Favorite Area Hikes

The North Fork Trail Head is just past the Purgatory Camp Ground, near the town of Weston, south of Cuchara Pass. Click to enlarge map for directions.

The North Fork trail has some of the most densely populated wild flowers we have seen in Colorado... one of our favorites!

The trail follows the Purgatory Creek and a couple miles into the hike there is a particularly beautiful water fall!

The trail runs through a variety of ecosystems as it gradually gains elevation. It is out and back. We generally use this spot as a turn-around point.

The Cuchara Mountain Park has a new linking trail to the Baker Creek trail system. Baker Creek trail links into the even larger Dodgeton Trail and Indian Creek Trail Systems. We recommend starting Here!

The linking trail is accessible just off of the Cuchara Mountain Park parking lot.

The linkage trail winds through an Aspen grove within a fern (!) grove - stunning!

Baker trail runs along the Baker Creek. If you follow it far enough you get to the junction for the Dodgeton trail

The Dike trail runs above the Village of Cuchara toward the south. The south trail head is located in the above map. The north trail head is accessible from Cuchara Village.

The South trail head gently winds up hill through Ponderosa Pines

The view back toward Cuchara Mountain Park is amazing!

Watch for a side trail that leads up (east) to a high point along the ridge, with amazing views at the valley on the other side

Lathrop State Park just west of Walsenburg is a gem! It has paved trails around the lake and another trail system in the park. Daily fees apply - we us a annual State Park Pass

Be sure to stop by the Visitors Center for more information... very nice!

There is a 2.7 mile paved sidewalk around the largest lake. We use this walkway as a perfect running spot - amazing views of the Spanish Peaks and surrounding mountains!

There is also a hiking trail that provides even more amazing views back toward the lakes and surrounding mountains