Alamosa

Antonito / La Jara

Creede

Crestone

Del Norte

Ft. Garland / San Luis

Monte Vista

Saguache / Center

South Fork

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Upper Rio Grande Guide

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Surrounded by thousands of acres of National Forest, the Valley is truly a mountain escape. Filled with trails, natural wonders, spectacular waterfalls and the best views in West. Come see a different side of the Colorado wilderness.

The Great Sand Dunes

Photo Courtesy of Alamosa Visitor's Center

Come explore the tallest dunes in North America. No matter if you are hiking up the dunes, sliding down, or exploring in a dunes wheelchair, the Great Sand Dunes will be an experience you will never forget. During the late Spring and early Summer you can even splash around in Medano Creek! LEARN MORE >

Rio Grande national forest

An incredible 1.86 million acre Rio Grande National Forest remains one of the true undiscovered jewels of Colorado. With abundant wildlife, recreation opportunities as well as campgrounds, the Forest is an outdoor oasis. LEARN MORE >

bIRD wATCHING

Regardless of whether you are an avid bird enthusiast or a casual observer, The San Luis Valley had an abundance of birds for the spotting! Click here for birds to watch for. LEARN MORE >

ATV and 4-Wheeling

The Valley offers hundreds of opportunities for those wanting a unique and calm ride through the wilderness as well as those who don’t mind getting banged around by the rocky roads. LEARN MORE >

Hiking Trails

The Upper Rio Grande is home to many trails for hiking. No matter if you are a beginner, a recreational explorer or a well-seasoned enthusiast, the valley is sure to keep your interest. LEARN MORE >

Family Friendly Hikes

The San Luis Valley is a great destination for any family gathering! If you want a fun outdoor activity, check out our favorite family friendly hikes. These destinations offer trails and terrian suitable for every member of your family. LEARN MORE >

Mountain Biking

Enjoy beautiful scenery and wildlife as you ride on any of the numerous trails within the San Luis Valley. Keep in mind that the elevation is at over 8,000 ft. on the valley floor. LEARN MORE >

Amazing Waterfalls

The San Luis Valley has many wonderful opportunities to view some of the most majestic waterfalls in the state. Come take a tour of some of the favorite local Waterfall locations. LEARN MORE >

Penitente Canyon

Photo Courtesy of www.sangres.com

Penitente Canyon, while quite secluded, has emerged as one of Colorado’s premier rock climbing areas. The area includes Penitente, Rock Garden, Sidewinder, and Witches Canyons with a high concentration of world class routes. The area is part of the 7,529 acre Penitente Canyon Special Recreation Management Area.

La Garita Arch

Photo Courtesy of www.sangres.com

This marvel of nature can not be missed! To get to the Arch, head north out of Monte Vista on Highway 285 for 18 miles to County Road G.Turn left and go west to the “Y” just past the La Garita Store. Take the dirt road south and follow the signs to the Natural Arch. Make sure you bring your camera to snap photos of the massive arch and the surrounding volcanic remains.

Rafting & Kayaking

Change up your adventure seeking with rafting and kayaking on the Rio Grande River. If you are looking for an adventure, June is when Spring run off allows for a tremendous ride on the whitewater. LEARN MORE >

fishing

Fishing happens to be one of the premiere seasonal activities in the Upper Rio Grande. Enjoy gold medal waters on the Rio Grande River or relaxing lake and reservoir fishing in thousands of acres of National Forest. LEARN MORE >

hunting

With 113 species of wildlife categorized as sport game, the San Luis Valley takes hunting seriously! If you are interested in small game like rabbits, squirrels, fox, and coyotes or if the big game such as deer, elk, moose, big horn sheep, mountain goats and the occasional black bear; you will find it here! LEARN MORE >

ZAPATA FALLS

After climbing the Sand Dunes on a hot summer day, refresh yourself at spectacular Zapata Falls. South Zapata Creek has powered its way through a rock crevasse, etching and carving the steep stone walls containing the 30 ft. high waterfall. Truly a spectacular natural wonder. LEARN MORE >

wHEELER GEOLOGICAL AREA

Photo Courtesy of www.sangres.com

The formation of the La Garita and San Juan mountains began about 30 million years ago. Eruptions from massive volcanoes, like the Creede Caldera, were followed by tremendous flows of ash and mud. As the layers of volcanic debris cooled, crystals and mineral ores collected into veins and pockets to create extensive mineral fields.

tHE BACHELOR LOOP

Photo Courtesy of www.creede.com

This driving tour of Historical Mining Areas above Creede was established along the major roads that tied the biggest mines and settlements together. Virtually all of the Bachelor Loop runs through private land (the mine areas are all privately owned) but there is some National Forest access in the upper parts.

Follow the interpretive signage along the Loop or buy a brochure from the Creede Visitor Center. Use caution when driving up through the East Willow Creek canyon because the road is steep, narrow, and is heavy on the switchbacks near its northern end, but the scenic vistas are well worth the drive.

Camping & RV

With sweeping mountain views and abundant outdoor activities, it's not hard to see why Camping and RVing is one of the best ways to experience the San Luis Valley. LEARN MORE >

SILVER THREAD SCENIC BYWAY

Photo Courtesy of www.creede.com

The Silver Thread Scenic Byway has been designated as a U.S. Forest Service National Scenic Byway and connects Creede, Lake City, and South Fork. Silver Thread gets its name not only from the rich veins of silver ore that lured many miners and settlers, but also from the route that weaves along spectacular river canyons and passes over the Continental Divide.

Immerse yourself into the amazing beauty of the San Juan Mountains as you travel this 75-mile route. This year-round highway courses through both the Rio Grande and Gunnison National Forests. Beautiful, breathtaking overlooks offer insight into geology and local history and provide many opportunities to enjoy spectacular views.

wolf creek ski area

Photo Courtesy of www.wolfcreekski.com

Whether you are a skier or a boarder, you are in for a treat at one of Colorado’s oldest and finest ski resorts.  Friendly employees and plenty of light powder snow make Wolf Creek memorable and keep people coming back season after season.  Lift tickets are one of the most affordable in the state! LEARN MORE >

nordic ski & Snowshoe

The mountain environment is a natural therapeutic cocktail: exquisite scenery, forces of nature, fresh air...producing a healthy soul, a whole, balanced person. Add to this the serenity and isolation of cross-country skiing or snowshoeing offers an aura of peace, and wrapping you in complete calm. LEARN MORE >

snowmobiling

The Upper Rio Grande offers miles upon miles of groomed trails as well as plenty of side trails, open parks, meadows and hills to climb. Most of these trails follow Forest Service roads and can be used in the winter by snowmobiles and cross country skiers. LEARN MORE >

los caminos antiguos scenic and historic byway

This is the best route to follow as you explore the region of the Northermost outpost of 16the Century Spanish territorial expansion. The culture is still alive today with hospitality, good food, adobe missions, museums, galleries, special festivals and events and awe-inspiring natural wonders.

Colorado's cradle of Hispanic Culture lies in the San Luis Valley, a mystical basin where Sandhill Cranes feed in the marshes and the Great Sand Dunes press up against the mountains. HIstoric adobe structures pepper the landscape testament to the state's first settlements. LEARN MORE >