Page 6 Summer in the San Luis Valley 2021Alamosa County1 GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK ANDPRESERVE — North America’s tallest dunes rise over 750feet high against the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains.This geologic wonderland, containing over 30 square miles ofmassive dunes, became one of the nation’s newest national parksin September 2004. It also includes alpine lakes and tundra, sixpeaks over 13,000 feet in elevation, ancient spruce and pineforests, large stands of aspen and cottonwood, grasslands, andwetlands — all habitat for diverse wildlife and plant species.Great Sand Dunes National Park is located 35 miles northeastof Alamosa, Colorado, reached by U.S. Highway 160 and StateHighway 150 from the south, or from State Highway 17 andCounty Lane 6 from the west. Contact: (719) 378-2020 orwww.nps.gov/grsa2 ALAMOSA WILDLIFE REFUGE — Alamosa NationalWildlife Refuge, located a few miles east of Alamosa offHighway 160, is a haven for migratory birds and other wildlife.This 11,169-acre refuge supports songbirds, water birds,raptors, mule deer, beaver and coyotes. A two-mile round triphiking trail begins at the Visitor’s Center and follows the RioGrande. The Bluff Overlook on the eastern side of the refugemay be reached by car and provides a three and a half-mileauto tour.3 ADAMS STATE UNIVERSITY — Since its cornerstonewas laid in 1923, Adams State University grew from a teachers’college into a fine liberal arts university. Adams State Universityoffers bachelor and master’s degrees in a multitude of majors andnow offers a doctoral program as well. The campus features a newstadium complex and many other recent physical improvements.View more at www.adams.edu. In addition, check out numerousopportunities for youngsters and high school student-athletesto attend sports camps at ASC by calling 587-7401 or going toascgrizzlies.comASU is celebrating 100 years in 2021.4 TRAILS AND HISTORIC MONUMENTS — TheAlamosa Ranch offers numerous trails featuring opportunitiesto see wildlife and historic markers for Wayside, the stagecoachstop forerunner of Alamosa and the site where Amelia Earhartlanded in a meadow. Trail guides are available at the ColoradoWelcome Center at the train depot in Alamosa.5 LUTHER BEAN MUSEUM — Located on the Adams StateUniversity campus in Richardson Hall, this museum featuresthe Woodard Collection of artifacts from around the world andNative American and Hispanic works of art. Call 587-7151 formore information. Adams State College campus also hosts theSan Luis Valley Japanese-American Memorial Garden.6 ALAMOSA ROUND-UP — The 2021 Alamosa Round-Up, sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association(PRCA), is scheduled from August 26-29 with most events atthe Alamosa fairgrounds. Events include ranch rodeo, barbecue,mutton bustin, cattle drive and parade, PRCA rodeo, rodeo blockparty, demolition derby and cowboy church. The highlight will beSaturday with a round-UP Concert featuring Chancey Williams andthe Younger Brothers Band. Buy tickets at The Colorado WelcomeCenter and Alamosa Big R. See www.alamosaroundup.com7 BEAT THE HEAT BBQ — One of the newest eventsin Alamosa County, in its seventh year, is the annual SanLuis Valley Beat the Heat BBQ, a sanctioned Kansas CityBarbecue Society and Rocky Mountain Barbecue AssociationState Championship event. It is scheduled for Aug. 6-7. Enjoybarbecue, live music, cornhole tournament, children’s activitiesand more. Contact the Alamosa County Chamber of Commerceat 589-3681, e-mail chambergrowthdirector@gmail.com or seewww.slvbeattheheat.com.8 ALAMOSA ART WALK AND DOWNTOWN SCULP-TURES — Take a walk throughdowntown Alamosa and seeartists of various different twoand three-dimensional mediumscreating one-of-a-kindwork, much of which will bedisplayed for a tour downtown.An annual celebration featuringlocal musicians and performerswill also take place at SocietyHall. Info: www.cityofalamosa.org/public-artand www.societyhall.org9 COLORADO GATORS — Featuring more than 400gators and other exotic species, Colorado Gators is one ofthe most unique attractions in the entire Valley. It is locatednorth of Alamosa between Mosca and Hooper on Highway17. Events include gator wrestling, Eggfest in early July andthe Annual Gatorfest in early August. Phone (719) 378-2612for more information, or see gatorfarm.com10 ZAPATA FALLS — Zapata Falls BLM Recreation AreaZapata Falls, a wonder of nature, is located four miles east ofColorado Highway 150, just south of the entrance to GreatSand Dunes National Park. From the parking and picnic areait is about a half mile walk uphill to the falls. The Zapata FallsCampground provides campsites. A trailhead in the campgroundsupplies a link to the South Zapata Creek Trail and the Sangrede Cristo Wilderness. A second trail, just above the campgroundin the day-use area, leads visitors on a mildly steep half-milehike to the falls that give the campground its name.
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