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.

County: Huerfano

Habitat: Spruce-Fir Forest, Cliff Face

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.

Delorme: 92 A3
Roads of Colorado: 137 D4

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: 0
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission: Free

Restrictions: Hiking can be a hazardous activity; bring raingear and water, and avoid thunderstorms

Parking: Various
Lodging: Hotel in La Veta

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Limited

Elevation: 7314

Latitude: 37.4493
Longitude: -104.98711