Alamosa - South Central Colorado

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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.

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

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.

Explore Mosca Pass from Horseback

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

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.

             

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