Moffat

The rustic village of Moffat breaks the monotony of a long, straight stretch of central Colorado highway. First pinpointed as an excellent railroad town, turn-of-the-century Moffat was considered the queen city of its valley and was home to more than 2,500 residents. Passenger trains connecting the towns of Salida and Alamosa ran daily through Moffat. Reacting to changing times, the town also functioned as a shipping point, major loading center for livestock and a meeting place for hay contactors. When the railroad ceased operations here in 1954, the town's heyday came to a close.

Today Moffat exists primarily as a ranching community, but many of its original buildings such as the old hotel, mercantile, church and town hall are still intact. In addition to old buildings, a thrift store, deli and trading post are worth exploring.

For a special treat, head north out of Moffat to Joyful Journey Hot Spring Spa. The outfit offers access to the peaceful artesian hot springs, once considered sacred by American Indians, in addition to spa services and lodging in yurts or at RV and tent spots. Visitors who remain long enough will be rewarded — sunsets against the Sangre de Christo Mountains are breathtaking.