Alamosa 2019 VG-final

Visitor Guide 

1

NAVIGATE Inside 

6 

8 

10 

14 

18 

20 

22 

24 

28 

32 

34 

38 

40 

MEMORABLE FAMILY VACATION 

FOOD LOVERS GUIDE 

EXPERIENCE THE TRAIN 

ALAMOSA’S HISTORY 

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES 

WEEKEND CAMPING GUIDE 

MAP OF ALAMOSA 

GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK 

OUTSKIRTS OF THE GREAT SAND DUNES 

HISTORIC EXPLORATION 

EVOLUTION OF CRAFT BREWING 

THE ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP GUIDE 

LISTINGS 

COLORADO WELCOME CENTER 

610 STATE AVE. ALAMOSA, CO 81101 

Located in the historic railroad depot on the 

corner of State Ave. and 6th St. 

1-800-BLU-SKYS (800-258-7597) 

Published & Designed By: 

Lure Creative Design, Inc 

Phone: 330-907-8710 

Email: mike@lurecreativedesign.com 

4

How to Have a 

MEMORABLE 

FAMILY 

VACATION 

in the San Luis Valley 

With its craggy peaks and remote canyons, the 

San Luis Valley attracts plenty of hardcore 

explorers, but it’s also a fantastic destination for 

families. From the Great Sand Dunes to Penitente 

Canyon, you’ll find fun activities suited for everyone 

in the family, from children to grandparents. 

Kids will have a blast zooming down sand dunes and 

splashing in thermal pools, and everyone in the family 

can enjoy easily accessible campsites with nearby 

mellow trails that wind through striking scenery. Plus, 

the valley holds unique and unexpected thrills, like 

train rides through the rugged mountains and close 

encounters with alligators. 

To help you plan a trip that will create lifelong 

memories for everyone in your family, we’ve picked 

out some of the best activities and must-see 

destinations in the San Luis Valley. 

SANDBOARD ON THE DUNES 

With mountains of sand and 30 square miles of desert 

surrounded by jagged peaks, Great Sand Dunes National 

Park & Preserve is a destination that your family will never 

forget. While the scenery makes for awesome family photos, 

it’s also a place where everyone can join in some exciting 

fun together. Join the kids in hiking to the top of “High 

Dune,” which towers nearly 700 feet above the visitor center 

and slide back down on a special sandboard. It’s just what it 

sounds like: the board looks like a snowboard, but it’s meant 

Written by Emma Walker for Matcha in 

partnership with Alamosa CVB. 

to slide on the rough sand. Rent boards at Kristi Mountain 

Sports in nearby Alamosa, and then head to the park. 

SOAK IN THE SPRINGS 

Just outside of Alamosa there are four privately operated 

hot springs, two of which are excellent for families with kids 

who can’t wait to splash around. Since 1955, Splashland has 

been operating in Alamosa, and it includes three familyfriendly 

water slides, plus designated family swim nights. 

The water enters the pools at 102 degrees Fahrenheit and 

varies from 88 degrees to a balmy 96 degrees. 

Another great option is Sand Dunes Recreation, where 

the swimming pool is open year round and there are 

family swim nights. Plus, the pool has an area for people 

21 and older where you can relax with an adult beverage. 

In addition to the pool, the recreation complex includes 

Fruition Golf, which sports three state-of-the-art golf 

simulator bays, a putting green, and a selection of beer and 

wine. All of that fun is going to make you hungry, so head 

to the on-site Mile Deep Grille for Mexican food, pizza, 

sandwiches, burgers, and seafood. 

CAMP AT PENITENTE CANYON 

Penitente Canyon is best known for rock climbing and 

mountain biking, but it also offers easily-accessible camping 

photo by: patrick myers-nps 

6

photo by: @kaitiecattt 

For a moderate hike, try the three-mile Blue Sky Loop with 

excellent views of the canyon and surrounding mountains and 

gorgeous wildflowers surround the path in spring. If you have 

any history buffs in your family, head to the end of North Witches 

Canyon Road (also Road 5207) and take the Penitente Canyon 

Loop Trail to a spot where wagon wheels wore tracks into the 

bedrock of the Old Spanish Trail. In the 1830s and 1840s, American 

and Mexican traders used this route to transport goods via mule 

train. 

MEET THE GATORS 

Humans aren’t the only ones who thrive in the temperate waters of 

the San Luis Valley. In 1977, a tilapia farm opened in Mosca, and 

the proprietors, the Young family, invested in a few alligators to 

get rid of the fish remains naturally. Eventually, the farm became an 

educational center, and today, visitors can head to the Colorado 

Gators Reptile Park to see these giant reptiles in the flesh. The 

farm has since become a sanctuary for many unwanted reptilian 

pets and also includes a bird sanctuary. It’s home to several rare 

albino gators, plus the famous gator from the Adam Sandler film 

“Happy Gilmore.” 

Memorable Family Vacation 

and a handful of great hikes of varying difficulty and 

length. Camping at Penitente is first-come, firstserved, 

and it’s only $11 per night for a site that 

accommodates up to two cars and six people. 

RIDE THE RAILS 

There are a few undeniable truths in the world, and one is that kids 

love trains. That’s why the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad makes an 

unforgettable excursion for the whole family. Parents (especially 

those interested in history) will love seeing the San Luis Valley as 

some of its earliest settlers did, while kids will delight in rumbling 

down the tracks with the rugged landscape sliding by. Some of the 

train cars have been restored to resemble their early days, inspiring 

passengers to imagine that they’ve traveled back in time to the 

Old West. 

You can catch the train at the depot in downtown Alamosa. From 

there, you’ll head into the high mountains and La Veta Pass, which 

exceeds 9,000 feet of elevation. During the trip, your family will 

have access to restrooms and food no matter what class of service 

you purchase. As you make your travel plans, keep in mind that the 

train operates a number of seasonal tours, including leaf-peeping 

and pumpkin patch rides, plus the Christmas Town train during the 

winter months. 

PICNIC AT ZAPATA FALLS 

Waterfall hikes often require an arduous uphill journey, which is why 

the half-mile hike to Zapata Falls will come as a refreshing treat. 

Zapata Falls is accessible from Highway 150, so it’s a great spot to 

spend a few hours picnicking before or after an adventure at the 

Great Sand Dunes. From the Zapata Falls Trailhead, you’ll follow a 

well-maintained path to reach the cascade, which is starkly different 

from the rest of the arid landscape you’ll find in the San Luis Valley. 

Kids can scramble around near the base of the 30-foot waterfall, and 

there’s plenty of room for the whole family to hang out. 

For many people, the fondest memories of childhood come from 

family trips, whether it was a summer visit to a national park or just a 

weekend excursion to a favorite swimming hole. If you want to build 

lasting memories, you can’t go wrong with a vacation full of outdoor 

adventure. In the San Luis Valley, the breathtaking scenery and 

easygoing entertainment are sure to create special moments for the 

entire family. 

photo by: @karalyn_britte 

7

A Food-Lover’s 

Guide to 

Alamosa 

While Alamosa is bordered by wild and rough 

terrain, including high passes, craggy peaks, 

and the famous Great Sand Dunes, the San Luis 

Valley is known for its rich agricultural history. 

Written by Emma Walker for Matcha in 

partnership with Alamosa CVB. 

Established in 1878 as a stop on the Denver & Rio 

Grande Western Railroad, Alamosa became a major 

hub for commerce, and in the last century farming 

and ranching have flourished in the San Luis Valley. 

Towns in Alamosa County export barley, wheat, and 

potatoes, among other crops, and there’s plenty of 

room for sheep and cattle ranching. 

Thanks to this agricultural background, Alamosa 

has plenty to offer food lovers, from farm-to-table 

eateries to breweries to markets where you can pick 

up fresh produce. To help you plan a foodie tour of 

this corner of southern Colorado, we’ve highlighted 

some of the best ways to dig in. 

FARM-TO-TABLE EATS 

You know the old saying: breakfast is the most important 

meal of the day. That’s especially true for foodies, and 

fortunately, Alamosa provides on the breakfast front. Start 

your culinary tour of Alamosa at The Roast, where you’ll 

find ethically sourced, locally roasted coffee beans. You can 

drink your java in-house or take home one of their signature 

blends. (The dark roast Wolf Creek Blend is especially 

flavorful.) There’s a hearty breakfast menu, too. Don’t miss 

the biscuits and gravy—The Roast uses local sausage from 

Gosar Sausage—or the Southwest Chorizo Scramble. The 

shop also invites you to smother any item in green chile, and 

you won’t regret taking them up on the offer. 

When most people hear the term “fast casual” they think 

of giant chain restaurants, but Alamosa does things a little 

differently. One of its most beloved spots, Locavores, falls 

in the fast casual realm, but it’s definitely one of a kind. 

Whether you come for the Colorado Cubano or the Smashed 

Banh Mi, you’ll be sticking around (and visiting again) for 

Locavores’ famous sauces, all of which are made in-house. 

Locavores prides itself on its ability to get food from farms to 

forks in 24 hours—that’s because its suppliers are scattered 

around the San Luis Valley and southern Colorado, not 

around the country or the world. They source meats from 

Gosar Natural Foods in Monte Vista and Scanga Meat 

Company in Salida, and their potatoes come from Rockey 

Farms in Center and Seger West Farms in Del Norte. And, 

of course, there’s the green chili peppers—this close to New 

Mexico, it’s a must-have. Locavores’ green chilis come from 

Milberger Farms in nearby Pueblo. 

THE CRAFT BEER SCENE 

Famers in the San Luis Valley produce so much barley—malt 

barley, specifically—that they’re major suppliers for Coors 

Brewing Company, based in Golden. But the area is not just 

associated with big-name macrobrews, as craft breweries are 

becoming more prominent. 

8

The Colorado Farm Brewery operates on the same 

property where the owners’ great-grandfather. 

Ray Coody (Cody), once homesteaded. Using 

ingredients grown on the Cody family farm, the 

brewery produces a wide variety of lagers, ales and 

porters. The brewery is open Thursday, Friday and 

Saturday, and visitors can book a private tasting and 

tour of the farm, malthouse, and brewery. 

Over more than a decade, the San Luis Valley 

Brewing Company, based in Alamosa, has perfected 

its microbrews, and you’ll find it’s creations in liquor 

stores and bars all over the area. The brewery, which 

makes concoctions like the Alamosa Amber and the 

Valle Especiale, also serves excellent food from local 

farms, ranches, and producers like Gosar Sausage, 

many of which are paired with their brews. Don’t 

miss the Green Chili Guacamole Burger. 

The produce is the main draw at the farmers’ market, but there’s 

also live music, kids’ activities, and adult educational demos on 

things like beekeeping, seed saving, and solar ovens. 

For more than 100 years, farming has been an important aspect of 

life in the San Luis Valley, creating a community that values foods 

made with fresh, locally sourced grains, vegetables, and meats. 

While many small towns in America are food deserts, offering few 

or no healthy options, Alamosa offers a bounty of good things to 

eat. From green chili burgers to tasty craft beer to baskets of fresh 

potatoes and veggies, this corner of Colorado will please the palate 

of travelers who truly love good food. Visit Alamosa.org to check 

out all of the food and dining options in the area. 

Food Lover’s Guide to Alamosa 

photo by: @kaitiecattt 

Blending their passions for agriculture and beer, 

Mark Martinez and Derek Heersink, co-owners 

of Square Peg Brewerks in Alamosa, have fully 

embraced the “farm to tap” movement. Using 

barley and other ingredients from their own 

Colorado farm, they create a wide variety of lagers, 

ales, and porters. While Square Peg is known for 

its excellent craft beers, its friendly, easy-going 

atmosphere has made it a popular hangout. 

PICK YOUR OWN PRODUCE 

In the market for some locally grown veggies? 

Potatoes have been cultivated in the San Luis 

Valley since the 1880s, and that’s still where the 

vast majority (something like 90%) of Colorado’s 

potatoes come from. The warm days and cool 

nights characteristic of the valley’s summers make 

for a potato-perfect climate, which is why you’ll 

find more than 70 varieties growing in the San Luis 

Valley. 

While the valley is known for potatoes, it’s also 

recognized as a great place to grow lettuce, carrots, 

and mushrooms. You can find all of these foods 

each summer at the Alamosa Farmers’ Market, 

which has grown to the point that it has two 

locations. From mid-July through the middle of 

October, it’s held in downtown Alamosa from 8:30 

a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays. On Wednesdays in 

August and September you’ll also find vendors set 

up at the Rio Grande Farm Park. 

9

Why You Should 

EXPERIENCE 

the San Luis Valley By Train 

10 

Visit southern Colorado, and you’ll find a 

landscape that looks much as it did centuries 

ago, with craggy, towering peaks, windswept 

plains, and, of course, the iconic sand dunes. There 

are a few hardy communities in this awe-inspiring 

landscape, but venture outside of those, and you’ll 

hardly see another soul. As you explore the wild 

terrain, you might get the sense you’ve stepped 

back in time. And, you just might think you’ve leaped 

to the Old West days if you board the Rio Grande 

Scenic Railroad train, which allows passengers to 

experience the rugged San Luis Valley much the 

same way people did in the late 1800s. 

Departing from Alamosa, the train offers full-day 

excursions, winding through the mountains and 

ending at La Veta, where passengers can enjoy art 

galleries and a variety of restaurants. For another 

option, you can board the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic 

Railroad in Antonito and ride it to Chama, N.M., 

climbing higher than 10,000 feet as the train rumbles 

through southern Colorado. No matter which train 

you take, you’ll find that it’s an exciting way to 

soak in the beauty of the San Luis Valley and the 

surrounding mountains. 

RAILROAD HISTORY 

Like much of the western United States, the San Luis 

Valley was made infinitely more accessible to the rest of 

the country when railroad tracks connected it to important 

industrial centers around North America. In fact, it’s directly 

responsible for the existence of the Alamosa we know 

today—the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad 

Written by Emma Walker for RootsRated 

Media in partnership with Alamosa CVB. 

shipped buildings to the town site, and, over the course of a 

single day in May 1878, Alamosa took shape. 

In the years since its establishment, Alamosa and the railroad 

have continued to be inextricably connected. By 1890, 

just over a decade after Alamosa was incorporated, it had 

become the most important hub for North American narrow 

gauge railroading. Freight trains came and went daily, bound 

for the nearby towns of Creede, Salida, and Durango, plus 

big-name destinations like Denver and Santa Fe. Cars came 

in with loads of sheep, cattle, farming necessities, and 

lumber, and then departed laden with the fruits of the San 

Luis Valley’s labors: mining and agricultural products. 

For 60 years, passengers and freight alike made the journey 

to the San Luis Valley. Then, beginning in 1950, the tracks 

were used only to transport cargo around Colorado and 

the rest of the country. Passenger services were on hiatus 

until 2006, when the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad became a 

heritage railway and began offering scenic tours once again. 

Trains depart during the week from the depot in downtown 

Alamosa from May through early October. From there, you’ll 

pass—in air-conditioned comfort—through historic Fort 

Garland, built in the mid-19th century to keep San Luis Valley 

settlers safe. This section of the journey also affords views of 

Mount Blanca, which stands at 14,345 feet and is among the 

state’s most picturesque Fourteeners.

If you take a full-day excursion during the week you’ll leave 

Alamosa or Fort Garland and proceed to La Veta, a teeny 

town Nestled in the shadow of the Spanish Peaks. La Veta 

is filled with one-of-a-kind restaurants and inspiring art 

galleries, and it has long been a gathering place for 

local artists. 

photo by: @haleybsullivan 

If you ride the train during the weekend, you’ll leave 

Alamosa or Fort Garland and rumble on to Fir Summit, 

which sits at the top of La Veta Pass. Fir is more than just 

railroad stop, though: it’s also an outdoor concert venue 

accessible only via the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad. During 

the 2018 Spring Fire this summer, the Fir Summit concert 

stage burned down, but the railroad plans to restore it. 

Fortunately, the rest of the venue was untouched, and 

concerts will go on as planned utilizing the brick dance 

floor as the stage. 

Full-day excursions on the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad 

during the week depart Alamosa at 9:30 a.m. and are 

gone until around 5:15 p.m. The weekend trains headed 

to Fir Summit depart Alamosa at 10:30 a.m. and return 

after live events end. (Whether you travel during the week 

or weekend, you can also catch trains one hour later in 

Fort Garland.) 

During your ride, you’ll be well fed. The railway offers 

various passenger classes throughout the season, 

depending on when and where your particular tour is 

headed. Fall is a particularly excellent time to go, as you’ll 

get to experience the unbelievably vibrant fall colors 

of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The railroad also 

offers a number of special events throughout the season, 

including concerts at Fir Summit. 

> Continued on the Next page 

Experience the San Luis Valley By Train

OTHER RAILROAD ADVENTURES 

If, after a ride on the Rio Grande, you still haven’t had your 

fill of railroad adventure in the San Luis Valley, you’re in luck: 

there’s more where that came from. The Cumbres & Toltec 

Scenic Railroad operates coal-fired, steam-operated, narrowgauge 

locomotives that depart from Antonito, Colorado 

(which is just a 30-minute drive south of Alamosa), and 

Chama, New Mexico. Originally an extension of the Denver 

and Rio Grande Western Railroad, the Cumbres & Toltec rail 

line was completed in 1881 with the intention of offering 

additional support for mining operations in the San Juans, 

and it connected the San Luis Valley to Durango. The trail is 

named for Cumbres Pass, which at 10,015 feet is the highest 

railroad-accessible pass in the U.S., and the Toltec Gorge. 

Both the pass and the gorge sit along the railway’s route. 

photo by: @jessilancaster 

Eventually, as mining operations slowed, the need for a railway connecting the two towns receded, and for a time it looked 

as though the Cumbres & Toltec might be abandoned. Fortunately, in 1970, Colorado and New Mexico went in on a joint 

purchase to preserve the 64-mile section of the railroad’s original route between Antonito and Chama, New Mexico. 

Cumbres & Toltec offers half- and full-day trips, making it possible to experience all the rugged beauty southern Colorado 

has to offer. Lunch is included with ticket prices, and dinner is offered for the railway’s special events. 

Whether you’re looking for a way back in time or simply want to see the majestic landscape in all its present-day glory, your 

best bet is to hop aboard one or both of the San Luis Valley’s historic trains. In addition to the unique opportunity to take in 

the scenery without having to worry about actually steering your vehicle, you’ll be transported to places—and times—you can 

only experience from the passenger seat of a railway car. 

12

The 

CAPTIVATING 

STORY Alamosa’s History 

As you rumble through 

the Colorado mountains 

aboard the Rio Grande Scenic 

Railroad, it’s easy to imagine 

you’re a settler rolling into the 

west to start a new life. 

When you hop off the train in 

Alamosa, you still feel that deep 

sense of yesteryear as you stroll 

among Mission-style buildings 

and adobe structures. With 

its long, rich history and many 

cultural influences, Alamosa 

is an intriguing destination 

for travelers who love to get 

a taste of the past. Of course, 

Alamosa’s fascinating history 

extends beyond the days of the 

Old West. 

EARLY INHABITANTS 

The first humans to depend on the rich natural resources of the San 

Luis Valley were indigenous tribes. The Clovis and Folsom peoples— 

two prehistoric Paleo-Indian cultures known for their stone tools—were 

hunters and gatherers in the region, close to 11,000 years ago. 

The next settlers were the Ute people, who are recognized as the 

longest-standing residents of the geographic region that is now 

Colorado. By 1400 A.D., other indigenous tribes inhabited the area, 

too: Apache and Navajo from the north, Tiwa and Tewa people from 

the south, and Comanche, Kiowa, Cheyenne, and Arapaho from the 

eastern plains. 

By the 1500s, Spanish conquistadors began to explore the land, 

for which there was ongoing tension with local tribes such as the 

Comanche. Mexico was liberated from Spain in 1821, and the Mexican 

Republic offered land grants in the region in an effort to catalyze 

permanent settlement. 

14

In 1876, Colorado was founded as the 38th state in the 

Union. One year later, mining opportunities in the San 

Juan Mountains sparked construction of the Denver and 

Rio Grande Railway in San Luis Valley. 

A web of railway arms were built to reach Antonito, 

Durango, Silverton, Monte Vista, and Del Norte. Another 

connection was created to Espanola, New Mexico, to 

link up traffic and trade in Santa Fe. The expansion of the 

railway supported the mining era. As an example, the 

narrow-gauge line that extended up and over Poncha Pass 

helped to carry gold and iron. 

Alamosa’s History 

Simultaneous to the boom of the locomotive industry was 

the growth of area’s agricultural community. In the early 

1880s, Mormon settlers from the southern U.S. and Utah 

established Manassa, Sanford, and Richfield. Adjacent to 

the Conejos River, the farmers grew barley, oats, alfalfa, 

and peas. In the 20th century, two independent standardgauge 

railroad lines were created to help haul agricultural 

produce: the 30-mile San Luis Valley Southern Railway and 

the San Luis Central Railroad. Today, the San Luis Valley 

remains rooted in agriculture and the stock-raising of 

sheep and cattle. 


Written by Emma Walker for RootsRated 


That 500,000-acre Tierra Amarilla Land Grant was 

broken into parcels, including the Banded Peak 

ranch—now home to Gramps’ Oil Field, which has 

produced more than five million barrels of oil since 

1935—and the Conejos Guadalupe Land Grant, which 

encompasses segments of three counties: Conejos, 

Rio Grande, and Saguache. Fifty families from New 

Mexico created Guadalupe, the inaugural permanent 

settlement, which led to Colorado’s first-ever flour mill, 

next to the Conejos River. 

SETTLERS ARRIVE 

A steady flow of permanent settlers arrived in the 

1850s, after the area became an official territory of 

the U.S. More west-bound settlers flowed into the 

area during the 1870 mining push, when gold and 

silver were discovered west of Alamosa. Del Norte, 

established in 1872, served as a location for resupply 

for the San Juan miners, and additional mining 

settlements speckled the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, 

including sites at Bonanza and Creede. 

15

Living History Now: Where to Go 

Stroll through downtown Alamosa on a self-led walking tour of the charming 

architecture, which features late Victorian, commercial brick, Mission Revival, and 

Art Deco styles. On your walk, be sure to include Historic Engine 169, a Denver and 

Rio Grande Railroad steam locomotive that’s listed on both the National Registry 

and Colorado State Register of Historic Properties. Built in 1883, the coal-fired, 

10-wheeler stands at Cole Park. 

Swing by Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center to see the town’s original adobe 

buildings, where frontiersman Kit Carson and more than 100 servicemen stood 

to protect the San Luis Valley settlers. Then visit San Luis Valley Museum, which is 

home to a variety of artifacts, from the 1860s wardrobe of frontiersman Tom Tobin to 

railroad memorabilia and the arrowheads of indigenous communities. 

For a unique Old-West experience, book your ticket on the Rio Grande Scenic 

Railroad, which includes train cars dating to the early 1900s. Departing from Alamosa, 

you can take a full-day excursion to visit historic Fort Garland—built in the mid-19th century to protect San Luis Valley 

settlers— and then wind through the mountains to end at either La Veta or Fir Summit, which sits at nearly 9,400 feet of 

elevation atop the La Veta Pass. 

Even before it was an important rail center, Alamosa was known as a crossroads. Over the centuries, ancient cultures and 

indigenous tribes occupied the land, and Spanish explorers tried to gain a foothold. In the 1800s, the area saw an influx 

of newcomers from all over the country pursuing their dreams in the west. Fortunately, remnants of this fascinating history 

remain. If you want to get a real sense of western culture, past and present, make your way to the San Luis Valley and the 

captivating town of Alamosa. 

16

5 of the Toughest 

OUTDOOR 

ADVENTURES 

in Southern Colorado 

There’s an unparalleled excitement we feel when 

we overcome obstacles in the wilderness. We 

feel a rush and deep satisfaction when we step into 

new territory, or try an activity for the first time, and 

expand our perception of our own abilities. Adventurers 

who thrive at that intersection of challenge and 

exploration should make their way to Colorado’s San 

Luis Valley, where they’ll find a handful of the toughest 

outdoor adventures in the Centennial State. 

Alamosa sits in the center of the valley, with the 

Sangre de Cristo range to the east and the San Juan 

Mountains to the west. Denverites can blaze down 

I-25 and reach Alamosa in a four-hour drive. The 

area’s mix of spicy terrain is a draw for hikers, trail 

runners, mountain bikers, cyclists, and rock climbers. 

Here are a handful of the most riveting experiences 

for adrenaline-seekers in Southern Colorado. 

COLORADO FOURTEENERS 

Alamosa is next door to one of the most rugged 

collections of 14,000-foot peaks in the state: the Sangre 

de Cristo Range. This segment holds one of the highest 

concentrations of technical climbing within Colorado’s 

Fourteeners and includes Crestone Peak, which some 

proclaim to be Colorado’s hardest fourteener. 

The options are plentiful. In total, the Sangre de Cristo 

Range has ten 14,000-foot peaks. As you plan your trip, 

consider the location of each cluster. Multiple peaks share 

the same trailhead or can be connected by a saddle. Peak 

Written by Morgan Tilton for RootsRated 


baggers can increase the challenge by linking multiple peaks 

in a single day or a multi-day trip. 

Two clusters exist in the The Sangre de Cristos. The Crestone 

Group includes Crestone Peak, Crestone Needle, Humboldt 

Peak, Challenger Point, and Kit Carson. The Blanca Group 

encompasses Blanca Peak, Little Bear Peak, Ellingwood 

Point, and Mount Lindsey. One lone summit, Culebra Peak, 

is south of the aforementioned clumps. 

If you study guide books you’ll find close to 20 route 

variations for Crestone Peak alone. Study the options, and 

choose the route that best suits you, or hire a guide. Irwin 

Guides offers technical roped climbs of Crestone Peak and 

Crestone Needle. 

HIGH-ELEVATION CYCLING 

Weaving through the San Juan Mountains, Colorado state 

Highway 17 provides a great opportunity to challenge 

yourself with some high-elevation cycling. The road travels 

between Antonito, Colorado, and Chama, New Mexico, 

passing through beautiful sections of the Rio Grande 

National Forest as it follows the route of the coal-fired 

Cumbres and Toltec steam train. 

For an out-and-back ride, you can begin in Antonito and 

wind through the San Juan Mountains to the top of La 

photo by: kristi mountain sports 

18

Manga Pass at an altitude of 10,230 feet. (The 

max gradient is 5.2 percent.) 

Many riders continue beyond La Manga Pass 

to also climb Cumbres Pass, which sits at an 

elevation of 10,022 feet. If you’re up for an even 

bigger challenge, you could ride all the way from 

Antonito to Chama, covering about 100 miles. 

Pro tip: Bike one-way and ride the coal-fired 

locomotive home the next day. The Cumbres and 

Toltec train travels between Antonito and Chama 

with daily departures from both towns. Be sure 

to book your train ticket in advance, and note 

that there’s a bike storage fee, in addition to the 

regular cost of a train ticket. 

ROCK CLIMBING 

Penitente Canyon is an internationally-renowned 

haven for rock climbing. The canyon features 

more than 300 sport climbing routes, as well 

as bouldering, and a handful of trail options. If 

a project here doesn’t take your breath away, 

the stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo 

mountains will. 

photo by: @kristina____c photo by: @suhrudl 

Penitente’s bulbous boulders and formations are the aftermath of 

La Garita Caldera, a volcanic eruption that occurred 26 million years 

ago, which is said to be the largest explosive eruption in the world. 

The canyon deposit, known as “Fish Canyon Tuff,” is volcanic ash that 

is molded together. The result? An ideal solid surface with plenty of 

friction that’s perfect for climbers. 

The routes in the area range from 5.8 trad to 5.13+ sport. The 

majority of routes are 5.10 and above. One of the most popular 

classic climbs, Not My Cross to Bear (a 5.11a/b sport climb) ascends a 

corner dihedral up solid rock that’s superb for stemming. 

When you go, keep your eyes open for pictographs. Panels were 

created by the tribes—either Pueblo, Apache, or Ute—that occupied 

the canyon prior to the Los Hermanos Penitente, a Spanish religious 

sect that used the canyon as a place of worship in the late 1800s. 

The ingredients for an excellent climbing trip all exist here. The southfacing 

routes can be climbed year-round, and in warmer months 

the temperatures stay cool. Plus, very little precipitation reaches the 

canyon. At the Penitente Canyon Campground there’s first come, 

first-served camping, and nearby there are two mountain bike loops, 

which are a great compliment for recovery days. 

MOUNTAIN RUNNING 

Trail runners who are looking for a challenge can find it via higher 

elevation. Mt. Lindsey, one of the area’s fourteeners, has a runnable 

approach and is an awesome candidate for mountain running. The 

trail is 8.4 miles round-trip with 3,505 feet of ascent. The first portion 

of the trail is beneath forest and is friendly for fast footwork. The 

slope begins to steepen at about 11,000 feet and gets much slower 

at 13,000 feet. From there, runners can hike to the 14,042-foot 

summit or choose a Class 2 scramble. 

MOUNTAIN BIKING 

Bishop Rock Loop is a natural playground for mountain bikers. There 

is no designated singletrack: the forested area is a blank canvas, in 

which riders can choose their own adventure and work on their skills. 

Whether you’re dreaming of steep rock faces to roll, bermed walls to 

drop, bowls to whip around, or chasm gaps, all of the those features 

exist right here. Also, you can put in more miles at other nearby trails 

such as the Stone Quarry Tour (10.2 miles), 12 Hours of Penitence (17 

miles), or Sunshine Kitty (8.1 miles). 

The area is remote and cell service is spotty, so it’s recommended that 

you ride with a group to provide an added element of safety. 

Toughest Outdoor Adventures in Southern Colorado 

19

Complete 

SANGRE DE 

CRISTO 

Weekend Camping Guide 

The The 8,000-square-mile San Luis Valley sits at superhigh 

elevation, as desert climates go—the average 

elevation is more than 7,600 feet above sea level. It’s 

bordered on all sides by mountains, none more majestic 

than the rugged Sangre de Cristo Range, the farther south 

subrange of the Rockies. The Sangres contain a number of 

so-called Fourteeners, the nickname for Colorado peaks over 

14,000 feet, including Blanca (14,351 feet), Crestone (14,300 

feet), and Culebra (14,053 feet) peaks. 

The range’s name—which literally translates to “blood of 

Christ”—is likely drawn from the reddish color they give 

off during the valley’s gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, not 

to mention the beautiful alpenglow you’ll see there at 

dusk, especially during the winter months, when the peaks 

are dusted with snow. In Colorado, the Sangre de Cristo 

Mountains are administered by a number of different land 

managers, including the US Forest Service (Rio Grande and 

San Isabel National Forests) and the National Park Service 

(Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve). It also 

encompasses the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness area, which 

covers nearly 221,000 acres. 

The best intro to Sangre de Cristo backpacking is a tour of 

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve’s Sand Ramp 

Trail. The trail begins at the end of Loop 2 in the park’s 

Piñon Flats Campground and runs alongside the park’s 

namesake dunefield—at the base of the Sangres. The Sand 

Ramp Trail features seven backcountry campsites, ranging 

in distance from half a mile to 10.5 miles from the trailhead. 

The farthest campsite, Sand Creek, is the most secluded and 

Originally written by RootsRated for 

Alamosa CVB.. 

features a bear-proof box and a fire ring. The trail isn’t super 

strenuous in terms of elevation gain and loss, but beyond 

Little Medano Creek, some navigational skills are required. 

Also, the trail holds true to its name: it’s super sandy, so plan 

on hiking in leather boots or hiking sandals, rather than trail 

runners. 

For backpacking trips in the park and preserve, pay your 

entrance fee as you enter the park and head to the visitor 

center, where you’ll check in with a ranger. Backcountry 

permits at Great Sand Dunes are free and are issued on 

a first-come, first-serve basis. Dogs aren’t allowed at the 

backcountry sites here. Stock up on supplies in Alamosa, as 

there’s only a small general store right outside the park. 

There’s plenty of great camping and backpacking outside 

the national park, too. The small town of Crestone offers 

access to the Cottonwood Creek Trail, which covers 12 miles 

and 5,000 feet of elevation gain each way. This strenuous 

trail is best hiked between July and September, when the 

last season’s snow has mostly melted and winter hasn’t yet 

arrived. You can camp at Cottonwood Lake (wilderness 

regulations apply), which also makes a great base camp for 

bagging Crestone Peak (14,295 feet) and Crestone Needle 

(14,203 feet), if that’s your thing. If you’re out for a day hike, 

camp at nearby North Crestone Creek Campground. 

photo by: patrick myers/nps 

20

photo by: @bacacaleb photo by: @bec.b.outdoors 

Sangre De Cristo Weekend Camping Guide 

Wild Cherry Creek Trail is a slightly less arduous 

journey than Cottonwood Creek; it covers a similar 

distance but with less change in elevation. Access 

this trail, which runs through stunning aspen 

groves (visit in the fall for some of the best golden 

hues you’ll find in Colorado), from the hamlet of 

Villa Grove, about 55 miles north of Alamosa. 

You’ll also find gorgeous wildflowers here during 

the summer, including columbines and sky pilots, 

which are only found at fairly high elevation. 

It’s all dispersed camping here, meaning you 

can set up camp anywhere you like, as long as 

you’re more than 200 feet from a trail or water 

source—and Leave No Trace ethics dictate that 

your campsite shouldn’t be visible from the trail. 

There are several excellent campsites along the 

trail, including Cherry Lake, which sits in a high 

alpine cirque below Cotton King Peak (13,490 feet) 

and Wild Cherry Peak (13,122). Both peaks feature 

the kind of picturesque striation you expect from 

the Sangres, and their nontechnical routes are 

accessible from your campsite at Cherry Lake. Like 

many of its neighbors, the Wild Cherry Creek Trail 

is best backpacked between May and October. 

21

To 

Mosca 

N 

N River Rd 

Rd S 107 

1 

13 11 

4 

To 

Monte Vista 

First St 

Del Sol Dr 

To 

Playa Blanca 

State Wildlife Area 

(3 Miles from 285) 

Legend 

Tremont St 

Craft Dr 

Maroon Dr 

Clark St 

285 

Colorado Welcome Center 

Lodging 

Alamosa Ranch Trails 

Surface Street 

Major Hwy 

Railroad 

River 

Park/Refuge 

Golf Course 

Craft Dr 

2 

Foster Ave 

Carroll 

Park 

Rio Grande River 

Carroll St 

Thomas Ave 

Market St 

Victoria Ave 

Stockton St 

1 

Murphy Dr 

8th St 

10th St 

Coop Rd 

First St 

8 

Stadium Dr 

Tremont St 

285 

14 

21st St 

S Rd 109 

Cattails 

Golf Course 

Bell Ave 

Alamosa Ave 

West St 

17th St 

20th St 

Alamossa 

Rec Center 

and Play 

Fields 

Alamossa 

Fair 

Grounds 

Ross Ave 

2nd St 

3rd St 

4th St 

Main St 

6th St 

State Ave 

County Rd 6 S 

Alamosa Ranch 

Trails 

N River Rd 

Airport Rd 

8th St 

9th St 

10th St 

12th St 

San Juan Ave 

Edison Ave 

State Ave 

Cole 

Park 

9 

La Due Ave 

Alamossa 

Municipal 

Cemetery 

17 

12 

Broadway Ave 

Rd S 110 

San Luis Valley 

Regional Airport 

6 3 

W 

S 

E 

To 

Fort Garland 

and Great Sand Dunes 

National Park 

Santa Fe Ave 

S River Rd 

160 

El Rancho Ln 

Alamossa 

Nat’l Wildlife 

Refuge 

Foot, mountain bike, and rollerblade 

travel are allowed on all portions 

of the Alamosa Ranch Trails. 

Motorized vehicles and 

horseback are prohibited. 

N River Rd 

Alamosa Ranch Trails 

County Rd 6 S 

Parking areas for trail access 

are located in Cole Park and the 

Alamosa Ranch Wetlands viewing area. 

Rio Grande River 

Alamosa 

Wetlands 

Viewing 

Area 

17 

Trail Information 

Cattails 

Golf Course 

To 

Antonito 

285 

Dirt Trail 

Paved Trail 

Wildlife Viewing 

Picnic Area 

Historic Marker 

First St 

Main St 

State Ave 

Cole 

Park 

Foot 

Bridge 

Broadway Ave 

Santa Fe Ave 

Foot 

Bridge 

Visitor Center 

6th St

San Luis Valley 

114 

285 

Villa 

Grove 

Mineral 

Hot Springs 

69 

Westcliffe 

96 

La Garita 

Mountains 

Russell 

Lakes 

Baca 


Refuge 

Sangre de Cristo 

Mountains 

Saguache 

17 

285 

Moffat 

17 

Crestone 

Kit Carson Pk 

14,165 

Crestone Pk 

14,294 

Challenger Pt 

14,081 

Humboldt Pk 

14,064 

Crestone Needle 

14,197 

69 

Medano Pass 

10,150 

Del 

Norte 

Center 

112 112 

285 

Hooper 

San Luis Lakes 

State Park 

Great Sand Dunes 

Nat’l Park and Preserve 

15 

10 5 

Visitor 

Center 

Bennett Pk 

13,203 

La Jara 

Reservoir 

Alamosa River 

Conejos River 

160 

Monte 

Vista 

15 

Monte Vista 


Refuge 

15 

368 

15 

Capulin 

100 

371 

La Jara 

Romeo 

285 

370 

368 

7 

285 

Manassa 

17 

100 

Blanca 

Wetlands 

Alamossa 


Refuge 

Rio Gran d e River 

160 

Ellingwood Pt 

14,042 Mt Lindsay 

14,037 

Blanca Pk 

14,347 

Rio Grande Scenic Railroad 

142 

150 

Smith 

Reservoir 

San Acacio 

Little Bear Pk 

14,037 

159 

W 

160 

N 

S 

San Luis 

San Pablo 

E 

Antonito 

Sanchez 

Reservoir 

17 

159 

21 

Cumbre s and Tolec Scenic Railroad 

285 

Colorado 

New Mexico 

Costia

Sholder Seasons at 

GREAT SAND DUNES 

NATIONAL PARK 

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve 

is home to the tallest dunes in North America, 

covering close to 19,000 acres of constantly changing 

landscape. The dunes—including the famed 

Star Dune, which rises 750 feet from San Luis Valley 

floor—aren’t the only thing to recommend the park, 

though: Great Sand Dunes encompasses another 

65,000 acres, including six peaks more than 13,000 

feet. 

This stunning juxtaposition of high desert and the 

craggy peaks of the Sangre de Cristo range is all just 

a 40-minute drive from Alamosa, and while the park 

has something to offer no matter when you visit, the 

shoulder seasons—particularly fall—make an ideal 

time to make a pilgrimage to the quietest national 

park in the Lower 48. 

CHECK OUT THE DUNES 

Hiking is allowed on the dunes year-round, though summer 

temperatures, which regularly hit in the high 80s between 

June and August, can heat the sand to 150 degrees. 

Remember to wear shoes with good soles on them. Things 

cool down beginning in September, which means the dunes 

themselves are no longer apt to burn visitors’ feet. Absent 

in the fall, too, are the afternoon thundershowers, which can 

leave hikers exposed. 

Though you might see footprints where other hikers have 

made their way through the sand, no official hiking trails 

exist on the dunes. Bring a compass or stay within sight of 

Why you 

should visit 

in the fall 

Originally written by RootsRated for 

Alamosa CVB. 

the Visitor Center to avoid spending more time out than 

intended. 

SEE THE PARK’S TRUE COLORS 

Thanks to its proximity to the Sangre de Cristo mountains— 

the East Range, to San Luis Valley locals—Great Sand 

Dunes boasts gorgeous colors when the leaves start to turn. 

Aspen trees render whole hillsides vibrant gold, three-leaf 

sumacs become brilliantly red, and the namesake trees of 

Cottonwood Creek gild the park’s best backcountry campsite 

in orange and yellow. 

Fall colors in the park tend to peak between late September 

and early October. 

TAKE A HIKE 

There’s plenty of off-sand hiking in Great Sand Dunes 

National Park, too. The 11-mile Sand Ramp Trail, sandwiched 

between Medano Creek and the Sangre de Cristos, offers 

jaw-dropping views of the dunefield and the San Luis 

Valley. If you are lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of 

some wildlife, including pika, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, 

ptarmigan, and a number of desert reptiles. 

The Sand Ramp Trail also provides access to the park’s seven 

established backcountry sites. You’ll need a free permit, 

issued at the Visitor Center, to camp at one of these spots. 

photo by: patrick myers/nps 

24

photo by: @shifaanthowfeequ photo by: @boopbod 

September, it’s much easier to secure a first-come, firstserved 

backcountry permit, or even a site at the park’s Piñon 

Flats Campground, which tends to fill up every day, including 

weekdays, during the peak season. 

While it’s great to have the park more or less to yourself— 

especially as you venture farther from the park’s trailheads— 

keep in mind that hunting is allowed in the Preserve portion 

of Great Sand Dunes, which makes up nearly 42,000 acres of 

the park. Be sure to check with rangers about where it’s safe 

to travel during the fall and winter hunting seasons. 

Seasons at Great Sand Dunes National Park 

Sand Creek, the farthest from the trailhead, requires 

a grueling 12-mile hike, but its killer views of the 

dunes makes it well worth the effort. In addition to 

dune-centric hiking, trails in the park access Music 

Pass and the Upper Sand Creek Basin, home to four 

picturesque alpine lakes. 

SEE THE STARS 

Far from the bright lights of the Front Range and 

situated in the wide-open San Luis Valley, Great 

Sand Dunes is an ideal spot to stargaze—whether 

you’re watching the full moon or waiting for your 

favorite constellations on a clear, moonless night, the 

otherworldly dunes are an incredible observatory. 

Ranger-led programs run throughout the summer, 

but autumn, too, is an excellent time to see the stars, 

thanks to earlier sunsets and longer nights. In the 

fall, both summer and winter constellations are still 

visible, plus Corona Borealis to the west, Pegasus, 

and Taurus. 

AVOID THE CROWDS 

Despite the heat, summer months are still the 

most popular time to visit the national park—the 

vast majority of the 300,000 annual visitors make 

the trip during the typical summer break. Come 

25

On the Outskirts of the 

GREAT SAND DUNES 

8 Can’t-Miss 

Experiences 

Outside the Park 

Boundaries 

Reaching a height of 750 feet, the sand dunes in 

Colorado’s San Luis Valley are the largest dunes 

in North America, and they attract thousands of 

travelers each year. But, something equally impressive 

lies beyond these mountains of sand. Looking like 

massive shark teeth, a collection of ten 14,000-foot 

peaks pierce the sky and tower over the valley. These 

mountains in the Sangre de Cristo Range not only 

provide a dramatic backdrop to Great Sand Dunes 

National Park and Preserve, but they also offer the 

chance to experience amazing hikes and other 

adventures beyond the park’s boundaries. 

Outside of the park, you’ll not only encounter rugged 

mountains, but also several other ecosystems, 

including wetlands, grasslands, and the Riparian area 

where cottonwoods, aspens, and alders thrive along 

lively creeks. 

With such a rich landscape surrounding the park, 

there’s plenty do after you’ve slid down the dunes, 

like hiking to waterfalls, fishing, biking, and viewing 

bison. Before you head to the sand dunes or the 

surrounding area, check out these eight amazing 

things to experience beyond the boundaries of the 

national park. 

1. HIKE TO ZAPATA FALLS 

Less than 10 miles southeast of the Great Sand Dunes 

National Park Visitor Center you can take a short that follows 

South Zapata Creek through an impressive canyon to reach 

Written by Morgan Tilton for RootsRated 


Zapata Falls. The cool mountain water is a surprising oasis in 

this arid, cold-desert climate. 

To reach the trailhead from the national park, drive south on 

CO-150, and then turn east on BLM Road 5415 (the Zapata 

Falls road.) Start your hike at the trailhead for South Zapata 

Trail #852, and head uphill for a half-mile. Then, walk upriver 

in the small gorge for one-tenth of a mile—grippy shoes are 

ideal—to reach a small gorge and 30-foot-high Zapata Falls. 

2. GO BIRDING AT ALAMOSA NATIONAL WILDLIFE 

REFUGE 

A gorgeous blend of damp meadows and river oxbows 

breaks up the desert east of Alamosa in the Alamosa 

National Wildlife Refuge. This riparian habitat along the Rio 

Grande River is a rich corridor for nesting and migratory 

birds, including the Lewis’ woodpecker, willow flycatcher, 

yellow-billed cuckoo, and the endangered Southwestern 

willow flycatcher. Come listen to the sounds of the birds and 

keep your eyes peeled for elk and mule deer, too. 

For more wildlife viewing and photography opportunities, 

walk the Rio Grande River Trail, which parallels the river for 

two miles. 

28

Outskirts of the Great Sand Dunes 

3. TREK TO SOUTH ZAPATA LAKE 

Eager for a longer hike than Zapata Falls—and a greater 

challenge? Venture high into the Sangre De Cristo 

Wilderness to discover teal-toned South Zapata Lake, a gem 

in a basin surrounded by high peaks. 

The nearly five-mile hike to the lake begins at the trailhead 

for South Zapata Trail #852. After hiking less than a half-mile 

you’ll veer right (south) at the kiosk to stay on South Zapata 

Trail #852. Then, you’ll weave through tall pines and traverse 

alpine tundra to reach the lake, where the still water creates 

a mirror reflection of the jagged ridge that runs beneath 

14,000-foot Ellingwood Point. 

4. SUMMIT A 14ER 

If you’re working on your list of Colorado’s 14,000-foot 

peaks, Ellingwood Point is a hike you don’t want to miss. 

After some class 3 scrambling, you’ll reach Ellingwood’s 

crown, which offers a front-row view of two other 14,000- 

foot peaks and their connecting ridge, which is the most 

difficult ridgeline traverse in Colorado. 

To ascend Ellingwood Point, begin at South Zapata Lake 

and continue up the very rocky and steep couloir to reach 

a ridgetop. Take a moment to admire the view of the 

surrounding high-alpine lakes. Next, settle into a slowmoving 

ascent up another steep face with large boulders to 

gain the north ridge of Ellingwood and its epic summit. 

5. CAMP UNDER A STARRY SKY 

In the remote San Luis Valley, campers are treated to 

impressive night skies. A good spot to set up for the night 

is Mosca Campground, which has 51 campsites that include 

electric hookups, fire grills, then take your star chart and 

telescope and head out to explore the San Luis State 

Wildlife Area. You’ll not only have a great view of the stars, 

but also San Luis Lake, the surrounding peaks, and the Great 

Sand Dunes. 

For more stellar starry views, drive higher into the mountains 

and pitch your tent at the Zapata Falls Campground, 

sitting at 9,000 feet of elevation. From your high-mountain 

campsite at the foot of the Sangre De Cristos, you’ll not only 

enjoy brilliant night skies, but also a fantastic sunset and a 

glorious sunrise. While the campground has toilets, there is 

no water, so be sure to pack in all that you need for drinking 

and preparing meals. 

If you or your adventure companions need more amenities, 

there are also several campgrounds in Alamosa, including 

the Alamosa KOA, Alamosa Economy Campground, Cool 

Sunshine RV Park and Base Camp Family Campground. 


29

6. VIEW BISON AT ZAPATA RANCH 

By 1883, nearly all of the bison in North America had 

disappeared due to unregulated hunting. But, small herds 

are once again thriving, and you can get a good look at 

these remarkable animals at Zapata Ranch about eight 

miles south of Great Sand Dunes National Park. Home to 

2,000 North American Plains bison, the ranch focuses on 

protecting the species and educating the public about 

wildlife conservation. During your visit, you can take bison 

tours to explore the 50,000-acre ranch where the land has 

been restored to its native condition. You’ll get a chance to 

be near the bison, learn how the herd is managed, and get 

a glimpse of how the North American Plains looked 

centuries ago. 

7. RUMBLE THROUGH MEDANO PASS 

If you love off-roading, you’re going to love the 22-mile 

ride on the Medano Pass Primitive Road. Beginning at the 

north end of Great Sand Dunes National Park and ending at 

CO-69, this rough and remote road climbs to 10,040 feet of 

elevation and can only be navigated via a four-wheel drive 

rig. The ramble includes deep sand, nine creek crossings, 

and plenty of opportunities to spot bighorn sheep. Don’t 

have your own rig or the driving skills for the journey? 

Pathfinders 4x4 is an authorized four-wheel drive vehicle 

outfitter for the national park and offers road trips along the 

Sand Road and Medano Pass. 

8. EXPLORE SAN LUIS LAKE 

The San Luis State Wildlife Area offers front-row views of the 

Sangre De Cristos plus San Luis Lake, the warmest body of 

water in San Luis Valley. The 890-acre lake is a recreational 

portal for water skiing, motor boating, fishing, sailing, and 

windsurfing, as well as birdwatching. Around the banks, look 

for shorebirds, migratory waterfowl, songbirds, and raptors. 

Contingent on water levels, anglers can catch rainbow trout 

or carp. 

The wildlife area also has four miles of wide, level gravel 

trails for mountain biking or hiking, as well as less-traveled 

trails for visitors to explore the dunes and wetlands. Start 

with a short out-and-back stroll along the edge of the watery 

landscape. A primitive trail starts east of the San Luis Lake 

Feeder Canal and goes north adjacent to the west side of 

the Wetlands area and Head Lake. Go as far as you’d like, 

and then retrace your steps. 

30

Historic Exploration 

4 TRAILS IN THE 

San Luis Valley with Fascinating Histories 

The San Luis Valley is brimming with history, 

beginning with Native American Paleo-Indian 

cultures that date back to 11,000 years ago. The 

Ute people inhabited the valley for much of its early 

history, and the Spanish began exploration of the 

modern-day San Luis Valley in the late 16th century. 

Over the next several centuries, conflicts arose 

between Spanish explorers—most notably, Don Juan 

Bautista de Anza—and the local Comanche. 

The formerly Spanish (and, later, Mexican) province of 

Nuevo Mexico was ceded to the United States in the 

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the peace treaty that 

ended the Mexican-American War in 1848. The San 

Luis Valley had remained mostly unsettled until the 

mid-19th century, when Fort Massachusetts was built 

as a stronghold in the ongoing conflicts with native 

Utes. The San Luis Valley became part of the Territory 

of Colorado in 1861, and Alamosa was established by 

the Denver Rio Grande Railroad in 1878. 

Like many of its neighbors, Alamosa takes its 

name from its Spanish heritage: alamosa means 

“cottonwood” in Spanish. It’s just one part of the 

town’s multi-faceted history, which includes access 

to some of the San Luis Valley’s historic trails. Check 

out these four hikes, which are perfect for hikers and 

history buffs alike. 

1. OLD SPANISH TRAIL 

The Old Spanish National Historic Trail was established by 

Congress in 2002. The route from Santa Fe, New Mexico, 

to Los Angeles, California, passes through four other states, 

including Arizona, Utah, and Nevada, and in Colorado, 

various branches of the trail make their way through the 

San Luis Valley, Gunnison, Grand Junction, and Durango. 

Originally used by Native Americans as trade routes between 

the San Luis Valley and modern-day New Mexico, the Old 

Spanish Trail had its heyday between 1830 and 1848, when 

Mexican and American traders used it to transport wool and 

other wares via mule train. 

The Old Spanish Trail’s arduous route wasn’t marked by 

traditional trail markers, thanks to the constantly shifting 

sandy soil. Original travelers had to endure river crossings, 

deep canyons, and serious mountain passes, plus threats by 

horse thieves, poor weather, and lack of food and water. But 

today, you can see much of it by car. Still, there’s evidence 

that the route passed by Indian Spring in what’s now Great 

Sand Dunes National Park, and much of the sandy hiking 

there (such as along the Sand Ramp Trail) remains similar to 

its historical condition today. 

2. WAGON WHEEL RUTS IN PENITENTE CANYON 

Penitente Canyon is known for its world-class sport climbing, 

but the area boasts plenty of hiking—and history—as well. 

32

In the early 20th century, the canyon was a refuge for the 

Penitente Brotherhood of Catholic monks (Los Hermanos 

Penitentes), a secluded group that left its mark on the 

landscape by painting a blue Madonna on the cliff that’s 

known today as Virgin Wall. It’s also a quick hike on the 

Penitente Canyon Loop Trail from the end of North Witches 

Canyon Road to see a set of wagon wheel ruts carved into 

the soft sandstone. The Penitente Canyon Loop is just over 

2.5 miles, if you do the full loop, and is generally considered 

to be moderate. The ruts, in fact, are a remnant of the 

Old Spanish Trail, cut into the rock by countless passages 

of conestoga wagon wheels over the decades. Penitente 

also contains the San Luis Valley’s highest concentration of 

pictographs, so it’s worth taking a full day to fully explore 

the area. 

3. FREMONT’S CHRISTMAS CAMP 

Few explorers of the American West are as well known as 

John C. Fremont, who led four major expeditions to the 

West in the mid-19th century. Fremont also had a career 

as a military officer and politician, and was, in fact, an 

early presidential candidate of the anti-slavery Republican 

Party. His career wasn’t entirely glorious, though: His fourth 

expedition, over the winter of 1848-1849, was a complete 

disaster. Fremont and a guide led a group of 35 men into 

the San Juan Mountains, intending to scout a railroad route 

through the Central Rockies that would be accessible yearround. 

Unsurprisingly, the group was caught in abysmal 

weather, including waist-high snow, and was unprepared to 

spend a winter in the harsh conditions. The group split up 

into smaller parties as supplies dwindled, and eventually the 

expedition lost 10 men before being rescued in early 1849. 

Today, visitors can hike to what’s been dubbed “Christmas 

Camp,” where the party spent much of that December. The 

hike begins at Cathedral Campground and runs 4.5 miles to 

the erstwhile campsite. 

4. ORIENT MINE 

Once Colorado’s most prolific producer of iron ore, the 

Orient Mine operated from 1880 until 1932. Thanks to its 

location on the eastern edge of the San Luis Valley, the 

mine’s name was apparently derived from the Latin word for 

“east” or “rising sun.” The mine had two town sites, active 

during different periods of its existence, and neither of which 

still exists today. In its heyday, though, the town sites housed 

as many as 400 people and included boarding houses, a 

saloon, a library, school, and barbershop, plus a number of 

other small local businesses. Today, the Orient Land Trust 

works with the Colorado State Historical Society to preserve 

the area’s history, and you’ll find interpretive signs along 

the trail to the now-defunct mine. For several decades, the 

Orient Mine has housed nearly a quarter-million migratory 

bats, which play a crucial role in keeping the San Luis Valley 

chemical- and pesticide-free. Hike the 3.25-mile roundtrip 

trail at dusk to observe the bats as they fly by the thousands 

from the Orient Mine. 

If you want to explore more of the San Luis Valley’s 

many trails, stop by the Colorado Welcome Center in 

Alamosa or go to Alamosa.org to find the San Luis Valley 

Trail Guide. Whether you are looking for a challenging 

alpine adventure or a casual hike with beautiful Colorado 

scenery, there is a trail for you. 

Sangre De Cristo Weekend Camping Guide

Evolution of 

CRAFT BREWING 

in the San Luis Valley of Colorado 

Written by Dave Gordon 

Brewery Relations/Blogger, Brewers Crew Magazine 

Dreamlike snippets are the only memories I possess 

of our family camping trip to the Southwest which 

included the Great Sand Dunes in the San Luis Valley. 

Having only National Monument status at the time, 

there were certainly not the crowds that there are 

now. I do remember tame deer walking through our 

campsite and sniffing our food supplies on our picnic 

table, getting my first altitude headache and enjoying 

the perfect temperatures of the late afternoon 

summer sun. The pleasant hike up to High Dune 

started early in the morning but then, I remember 

how hot our feet got coming back down! Fortunately, 

our mom had carried our high top tennis shoes with 

her and when my brother and I complained enough 

about our burning feet, the shoes materialized. Mom 

had read the signs about how dangerously hot the 

sand will get by late morning. My brother and I had ignored 

those signs. We learned our lesson. 

I remember being a geeky science kid and enjoying the 

ranger talks at the amphitheater, how cold it got after the 

sun went down even in July, and how mom got lost for 

an hour because she took a wrong turn coming out of the 

bathroom. Night skies at the Dunes are dark and make for 

tremendous star gazing but can make finding your campsites 

difficult without a flashlight. Our family was sad to leave, 

but happy for having been at the Dunes for several summer 

nights. My young mind remembered nothing else about 

the San Luis Valley. That would come later, upon my many 

return trips. So, I had not known that the famous Coors 

Beer contracted with Valley farmers for their barley, as I was 

a number of years away from my first sips of adult flavored 

Rocky Mountain Spring Water. 

34

BREWING ARRIVES IN THE SAN LUIS VALLEY 

MINING BOOM AND BEER 

From the Book, The Life of an Ordinary Woman by Anne 

Ellis, a child in the mining days of the 1880s in the Bonanza 

Mining District she recalls, “I do not know how many people 

there were here in the height of the boom. In speaking 

of the population, you didn’t count people, anyway, you 

counted saloons and dance halls. There were thirty-six 

saloons and seven dance halls.” Miners, ranchers and 

farmers came first and brewing quickly followed. 

In discussions over a beer with Mark Martinez, one of the 

owners of Square Peg, I asked him about early brewing 

in the valley. There were breweries in the late 1880s and 

1890s, until the mines played out. I mentioned having been 

up to Bonanza and having passed by Brewery Creek. He 

said yes, there had been a brewery in Bonanza, plus the 

towns of Alamosa (1879-1892), Saguache (1885), and Del 

Norte. Those breweries became ghosts along with the 

mining towns. 

Evolution of Craft Brewing 

Dan Dixon, a valley barley farmer, remembers his 

grandfather, when Prohibition ended in 1933, trucking 

loads of barley to Golden Colorado to fulfill the monstrous 

quantities of barley needed for the ever growing demand 

for Coors Beer. The San Luis Valley became a barley 

growing region to support Coors belief in using all 

Colorado grown barley. 

Now, over a century later, San Luis Valley has returned to 

brewing. There are now five breweries and two malting 

plants in the valley. Malting plants take the malt grown in 

the valley, sprout the seeds, roast them, and deliver them 

back to breweries to be turned into beer. 

BREWERIES IN THE VALLEY SAN LUIS VALLEY 

BREWING COMPANY 

In Alamosa, this is a brewery and restaurant with a full bar. 

Originally the site of First National Bank of Alamosa, the 

brewery has the bank’s old safe behind the bar. The San 

Luis Valley Brewing was opened in 2006 by Scott and Angie 

Graber with the idea of offering the finest in craft brews and 

fine food in an inviting atmosphere. During tourist season in 

the summer, and during many special events, they can 

be quite busy, being located at Main and State Street. 

Morning people? They also roast coffee, hence the name 

of their attached morning restaurant, the Roast, where good 

coffee and food can be had to start a day of exploration in 

the valley. 

SQUARE PEG BREWERKS - Two doors down from San Luis 

Valley Brewing, owners Derek Heersink and Mark Martinez 

have created a division of labor. Derek grows 80% of the 

base barley malts used in their eight beers and Mark spends 

his time brewing them. They have several flagships like the 

Duke, a strong Vienna Lager, and the Colorado Common, 

a light refreshing crisp beer for all seasons. Always look for 

their IPAs, darker beers, and experimental beers, one of 

which won a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival 

in 2017, the first year they were open. Mark is happy with 

their decision to be a tap room only (popcorn served!) and 

with several restaurants nearby, bringing your own dinner 

is highly recommended. Mark feels he is still learning the 

wonderful art of brewing and enjoys spending time with 

other brewers, doing collaborations, and trying new recipes. 

They hope to expand their production capacity to keep up 

with demand. Their motto? “Field to Glass.” 

THREE BARREL BREWING - Directly on Highway 160 in 

Del Norte, lies this brewery and pizza place. Generally busy 

from open to close, this is the place to start the day or end 

the day after being at Wolf Creek Ski Resort, mountain bike 

riding at Penitente Canyon, locating the bristlecone pine 

forest up Middle Frisco Creek, exploring the mines in Creede 

or fishing on the Rio Grande. Fourteen taps insure there 

are always their regular beers plus their seasonal favorites. 

Pizzas and salads come out of the pizza oven directly across 

the bar. There is lots of patio space to enjoy during the 

good weather months, typically March through November. 

Windows in the restaurant allow you to watch Will and the 

crew make the brew and bottle it in the brew house. Be not 

afraid to ask for a tour. 

CRESTONE BREWING COMPANY - Twelve miles east of 

Highway 17 from the town of Moffat, lies Crestone. Drive 

past fields full of yak and cattle and watch the fourteen 

thousand foot peaks grow and grow as you head toward 

town. With a small, yet efficient brewing system, Greg the 

mad brewmeister is able to maintain 10 amazing beers on 

draft, along with adult kombuchas and homemade sodas, 

including a root beer made from real roots. He knows how 


35

to brew. NOTE: All beers are gluten reduced. For food? 

Try the fish and chips with a gluten free batter. Phenomenal. 

They feature local meats and most of their food is local, fresh 

and organic. They are also a full bar for cocktails with a nice 

wine selection to complement their menu. Go hike a trail or 

wander the shops in town and head to CBC. 

COLORADO FARM BREWERY AND COLORADO 

MALTING COMPANY - What to do with an old farm dairy? 

Turn it in to a small malting plant. What to do with an old 

shop next door? Turn it into a small brewery! Located 

10 miles southwest of Alamosa is this gem of a brewery. 

Limited hours are Thursday - Saturday happy hour till close 

but make a point of catching them open. Popcorn and 

peanuts are available to cure munchies but check ahead 

for amazing food trucks that rotate their schedule. Josh is 

another mad scientist brewer, who, having studied brewing 

in northern Europe, countries like Finland and Scotland, 

is not afraid to use their own farm grown hops and grains, 

smoking them, making concoctions like nothing else. The 

Islay is such a peaty beer, I thought I was drinking Scotch! 

Try Finnish Sahti, no hops, flavored with Juniper, and 

delicious. Their 11 styles are distinctly different. Worth the 

country drive! 

distribute in surrounding states? Located a mile north of 

Monte Vista, the plant is ideally located for stored grains 

to be brought in, sprouted, roasted and then shipped to 

breweries. The plant has won awards for their minimal water 

and energy use which makes for comforting sips at the local 

breweries. Big flavors and small environmental footprint. 

The chem lab at Proximity tests every batch of malted grain 

that goes out the door. Check ahead if you would like a tour. 

In the word of Mr. Spock, “Fascinating!” 

PROXIMITY MALTING COMPANY – What to do with an 

old potato starch plant? Retrofit the buildings, add a few, 

and turn it in to a malting plant. With thousands of acres 

of barley grown in the valley, why not roast it locally and

Use the hashtag 

#VisitAlamosa on 

Instagram, Twitter and 

Facebook to share 

your experience with 

our community. Plus, 

you could be featured 

on our website, on our 

social media channels, 

or in print ads like this! 

So don’t post until you 

add #VisitAlamosa! 

37

The Ultimate 

Road Trip Guide 

From Denver to Alamosa 

Sometimes, the journey is the 

destination, and that certainly 

is true when you’re traveling to 

Alamosa, Colorado. When you’re 

traveling from Denver to Alamosa, 

you have two options ahead of 

you: traveling via I-25 and US-160 

W or traveling via US Hwy 285 S. 

Each has its own adventures to 

offer you, and we’ve outlined them 

in this handy guide. So, choose 

your route, load up the car and 

enjoy the ride! 

HELPFUL TIPS: 

1You will want to check the weather and pack 

accordiningly. The locals will tell you: “Dress in 

layers!” Colorado weather can be unpredictable, so 

its best to be overprepared than under. In all weather 

conditions, be sure to pack sunscreen and sun protection. 

We’re blessed to have 300 days of sunshine each year, 

but that does mean it is more important to be sun-safe. 

Speaking of the weather, you’ll want to check cotrip. 

2 org before departing for any road closures, road work 

and road conditions. You can even view the cameras 

along your route to see what kind of weather you can 

expect. 

Watch for altitude sickness. When you leave Denver, 

3 you’re already sitting at a mile above sea level. Here 

in Alamosa, we’re at 7,544 feet above sea level, and 

the mountain passes you’ll be driving over reach higher 

than that. Be sure to stay hydrated and make sure your 

body has adjusted to the altitude before you take on any 

strenuous activity. 

On some of the mountain passes, depending on your 

4 coverage, you may lose cell service. Don’t panicservice 

usually is restored as soon as you get to the other 

side. If you’re depending on your phone for car tunes, 

you may want to have 30 minutes of music downloaded 

just in case. 

VIA I-25 AND US-160 W 

THINGS TO PACK 

Active Wear-You’ll want to take advantage of all the outdoor 

recreation opportunities along this route! 

Camera-There are plenty of historical attractions along this 

route you’ll want to capture. 

MUST SEE STOPS ALONG THE WAY 

CASTLE ROCK 

Not too far out of Denver, you’ll find the city of Castle Rock. 

Right off of I-25, you’ll want to stop by the Outlets at Castle 

Rock, the largest open-air outlet center in the state. With 

over 100 brand name stores, offering their products at 

30%-70% off retail prices, it is simply a must-stop shopping 

experience. Pick up some breakfast at the B&B Café. This 

a local favorite is a part of Castle Rock’s history, having been 

serving the community since 1946. 

COLORADO SPRINGS 

Colorado Springs sits as the base of America’s Mountain- 

Pikes Peak. Among the many must-see stops in this 

destination is Garden of the Gods. There, you can see 

amazing red rock formations, completely for free. If you’re 

looking to stretch your legs, you can try climbing the Manitou 

Incline. With 2,800 steps, the incline rises 2,000 feet in just 

under a mile. Colorado Springs is also home to the Colorado 

Springs Olympic Training Center, which has an interactive 

visitor center and offers year round tours of their facilities 

where Olympic champions and Team USA hopefuls train. 

Side Trip: BISHOP’S CASTLE 

This stop will be a little out of your way (around 30 

min each way), it’s well worth the detour. For nearly 

60 years, Jim Bishop has been constructing his castle, 

which now stands as an impressively monumental 

statue in stone and iron. Visitors are always welcome 

free of charge. 

PUEBLO 

Known as the Steel City, Pueblo is a great stop along the 

way to Alamosa. Get some fresh air along the Historic 

Arkansas Riverwalk, where you can walk along the river or, 

depending on the time of year, take a guided river cruise. 

You can also stop at the Weisbrod Aircraft Museum, a World 

War II Army air base that has been converted into a museum 

with more than 30 vintage aircrafts. Pueblo is famous for 

growing delicious (and spicy!) Pueblo Green Chiles. Take the 

Pueblo Chile Farm Standing Tour, or try a Pueblo Slopper 

38 

photo by: drew rae from pexels

(hamburger patty smothered in green chile and topped with 

cheese and onions) at any of the 25 restaurants that serve 

up their own version. 

WALSENBURG 

On your way to Alamosa, you’ll exit I-25 in Walsenburg. 

This charming town is nestled in the heart of Spanish Peaks 

Country, and is the perfect spot to stop and rest up before 

venturing on over La Veta Pass. West of town, you can 

visit Lathrop State Park. Lathrop State Park is also the only 

Colorado State Park with a Golf Course. Stop by Daily 

Perks for an afternoon pick-me-up before continuing on to 

the San Luis Valley. 

FORT GARLAND 

Get your first taste of the San Luis Valley in the town of Fort 

Garland. Established in 1858, Fort Garland was once under 

the command of the legendary Kit Carson. You can take a 

step back in time at the Fort Garland Museum, where you 

can learn about Kit Carson, the famed Buffalo Soldiers and 

there are living history performances throughout the year. 

ALAMOSA 

Welcome to Alamosa! There is so much to fill your time 

with, but on your way into town, you’ll want to stop at the 

Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge. It’s right on your way, 

and a great chance to reconnect with nature after a day 

on the road. The 11,169 acre refuge provides a habitat 

for over 200 bird species and other wildlife. The refuge 

has a diverse array of terrain, including wet meadows and 

dry uplands, all with a stunning view of Mount Blanca, one 

of the 14ers that comprise the San Luis Valley’s Eastern 

border. It is a great spot for wildlife viewing, as it is home 

to mallards, pintails, teal, Canada geese, American avocets, 

killdeer, white-faced ibis, egrets, herons, and many more. 

VIA US HWY 285 S 

THINGS TO PACK 

Fishing Gear- You’ll be traveling along the Arkansas River, 

which has miles of Gold Medal waters! 

Clothes you don’t mind getting wet-The Arkansas is also the 

most popular whitewater rafting destinations in the US. 

Swimsuits-This route has some of Colorado’s famous 

hot springs! 

MUST SEE STOPS ALONG THE WAY 

FAIRPLAY 

Fairplay is known as the official Trout Fishing Capitol of 

Colorado, so anglers, be sure to pack your fishing poles! 

While you’re in the area, you’ll want to stop at South Park 

City, a remarkable restoration of an early Colorado mining 

town, with 44 buildings, filled with over 60,000 artifacts. 

Stop by Java Moose for some breakfast and coffee. 

Buena Vista 

From Buena Vista to Poncha Springs, you’ll be driving 

along the Collegiate Peaks Scenic and Historic Byway. 

Soak up the scenery and surrounding 14ers along your way 

(it’s the highest concentration in the state!). Speaking of 

soaking, you’ll want to try whitewater rafting while you’re 

here. There are plenty of outfitters to choose from that will 

make your experience unforgettable! While you’re here, try 

Eddyline Brewery Taproom, a local favorite for their food and 

their beer. 

Side Trip: BROWNS CANYON 

NATIONAL MONUMENT 

Before you get to Poncha Springs, you want to 

take a short (around 10 minutes each way) detour 

to visit Colorado’s newest National Monument, 

Browns Canyon. The Arkansas River carved out this 

beautiful geologic marvel, with colorful cliffs and 

rock outcroppings. 

PONCHA SPRINGS & SALIDA 

The nearby towns of Poncha Springs & Salid offer a plethora 

of outdoor recreation if you’re needing to take a break from 

the road. Salida has also been named one of Colorado’s 

first Creative Districts. You’ll want to stop a peruse the 

various studios and galleries in Salida’s downtown before you 

leave. Stop by The Boathouse for some Baja Mexican style 

goodness before you depart. 

MOFFAT, HOOPER & ALAMOSA 

You have now entered the San Luis Valley! You’ll want to 

make a stop in one of our four hot springs to rest after your 

journey. Each have their own unique experience to offer 

you, and they are all along your route to Alamosa. 

Valley View Hot Springs is operated by the Orient Land Trust, 

an organization dedicated to natural resource preservation. 

This mountainside paradise is the most natural of the hot 

springs, with river rock creating pools of hot water right in 

the river itself. It is a unique place be completely immersed 

in nature, as the entire grounds are clothing optional. Valley 

View offers all-season camping and rustic accommodations, 

and is located in an area with a diverse ecosystem rich in 

wildlife, birds and plant life. 

Joyful Journey Hot Springs is a quiet, peaceful spa retreat 

that is a favorite destination for the healing, relaxing effect of 

natural hot water. They offer three outdoor tiled geothermal 

soaking pools, surrounded by decks and magnificent 

panoramic views. You can schedule a massage, a facial or 

take a yoga class while you are visiting. Joyful Journey offers 

accommodations, including hotel rooms, native tipis, RV and 

camp sites and yurts (round, canvas buildings). 

Sand Dunes Recreation is open year-round hot spring, with a 

large family-friendly outdoor pool, an adjoining therapy pool 

and an adults-only Greenhouse. The Greenhouse includes 

four additional soaking pools, all at different temperatures, 

a ten-person sauna and their libation station, The Steel Box 

Bar. You can grab a meal at the pool’s delicious restaurant, 

the Mile Deep Grille. 

Splashland Hot Springs has a geothermal outdoor swimming 

pool that has been around since 1955 and is an important 

part of Alamosa’s history. Now remodeled and upgraded 

with a concession stand, this natural hot spring is a great 

place to take the family to enjoy a summer afternoon. 

Splashland is open seasonally, and this family-friendly pool 

has three water slides, a diving board and lap lanes. 

THE ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP GUIDE 

39

DINING 

> RESTAURANTS 

ARBY’S 

1705 Main St • 719-589-2747 

Fast Food 

BURGER KING 

2501 Main St • 719-589-5538 

Fast Food 

CALVILLO’S 

400 Main St • 719-587-5500 

Mexican/American 

CAMPUS CAFÉ 

435 Poncha Ave • 719-589-4202 

Café 

CHILI’S GRILL & BAR 

3231 Main St • 719-589-1991 

American 

CITY MARKET DELI 

131 Market St • 719-589-2492 

Deli 

CRAZY CORNER CAFÉ 

823 8th St • 719-589-3873 


DOMINO’S 

1109 6th St • 719-589-9091 

Pizza 

EF’S 

1227 Rail Road Ave • 719-589-3008 

Mexican 

EL CHARRO CAFÉ 

1601 Main St • 719-589-2262 

Mexican 

EMMA’S FOOD OF SOUTH WEST 

924 Main Street • 719-992-2021 


EL SUPER TACO 

415 Main St • 719-589-2853 

Mexican 

THE ESSENTIAL GARDEN CAFÉ 

507 State Ave • 719-937-2828 

Café 

HUNAN CHINESE RESTAURANT 

419 Main St • 719-589-9002 

Chinese/ Sushi 

IHOP RESTAURANT 

2025 Main St • 719-992-2100 

American 

JUANITO’S 

1019 6th St • 719-589-0277 


KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN 

2007 W. Main St • 719-589-6297 

Fast Food 

LITTLE CAESARS PIZZA 

2431 Main St • 719-589-6200 

Pizza 

LONG JOHN SILVER’S / TACO BELL 

2435 Main St • 719-589-2140 

Fast Food 

LOCAVORES 

2209 Main St • 719-589-2157 

Farm-to-Table Fast Casual 

MAY-WA CHINESE RESTAURANT 

620 Main St • 719-589-9559 

Chinese/ Vietnamese 

MCDONALD’S 

100 Craft Dr • 719-589-2228 

Fast Food 

MI TAQUITO 

407 6th St • 719-589-3336 

Mexican 

MONTERREY CAFÉ 

1406 Main St • 719-589-3838 


NINO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT 

326 Main St • 719-587-0101 

Mexican 

OSCAR’S RESTAURANT 

520 Main St • 719-589-9230 


PAPA MURPHY’S 

504 West Ave • 719-937-2933 

Take-and-Bake Pizza 

PIZZA HUT 

814 Main St • 719-589-3693 

Pizza 

PURPLE PIG PIZZERIA & PUB 

624 Main St • 719-589-2220 

Pizza 

ROCKY’S 

425 Main St • 719-587-2294 

Café 

RUBI SLIPPER 

506 State Ave • 719-589-2641 


SAFEWAY DELI 

1301 Main St • 719-587-3075 

Deli 

SAN LUIS VALLEY STEAK, PIZZA & 

PASTA 

1210 8th St • 719-589-4749 

Italian/Pizza 

SMOOTHY’S JUICE BAR 

504 West Ave • 719-496-7339 

Smoothies, Soup, Wraps 

SONIC RESTAURANT 

1300 Main St • 719-589-9256 

Fast Food 

ST.IVES PUB & EATERY 

719 Main St • 719-589-0711 

American 

SUBWAY 

2207 Main St • 719-589-4642 

Sandwiches 

TEMPURA HOUSE 

916 Main St • 719-937-2850 

Japanese/Sushi 

THAI HUT 

525 Main St • 719-992-2400 

Thai/Sushi 

WALSH BURGER 

617 6th St • 719-937-7717 

Burgers/ Sandwiches 

WENDY’S 

3338 Clark St • 719-587-3333 

Fast Food 

WOODY’S Q SHACK 

6615 N River Rd • 719-580-0300 

& 701 Main St. 

BBQ 

WIZE APPLES 

408 4th St • 719-937-2204 

Burgers/ Sandwiches 

> BREWERIES & BARS 

BANK SHOT SPORTS BAR 

1212 8th St • 719-589-9895 

Pool Hall & Bar 

COLORADO FARM BREWING 

2070 County Rd 12 S. • 719-580-0051 

Brewery 

OFFICE TAVERN 

550 Denver Ave • 719-589-9482 

Bar 

SAN LUIS VALLEY BREWING CO. 

631 Main St • 719-587-2337 

Brewery & Grille 

SQUARE PEG BREWERKS 

625 Main St • 719-580-7472 

Brewery 

WEEKENDS TAVERN 

2065 1st St • 719-589-5579 

Bar & Grille 

> COFFEE SHOPS 

BLESSED BREWS 

2431 Main St Suite A • 719-206-3366 

Coffee/Café 

MILAGRO’S COFFEEHOUSE 

529 Main St • 719-589-9299 

Coffee/Café 

ROAST COFFEE & LIBATIONS 

420 San Juan Ave • 719-587-2326 

Coffee/Café 

STARBUCKS 

1301 Main St/Safeway 

9-587-3075 x1217 

Coffee 

STARBUCKS 

1310 Main Street • 719-589-3765 

Coffee 

40

EVENTS 

Listings 

> MAY 

CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATION 

May 4 

San Juan Ave, Alamosa 

www.slvbrewco.com 

MEMORIAL DAY ENCAMPMENT AT 

FORT GARLAND 

May 25-26 

Fort Garland CO 

719-379-3512 

www.musuemtrail.org/FortGarlandMusuem.asp 

TASTE OF CREEDE 

May 24-27 

Creede Colorado 

719-658-2374 

www.creede.com 

HOT ROD DIRT DRAGS 

May 31-June 2 

Movie Manor Drive In Monte Vista 

www.hotroddirtdrags.com 

> JUNE 

SUMMERFEST ON THE RIO 

June 7-9 

Cole Park, Alamosa 

719-480-4806 

www.summerfestontherio.org 

CHSCA ALL STATE GAMES 2015 

June 4-8 

Adams State University 

www.chscaallstategames.org 

DONKEY DASH 

June 8 

Main Street, Creede 

719-658-2374 


RAILS & ALES 

Rio Grande Scenic RR 

June 15 

Board at the Depot, 

610 State Avenue, Alamosa 

1-877-726-7245 

www.coloradotrain.com 

ROLLIN’ DEEP CAR SHOW 

June 16 


719-274-5224 

ALAMOSA PRCA ROUND UP RODEO 

June 20-23 

Alamosa Fairgrounds 

719-589-9444 

www.alamosaroundup.com 

> JULY 

ALAMOSA FARMER’S MARKET 

Every Saturday from July-October 

Downtown Alamosa 

alamosafarmersmarket@gmail.com 

ALAMOSA 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION 

July 4 

Parade-Main Street Alamosa 

Fireworks-Alamosa Fairgrounds 

719-589-3681 

www.alamosarec.org 

CATS CLASSIC 

July 5-7 

Sutak Raceway 

719-589-9717 

www.catsclassic.com 

LOGGER DAYS FESTIVAL & FAIR 

July 20-21 

South Fork CO 

719-873-5512 

www.southfork.org 

MANASSA PIONEER DAYS 

July 19-20 

Manassa Fairgrounds 

719-843-5207 

www.manassa.com 

BIKE 2 BUILD SAN LUIS VALLEY 

CENTURY RIDE 

July 20 

SLV Habitat for Humanity 

719-589-8678 

www.slvhabitat.org 

SKI-HI STAMPEDE 

July 24-29 

Monte Vista CO 

719-852-2055 

www.skihistampede.com 

> AUGUST 

COVERED WAGON DAYS 

August 1-4 

Del Norte, CO 

Karenbonnie@q.com 

BEAT THE HEAT BBQ 

August 2-3 


www.slvbeattheheat.com 

RHYTHMS ON THE RIO 

August 2-4 

South Fork Colorado 

www.rhythmsontherio.com 

EARLY IRON FESTIVAL 

August 31 


719-589-9170 

www.earlyironclub.com 

> SEPTEMBER 

ALAMOSA ART FESTIVAL 

September 7 

Downtown Alamosa 

719-587-2024 

SAN LUIS VALLEY POTATO FESTIVAL 

September 7 

Monte Vista Colorado 

719.852.3322 

www.coloradopotato.org 

CRUISIN’ THE CANYON 

September 15 

Creede Colorado 

719-658-2374 


> FALL FESTIVAL: 

SOCIETY HALL ANNUAL CELEBRATION 

September 21 

719-937-2636 

www.societyhall.org 

ALAMOSA OKTOBRUFEST 

September 28 

719-589-3681 

www.oktobrufestalamosa.com 

> OCTOBER 

12 HOURS OF PENITENCE 

September 14 

Penitente Canyon Recreation Area 

www.12hoursofpenitence.com/ 

> NOVEMBER 

VETERANS DAY 

Entrance Fee-Free 

November 11 

Great Sand Dunes National Park 

719-378-6395 

CREEDE CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL 

November 29-30 

Main Street, Creede 

719-658-2374 


> DECEMBER 

ALAMOSA PARADE OF LIGHTS 

December 21 

Main Street, Alamosa CO 

719-589-9444 

www.alamosaroundup.com 

41

ATTRACTIONS 

ADAMS STATE UNIVERSITY THEATRE 

208 Edgemont Blvd., Alamosa 81101 

719-587-TIXX 

ALAMOSA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE 

9383 El Rancho Lane, Alamosa 81101 

719-589-4021 

ALAMOSA RANCH & BLANCA VISTA PARK 

North River Road, Alamosa 81101 

719-589-2105 

BLANCA WETLANDS 

County Road 2S, Alamosa 81101 

719-852-7074 

CATTAILS GOLF COURSE 

6615 N River Road, Alamosa 81101 

719-589-9515 

COLORADO GATORS 

9162 County Road 9N, Mosca 81146 

719-378-2612 


610 State Avenue, Alamosa 81101 

800-258-7597 

CREEDE REPERTORY THEATRE 

North Main Street, Creede 81130 

719-658-2540 

CUMBRES & TOLTEC RAILROAD 

5250 B Hwy 285, Antonito 81120 

888-CUMBRES 

FORT GARLAND MUSEUM & PIKE’S STOCKADE 

29477 Highway 159, Fort Garland 81133 

719-379-3512 

GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK 

11999 Highway 150, Mosca 81146 

719-378-6399 

HISTORIC ENGINE 169 

300 Hunt Avenue, Alamosa 81101 

866-970-3540 

LOS CAMINOS ANTIGUOS SCENIC BYWAY 

Begins on CO-17, Alamosa 81101 

719-580-4070 

LUTHER BEAN MUSEUM AT ADAMS STATE 

208 Edgemont Blvd., Alamosa 81101 

719-587-7151 

PENITENTE CANYON 

County Road 38A, Del Norte 81132 

719-655-2547 

RIO GRANDE FARM PARK 

6935 CO-17, Alamosa 81101 

719-580-0379 

RIO GRANDE SCENIC RAILROAD 

610 State Avenue, Alamosa 81101 

877-726-RAIL 

SAN LUIS VALLEY MUSEUM 

401 Hunt Avenue, Alamosa 81101 

719-587-0667 

SAND DUNES RECREATION 

1991 County Road 63, Hooper 81136 

719-378-2807 

SHRINE OF THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS 

Junction of CO Hwy 159 & 142, San Luis 81152 

719-672-3685 

SOCIETY HALL 

400 Ross Avenue, Alamosa 81101 

719-937-2636 

SPLASHLAND 

5895 CO-17, Alamosa 81101 

719-589-6258 

THE WET PAINTBRUSH 

1307 Main St, Suite A, Alamosa 81101 

719-285-7715 

UFO WATCHTOWER 

Highway 17, Hooper 81136 

719-378-2296 

WHEELER GEOLOGIC AREA 

Pool Table Road, Creede 81130 

719-658-2556 

ZAPATA FALLS 

Highway 150, Mosca 81146 

719-852-7074 

ZAPATA RANCH 

5305 Highway 150, Mosca 81146 

719-378-2356 

LODGING & CAMPING 

> HOTELS AND MOTELS 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

VALLEY MOTEL 2051 Main St. Alamosa, CO 81101 www.valleymotelalamosa.com 719-589-9095 

SUPER 8 OF ALAMOSA 2505 Main St. Alamosa, CO 81101 www.super8.com 719-589-6447 

RODEWAY INN 333 Santa Fe Ave. Alamosa, CO 81101 www.choicehotels.com 719-589-5833 

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS 3418 Mariposa St. Alamosa, CO 81101 www.hiexpress.com/alamosaco 719-589-4026 

SAND DUNES LODGE 7900 Highway 150 Mosca, CO 81146 www.gsdlodge.com 719-378-2900 

DAYS INN 223 Santa Fe Ave. Alamosa, CO 81101 www.daysinn.com 719-589-9037 

COMFORT INN OF ALAMOSA 6301 County Rd 107 S. Alamosa, CO 81101 www.comfortinnandsuitesalamosa.com 719-587-9000 

BEST WESTERN ALAMOSA INN 2005 W Main St. Alamosa, CO 81101 www.bestwestern.com 719-589-2567 

ALAMOSA LAMPLIGHTER 425 Main St. Alamosa, CO 81101 www.alamosalamplightermotel.com 719-589-6636 

ZAPATA RANCH 5303 Highway 150 Alamosa, CO 81101 www.zranch.org 888-592-7282 

HAMPTON INN 710 Mariposa St. Alamosa, CO 81101 www.hamptoninnalamosa.com 719-480-6023 

RIVERSIDE INN OF ALAMOSA 250 Broadway Ave. Alamosa, CO 81101 www.riversideinnofalamosa.us 719-589-4945 

FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES 721 Mariposa St. Alamosa, CO 81101 www.marriott.com 719-587-4000 

THE SUNSET INN 1310 W. 8th St. Alamosa, CO 81101 www.sunsetinns.net/en-us 719-992-2056 

GREAT SAND DUNES OASIS 7800 HWY 150 Mosca, CO 81146 www.greatdunes.com 719-378-2222 

42 

> CAMP GROUNDS 

ALAMOSA ECONOMY CAMPGROUND 12532 E HWY 160 Alamosa, CO 81101 719-589-5574 

PINION FLATS CAMPGROUND Great Sand Dunes NPS Mosca, CO 81146 nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/pinonflatscampground.htm 719-378-3699 

GREAT SAND DUNES OASIS 5400 HWY 150 Mosca, CO 81146 greatdunes.com 719-378-2222 

ALAMOSA KOA 6900 Juniper Ln. Alamosa, CO 81101 koa.com/campgrounds/alamosa 719-589-9757 

SAN LUIS STATE WILDLIFE AREA County Road 6 North Alamosa, CO 81101 719-378-2020 

COOL SUNSHINE RV PARK 1055 7th St. Alamosa, CO 81101 coolsunshinervpark.com 719-992-9105 

ZAPATA FALLS CAMPGROUND HWY 150 Mosca CO 81146 719-852-7074


610 STATE AVE. ALAMOSA, CO 81101 

PRE-SORTED 

STANDARD 

US POSTAGE PAID 

ALAMOSA, CO. 

PERMIT NO. 5 

1-800-BLU-SKYS (800-258-7597)

Alamosa 2019 VG-final

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?