About Huerfano County

Huerfano County boasts a rich history, originally inhabited by Native Americans and later settled in the mid-1800s by Mexicans of Spanish descent from New Mexico and the San Luis Valley. Established as one of Colorado's 17 original counties in 1876, Huerfano gets its name from the Spanish word "Huerfano," meaning "Orphan," after a solitary volcanic butte near Walsenburg. Walsenburg, the county seat located along I-25 and US 160, thrived as a trade hub after the discovery of coal, leading to the development of over 50 mines, which ceased operations in the 1950s.

Highway of Legends 

 Just 17 miles west on Highway 12, La Veta offers a charming small-town atmosphere, complete with art galleries, dining options, and a variety of outdoor activities. Known as the Highway of Legends, this scenic route offers breathtaking landscapes in the Spanish Peaks Wilderness, winding through meadows, lakes, and diverse wildlife habitats. Further south, the village of Cuchara, nestled at an elevation of over 8,000 feet, was once a farming community and is now a scenic retreat. Gardner, located northwest of Walsenburg on Highway 69, is a quaint ranching community known for its hiking and fishing opportunities along the Huerfano River. Lathrop State Park, just 3 miles west of Walsenburg, provides camping, fishing, and boating opportunities. Huerfano County also encompasses three National Forest Wilderness Areas, which are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, while serving as the eastern gateway to Great Sand Dunes National Park.