Mosca

Along with some of Colorado's oldest towns, Mosca rests in the heart of the ancient San Luis Valley.

Mosca is a simple crossroads along the Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic and Historic Byway, which winds from Alamosa past the unique desert wetlands of San Luis State Wildlife Area to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve near Mosca.

It is the massive, windswept sand dunes pushed up 750 feet high against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains that continue to inspire visitors. Guests will be awed by bizarre natural wonders such as water that runs in snaking streams atop the sand. Local naturalists at the Nature Conservancy lead daily tours of the monument; four-wheel-drive tours of the dunes are also available.

Nearby, abundant wildlife roam the wetlands preserve at San Luis State Wildlife Area. Waterfowl, songbirds and raptors patrol the skies, while deer, elk and bison wander the area ranchlands. On site are approximately 9 miles of easy, level hiking and biking trails, plus a modern campground. One excellent area hike is the trail to Zapata Falls, a sheer 80-foot tall cascade. Lodging, food and gas are located at the crossroads in Mosca.