4 Days
See the reds, yellows, oranges and browns create a kaleidoscope of color in the southern Colorado towns of Lake City, Creede, Alamosa, Antonito, Mosca, La Veta, Cuchara and Trinidad.
Sustainability Activity
Care For Colorado
Our communities love sharing their wealth of natural beauty and outdoor experiences with you. All we ask is that you have an amazing time while showing our lands and people plenty of love, kindness and respect. We promise to pay it back tenfold.
Day 1
activity
Windy Point Overlook
Heading south on the Silver Thread Scenic and Historic Byway, make a pit stop at Windy Point, east of Lake City. This overlook offers superb views of…
Insider's Tip
Pick Up a Guide
Stop by the Lake City Visitors Center for a Mile Post Guide prior to hitting the road and heading south toward Creede.
lunch
Climb Elevated Eatery
Elevated comfort food and craft cocktails served with attentive, friendly service.
activity
Bachelor Loop Tour
This 17-mile, self-guided driving tour showcases amazing foliage and historic mining structures throughout Creede’s silver-mining district.
dinner
Kip's Grill
Kip's Grill started operating out of a caboose on the side of the Highway in Del Norte, Colorado in 1996. The goal was to create seriously fresh, handmade…
activity
Historic Downtown Creede: Walking Tour
Experience the history and charm of the western mining town of Creede. Downtown is home to shops, art galleries, and eateries, as well as the nationally…
lodging
Aspen Inn & Finding Gems Gift Shop
A small inn in a historic building of an old mining town offers accommodations in comfort and natural beauty while retreating from the modern world…
Day 2
breakfast
Bristol Head Bakery
Bristol Head Bakery in Creede offers fresh, made from scratch pastries, pies, cakes and cookies. Custom orders are available with advance notice.
…
activity
Pool Table Road Scenic Drive
Views of golden aspens line Pool Table Road, just off the Silver Thread. Scenic views of the Rio Grande River Valley are visible for the first few miles…
Insider's Tip
Head to Alamosa
Take a drive on the Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic and Historic Byway.
lunch
Rubi Slipper
The Rubi Slipper has classic American cuisine, and is open for lunch and dinner. Famous for their $1 Taco Tuesdays, they've extended that special to…
activity
Scenic Autumn Drive & Conejos Canyon Overlook
Take a brisk fall drive starting in Alamosa through the southern end of the San Luis Valley to the beautiful San Juan Mountains along the Conejos River…
Insider's Tip
Make a Pitstop
If you have more time, stop at Elk Creek Bridge before you drive up the switchbacks and take a kayak or tube down the Conejos River (during low water in July and August when it’s hot). Stop to see Elk Meadow Ranch on your way back to Mogote on the southeast side of the Conejos River.
dinner
Dos Hermanas Restaurant
For two delicious decades, Dos Hermanas Restaurant has been a destination for Antonito’s best homemade recipes and margaritas.
activity
Rio Grande Natural Area
On the way back to Alamosa, turn right on Hwy 142 toward San Luis and drive to the Rio Grande Natural Area at the pull-off just west of the Rio Grande…
lodging
Valley Motel
Valley Motel is a family operated independent economy motel located right of Highway 160 in the beautiful town of Alamosa in Colorado’s San Luis Valley…
Day 3
breakfast
Milagros Coffee House
Drink Coffee....Love Others! Milagros Coffeehouse not only serves a full line of delicious espresso and coffee drinks, teas, and baked goods, we also…
activity
Colorado Gators Reptile Park
Reptile rescue park. See more than 250 alligators including Mr. Bo Mangles the albino alligator and Morris the movie star, tortoises, pythons and much…
Insider's Tip
UFO Watchtower
Drive North past Hooper to see the UFO Watchtower. It's a 360-degree-view observation platform of the San Luis Valley. Get directions, and after you've seen the view, hop on the road to La Veta.
lunch
George's Drive Inn Restaurant
This is the hottest thing going in the area. Nearly every day it’s obvious when you look at the multitude of parked vehicles, that the food is good…
activity
SPACe Gallery
The Gallery displays the works of regional artists in a variety of changing exhibits throughout the year, while the Gift Shop provides members a year-round…
Insider's Tip
Drive to Dinner
Hop onto the Highway of Legends and head south toward Trinidad.
dinner
Dog Bar & Grill
Long considered the heart and soul of the Cuchara Valley, Dog Bar & Grill is the place to enjoy lunch on the outdoor deck with your favorite canine…
activity
Trinidad Lake State Park
Pinyon-juniper woodland and short- and mixed-grass prairies occupy park uplands making for excellent photos.
Insider's Tip
Take the Long Way Round
Take a more interesting drive to your final destination for the evening: From Trinidad Lake State Park, take the road over the Trinidad Dam (CR 18.3) to Starkville then north on Santa Fe Trail into Trinidad.
lodging
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Trinidad
Take advantage of our pet-friendly hotel's many modern amenities, free hotel features, friendly service, and convenient location near the city's downtown…
Day 4
Insider's Tip
Breakfast
Your morning meal is included in your stay at the La Quinta Inn & Suites.
activity
Trinidad History Museum
Explore Trinidad's past and place in the American West. Complex includes 1870s adobe Baca House, 1882 Victorian-style Bloom Mansion, Santa Fe Trail…
lunch
Mission at the Bell Restaurant
Mission at the Bell is a cozy, family-owned restaurant, (over 20 years in business) serving Tex-Mex style menu items. Located on the basement level…
activity
Wormhole Loop Trail
Wormhole Loop Trail is a 2.3-mile moderately trafficked loop near Trinidad. Trail run, hike or mountain bike the afternoon away.
dinner
Bella Luna Pizzeria
Pizza specialist fixing up wood-fired pies, plus beer & wine, with outdoor seating.
activity
Corazon de Trinidad Historic District
Located in a breathtaking area of Southern Colorado, the Corazón de Trinidad Creative District supports local artists and entrepreneurs through creative…
lodging
Days Inn & Suites Trinidad
Stop in and let us host your visit at our Days Inn & Suites Trinidad hotel, conveniently located off I-25, halfway between Santa Fe/Albuquerque…