Horseback Riding

Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, less than a mile down the road, offers trail rides on horseback where you will have the opportunity to take in the majestic scenery of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range while you tour the ranch pastures and the Cuchara river that runs through the property.  Horseback riding is available during the summer for children and adults ages 8 and up.  Reservations are required and the fee is $75 per person.

Fishing

The fishing opportunity in the valley is endless.  With high mountain lakes, streams, rivers, and reservoirs, you will find a variety of cold and warm water fish.  For more information about fishing in Spanish Peaks Country, check-in with one of our knowledgeable staff members upon your arrival.  These are some of the local favorite “fishing holes”:

• LATHROP STATE PARK
• WAHATOYA LAKE AND DAIGRE RESERVOIR
• BLUE LAKE AND BEAR LAKE
• MONUMENT LAKE
• NORTH LAKE
• TRINIDAD LAKE STATE PARK
• BOSQUE DEL OSO STATE WILDLIFE AREA
• LILY LAKE

Hiking

The Sangre de Cristo mountains are full of luscious forests prime for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. Plan a day to explore the plethora of hiking trails nearby and discover the magic of the Spanish Peaks Country. Ask our knowledgeable staff for directions to trailheads, guidance on preparing for your hiking adventure in high altitude and which trails they would recommend for your ability level.

Lathrop State Park

Spend the day exploring Colorado’s first state park.  With two lakes and nearly 1600 acres of recreational land to explore.  You can water ski, powerboat, sailboat, or swim in Martin Lake, whereas the canoers and kayakers enjoy the peaceful sanctuary at Horsehoe lake.  One of the area’s most popular hiking trails, the Hogback trail, is nestled within Lathrop State Park.  After your hike, be sure to rejuvenate and relax on the park’s sandy beach.

Scenic Highway of Legends

Take a drive down the Highway of Legends, also known as State Highway 12, and explore all of the unique geological, cultural, and historic features that include legends from the Native Americans, the Spanish Conquistadors, and those who settled in the region. The Highway of Legends ties together Walsenburg, La Veta, Cuchara, Stonewall, Trinidad, and Aguilar and circles the Spanish Peaks. Before you go, stop and chat with our staff to find out what stops you should make along the way.

Sand Dunes National Park

One of Colorado’s best treasures, the Sand Dunes National Park is the home to North America’s tallest dune, standing at 750 ft. high with the Sangre de Cristo mountains serving as a picturesque backdrop. Make the 1.5-hour drive from Huerfano county to hike around one of Colorado’s best outdoor playgrounds for renting sand sleds or sandboard to surf the dunes.

Golfing

The Walsenburg Golf course is a little-known hidden gem in Southern Colorado.  Set within Lathrop State park with the Spanish Peaks serving as a picturesque backdrop, this 9 -hole course is a great way to spend a few hours in Huerfano county. While this course doesn’t have sand bunkers or water hazards, the small, elevated, rolling greens and relentless rough will challenge every golfer that steps onto this course.