Walsenburg Area

Copyright: Unknown Spanish Peaks from the Highway of Legends

Walsenberg is located close to the Spanish Peaks and Wet Mountains of the southern San Isabel National Forest. It is also relatively close to the Great Sand Dunes National Monument. To familiarize yourself with the region a trip on the Highway of Legends Scenic Byway is a good place to start. It takes you from Walsenburg to Trinidad on Highway 12. Stop in the office at Circle the Wagons Motel on the north end of La Veta or the Walsenburg Chamber of Commerce to get a tour booklet. This free guide is rich with historical information and anecdotes. Obtaining a copy is well worth the effort.

Recreation - Recreation opportunities abound in the Walsenburg area. Lathrop State provides water-based activities such as, boating, fishing, water skiing, sailing and jet skiing. Various trails in the region provide terrain for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

Climate - Mountainous terrain influences the climate visitors find around Walsenburg. In general, the summertime climate is generally mild with daily average temperatures ranging from highs of 60-95 degrees, to lows of 30-60 degrees. The days are generally clear and sunny in the mornings, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Snow showers may occur at higher elevations at any time. Generally, heavy frosts begin in late October and continue to April.

The traditional beginning of the summer season in late May is often marked by wet snows, thunderstorms with small hail and cool nights. At elevations above 9,500 feet, depending on snowfall and the orientation of the site, snow drifts can linger in some areas into early July.

Location - Walsenburg is in southern Colorado, west of Interstate-25. Denver is about three hours north, Trinidad and New Mexico are an hour south. U.S. Highway 160 comes into Walsenburg from the west. Highway 69 to Gardner and Westcliffe are located north of town.