Colorado Open Lands

Spanish Peaks :

Preserving Agricultural and Natural Landscapes

Spanish Peaks MapThanks to the combined efforts of several key residents living in the La Veta area who took it upon themselves to collaboratively work with Colorado Open Lands and other land trusts, one of the most spectacular valleys in the region, “the Wahatoya Valley,” is very close to being completely protected.

With eight preservation projects completed in the Wahatoya Valley alone, Colorado Open Lands is now turning its attention to the protection of the larger landscape surrounding the Spanish Peaks, both in Huerfano and Costilla Counties.

Significance

The area was first settled in 1861 by Colonel John Francisco, who, as legend has it, claimed “this is Paradise enough for me” when he first laid eyes on the lush landscape below the towering twin peaks.  The arrival of the Denver and Rio Grande railroads in 1876 brought increased growth to the area and resulted in the founding of the town of La Veta.

Named for the Costilla River, which means "little rib" in Spanish, Costilla is one of Colorado's original counties.  Steeped in the early history of this country, surrounded by magnificent peaks, and containing the southwest corner of the San Luis Valley, Costilla County encompasses some of the most spectacular views in the country, along with great wildlife habitat.

Huerfano means ‘orphan,’ and a lone volcanic protrusion can be seen for miles on the bank of the Huerfano River along I-25.  This little volcanic cone never reached productive adulthood, but gives some idea of the immense volcanic activity that gave the landscape in Huerfano County its fascinating and picturesque characteristics.

Some of the significant natural resources of these two counties include:

  • The majestic Spanish Peaks, rising nearly 7,000 feet above the Great Plains of south-central Colorado, which have long been one of the most prominent landmarks along the southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains,
  • “The Big Wall” - a 100-foot high volcanic, granite dike that extends for three miles from the base of the Spanish Peaks like a great rampart,
  • A rich diversity of ecotypes, from alpine tundra to subalpine forests, piñon-juniper, and cottonwood riparian systems,
  • Critical winter range for elk and deer, as well as year-round habitat for black bear, mountain lion, wild turkey, and other wildlife, and
  • A strong agricultural community.

Threats and Impacts

For over 100 years after the founding of La Veta, the area surrounding the Spanish Peaks remained largely a secluded agricultural community.  In the past few years, however, many ranches within the area have been converted into 35-acre ranchettes.

Rapidly increasing land values have encouraged landowners to sell their land for development.  Located two hours from Colorado Springs and three hours from Denver, the Spanish Peaks beckon to those in search of their own piece of paradise.

As a result of the ongoing development pressure in the area, significant changes are occurring.  These changes include:

  • Conversion of agricultural lands to other uses
  • Loss of wildlife habitat
  • Fragmentation of open spaces
  • Changing character of the area

What Colorado Open Lands is Doing

As a result of the combined conservation efforts of local landowners, several other land trusts, and Colorado Open Lands, many significant properties have been permanently preserved and momentum continues to build to continue this trend.

Colorado Open Lands is:

  • Working with numerous private landowners to preserve working ranches, critical open space, and scenic viewsheds,
  • Protecting stream corridors and important riparian habitat, and
  • Serving as a resource for landowners in the Wahatoya area.

Partners

Our partners in the Spanish Peaks Project Area include:

How You Can Help

Your support is critical to our ongoing success in helping willing Colorado landowners preserve and protect the great natural, cultural, and working landscapes of Colorado.  You can help support this project and Colorado Open Lands’ ongoing efforts by:

  • Making an online donation
  • Sending your donation to:
    • Colorado Open Lands
      274 Union Boulevard, Suite 320
      Lakewood, CO 80228
      303.988.2373
  • Funding or donating items listed on our Wish List!  To accomplish our mission of land preservation, it is necessary to have the right tools.  By donating either the item or the money necessary to purchase any of the items, you help ensure our ongoing effectiveness and efficiency.
  • Consider putting a conservation easement on your land.

Project Descriptions

Working in conjunction with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, we have collectively protected more than 83,000 acres through 12 projects.

Click here to view completed projects list.

Ninety-nine percent of our revenue goes directly to our land conservation programs.