what to do in the san luis valley
Explore the tallest sand dune in North America at Dandy Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, dip into hot springs, ride a celebrated train and eat in the shadow of 14,000-foot peaks in the Sangre de Cristo mountain range, all within 35 miles of Alamosa, Colo.
1. Peachy Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
For anyone who built magical kingdoms in sand boxes as a child, this national park is for you lot. Walk, sled and play in the dunes, dip your toes in Medano Creek if it's running and climb or simply admire Star Dune, which stretches 750 feet into the sky. It's the tallest sand dune in North America.
End in at the company center to larn more almost the dunes, peruse exhibits and get more than information from rangers on the park. When you explore the sand dunes, be sure to wear airtight-toe shoes. Cool morning time sand tin can estrus up to a dangerous 150F on a hot summer day.
www.alamosa.org/things-to-do-in-alamosa/alamosa-breathtaking-wonders/387-the-groovy-sand-dunes-national-park-preserve
2. Zapata Falls
For a corking i-mile round-trip hike to a absurd haven, head to this 25-foot waterfall three miles south of the park entrance. The hike involves wading through cool water and walking on log bridges to get close to it. For more information visit www.alamosa.org/things-to-exercise-in-alamosa/alamosa-scenic-wonders/389-zapata-falls
Down the street is Zapata Ranch, a Nature Conservancy holding that offers bison tours and overnight ranch stays on its 103,000-acre working ranch. www.zranch.org
3. Casual Subcontract-to-Table Eats
Hungry? Caput to Locavores for a farm-to-table fast-casual restaurant. When you walk into this relative newcomer on Alamosa's Principal Street (information technology opened in September 2016), you'll exist greeted by a large map of the San Luis Valley. On information technology are arrows denoting local farms where the restaurant buys its ingredients.
From Haefeli's Honey Farm and sausage made in the valley to potatoes and lamb raised in the valley, the food is so fresh Locavores doesn't even take a freezer. Owner Wendi Seger opened the eatery to tap into the San Luis Valley'due south subcontract scene and brand food available locally. Beloved her housemade sauces? Take some with you. You lot can purchase everything from garlic aioli to tzatziki under her brand "Avant Garden."
For a subcontract-to-tap experience, head to Foursquare Peg Brewerks where local childhood friends Mark Martinez and Derek Heersink, whose barley provides the base of operations malt, own this tasting room.
Or If you're in boondocks on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday evening, stop by Colorado Subcontract Brewery, a onetime dairy owned by head brewer Josh Cody, his father and brothers. They create their ain malt in one-time dairy equipment and grow their own grains and hops, crafting estate beers. They may be one of the globe'south first truly farm-to-tap breweries. The Cody family sources every ingredient in their beers on their subcontract.
4. Stations of the Cantankerous
A short forty-five infinitesimal bulldoze southeast of Alamosa will lead you to the town of San Luis, home of a cultural and spiritual display of inspiring fine art. Stations of the Cross are beautifully depicted in a serial of bronze sculptures by internationally known San Luis creative person Huberto Maestas.
Take a breathtaking walk past the Stations of the Cantankerous in San Luis, Colorado's oldest boondocks. As you hike upwardly this small hill along a 3-quarter mile trail, you'll laissez passer each sculpture that captures different moments from Jesus'due south crucifixion. At the top, y'all'll accomplish the magical-looking Spanish-mode chapel. Look closely at how Maestas, who works in town, sculpted the three-quarter life-sized sculptures that line the path. The Crucifix and Resurrection scenes are life-sized. At the top is the church and boggling views.
Below lies the village, with its "vega," San Luis' communal pasture, and the People'due south Ditch, the oldest communal irrigation waterway in Colorado. www.alamosa.org/things-to-practice-in-alamosa/alamosa-arts-and-culture/405-stations-of-the-cross
5. Dip in Hot Springs
Take a dip in the recently renovated Sand Dunes Pool complex in the valley. The ten,000-square-foot greenhouse offers an adults-only feel with iii soaking tubs, a 10-foot by 75-foot zero entry pool and a bar built in a aircraft container.
Beyond the Greenhouse, families can frolic in a large pool fed by hot springs that features a diving board.
50 miles north of Alamosa in Moffat, Colo., soak abroad the dust from the road in three modest, beautiful hot springs-fed pools at Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa. Accept in extraordinary views of the Sangre de Cristo peaks as you get a massage or relax in mineral water ranging from 98-108 degrees.
A free continental breakfast with locally sourced and organic nutrient is included in an overnight stay. Choose between a hotel room, tipi, yurt, tent site or RV site. 719-256-4328; world wide web.alamosa.org/a-travelers-weblog/557-blithesome-journey-hotsprings-spa
half dozen. Take a Scenic Train Ride
Then put your feet up and take a railroad train ride on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, which was built in 1880. You'll lath the trail in Antonito, a pocket-sized town 30 minutes from Alamosa. From there, your train excursion will take you through the San Luis Valley and eventually up to 10,015 where the train will navigate the highest mountain pass reached past train in the Usa. It will also cross the Colorado-New Mexico edge 11 times every bit it offers you stunning views and the possibility to spotting elk, deer, bears and eagles.
Quirky Side Trips
The San Luis Valley is home to vast views dotted past tiny agricultural based towns and some eccentric attractions. Here are some sights worth stopping to encounter.
Colorado Gators Reptile Farm
N. Mosca. Colo.
Run into Morris the alligator that appeared in the 1996 picture Happy Gilmore starring Adam Sandler, along with dozens of other reptiles that live in this fish subcontract. The farm doubles as a sanctuary for unwanted reptiles. 9162 Canton Road 9; 719-378-2612; www.alamosa.org/things-to-practise-in-alamosa/alamosa-outdoor-activities/396-colorado-gators-alamosa
UFO Watchtower
Most Hooper, Colo.
If seeing an alien is on your bucket list, stop by Judy Messoline'southward UFO Watchtower located two.5 miles north of Hooper, Colo. on Hwy. 17. Even if you don't run across a UFO, at that place's no shortage of tales of alien abductions and foreign bright lights. Primitive camping ground is available on site. Whether it is extraterrestrial interference or GPS gone awry, travelers with GPS take been led astray, so be sure to enter on Hwy. 17.
719-378-2296; www.ufowatchtower.com
For more information:
Colorado Visitors Middle
(800) 258-7597
610 State Ave, Alamosa, Colorado
alamosa.org
Source: https://www.mycoloradoparks.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/colorado-places/alamosa/
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