Spanish Peaks Wilderness Area
The Spanish Peaks Wilderness Area (SPWA) is a federally designated wilderness, consisting of 19,226 acres and 33 miles of trails, managed by the U.S. Forest Service/San Carlos Ranger District (USFS/SCRD) through its field office in La Veta. The secluded trails provide access to the West Peak at 13,623 feet and the East Peak at 12,708 feet. Wilderness trails are non-motorized which means motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are prohibited. This includes the use of ATVs and bicycles. Allowed uses include hiking, primitive camping (with a permit), horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and photography. This pristine environment attracts locals and visitors looking for an experience in nature far from crowds.
History
The U. S. Congress designated the Spanish Peaks Wilderness in 2000. Los Cumbres Espanolos, the Spanish Peaks, are prominent landmarks along the eastern front of the southern Rockies. These are “Wahatoya”, Huajatolla” or Guajatoyah”, roughly interpreted as “breasts of the earth”. The Spanish Peaks are geologically distinct from the faulted and uplifted mountains of the Sangre de Cristo range to the west. To the geologist the Spanish Peaks are prime examples of “stocks” which are defined as large masses of igneous (molten) rock which intruded layers of sedimentary rock and were later exposed by erosion. Among the most unusual features of the Spanish Peaks are the great dikes which radiate out from the mountains like spokes of a wheel.
