Huerfano County, Colorado
Cordova Pass
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Scenic Cordova Pass
Huerfano World - October 3, 2002
Contributed by Louise Adams

Shimmering Trees - Fall colors can be seen through Huerfano County, shimmering in the sun like this stand of aspens seen on Medano Pass. Although the drought has diminished the fall colors, vibrant stands of trees can be spotted on mountainsides and in lower valleys.

Cordova Pass road has designated as part of the Scenic Highway of Legends and Colorado Scenic Historic Byways. The Colorado Transportation Commission unanimously passed a resolution granting designation on Aug. 15 and the Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways Commission approved and designated the byway.

The byway designation effort was co-chaired by June Valentine of Aguilar, and James Cooper of La Veta, who both are on the Scenic Highway of Legends Board of directors.

A special ceremony to officially designate the Cordova Pass road and scenic byway to be held from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, at the Aguilar Community Center in Aguilar. Food and refreshments will be served, along with entertainment. Many local and state dignitaries will be attending.

Cordova Pass has a colorful history, J.J. Cordova, who served as Las Animas County commissioner for three years, had a dream in 1928 about the road over the West Spanish Peak leading from Aguilar to the Cuchara and La Veta area.

The road originally was named Apishapa Pass. On June 23, 1985, the pass was rededicated in memory of J.J. Cordova and was named Cordova Pass. The rededication was organized by June Valentine and Fidel Martinez of Trinidad.

The Scenic Highway of Legends is one of the most scenic and historic drives in Colorado. It cuts through the eastern side of the Sangre de Cristo Mounta ins. The Colorado State Byway and U.S. National Forest Byway begins at Highway 12 and U.S. 160.

Traveling along the byway takes you through a combination of communities, points of interest, scenic vistas, historical, cultural and recreational areas, including Aguilar, Gulnare, Walsenburg, La Veta, Cuchara, Stonewall, Cokedale, Weston, Segundo and Trinidad.




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