Things to see and do ...
We are ready to be your home base for adventure!
We are home to some of the most amazing scenery, adventure, and beauty you can find!
Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge
In the heart of the arid San Luis Valley is a birdwatchers paradise. Lush wetlands provide year-round habitat for various birds, coyotes, deer and other wildlife. In March and September, twenty thousand migrating Sandhill Cranes use the refuge as a stopping point.
Rio Grand Scenic Railroad
The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad of Colorado, a heritage railway, began operations in 2006, operating both steam and diesel locomotives in and around the San Luis Valley, on trackage of the San Luis and Rio Grande Railroad. Located 200 miles south of Denver, Colorado, the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad operates between Alamosa and La Veta.
Zapata Fallls
The parking lot alone is worth the visit to Zapata. Views of the Great Sand Dunes are breathtaking.
Like most waterfalls, you have to work a bit to reach the prize — it’s a fun adventure and the waterfall is only a half mile from the parking lot.
Zapata is more commonly visited during warmer months, but visitors in winter are in for a treat as well. The falls freeze, creating a huge ice column that seems to be frozen in time. Luminous blue water is visible just beneath the hardened surface.
Sand Dunes Recreation Hot Springs Pool
A family friendly oasis in the San Luis Valley. Large family pool maintained at 98 degrees, 25-person hot tub, 2 on-site restaurants, gift shop, The Greenhouse, an adults-only tropical escape with 4 pools, sauna, and on-site bar. RV/Tent Camping & Cabin Rentals
Sandboarding & The Great Sand Dunes National Monument
The park was originally designated Great Sand Dunes National Monument on March 17, 1932 by President Herbert Hoover. The original boundaries protected an area of 35,528 acres.
The park contains the tallest sand dunes in North America.
Gator Park
Erwin and Lynne Young purchased the 80 acre farm that is now Colorado Gators Reptile Park.
Baby gators grew quickly in the warm geothermal water (87° F) and the locals wanted to see them, so we opened to the public in 1990. Soon we were in the spotlight of many media programs and articles. Individuals with overgrown alligators and other reptiles such as large pythons, tortoises, iguanas, and more started dropping them off with us.
We have become a sanctuary for unwanted exotic pets and we care for them as best we can. We display them for the public to understand the dangers in owning these pets and we take them to schools for educational programs
Stations of the Cross
The Stations of the Cross The Stations of the Cross are a series of graphic meditations of the last hours of Christ's life - His judgment, sufferings, death, and resurrection. The Shrine is located on a mesa in the center of San Luis, Colorado's oldest town.
Blanca Peak Trail
Blanca Peak is a 19.2 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Alamosa, Colorado that features a lake and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Dogs and horses are also able to use this trail.