La Veta Trails

06/19/2026

Videographer Wanted!

La Veta Trails is seeking a talented videographer to document two upcoming events and help bring their stories to a wider audience through short educational videos.

These videos will support and extend the reach of our Geoheritage of Huerfano and Las Animas Counties Initiative, highlighting the unique geological, cultural, and natural history of our region.

If you have videography experience and are interested in contributing to this exciting project, we'd love to hear from you!

Please email your interest, experience, and any relevant work samples to [email protected].

Help us share the remarkable geoheritage of southern Colorado with our communities and beyond!

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06/19/2026

On July 17th, join this community hike on the Hogback Trail at Lathrop State Park hosted by La Veta Public Schools, La Veta Trails, and the University of Colorado Thermochronology Research and Instrumentation Laboratory (CU TRail). The hike will be led by Lon Abbott, CU Boulder Geology Faculty, and Sabrina Kainz, University of Washington Geology Department. Email [email protected] to sign up. Space is limited.

🥾⛰️ Join Us for a Community Geology Hike! ⛰️🥾

Discover the incredible science and stories hidden in the landscapes of southern Colorado during our Community Geology Hike at Lathrop State Park on Friday, July 17!

Open to La Veta students (4th grade and older), parents, staff, and community members.

📅 Friday, July 17
🕣 8:30–11:00 a.m.
📍 Lathrop State Park - Hogback Trail
🚌 Participants to be seated on the school bus by 8:20 a.m.

Space is limited! RSVP by July 10 to [email protected].

This special program is made possible through a grant awarded to La Veta Trails and is part of the Geoheritage of Huerfano and Las Animas Counties Initiative, a partnership between La Veta Trails and the University of Colorado Thermochronology Research and Instrumentation Laboratory (CU TRaIL). Together, they are connecting scientific research, local history, and outdoor exploration to help our community better understand and appreciate the land we call home.

Come explore, learn, and strengthen your connection to the unique geology and history of our region! 🌄🔍🪨

06/09/2026

La Veta Trails is seeking passionate and engaged community members to serve on our Board of Directors. If you believe in the power of trails, parks, and public lands to connect people, promote healthy lifestyles, and strengthen communities, we encourage you to apply.

Our board helps guide the organization's work to build, maintain, and steward trails and outdoor spaces; expand access to outdoor recreation; support youth and community programs; and foster a culture of conservation and volunteerism throughout the Spanish Peaks region. To be effective, our board must reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, identities, and perspectives who share our commitment to inclusion, stewardship, and community engagement.

We are particularly interested in people with experience in community outreach, advocacy, fundraising, finance, recreation, conservation, strategic planning, or nonprofit leadership. However, specific expertise is not required. The qualities we value most are curiosity, collaboration, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to advancing our mission.

Whether you are a longtime trail user, a conservation advocate, a community volunteer, or simply someone who cares deeply about the future of our public lands and outdoor spaces, we invite you to consider joining our leadership team.

Please email [email protected] if you are interested or want to know more.

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06/09/2026

Day 1 of TACOS training on the Greenhorn Trail went well, judging by the smiles.

06/06/2026

The Wahatoya State Wildlife Area received some much-needed TLC today in honor of National Trails Day.

A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to improving the area, and special thanks to Bill Velarde and Colorado Parks and Wildlife for their support and leadership.

We are especially grateful to Cory, Randle, Dorinda, Sabrina, Adam, Eric, Carmen, Alex, Tom, Chuck, Laura, and Dan for helping make the day a success. Your hard work and commitment are greatly appreciated!

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06/05/2026

The U.S. Forest Service announced the debut of the National Forests and Grasslands mobile app – a Forest Service guide for closures, trail conditions, amenities, and more. The Forest Service encourages visitors to download the app as a first step in their travel planning. Key app features include:

Offline Maps: Downloading maps in advance allows users to access their location even in remote areas. Don’t get lost; explore with confidence!

Safety Alerts: Optional map layers, including fire information and National Weather Service alerts, can be toggled on to provide a complete picture of the environment at your destination.

Planning Support: Users can design their own adventure by identifying and favoriting recreational activities on national forest lands within a selected radius. Visitors can search for opportunities such as hunting and fishing, water activities like canoeing or rafting, bike– or equestrian–friendly trails, and campsites based on available amenities.

Trail & Site Conditions: Users can discover and confirm the level of amenities at each recreation site and trail, including canine-friendly options, restroom availability, RV hookups, and more!

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

06/04/2026

In other exciting news, La Veta Trails has launched the implementation of the Trails Assessment and Conditions Overview System (TACOS), an innovative program that will strengthen our support of the U.S. Forest Service trail system. Thanks to grants from Great Outdoors Colorado and Colorado Partners in the Outdoors, six dedicated hikers and tech-savvy LVT crew members are currently undergoing TACOS training.

We are especially fortunate to have one of the system's developers leading the training, providing participants with expert guidance and firsthand knowledge of the program. In June, the TACOS crew will begin field implementation on local trails, collecting trail condition data and developing mitigation plans in partnership with the San Carlos Ranger District. La Veta Trails will be able to make critical improvements that go beyond tree clearing.

06/04/2026

La Veta Trails hosted a fantastic Happy Hour gathering at La Veta Mercantile to introduce community members to our Shortgrass Prairie Restoration Project at the School Nature Trail.

Thank you to everyone who attended to learn about the project, receive an update on our progress, and volunteer for the upcoming invasive w**d removal phase. Your enthusiasm and support are helping make this important restoration effort possible.

A special thank-you to Manuel Molles, Professor Emeritus of Biology at the University of New Mexico, for his insightful presentation on shortgrass prairie ecosystems around the world. He highlighted the critical role these ecosystems play in supporting biodiversity and mitigating climate change.

Shortgrass prairies are rapidly disappearing across the United States due to development and other land-use changes. Restoring and protecting these valuable landscapes helps preserve native plants and wildlife while strengthening the health and resilience of our environment.

We appreciate everyone who joined us and look forward to continuing this important work together. Email [email protected] if you would like to be involved in this important project.

06/02/2026

With Bachman and Associates Real Estate – we just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

05/31/2026

Whether you are a resident or a visitor, please eat, shop, and support local businesses that support the community and nonprofits.

Mountain Merman Brewing Company, Just in Time Bakery, Bachman and Associates Real Estate, Serendipity Coffee Shop,
Artisans on Main, Spanish Peaks Arts (Kathy Hill), Gub Gubs Pizza, Mountain Time Physical Therapy, Alys' Restaurant, and Cuchara Yacht Club.

Thank you for supporting La Veta Trails.

Send a message to learn more