5 Days
Sustainability Activity
5 Steps to Care for Coloradans
Here are some ways to be conscientious and caring on your adventures, while ensuring you make the most out of every second of your vacation. Learn more
Insider's Tip
When to Visit
The best time to visit is during late spring or fall since these are shoulder seasons. Plus, the attractions are less crowded, and the weather is more pleasant — enjoy warmer days but cooler nights. But don't forget, you are closer to the sun at 7,000 feet so wear sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Day 1
activity
Walsenburg Golf Course
Walsenburg Municipal Golf Course is 9 holes, 3,110 yards, par 36, with a beautiful view of the Spanish Peaks and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
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lunch
Corine's Mexican Food
Serving excellent Mexican food since 1956, with a red-chili sauce known throughout the land.
activity
Hike the Cuerno Verde Trail
The Cuerno Verde Trail in Lathrop State Park is a three-mile trail with exceptional scenery. You can walk or take your bike.
Insider's Tip
20-Minute Drive
Get in your car and head 20 minutes southwest to La Veta for dinner.
dinner
Alys' Restaurant
Each evening, we offer a delicious selection from our menu choices of lamb, steak, chicken, seafood or vegetarian complemented with fresh vegetables…
activity
Stop for a Photo Op
Snap a photo of the towering monumental spine of rock known as the Devil’s Stairsteps.
lodging
La Veta Inn
This isn't your basic franchise cookie cutter property. Originally built as the La Veta Hotel and featuring the ledger in the lobby dating back to 1883,…
Day 2
breakfast
Paradise Coffee
Family-owned Paradise Coffee was brewed in April 2012. Serving a variety of delicious espresso, lattes and coffees.
Insider's Tip
Get on the Road
You're going to drive a little under an hour for your next activity to San Luis.
activity
Shrine of the Stations of the Cross
Built as an act of faith and love for the parishioners of the Sangre de Cristo Parish. Visitors can climb the half-mile trail to view fifteen bronze…
lunch
Dine at the Osier Dining Hall
Sample from an all-you-can-eat homemade buffet. You'll fill up on roast turkey with cornbread dressing just like your grandma used to make before chowing…
Insider's Tip
45 Minutes to Lunch
Get back in your car and get on the road to make your train in Antonito.
activity
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
All Aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad for a Train Ride of a Lifetime!
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad (C&TSRR…
Insider's Tip
Train Ride to Car Ride
After your magnificent train ride, drive up to Alamosa.
dinner
Calvillo's
Here at Calvillos, we believe Mexican food should be fresh, tasty, and authentic. We are dedicated to serving the best Mexican food in Colorado. Located…
activity
The Colorado Farm Brewery
Tilled, planted, grown, malted, milled, brewed, bottled and consumed in Alamosa.
lodging
Fairfield Inn & Suites
Set 33 miles from the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, this contemporary hotel is also 3.2 miles from the Cattails Golf Course.
Day 3
breakfast
Campus Cafe
Campus Cafe is the local favorite. American food, amazing breakfasts, you have to try the cinnnamon roll! Great lunch menu too.
activity
Hike Zapata Falls
Wade through chilly waters and climb over slippery rocks for the chance to see Zapata's hidden falls. They are well-worth the journey.
lunch
Great Sand Dunes Oasis
The Oasis Restaurant and Store, located at the main park entrance, is the only restaurant within 25 miles of Great Sand Dunes National Park.
activity
Surf Down the Sand
Sandboarding will be your new favorite activity. You might take a tumble but you'll get the hang of it by the time you leave.
Insider's Tip
On the Road Again
After a day of playing in the sand, it's time to head to Moffat for a hot-springs soak.
activity
Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa & Event Center
In addition to three all-natural, chemical free hot springs pools, Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa offers lodging, spa services (including massages &…
Insider's Tip
Rest Time
After soaking yourself to a perfectly pruny status, stay the night in the hotel or one of the yurts offered at Joyful Journey.
lodging
Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa & Event Center
In addition to three all-natural, chemical free hot springs pools, Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa offers lodging, spa services (including massages &…
Day 4
Insider's Tip
Breakfast is Served
Roll out of bed and into the dining room at Joyful Journey.
activity
Crestone Historical Museum
Museum exhibits include local Ranching (1860-2004), Mining (1874-1904), Schooling (1881-1949), and Home Living (1875-1950). Display items are from the…
lunch
Great Sand Dunes Oasis
The Oasis Restaurant and Store, located at the main park entrance, is the only restaurant within 25 miles of Great Sand Dunes National Park.
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…
dinner
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
Hike the Crestone Trail
Blanca Vista Park's Crestone Trail features a grand view of the mighty Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range.
lodging
Fairfield Inn & Suites
Set 33 miles from the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, this contemporary hotel is also 3.2 miles from the Cattails Golf Course.
Day 5
breakfast
Campus Cafe
Campus Cafe is the local favorite. American food, amazing breakfasts, you have to try the cinnnamon roll! Great lunch menu too.
activity
Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge
In the heart of the arid San Luis Valley lies a birdwatchers paradise. Lush wetlands provide year-round habitat for songbirds, water birds, coyotes,…
Insider's Tip
Del Norte Drive
After visiting the nature of Alamosa, head over to Del Norte for more outdoor pursuits.
lunch
Three Barrel Brewing Company
One of Colorado's smallest microbreweries that's been in business for over 15 years. Located in the heart of Del Norte, Colorado, we that utilizes local…
activity
Go Mountain Biking
Rent a mountain bike at Kristi Mountain Sports before taking off on one of the many trails in Del Norte.
Insider's Tip
Stop for Dinner
Load up your bikes and get back on the road; dinner is a little under 20 minutes away in South Fork.
dinner
Ramon's Mexican Restaurant
Ramon’s Mexican Restaurant serves delicious food for an authentic taste of Mexico! Come experience our fresh-prepared burritos, fajitas, tacos, burgers…
activity
Hike to South Clear Creek Falls
As a side trip off the Silver Thread Scenic Byway, hike up to these falls.
Insider's Tip
The Car Journey Continues
20 more minutes in the car brings you to Creede for a show.
lodging
Antlers Rio Grande Lodge & Riverside Restaurant
An old-fashioned American vacation destination with modern riverside cabins, rooms, RVs, private fishing and riverside dining.