AlamosaColorado

Towering sand dunes and epic night skies in southern Colorado

Be awestruck by stunning views from North America’s tallest sand dunes – and that’s just for starters. In and around Alamosa in south-central Colorado’s San Luis Valley, visitors can enjoy a vacation that’s filled with wild adventures or steeped in relaxation. Named for the cottonwood trees that line the nearby Rio Grande River, Alamosa is surrounded by scenic landscapes that include high desert, majestic mountains, sand dunes, forests, canyons and waterfalls. Explore off the beaten path to discover local attractions that are as unique as the area’s terrain.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Without a doubt, the star of the show is Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, where shifting sand dunes – the tallest in the USA – reach skyward, silhouetted against the rugged peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Local outfitters offer sand sled and sand board rentals, making it easy to shred the dunes on a sled or sandboard. Get off-road along the park’s Medano Pass Primitive Road, where you’ll traverse portions of the sand dunes and cross Medano Creek nine times to climb to the top of Medano Pass. Ramble on foot through forests and cottonwood groves. Hike to Mosca Pass to see bighorn sheep, elk and other indigenous wildlife. For a challenging and rewarding trek, climb to the top of Star Dune, the tallest dune in North America. When dark falls, be sure to stick around in this designated International Dark Sky Park – it’s an ideal place to stargaze and marvel at the Milky Way.

The Hub of the San Luis Valley

The San Luis Valley and its range of outdoor activities are easily accessible from downtown Alamosa. Go paddleboarding and kayaking on the Rio Grande River, play a round of golf at Cattails Golf Course and try your hand at disc golf at Alamosa’s Family Rec Center. Nature lovers will want to pay a visit to the Alamosa National Wildlife Area, a wetland that draws thousands of migratory birds and other wildlife. Look for bald eagles, short-eared owls, coyotes and more.

Hike to Zapata Falls, whose cascades make for a spectacular sight (especially when frozen in winter), then walk the Stations of the Cross, an outdoor art installation of bronze sculptures by artist Huberto Maestas. Topping off the area’s wilderness adventures is vast Rio Grande National Forest, where nearly 1 million hectares encompass snowy mountain peaks, deserts, rivers and subalpine lakes. Visit in fall for sparse crowds and colorful fall foliage.

AtColorado Gators Reptile Park, learn about alligators, snakes, tortoises and lizards – or sign up for gator-wrestling classes to help keepers care for injured reptiles if you’re so inclined. Seeking out the truly undiscovered? Consider climbing the UFO Watchtower. Whether or not you spot a spaceship, you can take in 360-degree views of the San Luis Valley from the observation platform.

Downtown Alamosa: Hub City

Enjoy shopping, dining and sipping beverages atlocally owned breweries in Alamosa’s historic downtown. Wander along Main Street and shop for antiques and artwork at independent boutiques and galleries set in the town's historic buildings. When hunger strikes, treat your taste buds to everything from Tex-Mex to seasonal farm-to-table dishes. Many restaurants offer outdoor dining in the warmer months. Sample stouts, IPAs and ambers at local breweries including San Luis Valley Brewing Company, Spare Keg Brewerks and Colorado Farm Brewery.