Alamosa 2019 VG-final

(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
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