COME TO LIFE / Alamosa, San Luis, Monte Vista, Saguache, Crestone BROAD HORIZONS IN THE SAN LUIS VALLEY COLORADO MYSTIC SAN LUIS VALLEY The Rio Grande River snakes through a vast valley ringed by dramatic mountains and filled with hidden lakes, waterfalls and cool summertime temperatures. Explore towns like Alamosa, San Luis, Monte Vista, Saguache and Crestone , tucked away in this intriguing area. SIDETRIPS A fort-turned-town, Fort Garland was originally established to pro-tect early settlers in the San Luis Valley. The namesake structure still survives as the Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center, where visitors can tour adobe buildings, view Hispanic art and check out a re-creation of famed frontiersman Kit Carson’s quarters while he served as commander. The enclave of Del Norte is situat-ed beside the Rio Grande River, which has Gold Medal waters for anglers, particularly those who like float fishing. Other can’t-miss natural wonders include Penitente Canyon, the Natural Arch and Elephant Rocks, where volcanic ash welded together to create rock formations more than 28 million years ago. Sargents is another little town tucked in the valley that’s popular with outdoors lovers; and south of Alamosa and Del Norte, Conejos reflects the culture of Old Mexico and boasts fantastic fly-fishing opportunities. 1 DAY 1 Leap into the valley’s deep roots in the state’s oldest town: San Luis ’ history dates back to 1540. La Vega , a plot of land on the edge of town, is where settlers first established a communal way of life in the late 1800s and laid claim to the area’s first water rights before Colorado was even a state. Visit the more contemporary Shrine of the Stations of the Cross for a taste of the area’s vibrant arts scene. Gripping bronze sculptures depict Christ’s judgment, crucifixion and resurrection, positioned along a path that winds up a mesa to an adobe chapel. Continue north to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve ’s (1) visitor center to learn how these seemingly inexplicable dunes — North America’s tallest and one of the newest Dark Sky Parks for its excellent stargazing opportunities — came to nestle against the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Then, play on Colorado’s most unique “beach” — Medano Creek ; and check out Zapata Falls , a cool respite in the summer and a giant ice sculpture in the winter. Blanca Vista Park is a locals’ favorite for its picnic areas, wildlife spotting, singletrack mountain-bike trails and views of the Great Sand Dunes from the park’s Crestone Trail. Detour to Hwy. 17 and check out two unusual spots: the Colorado Gators Reptile Park in Mosca , where you can STAY & PLAY OPTIONS Alamosa (page 192), Antonito (page 192), Crestone (page 195), Fort Garland (page 198), La Jara , Manassa , Monte Vista , Moffat (page 202), Mosca (page 202), Saguache (page 203), Sargents (page 203) QUICK TIP 178 / Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in the spring or fall to enjoy the park with fewer crowds and see Medano Creek , a seasonal stream created by snowmelt from the Sangre de Cristo mountains above the dunes, at its peak. 1-800-COLORADO FROM LEFT: GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE, KENNAN HARVEY; FORT GARLAND MUSEUM.
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2020: Page 178
