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Cuba was originally name Laguna. The earliest settlers were attracted to a profusion of small lakes and swamps that once covered what is now downtown Cuba. The Rio Puerco River and other little streams 
came down out of the Nacimiento Mountains to the east and fed into the lakes and ponds. The land was as close to lush as you can get in this dry part of New Mexico.
The lakes eventually were drained by early Spanish settlers who arrived here in about 1766. The settlers were given a tract of land from the King of Spain known as the San Joaquin del Nacimiento Grant. Many little communities sprang up all along the Rio Puerco. Most of them are no longer in existence. Present day Cuba, in this location, dates from about 1879.
The mountains you see to the east of Cuba are called the Nacimientos and refers, probably, to the mountains as the birth place of all the water in the area.
Cuba has a rich, multi-cultural history! It was the home of Anasazi and Gallina Indian cultures. There is today a large Navajo population living to the west, Apaches to the north, and Zia and Jemez Pueblo Indians to the south.
Cuba was, and is today, a source of goods, services, school and health care for the surrounding communities.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
THE CUBA AREA - An incredibly diverse wonderland offering archeological, geological, wildlife, recreation and scenic values. The high mountains to the east of us are in the Santa Fe National Forest. Cuba is the regional center for tourism, ranching, small businesses and artisans.
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ABEZON PEAK - The high landmark formation you see driving into Cuba from the SE is actually a volcanic plug formed somewhere around three million years ago when Mt Taylor (near Grants) was an active volcano. It rises 1,000 feet above the surrounding desert and is a challenging hike and climb.
SAN PEDRO PARKS WILDERNESS - The San Pedro Parks Wilderness occupies a major part of the San Pedro Mountains NE of Cuba. There are no rugged rock wall or majestic peasks here. Rather, the 10,000 foot elevations are characterized by a gentle, rolling landscape of mixed conifers interspersed with wide, open, grassy parks and wet meadows. Seasonal hiking and camping. Contact the local Forest Service office for info: 505-289-3264; or visit the Cuba office at the south end of town on County Road 11.
SUMMER ACTIVITIES IN THE MOUNTAINS - Hiking on hundre
ds of miles of trails, wilderness camping or camping in beautiful Forest Service campgrounds, fishing in the streams and at Gregorio Lake, 4-wheeling on back country roads. Hiking and driving through the high desert country to the south and east. BRING YOUR CAMERA! Visit the Cuba Regional Visitor’s Center or the Cuba Forest Service office for info.
WINTER SPORTS - The high mountains of the Santa Fe National Forest to the east of Cuba offer thousands of acres of cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, snowmobiling and just rolling-around-in-the-snow-and-throwing-snow-balls opportunities. Contact the local Forest Service office for more information.
BLUEBIRD MESA - A short side trip to in an incredible view. Take 126 east from its junction with 550 in Cuba about ten miles up into the pine forests of the Nacimiento Mountains. Where the road tops out, take the dirt road ( FS RD 98) to the right (any car can navigate it) a little more than a mile to the overlook. You can’t miss it and there’s plenty of room to park and turn around. Views to the south as far as the eye can see. Unless you have 4-wheel drive, don’t try to go any farther!
IF YOU HAVE TO LEAVE - Stop by the Cuba Regional Visitor’s Center for information about scenic, recreational and historic opportunities nearby. We have information about Chaco Canyon, Valles Caldera, El Vado Reservoir and Abiquiu Dam, Fenton Lake and many others!
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