Top Things To Do In Colorado's San Luis Valley
Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa
28640 CR 58 EE
Moffat, CO 81143
(719) 256-4328
On most state maps, you'll see it marked as the town of Mineral Hot Springs and 100 years ago it was quite a resort. In recent years, the hot springs have been renovated, yurts have been added as well as a conference facility, hotel-style rooms and a greenhouse It is located in the north end of the San Luis Valley surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo mountains. To get there, take U.S. Hwy 285 from Poncha Springs (near Salida on U.S. 50) over Poncha Pass through Villa Grove to Hwy 17. Next go south about a mile to Joyful Journey. Continue south on Hwy 17 to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Alamosa.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
11999 Highway 150
Mosca, CO 81146
(719)378-6399
The Great Sand Dunes are the tallest dunes in North America. They're a fun place for hiking and sliding while exploring one of Colorado's natural wonders. A good time to visit the dunes is in March. In the month of March you can see the surrounding high peaks of the Sangre de Cristos just before the snow melts. When runoff begins in the spring, Medano Creek fills up and flows through the dunes, creating an unlikely beach in the heart of the Colorado Mountains. To get there take U.S. Hwy 285 over Poncha Pass and pick up Hwy 17 south toward Alamosa and follow signs to the National Park.
Penitente Canyon
1803 West Hwy. 160
Monte Vista, CO 81144
(719) 655-2547
A painting on a rock wall in this secluded canyon in the San Luis Valley is said to have been put there by the members of the Penitente Brotherhood in the mid 1900s. It's how the canyon got its name. The Penitente Brotherhood is a fraternity of the Roman Catholic Church that's comprised of men from Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado. The canyon is one of the top rock climbing areas in the state. The area also holds more rock art than anywhere else in the Valley. To get there, take U.S. Hwy 285 over Poncha Pass to Saguache and continue south around 20 miles to the turnoff to La Garita. Next head west and follow signs to the canyon.
Fort Garland Museum
29477 Highway 159
PO Box 368
Fort Garland, CO 81133
(719) 379-3512
museumtrail.org/fortgarlandmuseum.asp
Fort Garland was a military outpost in the San Luis Valley, protecting settlers pouring into the region in the 1860s and 70s. Kit Carson commanded the fort at one time. To get there, take U.S. Hwy 160 west from Walsenburg at I-25 and head up over La Veta Pass to Fort Garland and the museum. It's about 20 miles east of Alamosa.
Colorado Gators Alligator Farm & Reptile Park
9162 County Road 9 North
Mosca, CO 81146
(719) 378-2612
The Colorado Gators Alligator Farm and Reptile Park is located about 17 miles north of Alamosa off of Hwy 17 between the towns of Mosca and Hooper, west of the Great Sand Dunes. When the Young family brought in alligators they became the main attraction at the park. Today, more than 400 alligators, plus lizards, snakes, fish and birds make up this attraction in the San Luis Valley.
Rio Grande Scenic Railroad
610 State Street
Alamosa, CO 81101
1(877) 7CO-RAIL
A vintage steam locomotive in the San Luis Valley has been added to the state's newest railroad. The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad runs between Alamosa and La Veta, going over the rugged La Veta Pass and stopping in the small town of La Veta along the way. On the weekend, they also make runs south to Antonito to hook up with the Cumbres & Toltec Narrow Guage. The steam engine pulls the train on weekends, a diesel does the work during the week. To get there take U.S. Hwy 160 west from Walsenburg to Alamosa and the depot.
