Cuchara is tucked on the eastern slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the heart of the Cucharas River Valley.
About This Tour
Walking through the village, notice the laid-back pace and beauty of nature that surrounds you. Stop in the village for a snack and chat with some of the locals and remember, after you're done exploring Cuchara, there is a lot more to explore in this area. Take the Highway of Legends tour to explore the scenic byway that loops through Walsenburg, to Stonewall, Trinidad and back up. And, along the way, stop in for more downtown walking tours in the town of La Veta and Walsenburg. Tap back to the tour listings page to find the other tours close to you or find a link to these tours in the text section of this story site.
This tour is presented by the Huerfano County Tourism Board and was paid for in part by a History Colorado State Historical Fund grant.
To learn more about this region visit spanishpeakscountry.com.
Sample Stories
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Watters Cabin & Burkes Cabin
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Cuchara has had a few notable residents over the years, and one of them was the acclaimed Mid-American artist, Clayton Staples. Known for his landscape paintings, Staples was a lifelong artist and respected university professor. He was also an instrumental part of the Cuchara community for more than a decade.
As a professor Clayton was highly influential in developing the arts program at Wichita State. Under his direction the college launched the first advanced art degree, or MFA, offered in the state of Kansas, and one of the first ten such degrees to be offered in the country.
After he retired in 1950, Clayton and his wife Esther lived in the cabin that you see in front of you, which is known as Watters Cabin. Clayton and Esther's house has been well-preserved and if you look carefully at the stream running to the right of the property you might be able to see a little stone foot bridge that Clayton built. Good teacher, that he was, Staples also brought a group of his students from Kansas to help build his studio.
During their eleven years in this community, Clayton taught painting to many of the village residents. His summer art classes were conducted across the street in what used to be a barn and art studio. Today that building is known by residents as the Burkes Cabin.
Don't miss the Chapel and Community Center to see carvings by this renowned artist.
