If you've got time between classes, explore our valley!
San Luis Valley, the largest alpine valley in the world, is situated between the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan mountains ranges. The sun shines here an average of 320 days a year, and outdoor activities abound. Get started with these:
Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Nestled in Southern Colorado, North America's tallest dunes rise over 750 feet high against the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This geological wonderland, containing over 30 square miles of massive dunes, became a national monument in 1932. With the passage of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Act, resources now also include alpine lakes and tundra, six peaks over 13,000 feet in elevation, ancient spruce and pine forests, large stands of aspen and cottonwood, grasslands and wetlands-all habitat for diverse wildlife and plant species. Click Here
Penitente Canyon
- Penitente Canyon is an expert climbing area, known for its incredible climbing, camping, and easy access. Total trip from Alamosa is about an hour. Click Here
San Luis Lakes State Park
- San Luis Lake is a popular place for water sports in the San Luis Valley. Water sports activities include water-skiing, motor boating, sailing, and windsurfing. Click Here
Zapata Falls
- Two million years ago glacial activities were sculpting the Sangre de Cristos. The waterfall flows through a rock dike left by a retreating glacier. As the glacier melted away, a large lake of meltwater built up behind the dike. Eventually, the water found a weak spot in the dike and began working and eroding its' way through. Click Here
Fishing
- There are plenty of opportunities for great fishing in high mountain lakes and streams to downstream rivers and reservoirs in the Conejos Peak, Del Norte, Creede, and Saguache Ranger Districts. Opportunity for a quality experience is rated among the highest in the western United States. Click Here or Click Here
Mountain Biking
- There are numerous biking trails in the San Luis Valley and in the Rio Grande National Forest with outstanding scenery and challenging terrain. Click Here
Cattails Golf Course
- Located just north of downtown Alamosa on State Street. Enjoy a 6,900 yard, 18 hole championship public golf course on the Rio Grande with outstanding mountain range views and large cottonwood trees. The high altitude serves as a great advantage to your drives, in fact, you might hit your longest drive ever. Click Here
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
- The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad was constructed in 1880 to service the mining industry, and originally ran from Alamosa through Antonito and Chama to Durango and Silverton, Colo. It is known as America's longest and highest narrow-gauge steam railroad. Today the train travels 64 miles between Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico with highlights such as the colorful San Juan Mountains, the Mud and Rock tunnels, Toltec Gorge, Phantom Curve and other curves, trestles, and bridges that offer breathtaking views. Click Here
Alamosa Wildlife Refuge
- Located three miles southeast of Alamosa, this area features an 11,168 acre refuge bordering the Rio Grande River, providing habitat for numerous bird species, including Canadian geese and the near extinct whooping crane. Click Here
Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge
- Located six miles south of Monte Vista (west of Alamosa) on Colorado Hwy. 15, this wildlife refuge provides habitat for numerous bird species, including Canadian geese and the near extinct whooping crane. Special tours and a self-guided driving loop are available. Click Here
San Luis Museum and Cultural Center
- Within the town of San Luis are some of the state's oldest structures, and on an overlooking hill are the Stations of the Cross, larger than life bronze sculptures by Huberto Maestas, and a chapel. Click Here
Fort Garland Museum
- Originally built in 1858, this adobe fort with its plaza format has been fully restored and has exhibits ranging from the recreated commandant's quarters to folk art and Hispanic cultural artifacts. Click Here
Creede Underground Mining Museum
- This museum was tunneled in 1990-1992 by former miners of the Bulldog Mine that closed in 1985. Excavated in the shape of a "U" with a front and back entrance, the museum is a re-creation of an operating mine with all the equipment needed to recover silver bearing ore. Tours are truly educational with plenty of time to ask questions and ponder the hardships of hardrock mining. Click Here
San Luis Valley History Museum
- Alamosa County Museum displays items from Native Americans, such as pottery and other artifacts, as well as remnants from an old-time school house and general store. Click Here
Wheeler Geological Area
- Nearly 65 million years ago, a violent eruption of La Garita Culdera resulted in the spreading of several thousands of tons of volcanic ash and debris transforming this area into breathtaking landscape and heavenly terrain! Click Here
Sangre De Cristo Range
- Blanca Group - Blanca Peak, Ellingwood Point, Mount Lindsey, Little Bear Peak
- Crestone Group - Crestone Peak, Crestone Needle, Kit Carson Peak, Challenger Point, Humboldt Peak
- Culebra Peak Click Here
San Juan Range
- San Luis Peak Click Here
Information
- For additional information about these and other recreational opportunities in the San Luis Valley check out these websites: Alamosa, Scenic Byway, South Fork
