Cuchara, Colorado facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cuchara
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Entering Cuchara from the north on State Highway 12.
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 Cuchara
Location in Colorado
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| Country | United States |
| State | Colorado |
| County | Huerfano |
| Elevation | 8,468 ft (2,581 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (Mountain (MST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-6 (MDT) |
| ZIP codes |
81055
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| GNIS feature ID | 203635 |
Cuchara is a small, quiet community in Huerfano County, Colorado, United States. It's not an official town, but a group of homes and businesses. You can find Cuchara nestled in the mountains, south of the town of La Veta. It sits very high up, at about 8,468 feet (2,581 meters) above sea level! A scenic road called State Highway 12 goes right through Cuchara.
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Exploring Cuchara's Location
Cuchara is located in a beautiful part of Colorado. It sits on the eastern side of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. These are tall, impressive mountains in the south-central part of the state.
Mountains and Rivers Nearby
Just west of Cuchara, you can see the Spanish Peaks. These are two very distinctive mountains. A few miles south of Cuchara is Cucharas Pass. This mountain pass is almost 10,000 feet high! The Cucharas River also flows close to the community.
Surrounded by Nature
The entire area around Cuchara is part of the San Isabel National Forest. This means there are lots of trees, wildlife, and outdoor activities. It's a great place for nature lovers.
What "Cuchara" Means
In the Spanish language, the word "cuchara" means "spoon." This name was chosen because the valley where Cuchara is located looks like the shape of a spoon. You'll find many places in Huerfano County with "Cuchara" in their name. For example, there's Cuchara Junction and the Cuchara Formation.
Local Businesses and Highway 12
Even though it's a small community, Cuchara has a few businesses. You can find restaurants and places to stay, like small hotels or lodges. It's a popular stopping point along State Highway 12. This highway is known for its amazing views and is called a scenic byway.
A Look at Cuchara's Past
Cuchara has a history, just like any other place. Sometimes, communities face challenges.
Wildfire in 2018
In the summer of 2018, Cuchara had to be evacuated. This happened because of a wildfire that came close to the community. It was a difficult time, especially since it happened during their busiest season. Local businesses faced financial challenges because of the evacuation. However, the community worked together to recover.
