San Luis Valley

The San Luis Valley is one of the highest and largest intermountain valleys in the World. Boardered on the east by the Sangre De Cristo Mountains and the San Juans on the West visitors will find a multitude of historical, cultural and recreational activities including:

Monte Vista & Alamosa Wildlife Refuges

The refuges provide a habitat for a diverse group of species including hawks, eagles, geese, ducks and the occasional whooping crane. Self guided driving loops will lead you through the refuges. Because of the large number of whooping cranes that live or pass through the Monte Vista refuge the town hosts a Crane Festival in mid March.

San Luis Lake State Park

San Luis Lakes cover an average of 900 acres. The main lake offers an abundance of activities such as fishing, boating, wind-surfing, swimming and wetland nature walks.

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

On the eastern side of the San Luis Valley, rise the Great Sand Dunes, the tallest sand dunes in North America. From billions of tiny grains of sand, these dunes have been built to heights of nearly 700 feet by winds that blow across the valley, covering approximately 39 square miles.

Penitente Canyon
Penitente Canyon and the adjacent Rock Garden, Sidewinder and Witches Canyons which are volcanic in origin, are known internationally for fine bolted climbing routes and is open for summer rock climbing and winter ice climbing.

Thunder Valley Speedway

Located in Mosca this 3/8 mile, dirt, oval track features Modifieds, Mini Stock, Hobby Stock, Super Stock, Pickup Class and Go-Kart racing.

Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad

Built 126 years ago the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a 64-mile, fully operational steam railroad jointly owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico. The railroad operates seven days a week from Saturday, May 27 to Sunday, October 15.

The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad

The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad operating from Alamosa to LaVeta, Antonito and Monte Vista. South Fork's very own excursion train started in the summer of 2009, with daily trips to Wagon Wheel gap.

Colorado Gator Farm

Visitors may view and feed over 400 gators as well as dozens of pythons, turtles, rattlers, iguanas, dragons, geckos, parrots, tortoises, and more. Colorado Gators is located north of Mosca on Hwy 17.

Del Norte

Rich in history Del Norte is home to the Rio Grande County Museum, County Court House and the Historic Windsor Hotel and is an antique shoppers dream.

Monte Vista

Spanish for Mountain View Monte Vista is a historic, lively city located in the heart of the San Luis Valley.

Alamosa

Alamosa is the hub of the San Luis Valley in South Central Colorado. Its many hotels, restaurants, activities and shopping choices make it a terrific base camp for the exciting reopening of the Rio Grande Scenic Train.

Saguache

Saguache County is the northern gateway to the San Luis Valley in South Central Colorado. With a long and unique history including the Crestone Spiritual Centers.