101 Things 2020 FINAL

Page 10 Summer in the San Luis Valley 2020
sAguAChe County
Wagon wheel tracks in stone
File photo
26 WAGON WHEEL TRACKS — Along the trail
system of Penitente Canyon are tracks from early wagons
worn into the rock. It’s an amazing sight about a half-mile
hike from the Penitente Canyon Trail Head.
Bonanza Mine District
File photo
29 BONANZA MINE DISTRICT — With a population
of 16, Bonanza is Colorado’s smallest incorporated town.
Points of interest in the Bonanza area include a former
toll road, cemeteries, and spectacular views of the aspencovered
hills where prospectors once hoped to strike it rich.
30 PONCHA PASS— At 9,010 feet, Poncha Pass is the
northern entrance into the San Luis Valley, separating the
Arkansas River Basin and the Rio Grande Basin. It is one
of the lowest passes in Colorado and was often used by
Native Americans, trappers and immigrants in the 1800s.
La Garita Natural Arch
File photo
27 LA GARITA NATURAL ARCH— One of the San
Luis Valley’s hidden treasures is the La Garita Natural
Arch located in Penitente Canyon. To reach the volcanic
rock arch, go north out of Monte Vista on Highway 285
for 18 miles to County Road G and turn left. Go west
to the “y” intersection just past the La Garita Store and
take the dirt road south, following the signs to the arch,
turning west on Forest Road 660. The arch is located just
west of Forest Road 659.
28 DRIVE COCHETOPA PASS — Cochetopa Pass,
or Pass of the Buffalo, is the northwest route out of the
San Luis Valley. At just over 10,000 feet, Cochetopa is
a scenic mountain drive into the Gunnison River valley.
Take Colorado 114 west out of Saguache.
31 FOURTH OF JULY IN CRESTONE —
CANCELLED FOR 2020- Enjoy a parade, children’s
activities, vendors, live music, local art and more during
Crestone’s annual Fourth of July festivities. There’s no
July 4 th celebration quite like it.
32 UFO WATCHTOWER — The UFO Watchtower is
just north of Hooper off Highway 17, about half an hour
away from Alamosa. Summer hours are daily from 10
a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment after hours. Camping
permitted on site. The annual UFO conference will be held
July 27-29. For more information, call 719-378-2296 or
see www.ufowatchtower.com
33 HOT SPRINGS — CALL FOR MORE INFO DUE
TO VIRUS- Joyful Journey Hot Springs, and the Orient
Land Trust, formerly known as Valley View, have plenty
of hot water for soaking and swimming after a long hike
or bike ride. Joyful Journey also offers massages, and
Valley View, which is clothing optional, has a hot tub
and sauna. All are accessible from Colorado 17. For