Birds of the Sand Dunes
The Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to a wide array of wildlife. There are over 200 species of birds at Great Sand Dunes, nesting in tundra, trees, grasslands, or wetlands. Come enjoy [...]
Creede Repertory Theatre
"For over 54 seasons, visitors and theatre practitioners alike have made their pilgrimages to Creede for the beauty and the artistry of the Creede Repertory Theatre. CRT presents acclaimed productions each season and is [...]
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Hidden away in a little-known corner of the southern Rocky Mountains is a precious historic artifact of the American West. Built in 1880 and little changed since, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is the [...]
Cultural History of the San Luis Valley
Article and Photos by URGGuide Field Editor Ryan Michelle Scavo The San Luis Valley has a long history of human habitation. From early native peoples and Spanish explorers to modern agricultural communities and new [...]
Jeeping Through Ghost Towns
Article & Photos b y URGGuide Field Editor Ryan Michelle Scavo Colorado’s long history of mining provides off-roaders and 4x4 enthusiasts with a plethora of unique, off-the-beaten bath places to explore! Visitors to the [...]
Exploring Great Sand Dunes National Park
Article & Photos by URGGuide Field Editor Ryan Michelle Scavo Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is one of the most unique sites managed by the National Park Service – from its location (in the [...]
Photographer’s Paradise
Tips for the perfect photos: Photograph during the magic hours (one hour after sunrise, one hour before sunset) when the sun is at a low angle creating a warm color balance, long shadows and [...]
Hiking & Biking Trail Guide
With thousands of miles of wilderness to explore, it's no wonder why the San Luis Valley allures sports enthusiasts of every kind. If your preferred mode of transportation is hiking, mountain biking, by horseback, motorcycle, [...]
Come Explore South Fork
Population: 386 (2010) : Elevation: 8,209 ft : Annual Precip. Average 11" The Town of South Fork was built around the junction of the famous Rio Grande River and its south fork. In the center of town, [...]
Come Explore Saguache
Population: 493 (2010) : Elevation: 7,707 ft : Annual Precip. Average 8.05" Saguache is the northern gateway to the San Luis Valley. It is surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo mountain range on the east [...]
Come Explore Monte Vista
Population: 4,444 (2010) : Elevation: 7,664 ft : Annual Precipitation. Average 7.04" Monte Vista boasts natural beauty that attracts outdoor enthusiasts and sightseers alike. In the surrounding wilderness, you will find people hiking, biking, climbing, [...]
Come Explore Ft. Garland and San Luis
San Luis Population: 629 (2010) : Elevation: 7,979 ft : Annual Precip. Average 10" San Luis is a picturesque little town lying at the mouth of the valley of the Ventero. While San Luis is [...]
Come Explore Del Norte
Population: 1,686 (2010) : Elevation: 7,884 ft : Annual Precip. Average 9.3" In the 1870's, prospectors had found the nearby San Juan Mountains rich in gold and silver deposits. Many mining claims were registered and the fury [...]
Come Explore Crestone
Population: 127 (2010) : Elevation: 7,923 ft : Annual Precip. Average 13" Crestone is full of majestic views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Take in the view from one of the numerous restaurants providing [...]
Come Explore Creede
Population: 290 (2010) : Elevation: 8,799 ft : Annual Precip. Average 18.0" The town of Creede is full of heritage and natural beauty. It was the last silver boom town in Colorado in the 1800's but today, [...]
Come Explore Alamosa
Population: 8,780 (2010) : Elevation: 7,543 ft : Annual Precip. Average 7.25" The discovery of gold and silver in 1870 fueled the mining rush to the San Luis Valley. In 1878, a passenger train stopped [...]
Rio Grande National Forest
An incredible 1.86 million acre Rio Grande National Forest remains one of the true undiscovered jewels of Colorado. The mighty Rio Grande River begins its 1800 mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico right here [...]
Ski Hi Stampede
Enjoy old fashioned fun at the Oldest Pro-Rodeo in Colorado. Ski Hi Stampede is a San Luis Valley tradition and shouldn't be missed! Watch rodeo events, enjoy concerts, great food and so much more! The [...]
Creede Underground Mining Museum
The town of Creede evolved from a history rich in mining and scenic surroundings. Silver was first discovered in Creede in 1889. Mining was the area’s main industry for almost 100 years until the Homestake [...]
Shrine of the Stations of the Cross
The Stations of the Cross are a series of graphic meditations of the last hours of Christ’s life – His judgment, sufferings, death and resurrection. Sculpted by internationally know artist Huberto Maestas, the meditations are [...]
Fort Garland Museum
Fort Garland was established in 1858 in southern Colorado, with its garrison of over 100 men it served to protect the earliest settlers in the San Luis Valley. We invite you to walk the parade [...]
The Historic Windsor Hotel
Gold and silver discoveries near Summitville in 1870 fueled the mining rush to the San Luis Valley. While other mining settlements quickly followed at Creede and Bonanza, the history of the Valley’s settlement was greatly [...]
Rio Grande County Museum & Cultural Center
The Rio Grande County Museum & Cultural Center offers visitors a glimpse into the past of Rio Grande County and it's early settlers including Native Americans, mountain men, fur trappers, gold seekers, farmers and ranchers, [...]
Sand Dunes Swimming Pool
Come spend a day of fun in the naturally hot artesian waters of Sand Dunes Swimming Pool. Fun for the whole family, this large pool is amazingly clear with no odors or added chlorine. The [...]
Sangre de Cristo Museum and Cultural Center
The Sangre de Cristo Museum and Cultural Center has many educational displays depicting life in the Valley's Past. From a Turn-of-the-Century Post Office, images of the first steamboat on the Rio Grande River, artifacts from [...]
The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad
The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad is the highest and longest route on standard gauge rail. Don't miss out on the vintage diesel engines offering rides through breathtaking mountain valleys and passes on hundreds of miles [...]
Our Lady of Guadaupe – Oldest Church in Colorado
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Parish is the oldest church in Colorado. The church was constructed in 1856. The first settlers into the area were from New Mexico, primarily from Abiquiu. As more people arrived, [...]
Jack Dempsey Museum
Come discover the World’s Greatest Heavyweight Boxer of the 20th Century! Jack Dempsey, also known as “The Manassa Mauler”, was the world’s heavyweight boxing champion from 1919 to 1926. Dempsey, a Colorado native was born [...]
Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge
The Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1962, is 12,026 acres of uplands, riparian corridors, wet meadows and river oxbows, is a haven for migratory birds and other wildlife, and provides food and safe habitat. [...]
Wolf Creek Events and Holiday Races
Enjoy these 2018 - 2019 events and holiday races at Wolf Creek Ski Area! • Cosmic Mountaineer Race - November 17 • Santa Visits Wolf Creek - December 24 & 25 • Martin Luther [...]
Wolf Creek Fun Races
Races are free for all ages with a lift ticket! Wolf Creek Fun Races 2018 - 2019 • December 15 • January 6 / 27 • February 10 / 24 • March 23 / 30 [...]
Wolf Creek Local Appreciation Days
2018 - 2019 Wolf Creek Ski Area Local Appreciation Days Ski like a local on Local Appreciate Days at Wolf Creek Ski Area. No ID Required for discounted lift tickets! $50 Adult lift ticket $27 [...]
Museums
The San Luis Valley is filled with historical treasures! Enjoy a day or two exploring the Valley's Indian heritage, mining boom days and the role it has played in Colorado's rich legacy. Conejos County Museum [...]
Wolf Creek Ski Area
Whether you are a skier or a boarder, you are in for a thrill at one of Colorado’s finest ski resorts. Friendly employees and plenty of light powder keep people coming back season after season. [...]
Hot Springs Pools
View the towering majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains or the San Juan Mountains right from your swimsuit and get relaxation, therapy and fun in one family-friendly package! Take a day and go to one of [...]
Monte Vista Golf Club
Truly a diamond in the rough. Come and experience all of the tradition, history and prestige found in one of Colorado's first 15 golf courses. Founded in 1926, this historic golf club offers a 9-hole [...]
