SOUTHERN
COLORADO
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
Huerfano County
Huerfano County lies along the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains of southeastern Colorado. The average monthly temperature for January is 33.6 degrees to 83 degrees in July. Annual precipitation varies from 12 to 16 inches per year while some snowfall ranges from 56 - 74 inches with average sunshine over 300 days a year. The eastern portion lies in mystery of the plains while the western portion raises to the lofty famous Spanish Peaks. Pollution is non-existing and congestion occurs only at morning mail pick up.Walsenburg is the County Seat and is located at the intersection of Interstate 25, Highway 160 , highway 69 and Colorado 10. Just west of Walsenburg is Highway 12, the Scenic Highway of Legends.
The people of Huerfano County are of mixed ethnic backgrounds with strong work ethics. The energy of the young people is supported by an active retired population. Newcomers are immediately meshed into the communities in true western fashion. Entrepreneur spirit abounds al all age levels.
Walsenburg was originally settled in the mid-1800's and first known as La Plaza de los Leones, named after the Leones Family. As the settlement grew, the name was changed in honor of local businessman Fred Walsen. Walsenburg's Spanish heritage is celebrated through the year with several festivals. In addition, the local dance group, El Fandango, is nearing the 60th year of their existence. They are will known throughout the southern part of Colorado.
The Walsenburg Mining Museum features displays and photos of the rich history of coal mining in Huerfano County and southern Colorado.
Twenty six miles west of Walsenburg on Colorado 69 is the small ranching community of Gardner. Above Gardner the headwaters for the Huerfano River flow from the east side of Blanca Peak, rising 14,345 feet in elevation. The area is popular for hiking, fishing and backpacking. Lathrop State Park is located three miles west of Walsenburg on Highway 160. The park features camping, water-skiing, fishing and sail boating.
Following US 160 west from Walsenburg and then turn on Colorado 12, the road leads to the Cuchara Valley. The town of La Veta features the Huerfano County Historical Society's Fort Francisco Museum. The Museum is located in the buildings of the original plaza, built by John Francisco in1862. La Veta, meaning "the Vein" in Spanish, was probably named after a vein of Yaso, a white substance that the early settlers used to whitewash their adobe homes. Another theory is that La Veta gets its name from the rock walls (dikes) that radiate from the Spanish Peaks area.
Southern Colorado Economic Development District (SCEDD)
1104 N. Main St.
Pueblo, CO 81003
(719) 545-8680 - (719) 545-9908 Fax
Toll Free 877-252-7297