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Las Animas County, Colorado

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Las Animas County

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Las Animas County

Huerfano County, Colorado

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Southern Colorado
Your Guide to Las Animas County and Huerfano County in Southern Colorado

San Isabel National Forest

San Isabel National Forest is one of eleven National Forests in Colorado. The Forest includes over one million acres of beautiful scenery with snow-capped mountain peaks, spring wildflowers, autumn colors, crystal clear mountain lakes, and clear blue skies to enjoy.

Prior to the establishment of the Forest, the presence of American Indians, Spanish Land Grants, homesteading, and the discovery of gold and silver were important in shaping the land. The lands originally set aside as Forest Reserve in 1902 were renamed the San Isabel National Forest in March, 1907. From 1907 until 1945 the Forest grew steadily in size as several other Forests and additional lands were integrated into the San Isabel National Forest. Today the Forest is administered by three District Offices and the Supervisor's Office.

The Forest is bounded on the west and north by the Continental Divide, and on the east by the Pike National Forest. The Wet Mountains, Collegiate Peaks, Sawatch Range, Spanish Peaks, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains provide a variety of scenery. Elevations range from a low of 5,860 feet to the top of Mt. Elbert, Colorado's highest, at 14,433 feet. The high elevations account for the comfortable summer temperatures and the year-round snow on some of the higher peaks.

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.

Today, with almost 800 miles of hiking trails, several ski areas, nineteen peaks over 14,000 feet, several scenic byways, numerous roads and highways, campgrounds and picnic areas, the Forest provides challenges and opportunities for everyone.

Parts of the following Wilderness Areas are in the San Isabel National Forest:

  • Holy Cross
  • Mount Massive
  • Collegiate Peaks
  • Buffalo Peaks
  • Sangre de Cristo
  • Greenhorn
  • Spanish Peaks

Two long-distance hiking trails of national importance pass through the San Isabel National Forest: the Colorado Trail and the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. The Colorado Trail is a 469 mile trail between Denver and Durango. The 3,100 mile Continental Divide Trail is proposed between the Mexican and Canadian borders. Numerous side trails connect these two trails with campgrounds, trailheads and local communities along the way.

The Colorado Trail is open to hikers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers. Mountain bikes are currently permitted on the non-Wilderness segments of the trail. The trail passes through seven National Forests, six Wildernesses, five major river systems, and eight mountain ranges. The trail is even more impressive because it was created through a massive volunteer effort involving thousands of trail-building enthusiasts.

The Colorado Trail is jointly administered by the Colorado Trail Foundation and the US Forest Service.

The 3,100 mile Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, when completed, will provide spectacular backcountry travel the length of the Rocky Mountains from Mexico to Canada. It is the most rugged of the long distance trails. The trail was designated in 1978 and is designed to be an educational as well as a hiking experience. The trail traverses a variety of terrain, including high desert, forests, geologic formations, and mountain meadows. Along the way travelers can catch glimpses of a variety of historical, cultural and scenic landscapes, as well as abundant wildlife. Hiking opportunities range from short leisurely hikes to challenging alpine and desert segments. On the San Isabel National Forest, one of 25 National Forests traversed by the Continental Divide Trail, 100 miles of the trail are between Tennessee Pass on the north and Windy Peak on the south.

For more information...

District Ranger. 3170 East Main Street, Canon City, CO 81212. Phone: (719) 269-8500.

Cities and Towns near San Isabel National Forest

Cuchara.  Cuchara, Colorado is situated on the eastern slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the heart of the Cucharas River Valley.

Gardner.  Gardner, Colorado is located in the Huerfano River Valley.

La Veta.  La Veta, Colorado is situated on the eastern side of La Veta Pass through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and at the northern opening of the Cuchara River Valley. Just south of town is the foot of the West Spanish Peak. At the southern edge of town is the eighteen hole, Tom Weiskopf designed Grandote Golf Course.

Stonewall.  Stonewall is a village located at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains on Highway 12.

Where to eat and stay near San Isabel National Forest

Restaurants

Creekside Tavern @ Cuchara Event Ctr. http://cucharaeventcenter.com
Timbers Restaurant. 23 Cucharas Ave E Cuchara. Phone: 719.742.3838.
Charlie's Market. 212 S Main St La Veta. Phone: 719.742.3651.
Dog Bar and Grill. 34 Cuchara Avenue E La Veta. Phone: 719.742.6366.
Ryus Avenue Bakery. 129 W Ryus Ave La Veta. Phone: 719.742.3830.
Sammie's Restaurant. 124 N Main La Veta. Phone: 719.742.5435.
Stonewall Shopping Bag. 6689 Highway 12 Stonewall. Phone: (719) 868-2255.

Hotels and Motels

Cuchara Inn . 73 Cuchara Avenue East Cuchara. Phone: (719) 742-3685.
Cuchara Valley Lodge. 19520 State Highway 12 Cuchara. Phone: (719) 742-6300.
Cherry Street Inn. 1012 Cherry Street La Veta. Phone: 719-742-5149.
La Veta Inn. 103 East Ryus Street La Veta. Phone: (719) 742-3700. http://www.lavetainn.com
Ranch House Inn. 1012 Cherry Street La Veta. Phone: 719-742-5234.
Sammie's Motel & RV Park. 124 N Main La Veta. Phone: 719.742.5435.
The Ranch House Inn. 1012 S. Cherry St La Veta. Phone: 719.742.5234. http://www.theranchhouseinn.com
The Warehouse. 200 South Main St La Veta. Phone: 719.742.5278.
Yellow Pine Ranch. 15880 Hwy 12 La Veta. Phone: 719.742.3528. http://www.yellowpine.us

Bed and Breakfasts

Echo Canyon Guest Ranch. 12507 Echo Canyon Creek Rd La Veta. Phone: 800.341.6603. http://guestecho.com
Harding Corner B&B. 140 West Grand Street La Veta. Phone: 719.742.5423.
Inn at the Spanish Peaks. 310 E Francisco La Veta. Phone: 719.742.5313. http://www.innatthespanishpeaks.com
Lucy's Place. 111 W. Virginia La Veta. Phone: 719.742.5163.
Colt Ranch B&B. 10,000 County Road 43.6 Stonewall. Phone: (719) 845-0353. Email: coltranch@msn.com. http://www.coltranch.com

Campgrounds and RV Parks

Circle the Wagons RV Park & Motel. 124 N. Main St., La Veta, CO 81055 La Veta. Phone: 719-742-3233.
Elk Valley Flyshop & RV Park. 5535 Hwy 12 La Veta. Phone: 866.733.5533.
Stonewall Inn & Rv Park. 6673 State Highway 12 Stonewall. Phone: (719) 868-2294.

Property For Sale Near San Isabel National Forest
Offered by Colorado Land Properties, LLC

Address Price Comment
Yellowstone Creek Ranch #20 (La Veta, Colorado)$149,900

40 ACRES Bordering BLM Lands unparalled in hunting and riding arenas! Creek, wildlife pond, meadows and VIEWs...make this one a unique opportunity!

 
Yellowstone Creek Ranch #19 (La Veta, Colorado)$139,900 PRICE REDUCED OVER 50KYellowstone Creek Ranch includes some of the finest Colorado mountain land we have ever seen! Gently rolling hills, meadows, great rock formations (including several granite dikes), tall Ponderosa, Aspen, Douglas Fir, borders BLM  Hunters and Horses delight! 
Yellowstone Creek Ranch #18 (La Veta, Colorado)$118,90040 ACRES - BORDERS BLM WITH WILDLIFE POND AND UNDERGROUND PHONE AND POWER TO PROPERTY LINE! 
Vantage Point Overlook (Cuchara, Colorado)$649,500Fifty-mile views from the top of the world... Nestled in a pristine Aspen and Fir forest at 9800 feet roosts an immaculate and grand timber log home. A creek that never runs dry, gorgeous meadows and year-around access from the Scenic Highway of Legends (Highway 12) make this offering too good to be true! 
Tres Valles West Lot 10, Filing 1 (La Veta, Colorado)$164,900Gentle slopes, meadows, trees and huge views. 

Land Developments Near San Isabel National Forest

Between Weston and Stonewall, Colorado
Rancho Escondido
Stonewall, Colorado

This rare and beautiful property is an investor's dream! Walk this forest, seasonal creek area, small interspersed meadows full of mule deer and know you have found paradise. Located about 24 miles west of Trinidad, Colorado, off State Highway 12.

Learn More at http://mountaindreamfinders.com

Tres Valles West

5+/- acre properties covered with a beautiful variety of foliage: oaks and pinons to ponderosas to aspens and bristlecone pines. 2,600+ acres of deeded common land is kept as a private park, available to all owners for recreational purposes.

Prices start at $89,500.

Learn More at http://mountaindreamfinders.com

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708 W. Baca Street, Trinidad, Colorado 81082
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