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Alamosa - South Central Colorado

Includes Blanca, Capulin, Center, Fort Garland, Hooper, Mosca, San Luis, Sanford

Experience Alamosa, Blanca, Capulin, Center, Fort Garland, Hooper, Mosca, San Luis, and Sanford, Colorado

Like many towns in Colorado, Alamosa was established in May 1878 by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad. There was a construction, repair, and shipping facility located in Alamosa for many years. Now, the area attracts many vacationers with attractions like the Sand Dunes, the Colorado Gator & Reptile Park, and annual festivals.

On the Sandy Peaks at The Great Sand Dunes, Colorado, Photo by Michael Hartzog
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Zapata Falls, Colorado
Zapata Falls Flows into a Narrow Crevasse
 

The Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, 35 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. Hiking is the most common activity done at the dunes but you can also sand board (similar to snowboarding), sledding, fly a kite, attend a photography workshop (sponsored by Friends of the Dunes Inc.), and wade through the waters of Medano Creek if it has recently rained.

Zapata Falls is an excellent hike only 30 miles from Alamosa. The journey up to the falls is adventurous taking you through chilly waters, over slippery rocks, and over a log bridge. The trip is fun and the waterfall is only half a mile from the parking lot.

San Luis State Park has an excellent wildlife watching area and a unique desert ecosystem bringing many animals and birds you might not see anywhere else in the state. Come here year round to catch a glimpse of all the wildlife the Park has to offer.

The Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic Byway is a great way to see the beauty of Southern Colorado. Start in Alamosa and pass through Mosca, Blanca, Fort Garland, San Luis, San Acacio, Romeo, and Conejos on your way to Antonito. Sections of the byway allow you to see two railroads: the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad and the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.

Bird watchers should be sure to visit the Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge and the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge; both are popular stops during spring and fall migrations for Sand Hill Cranes, various kinds of Ducks, Canadian Geese, and occasionally the endangered Whooping Crane. In the winter, numerous Hawks, Bald Eagles, and Golden Eagles stay at the refuges.

Hooper, Colorado has a hot springs pool open to the public called the Sand Dunes Pool. Feel the natural hot artesian waters seep into your pores as your stress melts away.

Horseback rides on Mosca Pass, Colorado
Explore Mosca Pass from Horseback
Mosca Pass Trail with colorful aspen trees, Colorado
See Fall Colors on the Mosca Pass Hiking Trail
 

Mosca Pass, a historic route to drive, was once a toll road; 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.

Driving Directions and Location: Alamosa, Blanca, Capulin, Fort Garland, Hooper, Mosca, San Luis, and Sanford, Colorado

Alamosa is 33 miles north of the New Mexico border along Highway 285 and 122 miles southwest of Pueblo, Colorado.

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

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

Featured Alamosa Businesses

Great Sand Dunes Lodge at National Park
Serenity at Great Sand Dunes National Park. Lodge Rooms: Queen or King beds. WiFi. NEW Glamping Domes and Camper Suites. Stay with us, at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, near Alamosa.

 Web page link icon Photos on page icon Hotels and Motels Family Friendly National Parks Jeeping and Offroad Vehicles Activities and Fun Things to do Hunting 


Great Sand Dunes Oasis: Campground, RV Park, Cabins
Striking oasis views of Dunes in San Luis Valley. CAMPGROUND: camper cabins, full hookup RV park, tenting area. 30 miles NE of Alamosa, at the entrance to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

 Web page link icon Photos on page icon Cabins, Glamping and Cottages Tent Camping RV Parks and Resorts National Parks 


Riverbend Resort Cabins and RV Park
Between South Fork and Wolf Creek Ski Area; Riverbend Resort is near Pagosa Springs and Alamosa. Year Round Full hookup RV Park. Cabins: fireplaces, decks overlooking privately stocked river frontage.

 Web page link icon Photos on page icon Cabins, Glamping and Cottages Tent Camping RV Parks and Resorts Pets Welcome Lodging by water Scenic Byways and Drives Fishing Winter Lodging Snowmobiling Downhill Skiing 


Rustic Rook Resort Glamping Near Great Sand Dunes
Glamp near Great Sand Dunes National Park! Dog friendly Rustic Rook Resort has canvas cabin luxury camping tents: premium linens, porch views of Milky Way and sunrise, breakfast, USB stations, s'mores.

 Web page link icon Photos on page icon Cabins, Glamping and Cottages Family Friendly National Parks 


Ute Creek Campground and RV Park
Relax along Ute Creek in Fort Garland with long level RV sites and separate tent campground area. Enjoy exploring in south central Colorado. Free WiFi throughout Park. LESS PEOPLE = MORE FUN!

 Web page link icon RV Parks and Resorts Fishing 


Woods & River RV Park
Friendly, quiet, campground in the woods along Rio Grande. BIG RIG RV Park: full hookups, 76 pull-thru sites with room for slideouts. Trout Fishing River Here! In Del Norte between Alamosa and South Fork.

 Email link icon Web page link icon Photos on page icon Tent Camping RV Parks and Resorts Lodging by water ATVing, UTVing, and Offroading 



For more travel information contact:

Alamosa Activities & Maps

National Parks and Monuments:
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

Scenic Byways:
Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic Byway

Fishing:
Antonito Area Fishing Map

Jeep & 4WD:
Upper San Luis Valley Jeeping & ATV/UTV Trails


 
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