101 Things 2021 for Yumpu

Summer in the San Luis Valley 2021 Page 11
Saguache County
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.
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.
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.
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
31 FOURTH OF JULY IN CRESTONE — TBA FOR
2021. 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