San Luis Valley Attractions
When you come to CrestFest, you’ll want to stay awhile. Set in the beautiful high-altitude desert of the San Luis Valley, at the foot of the 14,000-foot peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, there’s nothing else quite like it. CrestFest boasts proximity to hot springs, wilderness, mountain biking, camping and hiking, and spectacular climbing. Some of the area’s popular attractions are listed below.
Alamosa, Monte Vista, and Baca National Wildlife Refuges
A network of federal and private wetlands provide a patchwork of important habitat for over 200 species of migratory birds and other wildlife. Web site: http://www.fws.gov/alamosa/
Colorado Gator Farm
A family-oriented, recreational, and educational hands-on experience near Mosca. Web site: http://www.gatorfarm.com/.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Narrow Gauge Railroad
2008 season begins Saturday, May 24 and continues through Sunday, October 19. Trains depart from Antonito. Web site: http://www.cumbrestoltec.com/.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
North America's tallest dunes rise over 750 feet high against the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Visitors center, hiking, camping. Web site: http://www.nps.gov/grsa/.
Joyful Journey Hot Springs
Natural mineral-water soaking pools, sauna, and spa. Views of the Sangre de Cristos. Yurts, dry RV parking, tent and tipi camping. Five miles south of Villa Grove on Highway 17. Web site: http://joyfuljourneyhotsprings.com/.
Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic Byway
“The Ancient Roads” is the best route to follow through the region of the upper Rio Grande—the northern outpost of 16th-century Spanish territorial expansion. Web site: www.loscaminos.com.
Zapata Ranch
Thousands of acres of meadows, wetlands, sand dunes and cottonwood groves set against majestic 14,000-foot mountain peaks, south of the Great Sand Dunes. Web site: http://nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/colorado/preserves/art535.html.
Penitente Canyon
North of Del Norte, this is one of Colorado's premier rock-climbing areas. Great mountain biking, too. Web site: http://www.slvguide.com/DelNorte/Penitente.htm.
Saguache County
Please visit http://saguache.org/ for all that our beautiful county has to offer. Other 2009 Saguache County events are La Garita Days on July 18, Moffatstock on July 25, and Saguache Summer Saturdays on July 11 and August 1.
Saguache County Museum
Housed in a building partially constructed over 125 years ago, which has functioned as a school, temporary courthouse, and a residence for jailkeepers. On Highway 285 in the town of Saguache. Web site: http://www.museumtrail.org/SaguacheCountyMuseum.asp.
Sand Dunes Swimming Pool
A family oriented swimming facility that includes a large, naturally hot artesian swimming pool (98–100 degrees) with diving board and a 25-person therapy pool (105–107 degrees). Views of the Sangres, snack stand, picnic tables. In Hooper. Web site: http://www.sanddunespool.com/.
San Luis Lakes State Park
Motor boating, personal watercraft, sailing, windsurfing, and fishing. Halfway between Mosca and the Great Sand Dunes on Six Mile Lane. Phone: (719) 378-2020. Web Site: http://parks.state.co.us/parks/sanluis/.
San Luis Valley History Museum
Educational displays feature artifacts from early ranch and farm life. Learn about Native American residents, Hispanic settlers, the Japanese-American community, military regalia, early railroading, and more. 401 Hunt Avenue, Alamosa. Web site: http://museumtrail.org/SanLuisValleyHistoryMuseum.asp.
Stations of the Cross Shrine
An outdoor walking meditation through sculptural representations of the last hours of Christ’s life, culminating at an old chapel. Located on a mesa in the center of San Luis, Colorado’s oldest town. Web site: http://www.costilla-county.gov/stationsofthecross.html.
Town of Crestone and the Baca Grande
Known for its many spiritual and retreat centers and monuments, including ashrams, Buddhist stupas, shrines, Carmelite retreat center, and more. You can even walk up a zigaraut or through a labyrinth. Art galleries and studios, restaurants, coffee house, natural food store, camping, RV parks, and Challenger Golf Course. Web site: http://www.crestone.org/.
UFO Watchtower
Observation deck, gift shop, books, and camping. Three miles north of Hooper on the west side of Highway 17. Web site: www.ufowatchtower.com.
Valley View Hot Springs/Orient Land Trust
Clothing optional, natural hot springs ponds, sauna, and a large, naturally-warm swimming pool with diving board. Cabins, dorms, community kitchen, and camping. Watch a large bat colony take flight at dusk, then take advantage of the high-altitude, dark sky for astronomy. Hiking includes an exposed, active geological fault, limestone caves, historic buildings and town sites at an abandoned iron mine, and a working ranch. Eleven miles southeast of Villa Grove. Web site: http://www.olt.org/.
Zapata Falls
Zapata Falls is located four miles south of the entrance to the Great Sand Dunes National Park on Highway 150. From the parking area it is about a 1/2 mile walk uphill to the falls. Web site: http://www.nps.gov/archive/grsa/zapata_falls.htm.
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