Description The Cuchara Pass ride is an 82 mile ride along scenic Colorado Highway 12 from Trinidad to Walsenburg.
Difficulty The ride is extremly challenging with around 3700 feet of elevation gain.  It is mostly an uphill climb for the first 48 miles until you reach the top of Cuchara pass.  The first 42 miles of the climb are managable, but plan on being out of the saddle for the last 6.
The Route From Trinidad ride west on Highway 12.  Take Highway 12 through Stonewall up over Cuchara Pass and down to La Veta.  Once you meet U.S. 160 ride east to Walsenburg. Of course if you don't have a ride back turn around at the summit of Cuchara Pass.
Hazards Watch out for the small stretch of rumble strips on the first few miles outside of Trinidad on Highway 12.
Overall Rating: This ride is the definition of a fantastic Colorado bicycle ride.  It is challenging with a tough climb, safe with wide shoulders and light traffic, and the scenery is beautiful.  Be sure to take camera or at least stop and look at the fields of wildflowers at the summit of Cuchara Pass.