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Highway Of Legends Cuchara Pass
Cuchara Pass. Photo: Kent Kanouse

Highway Of Legends Byway – Walsenburg-Trinidad

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The Highway of Legends retraces the historic routes that have long been traveled among Colorado’s southern foothills. It’s an 82 mile stretch of mostly State Highway 12, connecting Walsenburg with Trinidad to the south.

This national scenic byway passes right through the San Isabel National Forest, providing numerous opportunities to take a break from your drive and explore. It also goes directly by some neat mountain towns, including La Veta, Cuchara and Monument Park. You can summit two easy mountain passes, Cuchara Pass and Cordova Pass.

National Scenic Byway

Highway of Legends Byway SH 12 The Gap near Cuchara, CO
The Gap north of Cuchara, CO; Highway of Legends Byway/SH 12. Photo: Jeffrey Beall

From the north you begin at Walsenburg heading west on Highway 160. In 11 miles you head south on Highway 12 towards La Veta, which continues all the way to Trinidad at the end.

A later 35-mile section was added to the middle of the drive. This detours over the 11,248-foot Cordova Pass, just south of Cuchara. This route, starting from the top of Cuchara Pass, connects east to Aguilar at I-25. It follows County Road 46 through the San Isabel National Forest. It’s a breathtaking detour that shouldn’t be too hard to work into your plans.

Activities near Highway of Legends

State Parks – Both Lathrop and Trinidad Lake state parks are found on the Highway of Legends. Both are open year round with camping, hiking and lake activities.

Spanish Peaks – Designated a national natural landmark, the Spanish Peaks are comprised of two ample peaks that rise high over plains: West Peak at 13,626 feet, and East Peak at 12,683 feet. They were called Huajatolla (Wa-ha-toy-a), meaning breasts of the world.

Camping: Read about the camping near Trinidad, Walsenburg and La Veta.

Hotels and lodging:

  • Read about the best hotels in Walsenburg.
  • Read about the best hotels in La Veta.
  • Read about the best hotels in Trinidad.
Highway of Legends Walsenburg CO
The northern start of Highway of Legends in Walsenburg, CO. Photo: Ken Lund

Details

Nearby Towns:

  • Aguilar
  • Cokedale
  • Cuchara
  • La Veta
  • Monument Park
  • Segundo
  • Stonewall
  • Trinidad
  • Walsenburg
  • Weston

Season: Year Round

Length: 82+ miles (2 hours)

Roads: 2WD

Map: Highway of Legends (.png)

Website: codot.gov/…

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