Antonito - South Central Colorado

Includes Conejos, Mogote

Experience Antonito, Conejos, and Mogote, Colorado

Antonito, Colorado was formed, like many other Colorado towns, from the railroad; specifically because the town of Conejos did not want a Denver & Rio Grande Railroad train depot. In 1883, the station was built and it began operating. Conejos, a small town a few miles north, was established before Antonito from a group of families banding together in search of a land grant from the Mexican Government. They received it and pledged to never abandon the land and to cultivate it.

Jack Dempsy's Birth Home and Museum near Antonito in Manassa, Colorado.
Tour the Home-Museum of Jack Dempsy - "The Manassa Mauler"
Lady of Guadeloupe Church in Conejos, Colorado.
Visit Colorado's Oldest Church, Our Lady of Guadeloupe
 

The southern San Luis Valley city of Antonito is rich in culture and history from the Ute Indians and the settlers who called the valley their home. Antonito lies between the Conejos and the San Antonio rivers at an elevation of 7,888 feet and is the gateway to the beautiful, 40-mile Conejos River Canyon. Here is where outdoor enthusiasts love to fish, hunt, and hike.

The Conejos River offers excellent Trout fishing (Rainbows and Browns) and the occasional Northern Pike. The Platoro Reservoir has wonderful fishing for Brown and Rainbow Trout and some Kokanee Salmon after the spring thaw, and is stocked with Rainbow Trout in the summer. No matter the river or lake, fishermen will always have something biting their line.

The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad Narrow Gauge Train traveling between Antonito, CO and Chama, NM.
The Cumbres & Toltec Train traveling between Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico
Train station agent at the Cumbres and Toltec Train Depot in Antonito, Colorado.
All Aboard - Cumbres & Toltec Narrow Gauge Train Depot in Antonito, CO
 

Antonito is home to many past and present railroad lines. It was once the "main line" of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, but today, Antonito is the main station for the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. It is an authentic trip south to Chama, New Mexico that brings Colorado history to the present day. North of Antonito, you can catch the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad towards Alamosa.

For winter enthusiasts, try snowmobiling over Cumbres Pass. There is a bit of a drive to get there but well worth the time, 36 miles west of Antonito along Highway 17 passing through Mogote. Years ago, animals, Native Americans, and settlers crossed over this 10,000 foot pass but today, snowmobilers are given free reign during the winter and the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad uses it during the spring and summer months.

Conejos River, Colorado
The Conejos River is a Great Place to Go Fly Fishing - Bring The Family
Snowmobiling in the San Luis Valley, Colorado.
Snowmobiling is a Fun Way to Explore the San Luis Valley
 

Some other historical things to see nearby: the oldest church in Colorado, Our Lady of Guadeloupe Church located in Conejos, the Jack Dempsey Museum in Manassa, Colorado, 9.5 miles north of Antonito. Both of these places are along the Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic Byway. This byway starts up in Alamosa and travels through small towns, over rivers, and past railroads giving you a layout of the area you wouldn't normally see. It is a wonderful way to explore the area.

Driving Directions and Location: Antonito, Conejos, and Mogote, Colorado

Antonito is located 6 miles north of the Colorado-New Mexico border along Highway 285 and 149 miles southwest of Pueblo along I-25 and Highways 160 and 285.

Commercial air travel accommodations are handled by the San Luis Valley Regional Airport 27 miles north of Antonito. Please contact your preferred travel agent or airline for flight arrangements.

Antonito is near: Alamosa & Platoro, Colorado & Chama, NM

Premium Antonito Businesses

Conejos County Tourism -- VACATION DESTINATION!
Experience our heritage! Year-Round adventures await you in Conejos County, Colorado. Your family will have fun watching wildlife and discovering the outdoors. The San Luis Valley is a Vacation Destination!

 Web page link icon Photos on page icon Scenic Byways and Drives Activities, Tourist Attractions Activities and Fun Things to do 


Mogote Meadow Cabins and RV Park
On 7 acres with green lawns and shade trees: modern cabins, spacious camp sites: RV and Tent. WiFi! Mogote Meadow Park is 5 miles west of Antonito in the Conejos Canyon with trout fishing. Pets Allowed.

 Email link icon Web page link icon Photos on page icon Cabins, Glamping and Cottages RV Parks and Resorts Pets Welcome Scenic Byways and Drives Fishing 



Featured Antonito Businesses

Conejos County Tourism -- VACATION DESTINATION!
Experience our heritage! Year-Round adventures await you in Conejos County, Colorado. Your family will have fun watching wildlife and discovering the outdoors. The San Luis Valley is a Vacation Destination!

 Web page link icon Photos on page icon Scenic Byways and Drives Activities, Tourist Attractions Activities and Fun Things to do 


Conejos River Anglers and Cabins a Premier Fly-Fishing Destination
Southern Colorado's Premier Fly-Fishing Destination: Fish our private section of Conejos River with a Anglers Guide or by yourself. 2-bedroom CABINS with full kitchen, Free WiFi. 5 miles west of Antonito.

 Web page link icon Photos on page icon Cabins, Glamping and Cottages Pets Welcome Fishing 


Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad
Built in 1880, the Cumbres Toltec Scenic Railroad is a spectacular mountain railroad zig-zagging 64 miles between Chama, NM and Antonito, CO. The ride of a lifetime! America’s #1 best scenic railroad!

 Web page link icon Photos on page icon National Parks Scenic Byways and Drives Activities, Tourist Attractions Activities and Fun Things to do 


Mogote Meadow Cabins and RV Park
On 7 acres with green lawns and shade trees: modern cabins, spacious camp sites: RV and Tent. WiFi! Mogote Meadow Park is 5 miles west of Antonito in the Conejos Canyon with trout fishing. Pets Allowed.

 Email link icon Web page link icon Photos on page icon Cabins, Glamping and Cottages RV Parks and Resorts Pets Welcome Scenic Byways and Drives Fishing 


Rio Chama RV Park In Northern New Mexico
In Chama, New Mexico along scenic Highway 17. Fish our Rio! Watch the TRAIN steam over the bridge by our RV Park. BIG RIG Friendly: 60 foot pull-thrus! Camp in shade along the Chama River. Free WiFi!

 Email link icon Web page link icon Reservation link icon Photos on page icon Tent Camping RV Parks and Resorts Pets Welcome Scenic Byways and Drives Fishing 


Twin Rivers Cabins and RV Park
At the base of beautiful Conejos Canyon near Antonito and the Train Depot Twin Rivers Cabins and RV Park offers 1 night free-stay 7 consecutively along the River. Beautiful waterfall hikes. Fish 3 reservoirs.

 Web page link icon Photos on page icon Cabins, Glamping and Cottages RV Parks and Resorts Fishing 



For more travel information contact:

Antonito Activities & Maps

Scenic Byways:
Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic Byway

Fishing:
Antonito Area Fishing Map

Snowmobiling:
Cumbres Pass Snowmobile Trails

Local Area Maps:
San Luis Valley Area Map


 
 

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Fun Things to Do
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