Wahatoya Valley
CR 360 parallels Wahatoya Creek up into its lovely valley. After about 4 miles on this road watch for a sign that marks a parking area and trailhead into the Spanish Peaks Wilderness Area. A day’s hike on this trail could turn up Dusky Grouse, Three-toed Woodpeckers, sapsuckers, snowshoe hares, pine squirrels, chipmunks, and other mountain specialties. Past the trailhead, the road drops into the dense spruce canyon of Cuchara-Wahatoya Camps. In winter the area is often only accesible by snowshoe, because the road is plowed to a point just before dropping into the camps. The camps are a delightful blend of old log cabins and big spruce and fir, where nuthatches and kinglets can be found. As you return to La Veta, look to the west where you can get good views (though distant) of the back side of the amazing Devil’s Stairsteps.
Restrictions: Hiking can be a hazardous activity; bring raingear and water, and avoid thunderstorms
County: Huerfano
Directions: From the Town Lakes described above continue a short distance south to a 'T' (or 'Y') intersection. Go east on CR 362 (Delorme) about 0.5 mile to a junction. Turn right on CR 360.
Alternate Directions: From the center of La Veta, at the intersection of CO 12 and Grand, follow Grand east for one block, and turn south onto Birch. Follow Birch south, past Town Lakes, for 1.2 miles to a 'T'. Turn left onto CR 362, go a half mile, turn right on CR 360 and follow this road for 5 miles to a parking lot.
Habitat: Spruce-Fir Forest, Cliff Face
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: 0
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Various
Lodging: Hotel in La Veta
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Limited
Delorme: 92 A3
ROC: 137 D4
Latitude: 37.4493
Longitude: -104.98711