Looking for unique things to do in Colorado? Well, then a trip to the San Luis Valley is a must. Named the “Mystic” San Luis Valley, or “the valley,” as locals call it, the area is one of Colorado’s most underrated, and often misunderstood, destinations.
I first visited the San Luis Valley in Colorado in 2011 when my sister was living in Alamosa finishing her master’s at Adams State University. Over the past decade, I visited countless times, discovering something new with each visit. I have watched the valley grow over the years and have come to admire its grit, creativity, beauty, and mystical lure that no one can quite explain. So, I put together an in-depth travel guide to help you explore more
Where is the San Luis Valley in Colorado?
Spanning over 500,000 acres in Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico, the high-desert San Luis Valley is a striking 125 miles long and 65 miles wide, sitting at an average elevation of around 8,100 feet — making it the largest high-altitude desert in North America. Towering sand dunes, surrounding mountain peaks of the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo Mountains, alpine lakes, waterfalls, and the headwaters of the Rio Grande River create an epic backdrop for adventure.
Its northernmost town, Villa Grove, is 160 miles southwest of Denver and its southernmost town (before entering into New Mexico) is Antonito, which is 244 miles from Denver. The vast stretch of land sometimes feels vacant, except for a few county roads, dispersed homes, and an endless patchwork of farmland. But you’ll find some of Colorado’s most unique destinations within its crevices and far reaches of its borders.
The “lure” of the Valley
Often misunderstood, the mystical San Luis Valley of Colorado is one of the state’s most captivating and distinctive, yet less-visited places in the state. Often when I reference the valley, many look at me confused, but when I say it’s where the Great Sand Dunes National Park is located, then they get a sense of where I am talking about. But the valley is so much more than just the sand dunes. It’s a place where diverse landscapes, history, friendly communities, and a unique vortex of energy, all merge together.
The minute you dip into the valley, there seems to be an almost instant shift in energy. With several large energy vortices, numerous UFO sightings, and the spiritual mecca of Colorado, the valley’s spiritual lure draws in the most curious of travelers who seek to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations.
You also can’t help but feel a sense of the valley’s profound legacy as you explore this region. The Ute Indians and other Native American tribes were its first inhabitants thousands of years ago until the first Spanish explorers came in the 16th century. Vestiges of the past are everywhere, from the oldest church in the state (Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Conejos) to the still-standing Fort Garland dating back to 1858.
Things to do in San Luis Valley Colorado
Must-visit small towns of the San Luis Valley
Part of what makes exploring the valley so special are the intimate communities that dot the valley floor and its borders. Separated geographically, the valley communities forge together as the heart of the valley with community-minded locals and transplants who have made it a burgeoning destination in recent years.
Saguache
Saguache, meaning “Water at the Blue Earth” from the Ute language is the northern gateway to the San Luis Valley, located 45 miles south of Salida along HWY 285. If you’re traveling from Denver or northern Colorado, Saguache makes a great first stop when visiting the valley. Discover the unique history of Alferd Packer (Colorado’s infamous cannibal) at the Saguache County Museum. Catch a show at the historic Ute Theatre and be sure to grab lunch at the Saguache 4th Street Diner and Bakery.
Travel tip: Driving south along HWY 285, you’ll pass the small town of Villa Grove. It’s my favorite place to stop and grab a colorful flower pot and goodies for the garden.
Monte Vista
Monte Vista has made a name for itself with its annual Monte Vista Crane Festival. Held the second weekend of March, the festival celebrates the thousands of Sand Hill Cranes that migrate every spring to the Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge. Monte Vista is also home to the oldest Pro Rodeo in Colorado: Ski-Hi Stampede and the San Luis Valley Fair.
Travel tip: Make sure to grab some pastries and donuts for the road at The Worth the Drive Bakery — an Amish bakery, that trust me, is worth the drive!
Learn more about the Monte Vista Crane Festival
Alamosa
Coined the gateway city to the Great Sand Dunes National Park, Alamosa lies at the southern end of the valley. The small community is the biggest in the valley with a population of 9,800. Many enjoy fishing and walking along the banks of the Rio Grande River that cuts through the heart of town. Stroll the historic downtown with a stop for a beer at the San Luis Valley Brewing Company, a morning coffee at Milagros, and dinner at the Friar’s Fork — Alamosa’s newest restaurant.
Travel tip: If you venture a little further outside of Alamosa’s downtown, you’ll find one of my favorite places to have a beer — the Colorado Farm Brewery. You’ll find live music, food trucks, good beer, and beautiful views of the valley.
Del Norte
Del Norte is the southern gateway to the San Luis Valley and is one of my favorite places to visit. The historic downtown is small in square footage but offers plenty to do. You’ll find everything you didn’t know you needed at the General (Specific) Store, beer and pizza at Three Barrel Brewing Company, delicious pastries at Raisin’ Rye, bloody mary brunches at 1874 Distilling Co., and so much more. Stay at the restored retro roadside hotel, Mellow Moon Lodge, or soak up a piece of history with a stay at the Windsor Hotel.
Outside of Del Norte’s downtown, another local business aims to put the San Luis Valley on the map with the valley’s first-ever flower farm. Wendi’s Good Things Market is creating something special in the valley with their soon-to-open Bloomstead Farm. Currently, you can find Wendi’s products online with plans to open their first physical store alongside the flower farm. Follow her @wendisgoodthingsmarket for the latest updates.
Creede
Creede might be one of my favorite Colorado mountain towns. Set against a dramatic backdrop of jagged cliffs near the headwaters of the Rio Grande, the historic mining town still feels like the Wild West. The quaint downtown offers plenty of restaurants, shops, and boutique hotels for the perfect weekend getaway.
To understand the area’s history, stop in at the Underground Mining Museum (located completely underground) or take the 17-mile driving tour along Bachelor Loop to see remnants of the historic mines that once operated in the area.
Crestone
Resting in the shadows of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Crestone is a spiritual haven for all — home to two dozen retreat centers and sacred landmarks, including a Hindu temple, Zen center, a monastery, and Tibetan Buddhist centers. Visit the Buddhist Temple, Karma Thegsum Tashi Gomang, to see the 42-foot tall stupa, climb the iconic yellow Crestone Ziggurat, or simply pull up a chair at one of the local restaurants and bars in town after hiking the area’s many trails.
Travel tip: Crestone lies just north of the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Actual drive time is just under an hour. I love walking to the top of the Crestone Ziggurat for vista views of the dunes and the mountains.
Historical highlights of the valley are found in small towns like San Luis, the oldest town in Colorado, where you can visit the Shrine of the Stations of the Cross — a beautiful shrine resting atop of a mesa. Or visit the oldest church in Colorado, dating back to the 1850s, in Antonito at Our Lady of Guadeloupe. Tour the historic Fort Garland, once commanded by Kit Carson, for which the town of Fort Garland got its namesake.
Outdoor adventures in the San Luis Valley
With its remote location and dramatic mountain backdrops, the San Luis Valley is known for its striking natural beauty, making it a great destination for outdoor adventures without the crowds. Hiking, climbing, fishing, sand boarding, hot springs, stargazing, and wildlife viewing are all popular activities.
Hiking the tallest sand dunes in North America at Great Sand Dunes National Park
The Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of four Colorado National Parks and contains North America’s tallest dune. Its location at the base of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, on the outer edges of the San Luis Valley, makes this one of the most dramatic and distinctive landscapes in all of Colorado.
Reaching up to 750 feet tall, the dunes cover about 30 square miles of an overall 150 square mile park area. They were formed from sand and soil deposits dating back over a million years during the last ice age as rivers carried sediment out of the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Key features of the park include the giant dune field, as well as grasslands, tundra, forests, wetlands, and alpine lakes. Great Sand Dunes is unique in that it contains an amazing diversity of elevations, ecosystems and environments in a relatively small area, transitioning from dunes to alpine tundra.
Plus, its remote, high-elevation location of over 8,000 feet also makes it one of the quietest national parks and prime for stargazing — certified as an International Dark Sky Park.
Popular activities include hiking or sledding on the dunes, sandboarding, splashing in Medano Creek, wildlife viewing, backpacking, camping, and ranger programs. Medano Creek is a particularly popular time to visit (early to mid-May) when the creek runs high and creates a beach-like playground for all ages.
Climbing one of the state’s ten 14ers
Climbing a 14er (14,000+ mountain peak) in Colorado is almost a right of passage. Some of the most iconic 14ers in the state reside in the San Luis Valley, such as Crestone Needle and Blanca Peak. Culebra Peak is a great one to start with as it is rated as a Class II and a bit more approachable for novice mountaineers.
Hiking trails
What Colorado destination guide would be complete without a mention of some local hiking trails? While you won’t find the plethora of trails like you do along the Front Range, there are plenty to choose from that provide a unique sense of the area. Hiking in and around the valley is often less crowded and a bit more secluded due to the area’s remoteness and limited access to the mountains.
Because the valley is so large, it’s hard to summarize ALL the hiking trails. Visit Alamosa offers a nice trail guide to the entire region. But to get you started, below is a short list of trails I have hiked with their closest associated towns:
- Willow Lake near Crestone, Colorado
- La Garita Arch near Del Norte
- Elephant Rocks near Del Norte (also great for climbing)
- Wheeler Geologic Area – near the town of Creede. This can be done as a 7-mile hike or a 14-mile four-wheel drive road
- Zapata Falls near Alamosa and Great Sand Dunes National Park
Mountain biking Del Norte Trail System
One of the best and most underrated mountain biking trail systems in Colorado resides in the San Luis Valley. The Del Norte Trail System is a collection of mild and rugged mountain biking trails that are still somewhat primitive and with no amenities, so don’t expect to find heavy crowds on these trails. Which is what the locals (and visitors) prefer!
Rock climbing at the sport climbing mecca of Penitente Canyon
If you are more into rock climbing, you can’t get much better than climbing in Penitente Canyon. While I wouldn’t consider myself an avid rock climber, I have scaled a rock wall a time or two in Penitente Canyon. But don’t take my word for it! According to local expert, Cora Hofmann “It’s pretty tough climbing that tends to be unique to what most people are used to in the rest of Colorado. It never feels too busy and is like a little canyon oasis in such a big valley.”
Relaxing in one of the region’s many natural hot springs
What many may not know is the valley rests on nearly 150 million acre-feet of water, most of it hot, making it a hotbed for hot springs and even harnessing geothermal power. Tapping into the area’s geothermal sources, the valley is home to several hot springs that make the perfect add-on to any outdoor activity.
For more Colorado hot springs, read this guide to the Less-crowded Hot Springs in Colorado.
Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa is by far one of my favorite hot springs in all of Colorado. Located in the tiny town of Moffat, the secluded hot springs are miles from anything, with instant mountain views surrounding the property. The super chill vibe offers inexpensive day soaks and plenty of overnight accommodations for those who want to stay a little longer. Choose from hotel rooms, types, yurts, and camping.
Sand Dunes Recreation, or Hooper Hot Springs as I typically say, is a bit more popular, due to its proximity to the sand dunes. The facility features a large family pool, an adult-only greenhouse with soaking pools, tropical gardens, and a sauna, plus the delicious on-site snack bar — The Mile Deep Grill.
For a more natural, clothing-optional vibe, visit Valley View Hot Springs. Located in Moffat, near Joyful Journey, Valley View features several natural hot springs pools formed within the landscape, plus a large swimming pool and sauna. Camping and historic lodging are available.
Unique experiences in the San Luis Valley
In addition to its natural wonders, the valley also offers plenty of quirky, only-in-Colorado experiences. These are the places and people that make the valley, the “valley.”
Visiting the Colorado Gators Reptile Park to see alligators thriving in geothermal waters
Yes, that’s right, there is a gator and reptile farm in the middle of Colorado, in Mosca. Using the same geothermal waters that heat the area’s hot springs, the owners of the Colorado Gator Farm decided to open a Tilapia farm in the 1970s. Due to excessive amounts of dead fish, they brought in a few alligators to take care of the fish remains. After noticing how the gators thrived in the warm geothermal waters and several requests to see the alligators, the owners officially opened the park to the public in 1990.
But it’s not just alligators you will see, look out for giant snapping turtles tortoises, birds, and other exotic animals they have rescued over the years.
Travel tip: Traveling along Colorado State Highway 17 (the same road you’ll take to get to the gator farm) stop in for a quick sweet treat at The Ruby Rose — a micro bakery, cafe, and store.
Scanning the night skies for UFOs at the famous UFO Watchtower
If an alligator farm isn’t enough to curb your appetite for weird and interesting things to do in Colorado, then a visit to the UFO Watchtower in Center (along HWY 17) will do just that. Named the “UFO Highway” due to the large number of reported UFO sightings in the area, this is one quirky roadside attraction that will have you pulling over immediately.
The watchtower consists of a wooden viewing deck about 50 feet high, topped with a small enclosure where visitors can scan the night skies through viewfinders and telescopes. The tower’s prime location is said to sit at the intersection of several powerful electromagnetic vortexes that allegedly draw UFO activity.
In addition to the observation deck, the site has a small campground, gift shop, and snack bar. While some are skeptical, thousands visit the UFO Watchtower annually to see if they spot an unidentified flying object in the sky
Witnessing the annual migration of Mexican free-tail bats at Orient Mine
Perhaps one of the most unique things I’ve experienced in the San Luis Valley was visiting the Orient Mine to see the migration of Mexican free-tail bats. The Orient Mine was an active mine from 1880 to 1932 and at one point the largest producer of iron ore in Colorado. But over the last 40 years, the abandoned mine has been the home to 250,000 migratory bats.
The mostly male migration of Mexican Free-tail bats begins in South America and continues north to North America, with a stop at the Orient Mine. This migration can be seen during the summer months from late June into July.
For the best view, climb to the observation area just outside the entrance to the mine, and at dusk, sit and watch as thousands of bats descend to the valley for their nightly feeding of bugs and insects. Even if you don’t like bats, it’s one of the best spots to watch the sunset over the valley. Access to the bat cave is via the Black Canyon Trailhead or guests of Valley View Hot Springs can enjoy direct access to the cave.
Owned and operated by the Orient Land Mine Trust, visitation to the springs is limited and managed by guest quota for day and overnight use. If you want to soak at the springs, see some bats, and stay the night, be sure to plan in advance. Their spots fill up quickly. So, much so that it took several years to get a spot! If you
It is best to read more about the process on their website. It is one of the best off-the-grid experiences in Colorado, trust me!
Overnighting at retro drive-in movie theatres
If you are a sucker for nostalgic experiences, then you can’t visit the San Luis Valley without a stop at one of the retro drive-in movie theatres.
Where art and agriculture meet, the re-imagined Frontier Drive-Inn in Center, Co is one of the valley’s most unique destinations. Originally opened in 1955, the Frontier Drive-In operated as a local drive-in movie theater for 30 years. In 2016 it was purchased and restored to its former glory, but not as a drive-in, but as a drive-Inn.
Its entrance, lit by the original vintage neon sign, opens you to a world of pure imagination in the middle of the agricultural valley. Watch your favorite flicks or join curated movie events on the spacious lawn anchored by the original 40’ screen. Explore original art installations of “skylos” by artist Ronald Rael, listen to live music, and book a night or two in one of their luxury yurts or repurposed Steelmaster sheds.
If you prefer to watch your movies from the comfort of your hotel room, then be sure to bring the family or enjoy date night at the Best Western Movie Manor.
Originally built in 1955 as the Star Drive-In, the Movie Manor was later turned into the Movie Manor Motor Inn with its original 14 rooms. The remodeled hotel rooms are angled at the main screen for in-room viewing. In-room surround sound allows you to hear the movie and the original concession stand still serves theatre-style popcorn and treats.
Learning about legendary boxer Jack Dempsey at his hometown museum in Manassa
Manassa, located 25 miles south of Alamosa, is a small town of just under 1,000 residents and is the birthplace of famous boxer Jack Dempsey. Proud of this fact, the town showcases the tiny Jack Dempsey Museum and a life-size statue of the boxer at the Jack Dempsey Museum and Park.
Stay at the Indiana Jones B&B
Parts of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade were filmed in Antonito, Colorado and the childhood home of young Indy in the movie is now the Indiana Jones Bed and Breakfast. The eclectic B&B houses an unbelievable collection of Indiana Jones memorabilia along with a full breakfast and comfortable Victorian-style rooms.
Visit Canos Castle
If you plan to stay in Antonito or are just passing through, be sure to stop at Canos Castle. One of the best roadside attractions in Colorado is Canos Castle. A true testament to hard work, dedication, and the idea that even trash can be art. Built as a “thank you” to God for surviving the Vietnam War, artist and veteran, Donald Espinoza, uses old cans, tires, bike wheels and almost any scrap metal he could find to build the castle.
Getting around the San Luis Valley
The San Luis Valley is vast with a lot to explore. Take your time and you’ll discover even more treasure troves than what I’ve listed above, I promise. Traveling through the valley makes for a great road trip. With HWY 285 cutting through its center, this will be your main thoroughfare with many off-chutes to get you to the valley’s outer edges. I’ve highlighted the places mentioned above on the map below.
*all images taken by me and are subject to copyright.
