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-'. Institute of Colorado photography student,: : Hare. shows off his image selected for the:::l er of this Guide at an exhibit of the San__ s Valley images collected by the class.

Instructor, Dave Neligh, is seen herewith several of the students during an

exhibit of the class photos.

Photos by Mallory Olen ius

••••

Dear Traveler,

In a mid-session start class in the summer of 2009, students from a

variety of terms enrolled in the Travel and Landscape class at the Art

Institute of Colorado in Denver. Frank Varney, the Chair of the Pho-

tography Department, and I selected the San Luis Valley of Colorado

as a venue because of the diversity of the landscape and its cultures, its

proximity to jenver, and of course, its inherent natural beauty.

The students had a brief two weeks to prepare. Debra Goodman, of

the San Luis Valley Tourism Association gave us a challenge: to create

images for the first Official San Luis Valley Visitor's Guide. In groups

of two or three, students distributed themselves over the 8,000 square

mile valley in an organization of their own design. They rose before

dawn and seldom returned until late after sunset. Students were dedi-

cated to the completion of this project.

As their instructor, I am pleased and proud of their results, and I trust

that you will enjoy their photo essay on the pages of this Guide.

Dave NelighPhotography Instructor

Art Institute of Colorado, Denver



>,ZAPATA RANCH

A NATURE CONSERVANCY PRESERVE

With six 14,000-ft peaks on our fence line, 110,000 acres of meadows, wetlands, sand dunes and cotton-wood groves, 2,500 bison, a 4-star lodge and a gourmet chef, the Zapata Ranch is a slice of heaven. Be ourguest and learn about dailyJife on the ranch or get one-on-one horsemanship instruction and help us workcattle. Not a rider? Enroll in our Nature Program and explore the bordering Great Sand Dunes NationalPark, Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range and learn about our cutting edge management techniques.

Come stay with us. You won't be disappointed.{ 3-7 day packages available year-round}

5305 State Hwy. 150 Mosca, CO 81146 I 888-5-ZAPATA I www.zranch.org



http://www.zranch.org

NATURAL WONDERSThe Great Sand Dunes National Park,the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the SanJuan Mountains, the mighty Rio Grande,canyons, wetlands, lakes and the vast valley floor.

CULTURAL HERITAGEExplore the heritage of the San LuisValley along Scenic and HistoricByways, visit museums, enjoy local art,local foods, sustainability.

RECREATIONHiking, birding, fishing, golf, hot springs,rafting, 4-wheeling, roadside attractions,rock climbing, skiing, snowmobiling,ice fishing.

EVENTS CALENDARRodeos, music festivals, vintage carhows, bird migrations, street fairs,food, history, art and more.

12 COMMUNITIESAttractions, Dining, Shopping,Lodging, Real Estate

12 Alamosa14 Antonito I Conejos River I Platoro16 Creede18 Crestone20 Del Norte22 Fort Garland I San Luis24 Moffat26 Monte Vista28 Saguache I La Garita I Villa Grove30 South Fork32 Just Outside the Valley

34 TRAVEL INFORMATIONBy Air, Auto or Train: Transportation,Driving distances, Numbers to know

36 MAP OF THE SAN LUIS Vky

2••• -2011 Official Guideco die San Luis Valley-..••.slvheritage.org

::3-466-2306

.!. =_olication of-.~ San Luis Valley-=_-sm Association::>Q 30x 35. Alamosa. CO5" 01aaa-466-2306

[email protected]: "iww.slvheritage.org

Publisher:Debra Goodman

Photography:Art Institute of ColoradoPhotography StudentsCliff Hare. Cover Image

Editorial:Debra GoodmanLia CarpioDave Neligh

Graphic Design:Paul Michel &Delaney Keating, RoShamBo

The Official Guide to the San Luis Val-ley is a publication of the San Luis ValleyTourism Association. Contents and design@20 IO. all rights reserved. Every effortwas made to ensure accuracy of the in-formation in this guide as of press time.However, the San Luis Valley Tourism As-sociation assumes no responsibility forerrors. changes or omissions.

3PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor


mailto:[email protected]

Thousands of bats emerge from the historic (Mine each evening to the excitement of mantors who make the 1.7 mile hike with incredibloramic views of the Valley.

The Orient Mine was an iron mine that beg;eration in the mid 1800's and was abandon1938. For the last thirty years or more it ha;the summer home for a colony (estimated be100,000 to 250,000) of Mexican free-tail bat~darida Brasiliensis. It is the northernmost amest bachelor colony known in North AmericaOn summer evenings, many visitors hike t

The Rio Grande National Forestis a playground of mountains,

valley, rivers, lakes and wetlands.

The Rio Grande National For-est is 1.86 million acres encom-passing the fioo.r of the San LuisValley, with the scenic Sangre deCristo Mountains on the easternside and the San Juan Mountainsto the west. The Continental Di-vide runs for 236 miles along mostof the western border of the For-est. The Forest also includes theheadwaters of the Rio Grande and the moonscape wonder of the \!\TheelerGeologic Area, established by Theodore Roosevelt in 1911. Outdoor enthu-siasts enjoy the cool summer weather, hiking, mountain biking, jeeping, fish-ing, camping, mountaineering, hunting and birding. In winter, snowmobiling,snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, mountaineering and winter birding arespectacular. Great trail heads and jeep roads can be accessed from Bonanza,Conejos Canyon, Creede, Crestone, Del Norte, Monte Vista, Platoro, SouthFork and the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Ordering the official map ishighly recommended, you can do so by internet or phone. Or you can stopby the National Forest Offices in the Valley located in Monte Vista, Saguacheand LaJara. www.fs.fed.us/r2/riogrande / 719.852-5941

4



http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/riogrande

719-256-5436/

n hour walk over fairly steep terrain) to witness the "out-flight" where thousands of bats darken the sky against a sce-. a. From the intersection of highways 285 and 17just south of Villa Grove, travel 7 miles eastward on County Road\ lew Hot Springs (clothing-optional hot springs and lodging) where the trail begins.

)



The Shrine of the Stations of the Cross is a pleasant walkalongside 13 bronze sculptures depicting Christ's last jour-ney. It concludes at this Capilla de Todos Santos (Chapelof all Saints). Located in San Luis, it is one of many sites toexplore along the Los Caminos Antiguos Byway.

Antonito has several wemurals depicting the heritscenic beauty of the area.

Trace a route to 22 heritage sites in the San Luis Valley along

Caminos Antiguos ("The Ancient Roads") and let the histor

northern outpost of sixteenth-century Spanish territorial e)

unfold before you. This Scenic Byway allows visitors to eXF

rich culture and traditions of some of Colorado's oldest comr

From Alamosa and the Great Sand Dunes, the byway travels

highway 160 into Fort Garland with the Fort Garland Museurr

century restored military fort made with adobe and housing n

cellent exhibits of the early days of settling the area. Then ~

to San Luis, founded in 1851 by Hispano settlers, and visit the

Shrine of the Stations of the Cross. Then travel westward on I

142 to Manassa where you can visit the home of the great bm

Dempsey and see many artifacts of his rewarding career.

A complete list of sites to visit is found on the byway's wet

www.loscaminos.com

Architecture, murals andveal the creative dimensioValley's spirit. Some artison the traditional artsdown through the geillsuch as weaving and (while others exp'ress theirity through more contenart forms. Look for Studilon the Events Calendar (10 to visit the artists in tement. View extensive mlAntonito and San Luis.through galleries in mosttowns in the Valley. For

attend the award-winning Creede Repertory Theater in Creepage 16 for more information.

www.slvheritage.org/localfoods6

The floor of the San Luis Valley qualifies as an alpine des-ert. It is unique though, in that the surrounding mountainsfeed snow melt into ancient aquifers below the surfacecrust. This largest closed basin in North America providesthe critical water to the agricultural economy of the Val-ley. Early settlers hand dug acequias to carry water fromstreams to fields. Today many of these ditches are still inuse, while more modern farms use center pivot sprinklerswith water pumped from deep wells in the undergroundreservoir. You will view this thriving abundance from anyroad in the valley. You'll see lettuce, beer barley and hay,but mostly you'll see potatoes with the sandy, loamy soil be-ing perfect to grow this most popular of American foods.Local Foods are abundant and accessible. You can get lo-cally grown meat and produce direct from the farmer. Anexcellent Local Foods Directory is available on the follow-ing website.



http://www.loscaminos.com

http://www.slvheritage.org/localfoods

se e • e s er- g str-ic 0 the SanJuan Mountains. Today, narrow gauge steamengines pull visitors up over Cumbres Passand past the Toltec Gorge, crossing theColorado/New Mexico border I I times.

:: Scenic Railroad's dome cars pro--:e over LaVeta Pass with views of- ~ s and plenty of wildlife.

er mine can be seen along the_::: Historic driving tour

: -eede.

mountains ringing the San Luis Val-ay trace the steps of early prospec-. fortune seekers who were lured to

The San Luis Valley was once a pri-mary central railroad hub for the west.Trains traveled in and out in all fourdirections, hauling supplies and peo-ple in and valley resources out. Today,this history is kept alive by two oper-ating scenic passenger railroads. TheCumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad isconsidered the most historically au-thentic of the Colorado steam rail-roads and crosses the Colorado/NewMexico border several times along itsroute. Passengers can travel the entireroute from Antonito into Chama, NewMexico where bus service providesthe return trip, or you can stop for ahearty home-cooked lunch in Osierand return to Antonito via train. Thistrain departs from Antonito daily fromMemorial Day through mid-October,with special holiday trains in the win-ter. The Rio Grande Scenic Railroadruns trains in three directions fromtheir main hub in Alamosa. Traveling

the region by the promise of gold,silver, turquoise and other minerals.The Bachelor Loop Historic tour isa 17 mile driving tour originating inCreede. An interpretive guide is avail-able at the Visitor Center on high~ay149 that explains points of inter-est shown by markers along the tourwhich includes several mines, townsites and even the old cemetery. TheUnderground Mining Museum inCreede takes you underground whereyou will see displays of the historicsilver mining techniques and miningequipment.Bonanza was once a thriving miningcamp and is now the smallest incorpo-rated town in Colorado, with a pop-ulation of just 16. Visitors can pokearound the artifacts and cemeteryof 80 named mines and can adven-ture up the old roads in 4-wheel drivevehicles. Access Bonanza by turning

east, the route climbs over LaVeta Passwith historic steam engines and luxu-ry dome cars to the small mountaintown of LaVeta. The summer seasonis filled with concerts at the top of thepass accessed only by train. Travelingsouthbound, the train follows the his-toric rails to Antonito, where a con-nection with the Cumbres & Toltec isserved. Heading west, the train travelsthrough scenic agricultural land toMonte Vista where there is time forshopping and dining. Trains departfrom Alamosa and operate daily inthe summer and on weekends duringwinter months.See the back cover of this Guide formore information about this historicway to explore the San Luis Valleyarea.www.cumbrestoltec.com888-CUMBRESwww.riograndescenicrailroad.com 877-726-RAIL

west ofTof highway 285 on the north-ern edge of Villa Grove onto CountyRoad LL56, follow this dirt road for14 miles into the town site.From the South end of the Valley, travelthe Sanjuan Driving Tour over Stun-ner Pass on US Forest Service roadsthrough the Conejos Mountains. Thehistoric gold mining camps along thisroute speak of an era when thousandsof prospectors sought their fortune.Access this remote and historic routefrom Del Norte, take 14 Rd. southwhere it becomes FR 330 and climbspast Summitville. Turn to the left onRF 380 and follow it around Pros-pect Mt. and Lookout Mt. Turn ontoFR 250 to the right to Stunner Passand Platoro, where you can stop forfood. Continue down along the Cone-jos River into Antonito. This routeis about 72 miles and takes 3 hours.

7



http://www.cumbrestoltec.com

Alamosa Ice Fest Ice CarvingDemonstrations - AlamosaJanuary 16(719) 589-2105

Monte Vista Crane FestivalMonte VistaMarch 12-14(719) 852-3552 www.cranefest.com

Alamosa ArtwalkDowntown AlamosaMarch 27(719) 589-3681 www.alamosaartwalk.com

Conejos Superfly Fishing TournamentConejos CanyonApri19-11 (Guide Edition, ApriI17-18)(719) 376-5660 www.conejosriveranglers.com

Saguache Museum Opening,and Park Festival - SaguacheMay 29(719) 655-2557 www.saguachetourism.com

Annual Taste of CreedeFood Festival - CreedeMay 29-30(719) 658-2374 w\vw.creede.com

Memorial Day Military ReenactmentsFt. Garland MuseumMay 29-30(719) 379-3512 www.coloradohistory.org

Colorado State Veterans CenterMemorial Day ObservanceHomelake Veterans CenterMay 31(719) 852-5118 www.cdhs.state.co.us/svnh/Homelake.htm

South Fork Little Britches RodeoSouth Fork -June 4-6(800) 57 1-0881

Summerfest on the RioCole Park, AlamosaJune 4-6(877) 589-2078 wW\v.summerfestontherio.org

Annual Run, Rock & Roll RaceDel Norte - June 5(719) 657-2845

Junior Ranger DayGreat Sand Dunes National Park -June 12(719) 378-6399 www.nps.gov/grsa

10

Rally in the Valley Motorcycle RallyMonte Vista -June 18-19(719) 852-9300 www.valleyrally.org

Community Fish FryCreede -June 19(719) 658-2374 www.creede.com

Alamosa Rollin' Deep Car & Bike ShowAlamosa -June 20(719) 274-5235

Alamosa Round-up RodeoAlamosa Fairgrounds -June 24-27(719) 589-9444 www.honeycuttrodeo.com

San Luis Valley Quilt AdventureDowntown AlamosaJune 25 - first week of July(719) 589-6982

Colorado Gators EggfestColorado Gators, Mosca -July 3-4(719) 378-2612 www.coloradogators.com

Colorado State Mining ChampionshipsCreede -July 3-4(719) 658-2374

Independence Day CelebrationsJuly 4Alamosa (719) 589-3681Creede (719) 658-2374Crestone (719) 256-4313Monte Vista (719) 852-2731South Fork (800) 571-0881

SLV Farm & Ranch Heritage DaysMonte Vista -July 9-10(719) 852-2731

Rally on the Rio GrandeDel Norte -July 9-11(719) 657-2845

San Luis Valley Folk Art & Fiber Festivall\Ionte Vista -July 9-11(719) 852-0114 wW\v.slvfest.com

Alamosa Fly-In and Air ShowAlamosa -July 10(719) 852-9860

Creede Woodcarvers' RendezvousCreede -July 10-16(719) 658-2374

Creede Mountain Man RendezvousCreede -July 10-18(719) 658-2374

Logger Days FestivalSouth Fork -July 16-18(719) 873-5512

Cat's Classic Motorcross Rac,Alamosa -July 17-18 - http://cats,

Manassa Pioneer DaysManassa -July 23-24 - (719) 843-5

LaGarita DayLa Garita -July 24 - (719) 754-375

Ski Hi Stampede RodeoMonte Vista -July 29-August 1(719) 852-0660 W\VW.skihistamped

LaJara Glory DaysLa Jara - August - (719) 274-5109

Creede Rock, Mineral & FossilCreede - August 6-8 - (719) 658-2~

Crestone Music FestCrestone- August 6-8(719) 256-4533 www.crestfest.org

Del Norte Covered Wagon DayDel NorteAugust 6-8 - (719) 657-2845

Snowshoe Shuffle 5K RunlWallCreede - August 7 - (719) 852-0829

Colorado Gators Annual GatorMosca - August 7-8(719) 378-2612 www.coloradogatOl

Kahler Memorial Golf TournaiCattails Golf Course, AlamosaAugust 14(719) 589-9515 wW\v.alamosacattaii

Keep the Rio Grande GrandPremier Art Show and SaleSouth Fork - August 14(719) 657-0800 wW\v.riograndeland

Mushroom ForaySouth Fork (719) 873-5512August 14-15Creede (719) 658-2374August 20-21

Rhythms on the Rio Music FestSouth Fork - August 21-22(719) 873-5512 www.southforkmusi

Creede Historical SocietyAnnual Bar BashCreede - August 28 - (719) 658-2374



http://www.cranefest.com

http://www.alamosaartwalk.com

http://www.conejosriveranglers.com

http://www.saguachetourism.com

http://www.coloradohistory.org

http://www.cdhs.state.co.us/svnh/

http://www.nps.gov/grsa

http://www.valleyrally.org

http://www.creede.com

http://www.honeycuttrodeo.com

http://www.coloradogators.com

http://www.crestfest.org

http://www.coloradogatOl

http://www.southforkmusi

ALL SUMMER LONG

Monte Vista Sunshine Market8am - 5pmJune through AugustFullenwider Park, downtown Monte Vista719-852-2731

Monte Vista Holiday Festival&Art TourMonte Vista - December 5-6(719) 852-2731

Christmas Tree Walkand Community DinnerCreede - December 10(719) 658-2374

LaJara Farmers' Market3-7pmJuly through early SeptemberSouth on 285 at Our Ladyof the Valley Church719-274-0104

Every Friday

oniro Spring Steam FestivalCraft Fair"0 - September 4-5

.;),6-2277

ountain Run 2,12 & 22Mileptember 4

7 __ ,4 ww\v.creedemountainrun.com

e alsa Fiestaptember 4-5

- _374 www.creede.com

"alleyEnergy Fairptember 3-6

_ 7 -j91 www.slvenergyfair.com

Early Iron Festival Vintage Car ShowIe Park, Alamosa - Septcmber 4-5

888) 589-9170 www.earlyironclub.com

ilver Thread Art Studio TourCreede - September II-.9 658-0312

11/

an Luis Valley Potato Festivale \"ista - September II852-2692

in' the Canyon Fall Car Show- eptember 17-19

::>8-2374

South Fork Farmers' Market8am - Noon early July through late AugustSouth Fork Visitors Center303-204-4164

Every Saturday

San Luis Valley Farmers' Market7am ~ 2pm mid-July through mid-OctoberDowntown Alamosawww.alamosafarmersmarket.com

Crestone Saturday Market9am - 3pm late June throughmid-SeptemberOn Silver Street at the park719-256-4313

Every Sunday

Sundays at Six Concerts in the Park6pm,June 14 -July 26Cole Park, Alamosa(In case of inclement weather,shows move to Leon Hallat Adams State College)

SCHEDULED SPECIALTY TRAINS

Rio Grande Scenic Railroad877-726-RAIL (7245)www.coloradotrain.com

Cumbres &_ToltecScenic Railroad888-CUMBRES (286-2737)www.cumbrestoltec.com

House- Lights

ber3

oliday Art Festivalber 27-28

unas Home Tourr 4-j

rivalber 26-27

- - - - .2

alsa Cook-Off- October 15

-c:.~.;:rz.;;::onofLightse Concert~mber 20



http://www.creede.com

http://www.slvenergyfair.com

http://www.earlyironclub.com

http://www.alamosafarmersmarket.com

http://www.coloradotrain.com


Cattails Golf Course6615 River Drive, 719-589-9515 wwwalamosacattails.comThis 18-hole, par 71 course winds through tall, shady trees with spec-tacular views of the mountains. Enjoy the new clubhouse and greatdining at the Blue Foxx Restaurant.

Call Bryce Bervig at866-959-SKYS (7597)to reserve package.

Includes: one night lodging,breakfast, lunch all day,

green fees, andunlimited range balls.

$80.00 per player forgroups of 10 or m.ore.

Does not include tax. Double occupancyrequired. Must mention this ad.

$85 per player

Cattails Golf Course866-959-SKYS(7597)www.alarnosacattails.com

Rio GrandeScenic Railroad610 State Avenue877-726-7245www.riograndescenicrail_road. comScenic rail excursions overthe Sangre de Cristos toLaVeta, as well as southto Antonito (with a con-nection to the Cumbres &Toltec RR) and also westto Monte Vista. Trains de-part from the downtowndepot daily in summer andon weekends in winter. Seepage 7 and the back cov-er for more information.

12

Alamosa National Wildlife RefugeOff highway 160 east of Alamosa, 719-589-4021www.fws.gov/alamosaPerfect for a leisurely walk or drive along interpreted trails, view birdsand other wildlife year round. Follow highway 160 east out of Ala-mosa, turn right at mile marker 237.

~

Cole Park .•Intersection of Highway 160 and 4th StreetThis large and beautiful park has a walking loop, baseball field,covered picnic areas, large grassy area, hiking trails and a kids-play-ground. Train buffs can check out the historic Engine 169 under

the pavilion at the park.

San Luis Valley Museum401 Hunt Avenue, 719-587-0667http:// museumtrail.org/SanLuis ValleyHistoryMuseum.asp

The history of the San Luis Valley, Indians, Hispanics, Ger-mans, Japanese, Cowboys, settlers and merchants are ondisplay along with interesting collections of local residents.PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor


http://www.alarnosacattails.com

http://www.fws.gov/alamosa

www.conejosriver.platoroThe Platoro Resenthe highestlake in the UnitedFish for lake troutkanee salmon atelevation, boat rentavailable. You can geplies at the vacationes and campgrounthe small town, incJmaps and licenses. ,access is by snowonly.

Jack Dempsey Museum412 Main Street, Manassa, 719-843-5207http:// www.museUmtrail.org/JackDempseYMuseum.asp

Jack Dempsey (1895-1983), aka "The Manassa Mauler," was the wheavyweight boxing champion from 1919 to 1926. Born in MaColorado, the museum is housed in the cabin in which Dempsey wasOpen Memorial Day through September.

Platoco R,",~o;, and th, Con'jo, Riv" Caoyon are the lif,blood of 0o, of the I"'t atic fCOnt;e" of Colo;ado. Ov" I00 yea" ago, vivho" were d'awn to th, area p'ontpticonstruction of world-class fishing lodges and guest cabins. Today these same historic bu'hoo", gu,,~ who 'pend thele vacation< ho"ebaek riding, fi'hing, hiling, eantping, hont;experiencing the quiet, cool relaxation of this remote area. Antonito is the largest town ahome to the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.

Map Location: page 36, H5Visitor Information:WWw.conejosvacation.com' -800.835.1098

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic RailroadDowntown Antonito, 719-589-4021www.cumbrestoltec.com

Colorado's most historically authentic scenic rail-road with trains departing daily from MemorialDay Weekend through mid-October. Historic steamengines pull a variety of passenger car types overCumbres Pass and along the deep chasm of theToltec Gorge, crossing the Colorado/New Mexicoborder 11 times! You can even take the Rio GrandeScenic Railroad from Alamosa for a connection ofstandard gauge and narrow gauge passenger rail.

Conejos River CanyonAlong highway 17 west of Antonito and up FR 250to Platoro WW'N.conejosvacation.com

The Conejos River runs from PlatoroReservoir down through the ConejosCanyon. It is the top Gold Medal fishingstream in the Valley. Picnic areas, camp-grounds and hiking trails are numerousalong the river. Historic fishing lodges,cabins and guest ranches provide vaca-tioners with the perfect place to enjoy a

leisurely week of outdoor recre-14 ation with heartfelt hospitality.



http://www.conejosriver.

http://www.museUmtrail.org/JackDempseYMuseum.asp

http://WWw.conejosvacation.com


Pf;uoro Vl1lii-1f 1.Olfql''. Gll;;Ii"

Scenic high-country getaway!Platoro, Colorado

Cabia Reatals & StoreOpen late May . October

Close to Platoro Reservoir& Coaejos River

- Built in 1907

- Gourmet breakfast, 5-course dinnersupon request

- Relaxing porch and beautiful gardens

- Walk to downtown and Cumbres & Toltec

- We speak English, Spanish, German,French and Italian.

- Open April thru November.

Ursula Armijo-Knobel, Inn Keeper

120 CONEJOS AVE, PLATORO, CO 81120

719.376.5543 / www.goldpanrv.com

"Our kids love the independence this place affords, and we love the peace of mind."- B.Weirick,3-time repeat guest.

"This was the best vacation EVER!! ... A true family friendly vacation with beautifulscenery, fun activities, the most hospitable staff ... I simply cannot wait to go back!"

- L. Rex, first time guest in 2009

•••. rasnLo.~rou~ra.ncL..co...800.633.3397

"The Rainbow Trout Ranch is a special slice of heaven here on earth that has touchedevery member of our family so deeply and so profoundly." _T. Kenworthy,7-timerepeat guest.

See why so many folks keep corning back. ..Spend a week and take home a lifetime of memories!

Rainbow Trout Ranch we turn back the clock-but not too far...Lots of outdoor activities like riding in spectacular coun-- and fishing the glorious Conejos River. Awesome programs for teens and children. Three delicious meals a day in aamily atmosphere in one of the West's grand Lodges; your own family cabin; time to relax, revitalize and reconnect...

GOLD PANk.,Cabins & General Store

~/"e~S~N~

Bed & Breakfast

www.antonitobedandbreakfast.net

1-

o

~sd



http://www.goldpanrv.com

http://www.antonitobedandbreakfast.net

Creede Repertory Theatre124 N. Main Street, Creede, 1-866-658-2540www.creederep.orgEnjoy live theatre in one of the 10 Best Off BroadwayTheatres in the U.S. You'll enjoy evening and matinee per-formances from a broad repertoire of musicals, comedies,and contemporary and classic dramas. Reservations arerecommended as many shows sell out.

Historic Mining District ~Accessed from Creede's downtownFor a century, mining camps in the Creede area pumpedmillions of dollars into the Colorado economy. Followthe Bachelor Historic Tour for 17 miles to view dozensof old mines and artifacts of those bustling times. Visitthe Underground Mining Museum to see displays of theequipment and techniques of the early mining from thisunique attraction that really is underground! Also makesure to tour the Creede Historical Museum in the old de-pot downtown for displays of Creede's colorful history.

Sanjuan MountainsSurrounding Creede, 719-852-5941www.fs.fed.us/r2 / riograndeLocated in the heart of these rugged mountains, Creedehas the best access to Wheeler Geologic Area and theWeminuche Wilderness. Hike, camp, hunt, jeep, ATY: Ski,Snowmobile.

Rio Grande Reservoir and RiverOff highway 149 outside of Creede, 719-852-5941www.fs.fed.us/r2 / riograndeFish gold medal waters or raft whitewater rapids. Theheadwaters of the world-famous Rio Grande are here of-fering fantastic recreation and scenic views. Local busi-nesses carry maps and sporting goods and have greatstaff for helping you make the most of your recreation.

16\\'\\'w.(rccJc~~.J.nllll



http://www.creederep.org

http://www.fs.fed.us/r2

http://www.fs.fed.us/r2

Map Location: page 36, D6Visitor Information: 719-655-0263Saguache County Tourismwww.saguachetourism.com

Crestone is most recently known for its eclectic collec-tion of spiritual centers and retreats including a Car-melite lVlonestary, a Buddhism Zen Center, a HinduTemple and dozens more. Visitors are also drawn tosee the vast array of sustainably built and poweredhomes in the area. However, it's the access to moun-tain peaks that is the greatest draw to Crestone withmany trailheads accessed from town, which also hasgreat galleries, organic food stores and restaurants.

Organic Produce Delivered FreshMonday's & Thursdays

We offer take out dinners in our CafeDaily Specials ready to go, Take out or dine in.

\Vc arc a Natural and Organic Heallh food sl

with great lines in supplements and homcopathic

Located at 100 Cottonwood CrestoneOpen Monday-Saturday 8:00 am to 7:00 I

Cafe hours Monday -Saturday 8:00 am to 6:(24 hour Gas Available (719) 256-4680



http://www.saguachetourism.com

Lookout Mountain TrailsSpruce Street, 719-657-2708 www.delnortetrails.(Nearly five miles of trails incorporate a ballooning ILookout Mountain for walkers, runners, bicyclists aans. Trails are flanked by sage, cedar, rabbit brush,cactus, yucca, grama grass, Indian paintbrush, andwild flowers. The main trailhead is at the end of Sp

Rio Grande County Museum580 Oak Street, 800-233-4403 www.rgcm.orgLocated in an area with a rich and varied past, tlhouses a large collection of artifacts, photographs,documents that illustrate the chronicle of a life as"way back when".

The Old Spanish Trail Historic MarkerOfT highway 160 east of Del Norte, 719-589-4Cwww.oldspanishtrail.orgTravel along the Old Spanish trail was done with Ito 200 mules carrying loads of up to 400 pound~woolen goods from Sante Fe destined for Los Ar1829 to 1848. There is an excellent trail marker:way 160 about 5 miles east of Del Norte wherevisualize the bravery and hard work of the men arthis historic chapter.

The Windsor Hotel .•Since the original Windsor Hotel was completed in 1874(before the railroads!), the building has been the vibranthub of economic and social life in Del Norte. This is oneof the oldest Hotels in Colorado and is undergoing restora-tion managed by a group of volunteer citizens. It houses awonderful gallery and gift store now and promises a futureof dining and lodging as well. You'll find the hotel right inthe heart of downtown Del Norte.

Rio Grande National Forest AccessFrench Street, 719-852-5941 www.fs.fed.us/r2/riograndeSan Francisco Creek National Forest Service access providesexcellent opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, moun-tain biking and ATVing. Turn south from highway 160on French Street near the eastern edge of downtown DelNorte. Follow that road to trailheads in the National Forest.

Map Location: page 36, E4Visitor Information:Del Norte Chamber of Commerce505 Grande Avenue (hwy 160), 719-657-2845www.delnortechamber.org

119.twww.ColoradoCov



http://www.delnortetrails.

http://www.rgcm.org

http://www.oldspanishtrail.org

http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/riogrande

http://www.delnortechamber.org

22

Shrine of the Stations of theHighway 159, San Luis www.costilla-county.com/Stationsofth

Follow a comfortable three-quarter mile trail with a series of bronze sculptures depicting the 13 stationscross along the way. This moving experience ends at the top of the mesa at the Chapel of All Saints picturand also on page 6 with views of the town and area. The walk begins right downtown at the information



http://www.costilla-county.com/Stationsofth

an Luis People's Ditch and LaVega ~Highway 159, San Luis'hen you drive south through San Luis on highway 159, past the art galleries, restaurants andJ&R Market - Colorado'sdest business - you will see an irrigation ditch and stone monument on the edge of town to your left. This ditch, calledn acequia by the Spanish, was dug in 1852 and is Colorado's oldest irrigation system in use. The names on the monu-

ment are its originators and today theirdescendents manage it and the com-mons around it for communal grazing.



The beginning of the town of Moffat is similar to that of many boom townswhen in 1890, the Denver and Rio Grande narrow gauge railroad conneciand Salida along what is now highway 17/285. Twice a day, a cattle-andtrain would steam through Moffat, stopping to pick up additional loads of aalong the way, making this town the second largest cattle shipping hub in t]with a population of several thousand. By 1920, alternate routes were dethe town dwindled to only about 120 people. Today many residents are dethese early settlers, still enjoying a simple, rural living. The big event of the Sl

Moffatstock Festival, with music, flea market booths, local farm produce, a

Natural Hot Springs Waterswww.sanddunespool.com 719-378-2807www.joyfuljourneyhotsprings.com 719-256-4328Sand Dunes Recreation Hot Springs Pool was hand-dug over 10Today it is freshly restored and contains 150,000 gallons of hot s]with spectacular views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Theconsidered one of the best in the state and offers freshly grown t(cucumbers from the on-site greenhouses. This unique attractiomany family memories over the years and is a must-visit for re!valley. From Moffat, travel south on highway 17 to just one illHooper, turn east and follow that road for 2 miles to the pool aniJoyful Journey Hot Springs Spa has three outdoor soaking poohmassages and aromatherapy. Once a sacred site of the Ute Indi;;ing waters have attracted visitors for thousands of years. OrigMineral Hot Springs, this was a thriving town and busy railroacMoffat, travel north on highway 17 to just before the intersectioway 285. The spa is on the east side of the road.



http://www.sanddunespool.com

http://www.joyfuljourneyhotsprings.com

Phone: 719.256.4116www.willow-spring.com

719-256-5870

25 Qyde Street, two blocksEast of highway 17

P.O. Box 118,Moffat, Co 81143

- Child and PetFriendly

- Crestone I MoffatColorado

WILLOW .SPRINGCCC'Bed & Breakjast-)))

- Restful, Elegant

- Hot Springs,Spectacular Views

- Gourmet Breakfast

Sangre de Cristo Mountainshttp://www.sangres.com/mountains/sangres.htmMoffat provides an excellent starting point for accessingthe Sangre de Cristo Mountains with trailheads to sum-mit four peaks over 14,000 within a half an hour's drive.Breathtaking views of the valley can be seen from any trail,most following snow-melt drainage up the craggy peaks.Hikers, hunters, birders and fishermen all find paradise inthis most scenic of Colorado's mountain ranges.

Moffat Community ChurchOff highway 17 in Moffaton Lincoln Ave, 719-256-4773This historic church was built by the town's citizens usinga machine ordered from the Sear's catalogue that formedconcrete blocks to look like stone, which were then mor-tared together. The Church is on the National Registerand is currently being restored in order to become a com-munity center and town hall. 25



http://www.willow-spring.com

http://www.sangres.com/mountains/sangres.htm

Monte Vista Golf Club101 Country Club Drive, Monte Vista,719-852-4906 http://monte-vistagolfclub.com/Enjoy golfing on this 9 hole course with narrow tree-lined fairways and small Bentgrass greens. Take yourlodging receipt from any place in the San Luis Valleyand pay only $25 for 18 holes and a cart.

Rio Grande Scenic RailroadFullenwider Park, 877-726-7245www.riograndescenicrailroad.comThis route of the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad travelsthrough rich agricultural country between Alamosaand Monte Vista. It's affordable and not too longfor families with children or limited time. The trainarrives and departs at Fullenwider park next to theChamber of Commerce's Visitor Center downtown.

The History Center Museum at HomelakeSherman Avenue, Monte Vista, 888-838-2687Located at the Colorado State Veterans Center atHomelake, this quality museum houses memorabiliaand records of the old Soldiers' and Sailers' Home.Open Tuesdays and by appointment.

Monte Vista National Wildlife RefugeHighway 15, Monte Vista, 719-589-4021www.fws.gov/alamosaThis 14,804-acre refuge is home to a large variety ofbirds visible from the Avocet Trail, a self-guided loopdrive through the refuge. Each March, the MonteVista Crane Festival celebrates the migration of over20,000 Sandhill Cranes. Visit www.cranefest.com formore information about this annual event.

26PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor


http://monte-vistagolfclub.com/

http://www.riograndescenicrailroad.com

http://www.fws.gov/alamosa

http://www.cranefest.com

Bonanza & Villa GroveLocated ofT Hwy 285, north ofVilla Grove, Bonanza was a min-ing mecca with over 80 histori-cally named mines. Still excitingtoday for the history, discoveriesand excellent 4-wheel drive trails.Villa Grove was the supply centerfor the mines and boasts an excel-lent cafe/convenience store andart pottery gallery. ~

Penitente Canyon Recreation AreaNear La Garitawww.sangres.com/colbrado/riogrande/penitentecanyon.htmTo access this rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking and campinggo through La Garita, where you can get supplies and a burger at theStore. This little "town" also is home to the San Juan Bautista Chuback to 1879 when Hispano Settlers built it at the original La GaritaAt the fork in the road just past the La Garita Store, take the dirt rand follow the signs to the Canyon.

Saguache County MuseumHighway 285, Saguache,

719-655-2805www.museumtrail.org/

SaguacheCountyMuseum.aspThe Saguache County Museumhouses the memorabilia of thefirst settlers, as well as from the

Ute Indians beforethem. The 1908 jailis intact and hard toimagine staying in!This fun and interest-ing museum has beenin operation for morethan 50 years, shar-ing the stories of thisvast area's past. .•••

rA,Wtche I LA CAr/fA I V/tLA CroveSaguache (pronounced SA-WATCH) is a Ute Indian word meaning'the Blue Earth". This little town is the County seat and hub of activit.Street downtown area was listed as one of Colorado's historic placesand is like walking back in time. You will find one of the last hot leadnewspapers in operation, a restored '50's movie theater, antique sgalleries. It is a launching point for the backcountry of the nortther

Map Location: page 36, C&D 4&5Visitor Information:National Forest Service,Saguache Field Office, 719-655-2547Highway 114, Saguache~.saguachetourism.com~19-655-0263

Orient Mine and ValleyView Hot SpringsCounty Road GG ofT HW 17, 719-256-4315At the base of the Sangre de CristoMountains, Valley View Hot Springs wasoriginally a spa for the miners working thearea, with many of the historic buildingsstill there. This is a rustic clothing-optionalresort with hot springs ponds, swimmingpool, hot tub and sauna with overnightcabins and camping. This is also the ac-cess point for viewing the bat colony of theOrient Mine described on page 4. TakeCounty Road GG east from highway 17(right at the intersection with highway285) to the base of the mountains.



http://www.sangres.com/colbrado/riogrande/penitentecanyon.htm

http://www.museumtrail.org/

Rio Grande HeadwatersThe headwaters of the historic Rio Grande begin its jour-ney to the Gulf of Mexico high in the Sanjuan Mountains.\ Vinding its way down through picturesque canyons and roll-ing hills, it flows through the community of South Fork asit makes its way into the San Luis Valley. The river itself isoften the focal point of this area and offers class I and IIrapids for rafting and some of the best fishing in the world.

Wolf Creek Ski Area and Winter ~Backcountry RecreationHighway 160, South Fork970-264-5639 www.wolfcreekski.comWinter brings a variety of opportunities including the "MostSnow in Colorado" at Wolf Creek Ski Area for downhill ski-ers and snowboarders. With more than 250 miles of groomedcross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing trails inthe surrounding back county, everyone is sure to have a goodtime.

Silver Thread Scenic and Historic BywayHighway 149 from South Fork to Gunnison1-800-571-0881 www.southfork.orgThe byway originates in South Fork at the Silver Thread\ isitors Center and follows portions of the historic Barlowand Sanderson stage road and signs of miners, explorersand early settlers still dot the rising mountains. In additionto a wide variety of geological wonders along the byway in-cluding fossil beds and volcanic formations, wildlife and fallcolors will captivate even the most discriminating traveler.

Big Game Hunting Units ~Hunter \\~ll delight in the cross roads of three hunting units,two of which are draw only and boast a multitude of trophyelk and deer along with mountain sheep, bear, antelope andmountain lion.



http://www.wolfcreekski.com

http://www.southfork.org

Gunnison-Crested Buttewww.GunninCretedButte.comCentrally located and convenient to The Great Sand Dunes Na-tional Par' and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Parkthis de tination has several distinctions ... Colorado's oldest andlonge t running PCRA cowboy rodeo, Cattlemen's Days, Colo-rado' large t lake, Blue Mesa, the icon of Curecanti NationalRecreation Area, state records for Brown, Rainbow and LakeTrout, and Kokanee Salmon; Colorado's "official wildflowercapital," a Registered National Historic District and the larg-est "public access" research quality telescope in the state, Gun-nison Valley Observatory. From Saguache, travel highway 114west, to highway 50 west. Saguache to Gunnison is 65 miles.From Creede, travel the Silverthread Scenic Byway (highway149) through scenic Lake City and on to highway 50. Creede toGunnison is 110 miles.

COLORADO - PURE & SIMPLE~GunnisonCrestedButte.com . 877.369.7621

'UNITEDI ,Hl()j 'N~~/~(IJ !llld '1j~l!)fjWI H!J~!tJ' bl!J!J/I/!lill 'f!JWIl:l

Pagosa Springswww.pagosa-spnngs.comWhatever it is you seek, you will find it in Pagosa Spdemanding hike or bike ride with a rejuvenating soa1ing mineral waters; a quiet morning of fishing with aing afternoon of kayaking; or an informative tour (Rock Archeological Site with an indulgent walk thshops. Whichever way you choose to tailor your vi~find the best of all worlds in Pagosa Springs. Fromtravel highway 160 over Wolf Creek Pass. South FOIis 42 miles.

Spanish Peaks Countrywww.spanishpeakscountry.comExplore this land rich in history, natural wondersinspiration. Experience the small town charm of \La Veta, Gardner and Cuchara. Discover the secSpanish Peaks and drive the Scenic Highway of Lway which runs the gamut of Colorado habitats.boat at Lathrop State Park and mark your calen(world class Celtic Festival the last weekend ofFrom Fort Garland, travel east on highway 160 1

er side of LaVeta Pass. Ft. Garland to LaVeta i~

The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad leaves the La Veta StJevery Fri, Sat & Sun, May 28-0ct. 31. Visit our web sitesout more about the Summer Concerts on top of La Veta

and the round trip train excursion from La Veta to :Fort Garland Museum for a docent tour.



http://www.GunninCretedButte.com

http://www.pagosa-spnngs.com

http://www.spanishpeakscountry.com

Phoenix, Arizona 722Topeka, Kansas 629Lincoln, Nebraska 724Las Vegas, Nevada 800Taos, New Mexico 90Oklahoma City, OK 582Amarillo, Texas 352Salt Lake City, Utah 540Cheyenne, Wyoming 343

In State

Canon City 130

Colorado Springs 160

Cortez 190

Denver 200

Durango 150

Fort Collins/Greeley 275

Grand Junction 250

Gunnison 120

Lamar 200

LaVeta 60

Montrose 185

Pagosa Springs 90

Pueblo 120

Salida 80

Trinidad 110

34

Road ConditionsColorado Dept. of Transportationwww.cotrip.org/roadConditions.htm

BYAIR

Commercial Flights

Great Lakes AirlinesMultiple flights daily intoand out of Alamosa1-800-554-5 111

Denver International Airport (DIA)200 mileswww.flydenveLcom

Airstrips for small, private planes

San Luis Valley RegionalAirport/Bergman Field (ALS)Alamosa, CoRunway 2/20: 8519 x 100 ft.Asphalt/ groovedRunway 6/24: 3200 x 100 ft. Dirt719-589-9446

Blanca Airport (05V)Blanca, CoRunway 3/21: 6160 x 52 ft. Dirt719-379-3461

Mineral County MemorialAirport (C24)Creede, CoRunway 7/25: 6880 x 60 ft. Asphalt719-658-2360

BYTRAIN

Rio Grande Scenic RailroadFrom LaVeta, Colorado877-726-RAIL (7245)www.coloradotrain.com

Colorado Springs Airport (CO160 mileswww.springsgov.com/Airportlndex.

Albuquerque Airport (ABQ)200 mileshttp://www.cabq.gov/airport

Del Norte Municipal & CountyAirport (8VI) Del Norte, CoRunway 8/26: 3775 x 49 ft. AsphalRunway 2/20: 6015 x 60 ft. Turf/I:719-657-0864

Monte Vista MunicipalAirport (MVI)Monte Vista, CoRunway 2/20: 5900 x 60 ft. AsphalRunway 16/34: 2449 x 30 ft. Dirt719-852-3241

Saguache Municipal Airport (USaguache, CoRunway 10/28: 7745 x 55 ft. Grave719-655-2321

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic RaihFrom Chama, New Mexico888-CUMBRES (286-2737)www.cumbrestoltec.com



http://www.cotrip.org/roadConditions.htm

http://www.coloradotrain.com

http://www.springsgov.com/Airportlndex.

http://www.cabq.gov/airport


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