Cuchara, Colorado

Cuchara, Colorado is situated on the eastern slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the heart of the Cucharas River Valley. The town is surrounded by the San Isabel National Forest with all its' lakes, trees and mountains. On the east side of town is the West Spanish Peak. The Cucharas River flows along the edge of the business district.

As you go south out of Cuchara on Highway 12, the Scenic Highway of Legends, you will find some of the most spectacular aspen groves and wild iris fields in Colorado. On your way up the hill you pass over the Cucharas River where it comes out of the valley leading up to Bear Lake and Blue Lake. Then the highway winds through several switchbacks until it finally opens out at the top of Cuchara Pass, elevation 9,995'. Here is where Forestry Road #46 goes east and crosses Cordova Pass on the shoulder of the West Spanish Peak and continues eastward through the Apishapa Arch, Gulnare and Aguilar to the I-25.

About 8 miles south of Cuchara Pass is North Lake State Wildlife Area, a trophy fishing area. A little further south is Monument Lake Park, a full service facility on the shores of Monument Lake.

• Elevation: 8,600 feet
  
• Average annual precipitation: 36.0 inches
  
• Terrain: Alpine mountain valley filled with Aspens, Ponderosas and Blue Spruce
  
• January temperature: High: 45 Low: 10
  
• July temperature: High: 85 Low 52
  
• Days of Sunshine per year: 300+
  
• Cuchara Population 2000 census: 150
  
• Huerfano County Population 2000 census: 7,862