Geographically the two distinctive summits known as the Spanish Peaks on the horizon west of Walsenburg are part of the Rocky Mountains. But geologically, they’re different.

The protected area, in San Isabel National Forest, would surround East and West Spanish Peaks, solid blobs of ex posed granite standing 13,626 feet and 12,683 feet high, respectively. The wilderness ...

The drive into Spanish Peaks Country is pretty enough, and the views on the aforementioned Cordova Pass are stunning. You can also take paved Colorado 12 to Cuchara Pass.