Welcome To KEY TO THE CITY's Page For
Cuchara
Huerfano County, Colorado
ZipCodes
81055
Page Contents for Cuchara, Colorado
History & History-related items
Chamber of Commerce.
Statistics & Facts
The Colorado state capital is Denver.
The population of Cuchara is approximately 150 (2000).
The amount of land area in Cuchara is 1.2 sq. miles.
The distance from Cuchara to Washington DC is 1595 miles.
The distance to the Colorado state capital is 167 miles. (as the crow flies)
Cuchara is positioned 37.38 degrees north of the equator and 105.10 degrees west of the prime meridian.
Cuchara elevation is 8,720 feet above sea level.
Cuchara median income is $ 29,342 (2000).
The Cuchara median home price is $ 110,100 (2000).
Cuchara average annual precipitation is 36 inches peryear.
Cuchara average temperature is (winter) 33, (summer) 72 degrees F.
The average low temperature is (winter) 10, (summer) 52 degrees F.
The average high temperature is (winter) 45, (summer) 85 degrees F.
The average winter temperature is 30 degrees F.
The average spring temperature is 44.8 degrees F.
The average summer temperature is 67.9 degrees F.
The average fall temperature is 49.9 degrees F.
Location
in southern Colorado southwest of Pueblo and Walsenburg. Here is a map page for La Veta and Cuchara.Return to Index
Geography
in the Cucharas River Valley on the eastern slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It is an alpine valley with pines and aspens. West Spanish Peak (13,625 feet) is on the east side of Cuchara and the Cucharas River goes through the community. Learn more about the Spanish Peaks on this page. One of the features of the Spanish Peaks are the dikes that radiate out. These were formed when molton magma moved up through vertical cracks. They hardened and were eventually exposed due to erosion.
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Weather
seasonal. There are over 300 days of sunshine each year. Snow may fall from September through April.
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History & History Related Items
The first name for this valley was Nunda Canyon, nunda meaning potato. Many of the early settlers were homesteading and raised potatoes on their land. The name gradually changed to Cuchara Valley by the late 1800s. Depending on who you talk to, the origin of the name of Cuchara may change. It is spoon in Spanish. One story says that old spoons were found here along the river. The other version is much more entertaining. It is said that when giants roamed the earth, one of them laid down his spoon after a heavy rain, leaving a spoon-shaped impression in the side of the mountain.
Cuchara began in 1908 when George Mayes and his wife moved here. They felt it was a perfect place for a summer resort. He opened Cuchara Camps and in a couple of years, a number of cabins had been built. At this time, the resort was only used much in the summer months.
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Attractions
Pictures and information about Cuchara Cuchara is a beautiful small mountain town with many cabins and homes. Year-round recreation may be found here with fishing, boating, camping, hiking and just plain relaxing! Cuchara has a much larger seasonal population with many cabins and homes in the surrounding areas. Wildlife abounds with deer, elk, bear, eagles, and maybe a mountain lion at times. The trees and forests of this area are breathtaking. It is surrounded by the San Isabel National Forest.
See a photography page for Cuchara and the Spanish Peaks area.
North Lake State Wildlife Area
an 840 acre area about 8 miles south of Cuchara pass for fishing. Only craft propelled by hand, wind or electric motor, no camping, no fires
Cuchara Mountain Resort
Located in Cuchara on Colorado State Highway 12, The Scenic Highway of Legends. A family resort that is great for all ages.
Scenic Highway of Legends
This route, Highway 12, was designated as one of Colorado's scenic and historical byways in 1987. It was named a National Forest Byway in 1988. The 80 mile route passes through wonderfully beautiful scenery on its course. It can be driven in about two hours. It winds through Walsenburg, La Veta, Cuchara, Monument Lake, Stonewall, Vigil, Weston, Segundo, Cokesdale and Trinidad crossing the Cuchara Pass at 9,994 feet above sea level part way along the byway. A welcome center is located in Trinidad with more information about the route. Here is a map page for the highway.
Huerfano County Tourism
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Cuchara City Government
Cuchara is an unincorporated area of Huerfano County.Cuchara Historical Events
date unknownLegend of the Devil's Stairs
A long time ago, the Devil came out from hell to survey the world. He chose the Cuchara Valley as his entrance. He would climb the steps and sit on the twin mountains, plotting how to make it his. God learned of this, and noticing the beauty of the mountains and valley, claimed the valley. He told the Devil never to come here again, but the steps still remain.
Cuchara Chamber
La Veta Cuchara Chamber of CommerceP.O. Box 32
117 West Grand
La Veta, CO 81055
Phone: 719-742-3676
Toll-free: 866-615-3676
Huerfano County Chamber of Commerce
400 Main St
P.O. Box 493
Walsenburg, CO 81089
Phone: (719) 738-1065
Cuchara Organizations
La Veta Cuchara Chamber of CommerceP.O. Box 32
117 West Grand
La Veta, CO 81055
Phone: 719-742-3676
Toll-free: 866-615-3676
Huerfano County Chamber of Commerce
400 Main St
P.O. Box 493
Walsenburg, CO 81089
Phone: (719) 738-1065 Cuchara
Miscellany
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