Pagosa Springs

Nestled in southwest Colorado at the base of the Continental Divide, Pagosa Springs is one of the state’s last undiscovered gems. Known for its amazing hot springs, abundant sunshine and small town feel, Pagosa Springs offers plenty of opportunities to soak up the scenery and enliven your spirit. Visitors to Pagosa Springs enjoy more than 3 million acres of surrounding national forest and wilderness areas.

In the summer, the list of outdoor activities is long. Hike, bike or go on a horseback ride along serene mountain trails to local waterfalls and breathtaking vistas. Raft, kayak or float down the San Juan River, fish in a nearby stream or secluded lake, boat or water ski at the lake in nearby Navajo State Park or stroll around the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park. Pagosa’s 27-hole golf course or 18-hole disc golf course will challenge golfers of all skill levels in stunning mountain settings.

The Ancestral Puebloan ruins at Chimney Rock Archeological Area (which became Chimney Rock National Monument in September 2012) take you back centuries. Or visit the Fred Harman Museum, where the creator of the Red Ryder comic strip houses original paintings, local history and Western movie memorabilia.

In the winter, Wolf Creek Ski Area, just a short drive outside of town, boasts the most snow in Colorado, averaging 450 inches of snowfall annually. With more than 1,600 acres of varied terrain, low prices and no lift lines, Wolf Creek provides affordable family fun. Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and sleigh rides are also popular area activities.

Only a short distance from Mesa Verde National Park or the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, and at the crossroads of several spectacular scenic drives, Pagosa Springs is a great base camp for exploring southwest Colorado.