Even for the most adventurous Colorado ramblers, it’s not easy to accidentally stumble upon La Veta. Visiting the small southern Colorado burg is typically a deliberate decision, as it requires a short detour off U.S. 160 between Alamosa and Walsenburg. But those who do take the brief dip south are rewarded with a unique slice of Coloradoa small Western town, a dusty Main Street, a tight-knit community, a mountain-padded valley. La Veta is a hidden gem often overshadowed by the even tinier, if more resort-oriented, Cuchara, 11 miles to the southwest. A classic only-in-La Veta experience can be found at the city’s central and community-minded public library, which offers a solid variety of books, Internet stations and free town bike rentals. The library’s four town bikes are situated right outside the library’s doors, and it’s simple to grab one to roam La Veta’s flat, historic streets. It’s the best way to see the small town’s sights, and you’ll find that the lack of traffic on these town roads makes for ideal riding conditions. Bicycle rental: free. Open 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays; 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Closed Sundays. 310 S. Main St. in La Veta, 719-742-3572, .
STAY: The La Veta Inn (103 W. Ryus Ave., La Veta; 719-742-3700; ) is the heart of La Veta — the hub of activity and the gathering place for travelers taking in the Spanish Peaks area. The historic hotel is less than a block off the main drag, and it’s also the home to Francisco’s, one of the most consistent restaurants in town (see below). Rates start at $79 a night.
DINE: La Veta has a number of eateries, but depending on the season and the time of day, your options might be limited. Most of the time you can count on Francisco’s (same address as the La Veta Inn, above) being open and bustling, serving margaritas in the warm dining room or the inviting, well-decorated patio. They offer a build-your-own-burger option ($8.95, with a buffalo patty costing $2 more), but we opted for the Dakota Wall Nachos ($7.95 plus $2.50 for guacamole), which complemented our margaritas quite well.
La Veta is 175 miles south of Denver via Interstate 25, U.S. 160 and Colorado 12.
Ricardo Baca
