Pictured: Along the Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic Byway

Alamosa, the Spanish word for cottonwood grove, sits in the center of the San Luis Valley and is surrounded by the majestic Sangre de Cristo and San Juan mountains. Nestled along the Rio Grande River, at about 7,500', the city where the southwest meets the Rockies boasts 360 days of sunshine.

The Great Sand Dunes National Park, 32 miles northeast of Alamosa, is one of Colorado's most spectacular, constantly shifting, natural formations. The dunes rise to 700' and are the tallest in America. The scenic Los Caminos Antiguos Byway passes Alamosa on its way to Antonito. Bird watchers should be sure to visit the Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge and the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge, both are popular stopping places during spring and fall migrations for sandhill cranes, ducks, Canadian geese and occasionally the endangered whooping crane. In the winter, numerous hawks, bald eagles and golden eagles stay at the refuges. Mosca Pass, a historic route to drive, was once a toll road and the Great Sand Dunes are accessible from here on foot. On the way to Mosca Pass, stop at the deserted historic landmark of Sharp's Trading Post, a two-story adobe which once served as a hotel and trading post.

Fort Garland, a simple farm community known for its adobe buildings, has served this area of Colorado since the establishment of the fort Kit Carson commanded in the 1860s. Fort Garland was maintained to protect settlers against Indians. Abandoned in 1883, the fort still remains as the town's principle attraction.

Picture courtesy of the Calkins Family

It's been over 50 years since passengers have traveled this historic pass over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains between the towns of Alamosa, Antonito and La Veta. Steep grades and cliff-hanging curves await you. Once the rail hub of the region, Alamosa is the departure point for Colorado's newest scenic railroad!

Commercial air travel accommodations are handled by San Luis Valley Municipal Airport. Please contact your preferred travel agent or airline for flight arrangements.

Alamosa is near: Antonito, Del Norte & Northern San Luis Valley