reputation as a spiritual center, housing an array of different world religions.
The surrounding Sangre de Cristo mountains are gorgeous in the winter
Crestone Brewing is a terrific local spot with food and drink. facebook link
Elephant Cloud market provides groceries and has an attached coffee house / sandwich shop. facebook link
About 20 miles further north of Crestone you will find The Joyful Journey Hot Springs... amazing views!
Creede, Colorado
(2:40 hr drive from Cuchara Village) Creede is a historic mining town, with a thriving tourism industry benefiting from its beautiful location and canyon backdrop. Creede is a picture perfect mountain town! Be sure to check out the variety of summer festival options.
Main street has many restaurants and a variety of shops
There are several museums to explore Creed's mining heritage
You can even drive into the Canyon behind the city to explore
About 20 miles north of Creed are the North Clear Creek Falls... fabulous!