La Veta, CO: Our 5 Favorite Ways to enjoy the View!
May 2023: La Veta (population 862*) is a small town located in Huerfano County. It is situated at the base of the Spanish Peaks, which are two prominent mountains in southern Colorado. The town is nestled in a picturesque valley and is known for its scenic beauty and small-town charm, and many ways to enjoy the beauty during your stay!
La Veta – A Brief History
The Spanish Peaks region was well known and travelled by the Ute Tribe of Native Americans.
The town of La Veta has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. It was initially a trading post and supply point for nearby ranches and mining communities. Francisco Fort, the original commercial center, can still be visited today as a museum. A post office called La Veta has been in operation since 1876. The name is Spanish for “mineral vein”, named for a mineral deposit near the original town site.
The town experienced a period of growth during the mining boom in the late 1800s, attracting settlers looking for opportunities in mining and agriculture. Today La Veta is known for its community of artists and ranchers and breathtaking scenery. The Great Dikes of the Spanish Peaks- large, vertical granite formations that radiate outward from the Spanish Peaks—surround the area.
5 Best Ways to enjoy the beautiful Spanish Peaks views from La Veta
1. Enjoy a craft beer in the beautiful outdoor courtyard at Mountain Merman’s Brewery
During our recent visit, our favorite outdoor hang out was the courtyard shared by the Mountain Merman Brewery and the Legends on Main restaurant! The home brew beer is well done, and the MMB atmosphere has a super fun vibe. The Legends on Main serves Santa Fe style Mexican food is delicious.
2. Enjoy your favorite beverage with a warm and cozy inside view at the La Veta Mercantile and Paradise Coffee
Further along Main Street is the La Veta Mercantile, which is clever multi-business based out of another beautifully restored building. The front half of the building has fun merchandise, and a wine bar. The second half of the building has more merchandise and a nice seating area to enjoy your beverage with beautiful views through the large front windows. In the evening, this business turns into a music venue often featuring local bands and a great community hang-out.
We also want to give a shout-out to Paradise Coffee Shop across the street. They have both indoor and outdoor seating with a view, and terrific coffee, tees and baked items.
3. Explore the area art galleries featuring the work of local artists and local views
La Veta’s unique and beautiful location has long attracted artists. During our visit we enjoyed visiting several of the many galleries and studios, often finding items featuring area landmarks and beauty.
- Artisans on Main – Google Maps – an artist coop with lots of beautiful local art
- The Parkside Art Gallery and Cafe – Google Maps – love this place! It has a coffee bar as well as a beautiful shop – and occasional concert venue!
- Shalawalla Gallery – Google Maps – gift shop and art studio; this business offers art classes to the public!
- Spanish Peaks Arts Council – Google Maps | Spanish Peaks Art website – a community-based nonprofit dedicated to support of the arts and art education; we enjoy looking at the wide variety of items in their gallery for sale
- La Veta School of the Arts – Google Maps | LVSA Website Workshops – this school offers art classes to the public!
4. Golf (or eat!) at the recently re-opened Grandote Golf Course
The view of Spanish Peaks doesn’t get much better than the Grandote Golf course! They also have a bar & grill, so you can also eat with this same amazing view.
5. Walk around the historic town and on the nearby Nature Trail
One of our favorite activities is walking around town and enjoying the historic old buildings, homes and parks!
Main Street La Veta – Adobe church 
Historic downtown La Veta – Charlie’s Market 
Historic downtown La Veta 
Historic downtown La Veta – shops 
Old historic high school 
Old historic high school 
Main Street La Veta – State Forestry adobe building 
Main Street La Veta – Library 
Historic downtown La Veta 
Main Street La Veta – Library 
Main Street La Veta – Library courtyard to Francisco Fort Museum 
Main Street La Veta – Adobe church 
Main Street La Veta historic home 
Main Street La Veta – Statue in front of the grade school 
Nature Trail 
Nature Trail 
Nature Trail
More to Explore!
La Veta is part of the Spanish Peaks Chamber of Commerce who feature many more things to do and see in the area. I also found that La Veta is a Creative Art District, part of a Colorado State program to support art as an economic force. Below are some of the resources i found online.
- La Veta Trails | Guides and Maps
- Spanish Peaks Chamber of Commerce
- Spanish Peaks Country | Annual Events | Experiences | Audio Tours
Annual Events
- Spanish Peaks Music Festival (June)
- 4th of July Parade on Main Street and Art in the Park (July)
- Spanish Peaks International Celtic Music Festival (September)
- Oktoberfest (October)
- Holiday Art Walk (December)
