Alamosa Colorado
Picturesque views at Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge
Crossing Medano Creek in Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Dramatic landscapes at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Art deco architecture in downtown Alamosa harkens back to the town's past
Stand-up paddleboarding at Blanca Vista Park
Taking a scenic hike down Mosca Pass Trail
Animal encounters at Colorado Gators Reptile Park
Biking the Alamosa Loop Trail near Cole Park
Wading in the cool waters at the base of Zapata Falls
- Major Airports:
- San Luis Valley/Alamosa (ALS)
- Denver (DEN)
- States:
- Colorado
Towering sand dunes and epic night skies in southern Colorado
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Without a doubt, the star of the show is Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, where shifting sand dunes – the tallest in the USA – reach skyward, silhouetted against the rugged peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Local outfitters offer sand sled and sand board rentals, making it easy to shred the dunes on a sled or sandboard. Get off-road along the park’s Medano Pass Primitive Road, where you’ll traverse portions of the sand dunes and cross Medano Creek nine times to climb to the top of Medano Pass. Ramble on foot through forests and cottonwood groves. Hike to Mosca Pass to see bighorn sheep, elk and other indigenous wildlife. For a challenging and rewarding trek, climb to the top of Star Dune, the tallest dune in North America. When dark falls, be sure to stick around in this designated International Dark Sky Park – it’s an ideal place to stargaze and marvel at the Milky Way.
The Hub of the San Luis Valley
The San Luis Valley and its range of outdoor activities are easily accessible from downtown Alamosa. Go paddleboarding and kayaking on the Rio Grande River, play a round of golf at Cattails Golf Course and try your hand at disc golf at Alamosa’s Family Rec Center. Nature lovers will want to pay a visit to the Alamosa National Wildlife Area, a wetland that draws thousands of migratory birds and other wildlife. Look for bald eagles, short-eared owls, coyotes and more.
Hike to Zapata Falls, whose cascades make for a spectacular sight (especially when frozen in winter), then walk the Stations of the Cross, an outdoor art installation of bronze sculptures by artist Huberto Maestas. Topping off the area’s wilderness adventures is vast Rio Grande National Forest, where nearly 1 million hectares encompass snowy mountain peaks, deserts, rivers and subalpine lakes. Visit in fall for sparse crowds and colorful fall foliage.
At Colorado Gators Reptile Park, learn about alligators, snakes, tortoises and lizards – or sign up for gator-wrestling classes to help keepers care for injured reptiles if you’re so inclined. Seeking out the truly undiscovered? Consider climbing the UFO Watchtower. Whether or not you spot a spaceship, you can take in 360-degree views of the San Luis Valley from the observation platform.
Downtown Alamosa: Hub City
Enjoy shopping, dining and sipping beverages at locally owned breweries in Alamosa’s historic downtown. Wander along Main Street and shop for antiques and artwork at independent boutiques and galleries set in the town's historic buildings. When hunger strikes, treat your taste buds to everything from Tex-Mex to seasonal farm-to-table dishes. Many restaurants offer outdoor dining in the warmer months. Sample stouts, IPAs and ambers at local breweries including San Luis Valley Brewing Company, Spare Keg Brewerks and Colorado Farm Brewery.
Fun Fact
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America.
The San Luis Valley is the largest alpine valley in the world and the headwaters of the mighty Rio Grande River.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve has been designated an International Dark Sky Park, which means it's one of the best places on Earth to go stargazing.