101 Things 2022

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Things to Do

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Page 2 Summer in the San Luis Valley 2022

Things To

Do In The San Luis Valley

Top 10

1. SAND DUNES

The Great Sand Dunes National Park features the tallest

sand dunes in the United States. The dune field rising above

the San Luis Valley is framed with the blue peaks of the

Sangre de Cristo mountain range.

During the summer, park rangers organize a number of nature

walks and interpretive programs exploring the dunes’ geology,

history and wildlife. For a more challenging walk, head into

the dune field itself. Whether hiking, sliding, exploring in

a dunes wheelchair — or simply playing — the Great Sand

Dunes are a unique area for all to enjoy.

The visitors center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from

Memorial Day to Labor Day. The center offers an inspiring

film presentation, interactive exhibits, bookstore, first aid

room and back porch with viewing scope.

A number of camping sites, ranging from car and RV areas

to primitive backpacking sites on and off the dune field, are

available.

For more information, call 719-378-6300 or log onto www.

nps.gov/grsa/

2. CUMBRES & TOLTEC SCENIC

RAILROAD

The Cumbres &

Toltec Scenic Railroad

was built in 1880 with

three feet — narrow

gauge — between the

tracks instead of four

feet, eight and a half

inches, the standard in

the United States.

Summer in the San Luis Valley 2022 Page 3

The railroad’s locomotives burn hand-shoveled coal

pulling trains along the highest and longest narrow gauge

track in the United States from Antonito to Chama, N.M.

The railroad gives passengers a unique view of the beauty

of the San Juan Mountains, taking them on a twisty ride

that crosses the Colorado-New Mexico border 11 times

and carries them over 10,015-foot-high Cumbres Pass and

through two tunnels.

The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad offers daily

scenic train rides from Chama, New Mexico and Antonito,

Colorado, crossing at historic Osier Station.

Schedules and details about specials and all train rides

are available at www.cumbrestoltec.com or by calling

1-888-Cumbres (286-2737).

3. EARLY IRON FESTIVAL

Hundreds of vehicles

from America’s “early”

years in its love affair

with the automobile

arrive in Alamosa from

all over the United

States for their annual

Labor Day weekend

San Luis Valley Early

Iron Festival, one of

the San Luis Valley’s

largest events featuring more than 600 cars.

This year will mark the 39th anniversary as the event was

cancelled last year. Early Iron welcomes a variety of vehicles

including pickups, custom, street rods, classics and street

machines. See www.earlyironclub.com/

4. SKI HI STAMPEDE

Colorado’s oldest outdoor rodeo, the Ski Hi Stampede

in Monte Vista is a delight for the entire family. This year

will mark the 100th anniversary of the San Luis Valley Ski

Hi Stampede planned July 21-24. Traditionally, there will

be parades beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

The rodeo brings major entertainment and many of the best

cowboys in the country to Monte Vista’s Ski-Hi Arena. Also

enjoy a concert with country star Dwight Yoakam and the Josh

Abbott band, dances, fireworks, carnival and chuckwagon

dinner. For information call 719-852-2055 or see www.

skihistampede.com

5. ALAMOSA ROUND-UP

The 2022 Alamosa

Round-Up, sanctioned

by the Professional

Rodeo Cowboy

Association (PRCA),

is scheduled from

June 23-26 with most

events at the Alamosa

fairgrounds. Events

include ranch rodeo,

barbecue, mutton

bustin, cattle drive and

parade, PRCA rodeo,

rodeo block party, demolition derby and cowboy church. The

highlight will be Saturday with a Round-UP concert featuring

Justin Lawrence, a professional saddle bronc rider and country

music artist. Buy tickets at The Colorado Welcome Center

and Alamosa Big R. See www.alamosaroundup.com


6. CREEDE REPERTORY THEATRE

Creede Repertory Theatre is a professional theatre

company located in the historic town of Creede. CRT’s

award-winning company produces the best of contemporary

and classic theatre from late May through September. Each

year, CRT produces several plays in rotation, hosts numerous

musical events and concerts, exhibits the best regional artists

in its two lobby galleries, and offers exciting educational

programming. Tickets are available at the box office on 124

N. Main Street in Creede, calling toll free: 866-658-2540

or going to the web site: www.creederep.org

The 2022 season will feature such plays as “Always…

Patsy Cline”, “Steel Magnolias”, “Native Gardens”,

“Sherwood”, “The Royale”, as well as Boomtown improv

comedy.

7. LOS CAMINOS ANTIGUOS

Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic Byway connects many of

the San Luis Valley’s attractions, such as the Cumbres and

Toltec Scenic Railway and the Great Sand Dunes National

Park.

The journey begins on Highway 17 on Cumbres Pass. As

Highway 17 descends into the San Luis Valley, it follows the

Conejos River and several perfect fishing spots. The byway

continues through Conejos, home of the oldest church in

Colorado, then to the De Vargas petroglyph crossing site.

It then leads to Manassa, the home of Jack Dempsey, and

continues east through the foothills of the Sangre de Cristos.

The byway continues into San Luis, the first town in

Colorado. The byway then journeys north to Fort Garland.

As the byway follows the

Sangre de Cristo mountain

range, several natural

wonders await: Zapata

Falls; the Great Sand Dunes

National Park; the historic

Medano Ranch; and the San

Luis Lakes State Park and

Wildlife Area.

The byway then turns

south near two of the Valley’s

more colorful attractions,

the UFO Watchtower and

the Colorado Gators, an

alligator farm just north of

Alamosa on Hwy 17. The

“ancient road” ends its

journey in Alamosa.

100 th Annual San Luis Valley Ski-Hi Stampede

July 21-24 th , 2022 - Monte Vista, Colorado

WORLD CLASS PRCA RODEO

Featuring Andy Seiler, rodeo announcer,

and Stace Smith multiple-year PRCA Stock

Contractor of the year!

LIVE IN

CONCERT!

Nightly

Rodeo

Dances!

Dwight Yoakum & Josh Abbott Band General Admission: $ 45 Pre-Sale

THURSDAY, JULY 21 st Reserved Seating $ 45 • Premium Reserve $ 50

TICKET LOCATIONS: Stampede Ticket Office, Monte Vista

Call (719) 852-2055 or visit www.skihistampede.com


8. SILVER THREAD

The Silver Thread Scenic Byway passes through some of

the most scenic areas and towns in the San Juan Mountains.

Leaving the town of South Fork, the byway begins its

journey along the Rio Grande. The byway then enters the

Rio Grande National Forest, where it travels through steep

cañons of volcanic tuff before crossing an alpine valley,

home to herds of deer and elk.

Miners built the town of Creede in the spirit of

exploration. Outside the town, a driving tour of the

area’s mining heritage winds through the rugged geologic

formations. Between Creede and Lake City, the highway

passes The Slumgullion Earthflow, a geologic form that

began 700 years ago. The Silver Tread ends at a second

mining town, Lake City.

Splashland Hot Springs

Open Seasonally May - Mid October

Call for Reservations

9. FORT GARLAND

The historic Fort Garland Museum takes visitors back in

time to the era of Kit Carson, commandant of the fort from

1866-1867, and earlier commanders.

The museum features displays of the life of officers and

enlisted men during the years the fort served southern Colorado.

Walk the parade ground of the fort and tour the adobe

buildings, which feature a re-creation of the commandant’s

quarters during Carson’s time. Rich in military history,

Fort Garland also highlights

the folk art and culture of

the Hispanic community in

southern Colorado.

The Fort Garland Museum

and Visitor Center is located

in Fort Garland, 25 miles east

of Alamosa off U.S. Highway

160. The Fort Garland Museum

and Visitor Center is open

year-round. For more information call 719-379-3512.

10. ZAPATA FALLS

Zapata Falls BLM Recreation Area Zapata Falls, a wonder

of nature, is located four miles east of Colorado Highway

150, just south of the entrance to Great Sand Dunes National

Park. From the parking and picnic area it is about a half

mile walk uphill to the falls. The Zapata Falls Campground

provides campsites. A trailhead in the campground supplies a

link to the South Zapata Creek Trail and the Sangre de Cristo

Wilderness. A second trail, just above the campground in the

day-use area, leads visitors on a mildly steep half-mile hike

to the falls that give the campground its name.

OPEN:

Monday-Saturday: 11 am-7 pm

Closed Sunday

Lap Swim:

Monday-Friday: 6-8 am

June & July: Morning Swim Classes 9 - 11 a.m.

5895 Hwy 17 • 1 Mile North of Alamosa • (719) 589-6258

October 15, 2022 Benefit Sprint Triathlon - Part of Great SW Tri Series

Register @ Splashlandllc.com

They Are Out There!

UFO Watchtower

It’s out of this world!

7 Days a Week

10 a.m. until ......

Online Gift Shop - ufowatchtower.com

Including Skywatching & Entertainment

Snippy the Horse on display beginning in June

$5 per person

Camping Sites Available

Hooper, CO • 719-378-2296


Alamosa County

1 GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK AND

PRESERVE — North America’s tallest dunes rise over 750

feet high against the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

This geologic wonderland, containing over 30 square miles of

massive dunes, became one of the nation’s newest national parks

in September 2004. It also includes alpine lakes and tundra, six

peaks over 13,000 feet in elevation, ancient spruce and pine

forests, large stands of aspen and cottonwood, grasslands, and

wetlands — all habitat for diverse wildlife and plant species.

Great Sand Dunes National Park is located 35 miles northeast

of Alamosa, Colorado, reached by U.S. Highway 160 and State

Highway 150 from the south, or from State Highway 17 and

County Lane 6 from the west. Contact: (719) 378-2020 or

www.nps.gov/grsa

2 ALAMOSA WILDLIFE REFUGE — Alamosa National

Wildlife Refuge, located a few miles east of Alamosa off

Highway 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 trip

hiking trail begins at the Visitor’s Center and follows the Rio

Grande. The Bluff Overlook on the eastern side of the refuge

may be reached by car and provides a three and a half-mile

auto tour.

3 ADAMS STATE

UNIVERSITY —

Since its cornerstone

was laid in 1923,

Adams State

University grew from

a teachers’ college

into a fine liberal

arts university. Adams

State University offers

bachelor and master’s

degrees in a multitude

of majors and now

offers a doctoral

program as well. The campus features a new stadium complex

and many other recent physical improvements. View more at

www.adams.edu. In addition, check out numerous opportunities

for youngsters and high school student-athletes to attend sports

camps at ASC by calling 587-7401 or going to ascgrizzlies.com

ASU is celebrating 100 years from 2021 through 2023.

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 at

the Alamosa fairgrounds. Events include ranch rodeo, barbecue,

mutton bustin, cattle drive and parade, PRCA rodeo, rodeo block

party, demolition derby and cowboy church. The highlight will

be Saturday with a Round-UP Concert featuring Justin Lawrence,

a professional saddle bronc rider and country music artist. Buy

tickets at The Colorado Welcome Center and Alamosa Big R.

See www.alamosaroundup.com

7 BEAT THE

HEAT BBQ

— One of the

newest events

in Alamosa

County, in its

seventh year,

is the annual

San Luis Valley

Beat the Heat BBQ, a sanctioned Kansas City Barbecue

Society and Rocky Mountain Barbecue Association State

Championship event. It is scheduled for Aug. 5-6. Enjoy

barbecue, live music, cornhole tournament, children’s activities

and more. Contact the Alamosa County Chamber of Commerce

at 589-3681, e-mail chambergrowthdirector@gmail.com or

see www.slvbeattheheat.com.

8 ALAMOSA ART WALK AND DOWNTOWN SCULP-

TURES — Take a walk through downtown Alamosa and see

artists of various different two and three-dimensional mediums

creating one-of-a-kind work, much of which will be displayed

for a tour downtown. An annual celebration featuring local musicians

and performers will also take place at Society Hall. Info:

www.cityofalamosa.org/public-art and www.societyhall.org

9 COLORADO GATORS — Featuring more than 400

gators and other exotic species, Colorado Gators is one of

the most unique attractions in the entire Valley. It is located

north of Alamosa between Mosca and Hooper on Highway

17. Events include gator wrestling, Eggfest in early July and

the Annual Gatorfest in early August. Phone (719) 378-2612

for more information, or see gatorfarm.com

4 TRAILS AND HISTORIC MONUMENTS — The

Alamosa Ranch offers numerous trails featuring opportunities

to see wildlife and historic markers for Wayside, the stagecoach

stop forerunner of Alamosa and the site where Amelia Earhart

landed in a meadow. Trail guides are available at the Colorado

Welcome Center at the train depot in Alamosa.

5 LUTHER BEAN MUSEUM — Located on the Adams State

University campus in Richardson Hall, this museum features

the Woodard Collection of artifacts from around the world and

Native American and Hispanic works of art. Call 587-7151 for

more information. Adams State College campus also hosts the

San Luis Valley Japanese-American Memorial Garden.



10 ZAPATA FALLS — Zapata Falls BLM Recreation Area

Zapata Falls, a wonder of nature, is located four miles east of

Colorado Highway 150, just south of the entrance to Great

Sand Dunes National Park. From the parking and picnic area

it is about a half mile walk uphill to the falls. The Zapata Falls

Campground provides campsites. A trailhead in the campground

supplies a link to the South Zapata Creek Trail and the Sangre

de Cristo Wilderness. A second trail, just above the campground

in the day-use area, leads visitors on a mildly steep half-mile

hike to the falls that give the campground its name.

custom, street rods, classics and street machines. See www.

earlyironclub.com/

16 SUNDAYS @ SIX —The Alamosa Live Music

Association presents free concerts in Cole Park throughout

the summer. The 2022 series will feature a variety of music

at 6 p.m. on scheduled dates. For more information see

www.almaonline.org

17 RIO FRIO ICE FEST & 5k ON THE FROZEN

RIO GRANDE- Annually celebrated in late January, this

event features live ice sculpting in downtown Alamosa

along with other fun activities. A highlight of the weekend

is a 5k walk/run on the frozen Rio Grande, conditions

permitting.

18 FOURTH OF JULY —Celebrate the 4th of July in

Alamosa on Monday, July 4, beginning with the Kiwanis

pancake breakfast in the morning, 7-10 a.m., followed by

a parade down Main Street at 10. Fireworks are tentatively

planned at dusk at the Alamosa Fairgrounds.

11 SAN LUIS VALLEY ANTIQUE IRON CLUB —

The SLV Antique Iron Club, committed to the preservation,

restoration and promotion of antique agricultural collectibles

by innovative and quality work of current times, hosts several

events throughout the summer including: participation in Ski

Hi Stampede Parade, Covered Wagon Days, SLV Fair, Early

Iron Festival and Potato Festival. Fun Pulls are also planned

on dates TBA. The tractor pull track is located between Monte

Vista and Alamosa at the Alamosa Recreation Park on the

north side of State Highway 160. See www.slvaic.com or call

850-1326 or 850-0072.

12 ENGINE 169 — Located in the pavilion at the east

entrance to Alamosa, the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad

locomotive No. 169 is listed in the Colorado State Register of

Historic Properties. The 10-wheeler narrow gauge, coal-fired

steam locomotive was built in 1883. Hooked to the engine is

the tender and B-1 Business Car, built in 1880.

13 SAN LUIS VALLEY MUSEUM — Displays of Native

American culture, Hispanic settlers, Japanese-American

community, Adams State University, military regalia and early

railroading are featured in this museum located in downtown

Alamosa at 401 Hunt Avenue. It is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday

through Saturday year-round. Call 719-587-0667.

14 SUMMERFEST ON THE RIO — Summerfest on the

Rio is an annual festival held in Alamosa’s Cole Park along the

Rio Grande the first weekend in June. Enjoy delicious food,

entertainment and activities in the park. Summerfest weekend is

jam-packed with live entertainers with something for everyone,

from rock and roll, bluegrass, jazz, Mariachi bands, country, belly

dancers, jugglers, poker fun and more. For more information

go to www.summerfestontherio.org

15 EARLY IRON — Hundreds of vehicles from America’s

“early” years in its love affair with the automobile arrive in

Alamosa from all over the United States for their annual Labor

Day weekend San Luis Valley Early Iron Festival, one of the

San Luis Valley’s largest events featuring more than 600 cars.

This year will mark the 40th anniversary from September 2-4.

Early Iron welcomes a variety of vehicles including pickups,

19 FARMERS MARKET — The Alamosa Farmers’

Market runs Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. July to

October featuring local produce, food, crafts, cooking

demonstrations, educational activities for all ages, and live

music in the parking lot at State and Sixth Streets in downtown

Alamosa and in a second location, the farm park just north of

the Highway 160/17 intersection, Alamosa, on Wednesdays

TBA. See more details at alamosafarmersmarket.org, 719-

480-4365, or alamosafarmermarket@gmail.com.

20 CATTAILS GOLF COURSE — With a beautiful

clubhouse, pro

shop and the new

Reeds at Cattails

restaurant, the

Cattails Golf

Course in

Alamosa has

been praised

throughout the

Rocky Mountain

Region for its

superb condition

and challenging 18 holes. Call 589-9515 to reserve tee

times. Also, enjoy an 18-hole disc golf course adjacent to

Cattails on the Alamosa Ranch.

21 ROLLIN’ DEEP CAR SHOW — Celebrate Father’s

Day with the entire family at Alamosa’s Cole Park with

the free 27th Annual Rollin’ Deep Car Show on Sunday,

July 20, featuring low rider custom cars and motorcycles,

all makes, models and years. Enjoy a pre-hop Saturday

with live music, hop contest and food. The show will run

from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 719-580-3939, 719-274-5224

or 719-580-0541.

22 SACRED HEART CHURCH — The historic Catholic

church on Fourth Street in Alamosa was constructed

between 1922-1928, and is an interesting interpretation of

the Mission style designed by prominent architect Robert

Willison. Step inside to see outstanding murals painted in

the 1940s by German artist Josef Steinhage.


With 11,000 years of documented human habitation, the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area is a crossroads of the centuries. Here a unique

blend of Native American, Hispano and Anglo settlement is reflected in the diversity of the people, art and traditions. The geographic isolation of

our high desert valley and the peoples’ enduring ties to the land have given rise to a rich cultural heritage and ensured its preservation. The area’s

fertile cultural landscape is complemented by remarkable natural resources, including the mighty Rio Grande, majestic Rocky Mountain peaks,

Great Sand Dunes National Park, National Wildlife Refuges, and the high mountain desert, all of which lend the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage

Area an unparalleled beauty that offers a sense of retreat and a powerful source of inspiration for visitors.

LOS CAMINOS ANTIGUOS

SCENIC & HISTORIC BYWAY

Take a trip through history on the Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic & Historic Byway. This magestic 129-mile route in located

in south centeral Colorado, in the beautiful San Luis Valley. Translated as “the way of the antients”, the byway follows

trails created by the first hunter-gatherers, Native Tribes, and then Spanish explorers looking for land to raise families

and build communities. Experience the same the journey some of the earliest settlers took on horseback and wagons as

you wind your way through Colorado’s oldest towns.

sangreheritage.org


23 CAT’S CLASSIC

MOTOCROSS — TBA

for 2022- Experience

AMA-Pro Am motocross

action at the Cat’s Classic

Motocross scheduled for

early July at the Sutak

Raceway, 8131 Road 11

South, Alamosa. Sutak

Raceway is a historic

motocross track where

racer/promoter Dwight

Catalano has hosted

numerous events. Visit

catsclassics.com for the schedule and more information.

24 SPLASHLAND — The Splashland Hot Springs

features naturally artesian warm water. The pool is located

just a mile north of Alamosa on Highway 17. Splashland

offers water aerobics, deep water cardio, water yoga and

parent-tot classes. Check out the updated building and

food court. Contact: 589-6258 or splashlandllc@hotmail.

com. Also check Splashland out on Facebook and at www.

splashlandllc.com/

25 SAND DUNES RECREATION –– Enjoy multiple

pools and other activities at Sand Dunes Recreation, located

just northeast of Hooper. The adult-only greenhouse features

multiple hot spring tubs at varying temperatures currently

by appointment only. Also, enjoy delicious food from the

Mile Deep Grille. Cabins and camping sites are available.

For more information, go to www.sanddunespool.com

LABOR DAY WEEKEND

2022


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.

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.

31 FOURTH OF JULY IN CRESTONE — 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.

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

s m a l l e s t

incorporated

town. Points

of interest in

the Bonanza

area include a

former toll road,

cemeteries, and

spectacular

views of the

aspen-covered hills where prospectors once hoped to

strike it rich.

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. A new attraction this year will be a display

featuring the remains of “Snippy” the horse, believed to

have been a victim of aliens. For more information, call

719-378-2296 or see www.ufowatchtower.com

33 HOT SPRINGS — 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 information call Joyful Journey at 719-256-4328;

Orient Land Trust at 256-5212.

35 MUSEUMS — The Hazard House at 807 Pitkin in

Saguache features the affluent lifestyle of the 1920s and

1930s. The Saguache County Museum, on U.S. Highway

285, includes an old jailhouse, rocks and minerals, fine

China dolls, and information about Alferd Packer. Call

719-655-2805 or go to www.Saguache.org

Also, check out the Crestone Historical Museum.

34 CHALLENGER GOLF COURSE — The Challenger

Golf Course in the Baca Grande near Crestone features 9

holes and a magnificent setting at the base of the Sangre

de Cristo Mountain range. The course is named for

Challenger Point on Carson Mountain, in honor of the

astronauts lost in the Challenger space mission. Phone

(719) 256-4856 for tee times.

36 SAND DUNES SWIMMING POOL —Open yearround,

this pool, just north of Hooper and about half an

hour from Alamosa, is a treat for children and adults alike

with multiple pools of warm artesian water, a full line of

concessions, pool toys, and a recreation area. The pool is

closed Thursdays for cleaning. All other days, summer hours

are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Also enjoy The Greenhouse, a 21-andover

area with pool, soaking tubs, sauna and Steel Box Bar.

Call 719-378-2807 or see www.sanddunespool.com.


San Luis Valley Calendar

Alamosa County:

Summerfest on the Rio, June 3-4

Find live music, crafts and food vendors in Alamosa’s Cole

Park as this event returns after a two-year hiatus thanks to the

pandemic.

Independence Day, July 4

Celebrate our nation’s independence in Alamosa, July 4. Begin

the day with the Kiwanis pancake breakfast in the San Luis

Valley Federal parking lot, then make your way to Main Street

for the annual parade. At dusk don’t miss the gala fireworks at

the fairgrounds. Info: www.alamosa.org

Rio Trio- Adventure Triathlon, June 11

Individuals or teams of three will pedal eight miles, paddle 2.7

miles on the Rio and run 3.1 miles. Event includes camping, race

t-shirt, local food and beer and a kids race. Visit rioraces.com.

Farmers Market, July 9-Oct. 8 Saturdays

Located in the heart of Alamosa’s downtown, the farmer’s

market includes local growers, certified dairy producers and

meat producers. The market runs each Saturday, 8 a.m.-1:30

p.m. at the corner of 6 th and State in downtown Alamosa. Info:

www.alamosafarmersmarket.org

Kahler Memorial Golf Tournament, Aug. 12-13

This exciting 36-hole men’s stroke play tournament takes

place at Cattails Golf Course north of Alamosa on North River

Road. Info: www.alamosacattails.com

Alamosa Roundup, June 23-26

The 2022 Alamosa Round-UP kicks off Thursday with The

High Noon Parade and Cattle Drive, Friday and Saturday Nights

bring The Professional PRCA Rodeo, Saturday also includes

Cowboy Church. Saturday Night after the Rodeo is the 3rd

Annual Round-UP Concert! Sunday Afternoon is The Metal

Crashing Demolition Derby!

Tickets will be available online for all events and the

concert! Combo rodeo/concert packages are also available!

Advance Sale Tickets are available now at: www.

alamosaroundup.com

Alamosa Arts Festival, Sept. 16-17

Take a walk through downtown Alamosa and see artists of

various different two and three-dimensional mediums creating

one-of-a-kind work, much of which will be displayed

for a tour downtown. An annual celebration featuring local

musicians and performers will also take place at Society

Hall. Info: www.cityofalamosa.org/public-art and www.

societyhall.org

Rollin’ Deep Car Show, June 19

Head on out to Cole Park on Fathers’ Day for the annual

Rollin’ Deep Lowrider & Custom Carshow — open to all vehicles:

all makes, models, and years of cars and motorcycles,

along with some custom bicycles. Enjoy live music, vendors

and kids activities while checking out the great entries. Info:

719-580-3939, 719-274-5224

Beat the Heat BBQ, Brews & Chili, Aug. 5-6

Come check out the San Luis Valley Beat the Heat BBQ, a

sanctioned Kansas City Barbecue Society and Rocky Mountain

Barbecue Association State Championship event, at Alamosa’s

Cole Park. Enjoy BBQ, beer, and sample a little green chili to

wake up your taste buds. Live music all day Saturday with kids’

games and family entertainment. Info: www.slvbeattheheat.com

Early Iron Festival, Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 2-4

The Early Iron Festival is a premier event of Alamosa

and the surrounding area, bringing visitors from Colorado,

New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, Utah, Kansas and beyond to

Cole Park. It now draws well over 600 rodders and street

car enthusiasts.

This is a three-day event starting on Friday and ending

on Sunday, jam-packed with parties, music, vintage nitro,

pinstriping, slow cruising and of course, awesome hot rod

displays!

Info: www.earlyironclub.com

Conejos-Costilla:

Encampment at Fort Garland, May 28

Fort Garland Museum will hold its annual living history

military encampment on Memorial Day weekend.

Throughout the weekend the Fort Garland Memorial

Regiment and the Artillery Company of New Mexico

will present activities and displays that depict 19th

century garrison life at Fort Garland. Demonstrations 9

a.m. to 5 p.m. Info: www.museumtrail.org/fort-garlandmuseum.html

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad opening day, June 11

Antonito celebrates the beginning of the scenic railroad’s

season at the depot with music, ceremonies and family fun

beginning on June 11 — with bells clanging, whistles blowing,

and surrounded by clouds of steam. Info: 1-888-286-2737,

www.cumbrestoltec.com

Sanford Pioneer Days, July 14

This small town celebrates its history, rooted deeply in the

lives of the pioneers who settled here between 1880 and 1890.

Mormon pioneers of Sanford came from Utah in covered wagons,

first living in Ephraim and Richfield until Sanford was

located. Info: 719-274-4024


Manassa Pioneer Days, July 15-16

The Pioneer Days Celebration started with its namesake—

the pioneers. Generations of Manassa’s families descend on

the town from far and wide for the two-day celebration of

history, legacy and family. The town bustles with carnival

rides, food, bands, Miss Pioneer and her princesses and a

parade so great it runs up and down Main Street twice. Info:

www.manassa.com

Santa Ana y Santiago Fiesta, July 22-24

San Luis, Colorado’s oldest town, honors and celebrates

the area’s faith and culture as it plays host to mariachis, local

bands, spectacular parades, traditional singers, fabulous food

and more. Info: 719-672-2080

Antonito Labor Day Celebration, Sept. 3-4

Labor Day is always the first Monday in September, but no

place welcomes it in like Antonito, with celebrations Saturday

and Sunday. The day begins with a pancake next to the mansion

town hall, followed by a parade at 10 a.m. Info: 719-376-

2355

Mineral County:

Creede Farmers Market, May 27-Sept., Fridays

The Creede Farmers Market runs on Fridays from 9 a.m.

to 2 p.m. at 10 S. Main Street. Other special occasion dates

will be added in as well. Browse vendors selling produce,

other food items, crafts and antiques and enjoy activities,

entertainment and more. Info: www.creedefarmersmarket.

com

Taste of Creede, May 28-30

The Annual Taste of Creede on Memorial Day weekend will

showcase all the “tastes” around town, where taste includes

much more than food. Music lovers will sample melodies all

weekend. Art aficionados can tour all the galleries in town and

attend the National Small Print Show opening on Saturday.

Info: www.creede.com

Runoff Runoff, June 4

Throughout the summer, racers can choose to ride ATVs, run

alone or run with a donkey. The Runoff Runoff includes three

races (6K, half-marathon and marathon) with a festive finish

line in the heart of Creede. Info: www.runoffrunoff.com

Donkey Dash & Gravity Derby, June 11

The Annual Creede Donkey Dash races into Main Street on

Saturday. The course covers about 10 miles through Creede’s

Historic Mining District; teams consist of a burro and runner

On Sunday, join the annual free-style soapbox derby down

Main Street! Only three rules apply: rides must steer, brake and

stop. Info: www.creede.com

Independence Day celebration, July 2-4

The Fourth of July festival and parade runs Saturday and

Sunday in Creede. The parade is at 9 a.m. on July 4. Street

vendors will offer food and crafts, and a beer garden will pour

brain-softeners throughout the two-day event. Info: www.

creede.com

Woodcarvers Rendezvous, July 9-15

Woodworkers will congregate in Creede for the 30 th Annual

Woodcarvers Rendezvous where they can sell their wares or

even learn a new skill. Each year offers new demonstrations,

classes and contests. Info: www.creedewoodcarvers.com

Rock and Mineral Show, Aug. 5-7

Over 40 exhibitors will be showing and selling a fascinating

array of gems, geodes, fossils, silver ore, turquoise nuggets,

Australian opals, beads, jewelry and stone carvings at Creede’s

Underground Mining Museum. Info: www.creederocks.com

Snowshoe Shuffle, Aug. 6

A benefit for Mineral County Search and Rescue, the Annual

Snowshoe Shuffle starts with a 5K run and a 5K walk two

minutes later. The course starts and ends in Basham Park with

registration beginning at 8 a.m. for race-day signups. Info:

www.creede.com

Headwaters Music Festival, Aug. 27-28

Music lovers head to Creede for the Sixth Annual Headwaters

Music Festival, where fans can camp near the concert site, and

visitors who plan ahead can make reservations in the RV parks,

hotels, motels and other lodging options in town. Info: www.

HeadwatersMusicFestival.com

Labor Day weekend celebrations, Sept. 3-5

Over the Labor Day weekend, revelers have plenty of options

for action or audience participation. The Creede Mountain

Run includes four separate races to continue a summer-ending

tradition on Saturday. Also on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 4

p.m., the Salsa Fiesta will feature more than a dozen locations

downtown where local chefs create one of four kinds of original

salsa: red, green, fruit and freestyle. Info: www.creede.com

Cruisin’ the Canyon Car Show, Sept. 17-18

The Cruisin’ the Canyon Car Show is an autumn event that

inspires car fanatics to motor along the beautiful Upper Rio

Grande and enjoy the fall landscapes of red, gold and yellow.

Finish the weekend with Sunday morning breakfast and Fly-

In at the Mineral County Airport. Dozens of planes come in

and out of the Valley, putting on quite the show. Info: www.

creede.com

Rio Grande:

Monte Vista Farmers Market, opens July 8

The Monte Vista Farmers Market, located in the parking

lot on U.S. Hwy. 160 at Jefferson Street, across from the

Information Center, offers local produce, freshly baked

goods and more. The market runs Friday mornings from 9


a.m. to 1 p.m. through Sept. 16. Info: www.facebook.com/

MonteVistaFarmersMarket

Logger Days, July 15-17

South Fork will celebrate the area’s culture and history during

the Annual Logger Days Festival. Events and competitions

taking place throughout the weekend celebrate the time-honored

tradition of logging, an initial economic draw for the area. Info:

719-873-5512, www.southfork.org.

Ski Hi Stampede, July 20-24

The largest special event in the San Luis Valley is Ski Hi

Stampede in Monte Vista. The Ski Hi Stampede is Colorado’s

oldest professional rodeo. New for 2022, the event will be

celebrating their first year in a brand-new facility after the

Friends of Ski-Hi spent 2019 and 2020 brainstorming, fundraising

and planning to replace the dated event center. Info:

www.skihistampede.com

Covered Wagon Days, Aug. 5-7

Del Norte turns back the clock for some good old-time fun

with events harking back to when the West was born. There is

something fun for everyone to enjoy. Info: www.coveredwagondays.com.

San Luis Valley Fair, Aug. 6-13

A SLV tradition, come see the 120th fair in Monte Vista.

The Fair starts with the Horse Exhibitors events on Saturday

and has numerous 4-H events over the week. The culminating

event is the junior livestock auction on Friday, Aug. 13. For

more information see www.slvfair.com

South Fork Mushroom Foray, August 6

For mushroom enthusiasts and wanna-be mushroom enthusiasts.

Get quick tips regarding the proper way to identify

and collect mushrooms from an expert and then head out for

a nearby hike to look for and collect mushroom species. Info:

719-873-5512, www.southfork.org

San Luis Valley Potato Festival, Sept. 10

Celebrating one of the most important crops to the region the

San Luis Valley Potato Festival celebrates the potato and kicks

off the harvest season. Held in Monte Vista’s scenic Chapman

Park the festival boasts exciting! Info: 719-852-3322, www.

coloradopotato.org

Saguache:

Memorial Day Celebration, Saguache County Museum

Opening, May 30

Memorial Day celebrations in Saguache and the Saguache

County Museum’s grand opening kick of the summer season

in the county and the time to enjoy all the many local fairs and

special events in the area. The pancake breakfast kicks off the

day in the Otto Mears Park Pavilion (at Highway 285 and Pitkin

Avenue) from 7-11 a.m. At 9 a.m., the museum opens for its

62nd year. The day of fun also includes a parade, hot dog lunch,

craft and food vendors in the park, kiddie events, music and

events at the museum. Info: 719-655-2232, www.saguache.org.

Town of Center 4 th of July celebration, Fun in the Sun

Enjoy “Fun in the Sun” celebrating the 4 th of July in Center

with a parade, activities at Casa Blanca Park, live music, vendors,

a beer garden and more. Info: 754-3497

Town of Crestone Annual 4th of July Celebration, July 4

The Fourth of July celebration is participatory with events

that everyone can join. The central event is a parade through

the downtown area, with a “Creation Station” for children to

decorate themselves and their bikes prior to the parade. Info:

719-256-4313.

Hollyhock Festival, July 30

The 10th Annual Hollyhock Festival is July 31. The Chamber

is hoping this date will allow for gathering in the Community

Building and touring gardens in person. The hours for this

event will be 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The hollyhock is the official

flower for the town of Saguache. Info: 719-849-0240, www.

saguachechamber.org

Saguache Arts Walk, July 30

Held in downtown Saguache, local artists will display their

work through the downtown area in businesses, as well as in

several galleries for the annual Saguache Arts Walk. Info: 719-

849-0240, www.saguachechamber.org

Inter-Tribal Pow Wow Celebration, Aug. TBD

A weekend of Native American celebrations and events in

Otto Mears Park, vendors will be selling their wares at the ninth

annual pow wow and Indian drummers, singers and dancers

will be performing throughout the event. Info:www.facebook.

com/SaguachePowwow

Crestone Energy Fair, Aug. 27-28

The Crestone Energy Fair is an annual event highlighting innovative

and visionary energy, building, and human relation’s

technologies while networking the skill sets and resources of

local, regional and global communities who practice sustainable,

regenerative and whole systems designs. Info: www.

crestoneenergyfair.org.

12 Hours of Penitence, TBD, check website

12 Hours of Penitence is an endurance mountain bike race

held in the Penitente Canyon Recreation Area from 7 a.m.

to 7 p.m. It’s a family-friendly, festival-type atmosphere all

day while racers are racking up miles on the course. Info:

www.12hoursofpenitence.com

Saguache Fall Festival & Quilt Show, Sept. 17

The 28th Annual Fall Festival and Quilt Show will take place

at Otto Mears Park and the community building in Saguache. Fun

starts at 9 a.m. on Sept. 18 and continues until 4 p.m. Info: www.

saguachechamber.org



Map Key

1 Orient Mine & Bat Cave

2 Joyful Journey Hot Springs

3 Crestone

4 UFO Watchtower

5 Saguache

6 Sand Dunes Swimming Pool

7 San Luis Lakes State Park

8 Colorado Gators Reptile Park

9 Alamosa

10 Fort Garland

Fort Garland Museum

11 POW/MIA Memorial

12 Pikes Stockade

13 Manassa

Jack Dempsey Museum

14 San Luis

Stations of the Cross & Murals

15 Oldest Church in Colorado

16 Antonito

Cumbres & Toltec Railroad

Conejos County Museum

17 Monte Vista

Home Lake Veterans Center

Transportation of the West

Museum

18 Old Spanish Trail Monument

19 Stone Quarry

20 Del Norte

Rio Grande History Museum

Observatory

21 Penitente Canyon

22 Natural Arch

Wagon Tracks

Elephant Rocks

23 Fremonts Christmas Camp

24 Pfeiffer’s Grave

25 Summitville Gold Mine

26 Wheeler Geologic Area

27 South Fork

Silver Thread Scenic Byway

28 Creede

Historical Museum

Underground Mining Museum

Underground Firehouse

Repertory Theatre

Bachelor Loop Historic Tour

29 Wolf Creek Ski Area

A

Area

B

C

D

E

Area

F

Russell Lakes State Wildlife

Alamosa Wildlife Refuge

Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge

Coller State Wildlife Area

Rio Grande State Wildlife

La Jara & Hot Creek State

Wildlife Area

See map for general locations of;

Blanca, Center, Capulin, Conejos,

Hooper, Moffat, Mosca. La Garita,

La Jara, Lake City, Platoro and

Romeo.

2018© Josephine S. Pierce Reprint by Permission Only



Conejos County

of Conejos. The first church was dedicated in 1863 but was

destroyed by fire in 1926. The new church was dedicated in 1927.

42 PLATORO RESERVOIR & RESORT —Located in

a high mountain valley on the Conejos River about a mile

from the town of Platoro, the lake has great fishing, camping,

hiking, backpacking, canoeing, and boating. An old mining

town, Platoro offers amenities such as lodging, groceries, and

restaurants, and is good base for exploring the nearby South

San Juan Wilderness Area.

37 PIKE’S STOCKADE — Lieutenant Zebulon Pike built a

small stockade during the winter of 1807 near warm springs on

the Conejos River near Sanford. The replica has been designated

a National Historic Landmark. For more information please call

Fort Garland Museum at 719-379-3512.

38 CUMBRES & TOLTEC SCENIC RAILROAD —

America’s longest and highest narrow-gauge steam railroad

built in 1880 offers great family fun and adventure on a 64-mile

trek from Antonito to Chama, New Mexico. Highlights include

the San Juan Mountains, Toltec Gorge, Phantom Curve, and

breathtaking views from trestles and bridges. For information

on tickets and times, visit www.cumbrestoltec.com or call

1-888-286-2737.

39 MANASSA PIONEER DAYS — Thousands of people of

all ages will be heading to Manassa for the 141st Annual Pioneer

Days celebration. This year’s event was set for July 14-16,

featuring carnival, dinner and the crowning of Miss Pioneer. On

Friday and Saturday there will be a parade at 10 a.m., as well as

hamburger stand and rodeo both days. Saturday night’s events

include demolition derby and fireworks. Also, there will be a

barbecue on Friday at the Opera House. Call the Manassa town

hall at 719-843-5207 or see Manassa Pioneer Days on Facebook.

Sanford’s celebration is tentatively scheduled for July 14.

40 JACK DEMPSEY MUSEUM — Commemorate great

heavyweight champion of the world Jack Dempsey, “The

Manassa Mauler,” in Manassa where Dempsey grew up. A

full-size bronze statue of Dempsey sits in Jack Dempsey Park

next to the log cabin in which Dempsey grew up, now the Jack

Dempsey Museum. The Jack Dempsey Museum is open 10

a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday in May, June and August, and

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday in July.

41 OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CHURCH —Colorado’s

oldest parish, this beautiful church is located in the small town

43 HIKING — The South San Juan Wilderness Area offers

some of the best wild area backpacking in the state. The

Continental Divide runs the heart of the wilderness area for

42 miles. Also, take the short hike to Rough Creek Falls in the

Conejos Canon. The falls are the perfect stop for an afternoon

picnic. For the more adventurous, the trail continues to the top

of Conejos Canyon.

44 LA JARA GLORY DAYS — La Jara Glory Days is

traditionally held in June or July, in La Jara Town Park, with

booths, crafts, kids’ crafts and live entertainment beginning at

9 a.m., parade at 10 a.m. coloring contest 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and

pool tournament from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jack’s Market hosts

breakfast from 7-9 a.m., and a 5K run/walk will start at the

grade school at 7:30 a.m. Contact: Sylvia Montano, 580-5828

about donations and booths; Larry Zaragoza at 580-2032 about

the 5K, parade and general information; and Julie Zaragoza at

580-7248 about donations.

45 FISH IN THE CONEJOS RIVER — The Conejos

Rivers offers excellent fly-fishing for rainbow and brown

trout. Colorado Highway 17 provides over 25 miles of easy

access to the river, and then follow Forest Service Road 250

along the river toward Platoro Reservoir for another 25 miles.

Plenty of accommodations are available along the route from

Antonito to Platoro.


46 TRUJILLO MEADOWS RESERVOIR — Near the

summit of Cumbres Pass, only a few miles from the New

Mexico border is cold-water Trujillo Meadows Reservoir.

Besides fishing in high altitude scenery, there is camping and

abundant wildlife.

47 CONEJOS CANYON — Conejos Canyon features

some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Colorado.

A drive on Colorado 17 takes visitors along the Conejos

River and to Forest Service Road 250, which continues up

to the river to the old mining town of Platoro and Platoro

Reservoir. Outstanding opportunities exist for all kinds of

outdoor activities.

48 LA JARA RESERVOIR — Part of Colorado’s three

million acres of State Trust Lands, La Jara Reservoir is open

year-round for fishing. The reservoir is about 35 miles west

of La Jara on Colorado 15 and USFS Road 240.

49 HOT CREEK STATE WILDLIFE AREA — About

Conejos County Offers Exciting Things to Do

Daily Drink

Specials

•Breakfast •Lunch •Dinner

404 E Main St.

La Jara

(719) 515-9040

Kk’s

Laundromat

423 Main Street

La Jara

Open Daily 8 - 8

Dutch

Mill

kfast •Lunch •Dinner

an & American Specialties

ffering Catering Services

Mexican & American Specialties

Now offering Catering Services

Downtown Antonito • 719-376-

Restaurant & Tavern

utch Mill

taurant & Tavern

town Antonito • 719-376-2373

Dutch Mill

Dutch Mill

Mexican & American Special

Now offering Catering Servi

Restaurant & Tavern

•Breakfast •Lunch •D

Downtown Antonito • 719-376-2373

Downtown Antonito • 719-376-2373

Restaurant & Tavern

Dutch Mill

Restaurant

& Tavern

Antonito

719-376-2373

Mexican & American Specialties

Now offering Catering Services

•Breakfast •Lunch •Dinner

25 miles south of Monte Vista on Colorado 15, the west five

miles is the Hot Creek State Wildlife Area. Recreational

activities include cold-water stream fishing, hunting, and

wildlife observation.

50 ANTONITO LABOR DAY — Labor Day is always the

first Monday in September, but no place welcomes it in like

Antonito, with celebrations Saturday and Sunday. The day begins

with a pancake next to the mansion town hall, followed

by a parade at 10 a.m. on the street in front of the building and

grounds, where vendors, information and souvenir booths will

be set up. Live entertainment will be included on the mansion

porch all day and into the night. Info: 719-376-2355

2

0

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• Prescriptions

• Oxygen, Diabetic and Home

Healthcare Supplies

• Support Your Local Businesses

La Jara Healthmart Pharmacy

412 E Main St. • La Jara (719) 274-5109

STORES.HEALTHMART.COM/LAJARAPHARMACY

This pharmacy is independently owned and operated under a license from Health Mart Systems, Inc.


Costilla County

51 FORT GARLAND —

Established in 1858 to protect

settlers in the San Luis Valley

from bands of roaming

Indians, Fort Garland was

once commanded by the

legendary Kit Carson. Now

operated by the Colorado

Historical Society, the

museum offers historic

artifacts and photographs

of the Buffalo Soldiers as

well as displays of early

Hispano settlers. Call 719-

379-3512. Also view the

T33A (Thunderbird) Jet

Trainer on static display at

the Costilla County Veteran’s Park located on CR HH east of

the Town of Fort Garland visible from Highway 160.

52 HIKE MOUNT BLANCA — Mount Blanca at 14,345

feet is the dominant landmark of the San Luis Valley. Its massif

includes four peaks over 14,000 feet - Blanca, Colorado’s fourth

highest peak; Little Bear; Mount Lindsay; and Ellingwood

Point. The recommended access point to climb Blanca is the

Lake Como route; a tough hike up the road to the lake, then an

easier hike to the peaks.

53 MOUNTAIN HOME RESERVOIR — Just a few

miles southwest

of Fort Garland

is Mountain

Home Reservoir

stocked with

trout 10 to 15

inches, and also

offers some

catfish and

Northern pike.

It is a great place

for a day or afternoon of family fishing. A smaller reservoir,

but also a great place to play in the water, is Smith Reservoir,

located just south of the town of Blanca.

54 THE LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM (White Mountain

Trading Post) on Highway 160 at Fort Garland offers a variety

of activities including gunfights, horse rides, blacksmith

demonstrations, glassblowing demonstrations, live bison and

historical pioneer and Native American displays. The museum

is open with free entrance from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a

week from Memorial Day to Labor Day. For more information

call 719-379-4179.

55 STATIONS OF

THE CROSS AND

CHAPEL OF ALL

SAINTS — Local sculptor

Huberto Maestas of San

Luis created these lifesized

bronze sculptures of

the last hours of Christ’s

life. A beautiful chapel lies

at the top of the pilgrimage

trail. Maestas’ studio is

located in downtown

San Luis: phone (719)

672-3022.

56 VISIT SAN LUIS —

San Luis is the oldest town

in Colorado, founded in

1851 by Hispanic settlers

from New Mexico. The

Museum and Cultural

Center has colonial and pre-colonial artifacts, a collection

of santos, and a replica of a morada, an adobe chapel of the

Penitentes.

57 SANTIAGO Y SANTA ANA FESTIVAL— San Luis,

Colorado’s oldest town, honors and celebrates the area’s faith

and culture as it plays host to mariachis, local bands, spectacular

parades, traditional singers, fabulous food and more July 22-24.

Info: 719-672-2080

58 LOS CAMINOS ANTIGUOS SCENIC BYWAY — Take

a drive along the 129-mile Los Caminos Antiguos (“Ancient

Roads”) Scenic Byway beginning in the San Juan Mountains,

on Cumbres Pass, and passing the oldest church in Colorado,

the first town in the state and the Great Sand Dunes National

Park. See www.loscaminos.com.

59 SANCHEZ RESERVOIR — Located about eight miles

south of San Luis at 8,200 feet elevation, Sanchez reservoir

offers fishing for walleye, saugeye and northern pike. Also enjoy

boating and other water sport opportunities.

60 RIO COSTILLA STUDIO TOUR — The 21st annual

tour is tentatively scheduled

this year for early September,

in southern Colorado and

northern New Mexico. With

more than two-dozen artists

involved, the tour features

artwork, sculpture, food and

more. Contact: (575) 586-

1581, (719) 433-3885 or

riocostillaart@gmail.com.

Also see www.riocostillaart.

com.


Mineral County

61 VISIT

HISTORIC

CREEDE —

Once a riproaring

mining

town, Creede

is located at

the mouth of

Willow Creek

Canyon. It is

packed with

galleries,

restaurants,

the repertory

theatre and

museums. Visit

the Creede

Cemetery at

the south edge

of Creede where one of the graves of note is Bob Ford, the

man who killed Jesse James. For activities and attractions

log on to www.creede.com or call the Creede Chamber of

Commerce at (800) 327-2102.

62 ATTEND THE CREEDE REPERTORY THEATRE

— Creede Repertory Theatre is a professional theatre company

located in the historic town of Creede. CRT’s award-winning

company produces the best of contemporary and classic

theatre from late May through September. Each year, CRT

produces several plays in rotation, hosts numerous musical

events and concerts, exhibits the

best regional artists in its two lobby

galleries, and offers exciting educational

programming. Tickets are available at

the box office on 124 N. Main Street in

Creede, calling toll free: 866-658-2540

or going to the web site: www.creederep.

org The 2022 season will feature such

plays as “Always… Patsy Cline”, “Steel

Magnolias”, “Native Gardens”, “Sherwood”, “The Royale”,

as well as Boomtown improv comedy.

63 WHEELER GEOLOGIC AREA — Located between

South Fork and Creede, about 20 miles north of Highway 149,

Wheeler Geologic Area is an extraordinary view of volcanic

geologic formations.

64 CRUISIN’ THE CANYON ANNUAL FALL COLOR

CAR SHOW — In its 13th year, this event is tentatively

scheduled for Sept. 17-18 in Creede. All vintage vehicle owners

are invited. Call 719-658-2374 or visit www.creede.com.

65 NORTH CLEAR CREEK FALLS —North Clear Creek

Falls, just off S.H. 149 near the summit of Spring Creek Pass,

is the most photographed waterfall in Colorado. A scenic

overlook/rest area is easily accessible from the highway.


2

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Make Creede

One of Them!

The Holy Moses

Since 1977

An Enchanting Collection of Cabin

Decor, Colorado Pottery, Quilts,

Linens & Specialty Foods

Open Daily 9:30 am - 5:00 pm

658-2848 • 121 N. Main • Creede

Wild Mountain

Jewelry

Open

Monday through

Saturday, 10 a.m.

until 5 p.m.

243 Main St. Creede

(719) 588-9341

Behind Wild Beaver

Mountain Man Emporium

Hike - Bike

Fish - Raft

Visit Museums

Enjoy Live Theater


66 BIG MEADOWS RESERVOIR — On the South Fork

of the Rio Grande, Big Meadows Reservoir is stocked with

catchable rainbow trout along with a good natural population of

brook trout. Big Meadows is located 12 miles west of South Fork

on U.S. Highway 160, turn right on Forest Service Road 410.

67 WOLF CREEK SKI

AREA/PASS — Located on

U.S. 160, Wolf Creek Ski

Area boasts the most snow in

Colorado. The full-service ski

area covers 1,500 acres, has

six lifts, and accommodates

snowboarding.

source of cropland irrigation as well as a source for recreational

activities such as fishing and rafting.

68 CONTINENTAL DIVIDE SCENIC TRAIL — For a

once-in-a-lifetime trek try a hike along the Continental Divide

Trail as it winds 235 miles through the Rio Grande National

Forest at elevation of 10,500 to nearly 13,000 feet. The trail

crosses back and forth over the Continental Divide and goes

through parts of La Garita, Weminuche, and South San Juan

Wilderness areas.

69 COLORADO TRAIL — The Colorado Trail passes

through northwestern elevations of the San Luis Valley from

Saguache Park to Rio Grande Reservoir. It’s a demanding hike

that’s rewarding in its natural splendor.

70 THE RIO GRANDE RIVER — The headwaters of the

fifth longest river in North America and 20th longest river in

the world are just west of Creede at 12,000-foot Stony Pass

on the Continental Divide. The Rio Grande flows nearly 1,900

miles from its headwaters to the Gulf of Mexico. It is a major

71 FOURTH OF JULY AND DAYS OF ‘92 MINING

COMPETITION — The Fourth of July festival and parade

runs Saturday thru Monday in Creede. The parade is at 9 a.m.

on July 4. Street vendors will offer food and crafts, and a

beer garden will pour brain-softeners throughout the two-day

event. Unless it’s too dry and dangerous, a fireworks display

will wrap up Independence Day. Visitors get to see mining

competitions, rodeo events and the Days of ’92 Mining

Championship. Since the 1970s, the Days of ’92 has drawn

professional mineworkers from the southwestern United

States to battle for the “Best Overall Miner of the Year”

award. Info: www.creede.com


72 WOODCARVERS’ RENDEZVOUS — Woodworkers

will congregate in Creede for the 31st Annual Woodcarvers

Rendezvous, July 9-15, where they can sell their wares or even

learn a new skill. Each year offers new demonstrations, classes

and contests. Beginners can pick up their first woodworking

tools, while those with more experience can find just about anything

they’re looking for. Info: www.creedewoodcarvers.com

73 CREEDE ROCK & MINERAL SHOW — Over 40

exhibitors will be showing and selling a fascinating array of

gems, geodes, fossils, silver ore, turquoise nuggets, Australian

opals, beads, jewelry and stone carvings at Creede’s Underground

Mining Museum, Aug. 5-7. Plus all types of rock

and mineral specimens from around the world will intrigue

viewers, buyers, collectors and rockhounds of all ages. Info:

www.creederocks.com

74 LABOR DAY IN

CREEDE — The Labor

Day weekend celebration,

September 3-5, in Creede

will feature the 35th

Annual Creede Mountain

Run; Salsa Fiesta; and

ATV Rodeo (URGEC).

The annual hot air balloon

festival has tentatively

been cancelled. TBA See

www.creede.com.

75 CREEDE MUSEUMS — Blasted into the face of

Willow Creek Canyon at the north end of Creede, the unique

Underground Mining Museum illustrates the history and

technology of mining. The museum is open daily, 10 to 4 in

the summer, and 10 to 3 in the winter. The Creede Historical

Museum and Library, in Basham Park, is open daily 10 a.m. to

4 p.m. Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Call 658-2004.

76 DONKEY

DASH & GRAV-

ITY DERBY — The

Annual Creede Donkey

Dash races into

Main Street on June

11-12. The course

covers about 10 miles

through Creede’s

Historic Mining District;

teams consist of

a burro and runner.

Also, don’t miss the mini donkey race, street festival and

live music.

On Sunday, join the annual free-style soapbox derby down

Main Street! The race includes multiple heats, featuring many

age groups. Only three rules apply: rides must steer, brake and

stop! (well, and no motors or pedal power - let gravity do the

work!) Info: www.creede.com

77 SILVER THREAD SCENIC BYWAY — The 75-mile

Silver Thread Scenic Byway links Creede, Lake City, and

South Fork on Colorado 149 and derives its name from the rich

veins of silver ore that lured miners and settlers to the region.

The 16 th Annual Silver Thread Studio Tour, a self-guided tour

of studios and galleries in Creede and South Fork, sponsored

by the Creede Arts Council, will be held on Saturday, August

10, 9 a.m. to 5p.m.


Rio Grande County

78 MUSIC IN

SOUTH FORK —

TBA- Annually, in

early August, enjoy

the annual Rhythms

of the Rio Music

Festival featuring

local artists as

well as bands from

around the country.

The festival features

music, art, crafts and food. A change in venues is being reviewed.

See rhythmsontherio.com.

79 RIO GRANDE CLUB — The $10 million 18-hole

championship Rio Grande Club golf course in South Fork

features a state-of-the-art clubhouse with dining, weight

room and swimming pool. The Colorado Golf Bible chose the

course’s No. 1 hole with its 80-foot drop from tee to fairway

as the “Best Opening Hole in Colorado.” Phone (719) 873-

1995 for tee times.

80 MONTE VISTA GOLF COURSE — The Monte Vista

Golf Course is a beautifully cared for 9-hole municipal

course in the heart of Monte Vista where for a nominal fee

a golfer can spend a fine, sun-filled day. Phone 852-4906

for tee times.

81 FISHING AROUND SOUTH FORK — Fishing in the

South Fork area provides many different options for anglers

whether fly fishing for brown trout in the many miles of Gold

Medal waters of the Rio Grande River or relaxing at one of

13 local lakes where large browns, rainbow, brook trout and

cutthroats can be found. Tucker Ponds is a great place for kids

to fish, and Big Meadows and Beaver Reservoirs offer great

fishing all year long. Kids 4 to 15 spend the day, June 15, fishing

at Tucker Ponds, about 13 miles from South Fork toward Wolf

Creek Pass. Call 873-5512. For more information contact the

South Fork Visitors Center, 1-800-571-0881, www.southfork.org

82 ROCKIN’ THE

RIO GRANDE —

TBA- The Annual

Rockin’ the Rio Grande

barrel racing and bull

riding series presented

by Burris and Sons

will be held at Rickel’s

Arena in South Fork on

dates to be announced.

Performances are at

6:30 p.m. each night. Events include open barrels, mutton busting,

calf riding, steer riding, bull riding and ranch rodeo riding. See

www.southfork.org or www.burrisandsonsbuckingbulls.com;

email barsx@aol.com or call (719) 588-9979.


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Great Things to Do in Del Norte!

Kathy’s

Fabric Trunk

Your Go To Sew Place

1 Day Classes • DMC Floss

Fabric • Patterns

719-657-9314

610 Grand Ave.

Del Norte

www.kathysfabrictrunkandco.com

Keepin’ Your

Dirty Bits

Clean

(719) 657-7276

728 Grand Ave.

Del Norte

WWW.DIRTYBITSSOAPERY.COM

Flowers, Food,

Gifts & More

540 Grand Ave.

Del Norte

719-657-9024

Baked Goods • Espresso

Frozen Yogurt

675 Grand Ave • Del Norte

719-588-2857

Bee Happy...

From Our

Family to

Yours for Over

100 Years!

...Eat Your Honey Every Day

• BRING IN THIS GUIDE FOR A 10% DISCOUNT •

425 Grand 719-657-2044 Work

Del Norte, CO • www.haefelihoney.com • 719-849-1356 Cell


Stampede is Colorado’s oldest professional rodeo.

83 LOGGER DAYS FESTIVAL — South Fork will celebrate

the area’s culture and history during the Annual Logger

Days Festival July 15-17. Events and competitions taking place

throughout the weekend celebrate the time-honored tradition of

logging, an initial economic draw for the area. Crowd-favorite

competitions include chainsaw carving, the ax throw, the twoman

crosscut and a relay-type race with team members pulled

from the audience. The parking lot and community center are

packed with children activities, various vendors and food trucks.

The event is free and open to the public. Info: 719-873-5512,

www.southfork.org.

84 COVERED WAGON DAYS — Del Norte honors its

western heritage with the 48th Annual Covered Wagon Days

Aug. 5-7. The Saturday parade includes antique tractors, horsedrawn

carriages and floats. Firefighters serve pancakes and

sausage after the parade. Put on Victorian era dress and enter

the costume contest, and don’t miss the Saturday night dance.

Call 657-2845 or visit www.coveredwagondays.org.

85 HOMELAKE VETERANS CENTER — The Colorado

State Veterans Center Homelake was established in 1889 as

the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home. After more than a century

the center has been home to veterans from every major war

in United States history. Through October 31, the Homelake

Veterans History Museum will be open Tuesday through

Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. noon and 1-3 p.m. Contact:

(719) 852-5118.

86 SKI HI STAMPEDE — The largest special event in the

San Luis Valley is Ski Hi Stampede in Monte Vista. The Ski Hi

It was founded in the late 1800s for local cowpoke to compare

skills they learned while riding the range. Today, it’s an official

Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) event, where

the pros accumulate points towards competing in the National

Pro Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nev.

However, this four-day event is not only a rodeo. There are

several other fun, big events to participate in. There are parades

on Friday and Saturday, with Saturday being the largest day, a

chuck wagon dinner on Thursday night right before the concert

which features A-list country western recording artists, dances,

concerts and a carnival at Ski Hi Park. New for 2022, the event

will be celebrating their first year in a brand-new facility after

the Friends of Ski-Hi spent 2021 and 2022 brainstorming,

fundraising and replacing the dated event center. Info: www.

skihistampede.com

87 POTATO FES-

TIVAL, SEPT. 10 —

Celebrating one of the

most important crops to

the region the San Luis

Valley Potato Festival

celebrates the potato

and kicks off the harvest

season. The day is filled

with fun for the entire

family. Held in Monte

Vista’s scenic Chapman

Park the festival boasts

exciting activities including

a 5k Tator Trot race,

craft and food vendors,

guided agricultural tours,

chef demonstrations, narrated

train tours, a truck and semi show, the famous mashed

potato dunk tank and much more! Info: 719-852-3322, www.

coloradopotato.org

88 MUSHROOM FORAY — Enter the woods in search of

edible wild mushrooms during the South Fork Mushroom Foray

August 6. Call 719-873-5512 for reservations.

89 RIO GRANDE COUNTY MUSEUM AND CULTURAL

CENTER — Featuring displays about Indian rock art, Hispanic

settlers, fur trappers, and other history of the San Luis Valley,

the Rio Grande County Museum and Cultural Center is located

in Del Norte at 508 Oak Street. Call 657-2847.


90 TRANSPORTATION OF THE WEST MUSEUM

— A “different museum” the Transportation of the West

Museum features early modes of travel in the San Luis Valley,

including a century-old buggy. The museum is located at

961 First Ave. in Monte Vista and is open Thursday and

Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Labor Day. The

Monte Vista History Center, 110 Jefferson Street, is open

Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through

Labor Day. No admission, handicap accessible. Contact

for both: 719-849-9320.

92 PENITENTE

CANYON — Penitente

Canyon offers worldclass

rock climbing,

as well as challenging

mountain bike trails. A

short hike to the rim of

the canyon is rewarded

with an incredible of the

San Luis Valley and the

Sangre de Cristo mountain range.

93 SUMMITVILLE — The drive to Summitville, an old

gold mining town, is a dramatically scenic mountain loop that

can start in Del Norte by driving up Pinos Creek and returning

via Jasper, also a historic mining town, and the Alamosa River

canyon, or by taking the Pass Creek route to U.S. Highway

160 south of South Fork.

94 SLV FAIR, AUG. 6-13— A SLV tradition, come see the

120th fair in Monte Vista. The Fair starts with the Horse Exhibitors

events on Saturday and has numerous 4-H events over the

week. The culminating event is the junior livestock auction on

Friday, Aug. 12. For more information see www.slvfair.com

91 MONTE VISTA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

—Habitat for a wide variety of waterfowl and other birds,

this 14,084-acre artificially created wetland is intensively

managed for the benefit of wildlife. The refuge is located

south of Monte Vista on Colorado 15. Information: 719-

589-4021.

95 RIO GRANDE STATE WILDLIFE AREA — The Rio

Grande State Wildlife Area, located one mile east of the City

of Monte Vista, is an important component of the Rio Grande

wetland complex. The 1,213-acre area provides essential

habitat for many bird species. A 121-acre portion of the area

was renamed the Shriver-Wright State Wildlife Area to honor

community leaders, Doug Shriver and Ray Wright, who died

in 2010.

Rio Grande County Museum

and Cultural Center

Visit us on Facebook

www.museum.riograndecounty.org

E-mail at

rgmusuem@riograndecounty.org

Hours:

Monday - Friday

9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Closed Sunday

580 Oak Street • Del Norte, Colorado • (719) 657-2847


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Check Out What

South Fork has to Offer

Mountain

Sweet

Treats

Open: Mon.-Sat. 7-11 a.m.

80 Four Seasons Dr.

South Fork

Located right next door to

Outdoor Depot & the Gift Shop

130 Four Seasons Dr.

South Fork

HOURS:

Monday- Saturday 9am-6pm

Closed Sunday’s

719-468-9498

www.tinytimbersresort.com

28422 Hwy. 160 • South Fork

Open to the public 7 days a week

DOC’S

OUTDOOR

Sports

Prescription “Your For

Outdoor Fun”

Full line Sporting Goods Store

Fishing • Guns & Ammo

Camping • Hunting

Fishing & Hunting Licenses

Equipment Rental

Skis & Snowboards

T-Shirts • Hoodies

Fudge • Souvenirs

31101 W. Hwy. 160

South Fork • 719-873-5151

www.docsoutdoor.com

An Authentic taste of Mexico!

Good food, cold drinks, exceptional

service at a great price!

Sun – Thurs: 11am to 9pm

• Fri – Sat: 11am to 10pm

31519 Highway 160

South Fork

719-873-0231

Basecamp

for Summer

Adventure!


96 ROCK CREEK — The moderate

hike along the Rock Creek trail offers a

number of scenic views of the valley, and

is a must-see in the fall, when the aspen

trees turn the landscape into living art. A

number of campgrounds are in the area.

97 BEAVER CREEK RESERVOIR

— Fishing at Beaver Creek Reservoir

south of South Fork traditionally offers

trout and kokanee salmon.

98 TRAILS — An Old West route linked Santa Fe to the

coast of California. Used for nearly 20 years, 1829-48, the Old

Spanish Trail was designated a National Historic Trial in 2002.

Two branches of the trail came through the San Luis Valley.

At a site west of Monte Vista on U.S. Highway 160 are stone

markers marking one of the branches with access to hiking and

biking and the Limekiln area. The Town of Del Norte’s Lookout

Mountain Trails offers diverse experiences for hikers, bicyclists

and equestrians. The one-mile trail to the USGS named summit

at 8,475 feet is moderately difficult with craggy switchbacks

near the top. At the summit, view the entire San Luis Valley

and Upper Rio Grande. An additional 3.5 miles of easy trails

loop around the mountain near the base.

99 DEL MONTE GUN CLUB —Located between Alamosa

and Monte Vista on Highway 160, the course offers sporting

clays, trap and the “what cha call it” stand. The course is

open to the public and open for shooting most weekends.

RV accommodations are available. Call 719-589-4155 or

go to www.delmontegunclub.net

100 COL.

PFEIFFER GRAVE

— The final resting

place for early San

Luis Valley pioneer

Col. Albert H. Pfeiffer

who served as scout for

Kit Carson and later as

agent for Ute Indians

in Southwest Colorado

is located on Rio Grande Road 15, between Del Norte and

South Fork; look for the sign.

19612 w. us hwy. 160

del norte, Co 81132

GOT

ELK!

Grande natural Meats

www.elkusa.CoM

USDA inspected Buffalo, Elk, Deer,

Goat, Rabbit, Beef.

NOW, we have Bear Meat, plus

frozen Dog Foods & Antler Chews.

Jerky • Sausage • Burger

• Steaks • Roasts

Locally Available At

Grande natural Meats ranCh store,

5 Miles west oF del norte on hwy. 160

Malt shoppe, south Fork

riFF raFF BrewinG Co., paGosa sprinGs

Kip’s Grill, paGosa sprinGs

Joy’s natural Foods, paGosa sprinGs

BuCk stop, paGosa sprinGs

dakota dukes, CuChara

siMple Foods, del norte

VitaMin CottaGe natural GroCers

5% Discount

if you mention this ad!

101 STAR DRIVE-IN — Choose from two featured

movies at this one-of-a-kind drive-in movie theatre. Shows

TBA.

We Ship Everywhere in the USA!

1-888-788-7441


101 Things 2022

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