Including Arkansas River (Big Horn Sheep) Canyon, La Veta
Pass, and Highway of Legends
[NOTE: This map does not
contain hyperlinks]
If you are coming to Montrose through southeastern Colorado, you
might consider one of the above routes that will provide you with some great
riding and sights.
From Trinidad you will drive west
on Colorado State Highway 12 past the historic Coke Ovens in Cokedale and then
through some friendly small towns such as Segundo, Primero, Weston and then on
to Stonewall. Just before Stonewall on the right side where the North Fork of
the Purgatory River crosses Highway 12 you will see the famous House on the
Bridge, one of the most photographed and painted structures in the county.
Next just a little further down the road you will come to the old Storz Ranch
and if you look close you will see a sign on the fence "Not For Sale, Don't Even
Ask". Guess that says it all. Then it starts opening up into what I think is one
of the most beautiful valley's that I have ever been to, this is just before
Stonewall.
When you get to the Picketwire Store this is where you want to take a little
side trip to Torres and Tercio. Take a left here at the store and follow this
road down about 4-5 miles to the fork in the road and take a left turn. You can
only drive a few more miles before you have to turn around again but I hope you
were keeping your eyes open for deer, elk, turkey and black bears as you were
driving. This is all private land so please respect that but do enjoy these
incredible views. The views get even better on the way back to the main highway
and Stonewall.
Taking a left when you get back to the Picketwire Store you will be in Stonewall
in a just a bit. Stonewall Colorado is one of the oldest resort and vacation
areas in this part of the state but you won't find it filled with too many
tourists. You will see the Stonewall Shop and Bag and the Stonewall Inn and RV
Park on the right just before you go through the gap in the famous stonewalls.
The Dakota era sandstone walls tower above stonewall and they will impress you
with their natural beauty.
Next stop is Monument Lake where you can rent a room in season or camp while you
relax and fish if you care too in this beautiful high mountain spring fed lake.
You can even see Fisher's Peak and Raton Mesa back in Trinidad from here. Just a
mile or so from here you will come to North Lake where you can almost always
catch your limit in what is also the City of Trinidad's Water Supply. If only
all of our water supplies were so pure and clean!
Cuchara Pass is not far from here and the 10,000 foot elevation is the highest
on Highway 12 but you can take a short side trip to the Trail Head on the West
Spanish Peak and climb to the top of this 13, 626 ft mountain which is one of
our most favorite in this area along with it sister peak, the East Spanish Peak
and it top out at 12, 683 ft.
From Cuchara Pass its nothing but downhill to the town of Cuchara but just at
the bottom of this drive you will find the entrance to Bear and Blue Lake in the
San Isabel National Forest. Now if you like uncrowded fishing in beautiful high
mountain lakes be sure to take this side trip off the Highway of Legends.
Cuchara reminds you of an old western town complete with hitching posts and the
Dog Bar Saloon and it has been one of our most favorite getaways in the area
where you will find some nice quaint B&B's and horse back riding. Look close for
the downtown area of Cuchara or you will miss it. There are many mountain summer
homes here where the lucky come to escape the heat, be sure to check this
beautiful old west town out on your trip along the Highway of Legends.
The drive from here to La Veta is breath taking so drive it slow and be safe and
enjoy the natural wonders and you will understand why so many geologist from all
over the world come here to study our unique area.
Next stop.....is La Veta and one of the cutest and "down to earth" mountain
towns that you will ever find. You will find a few places to spend the night,
get a bite to eat, fuel up and just explore the town, art shops, old Spanish
Fort and all the other goodies that La Veta has to offer. This is the last stop
on Highway 12 but you will continue on to Highway 160 and head on west on US-160
over La Veta Pass.
Arkansas River Canyon -- If you are taking US-50 from Pueblo to
Montrose your trip will include riding through Canon City and the Royal Gorge
Park (fee charged). The route becomes a lot of fun just past the Royal
Gorge Park as you drop down to the Arkansas River and Big Horn Canyon.
US-50 winds its way to Salida through many sweepers and twisties, providing
awesome views of the river, the canyon, wildlife, and rafters enjoying their
trek through the canyon.
