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Three scenic byways in southern Colorado offer a three-day road tour for travelers who like frequent stops, short walks and awe-inspiring walking trails that are good for both kids and dogs. These 203 mystic miles feature the Highway of Legends scenic and historic byway, Los Caminos Antiguos scenic and historic byway and the Silver Thread scenic and historic byway. You'll be seeing the towns of Trinidad, Cuchara, La Veta, Fort Garland, Alamosa and South Fork — all of which offer unique amenities.

3 Scenic Byways: Short Walks, Long Views

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Looking to give back to Colorado during your visit? Work to improve the <a href="https://www.cucharamountainpark.org/">Cuchara Mountain Park</a> is an ongoing process. Maybe you want to donate? The <a href="https://www.museumtrail.org/about-us.html">San Luis Valley Museum Association</a> is an all-volunteer nonprofit that supports the efforts of 22 museums throughout the Mystic San Luis Valley. Finally, if you're an animal lover, <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/riogrande/workingtogether/volunteering/?cid=stelprdb5139275">Citizen Science</a> hikes along creeks near South Fork, recording information about beavers.

Three Unique Ways to Give Back

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Providing great food since 1993. Here you can leave the mood of the Interstate behind, and pick up the quieter rhythm of a historic two-lane road on Hwy 12.

Bob & Earl's Cafe

The half-mile Carpios Cove Trail is an easy jaunt through pinyon pine and juniper trees with beautiful lake views and access to multiple ecosystems — riparian, grassland, and forest. There is a day-use fee.

Hike Carpios Cove Trail at Trinidad Lake State Park

Stonewall Shopping Bag is a small country store with a 40 seat restaurant plus an RV Park located next to the Stonewall Gap on Highway 12 - the Highway of Legends. We are located on the US Scenic Byway and also the Colorado Birding Trail.

Stonewall Shopping Bag

Native Americans regarded the majestic Spanish Peaks as the abode of the Gods. Today hikers enjoy a top-down view of this National Natural Landmark via a short half-mile trail that brings them to a majestic view of the entire wilderness.

Hike the Vista View Trail

Authentic New Mexican and international food in the European tradition. A small restaurant with an even smaller kitchen produces clean, quality, from scratch food from around the globe. Think locally., cook globally!!

Legends on Main

After dinner, take the 4-block walking tour of historic downtown La Veta, then drive south of town on Highway 12 to reach deeply dark skies and, hopefully, an unimpeded view of the Milky Way.

Go on a Dark Skies Walking Tour

Twelve rental cabins in La Veta. The property abuts the Cuchara River. We do daily, weekly and monthly rentals.

Two Fox Cabins & RV's

Delight in breakfast classics like packed breakfast burritos, decadent pancakes and more.

Skinny's Diner and Bar

<a href="https://www.historycolorado.org/location/fort-garland"></a> 
Named a finalist for the 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, Fort Garland Museum &amp; Cultural Center allows visitors to explore life in a 19th century military fort by walking the parade grounds and touring original adobe buildings. The museum’s creative exhibitions include the newly opened <a href="https://www.historycolorado.org/exhibit/buffalo-soldiers-revision">buffalo soldiers: reVision</a>, which disrupts the common narratives of manifest destiny and settlement of the American West through a more visual interpretation of the history and impact of the all Black Army regiments that were established in 1866 following the Civil War. The exhibition was created in collaboration with eight independent artists from around the country, whose creations range from prints layering historical photos and documents with contemporary drawings, to poetry which evokes the emotional toil of this part of our shared history.
Fort Garland is located near the Great Sand Dunes National Park, a natural wonder unlike any other in the United States, and makes for a great road trip from other History Colorado sites including <a href="https://www.historycolorado.org/pikes-stockade">Pike’s Stockade</a>.

Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center

Located in the heart of historic Fort Garland, our family-owned restaurant is known for fine dining, delicious home-style cooking, and comfy rustic hospitality.

All-Gon Pizza

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The <a href="https://www.colorado.com/byways/los-caminos-antiguos">Los Caminos Antiguos scenic and historic byway</a> is located within the heritage area. The mission of the <a href="https://www.sangreheritage.org/">Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area</a> is to promote, preserve, protect and interpret the profound historical, religious, environmental, geographical, ​geologic, cultural and linguistic resources of Costilla, Alamosa and Conejos counties.

Experience the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area

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Because the dunes and surrounding mountains are designated wilderness, this is a great place to enjoy unspoiled natural beauty in a variety of ways. Whether you play in Medano Creek, build a sand castle, slide down the dunes, go birdwatching in wetlands or ascend a 13,000-foot peak, you will discover plenty of kinds of outdoor recreation for all ages.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

HIDEAWAY STEAKHOUSE is where Classic American Steakhouse meets Contemporary Upscale Restaurant. Locally owned and operated, we use fresh seasonal ingredients to create innovative and exceptional dishes that you won't find elsewhere in the North Metro Denver area. We invite you to discover "Colorado upscale" dining: exceptional cuisine and outstanding service, all in the comfort and tranquility of nature. Hidden among tree groves and open fields, our hideaway beckons you into a familiar, relaxing place where you can indulge your senses-and your palate.

Hideaway Steakhouse

After dinner, head for Alamosa's Blanca Vista Park. Take in the views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, enjoy the sunset or do a bit of birdwatching.

Go for a Walk

The newly renovated Dunes Inn offers personal, small-town hospitality with budget-friendly rates. It's within walking distance of Alamosa restaurants, pubs, museums and more.

Dunes Inn

Airport Road Café is a sandwich shop located in the San Luis Valley Behavorial Health Group.

AIRPORT ROAD CAFE

This in-and-out trailhead is located behind the Alder Creek Cabin. Keep your eyes and ears open as their is an abundance of wildlife.

Hike Alder Creek Canyon

Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at this local spot in Creede.

MJ's Cafe

This is a major trailhead to the Weminuche Wilderness as well as a connector to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Expect great mountain views and wildlife

Trail Run Big Meadows Loop Trail

Ramon’s Mexican Restaurant serves delicious food for an authentic taste of Mexico! Come experience our fresh-prepared burritos, fajitas, tacos, burgers and more specialties!

Ramon's Mexican Restaurant

Near South Fork, Giant Fir Tree Trail is a half-mile walk to see the biggest Douglas Fir tree in Rio Grande National Forest. Fun Fact: It's the second largest fir in Colroado.

Enjoy an Evening Hike

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Enjoy stargazing in the Mystic San Luis Valley towns of La Veta, Cuchara, Crestone, Lake City, Westcliffe and Creede as well as the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve — all <a href="https://www.colorado.com/coloradostargazing">Colorado stargazing</a> hotspots, many of which are International Dark-Sky Association Designated Communities.

Experience the Night

Cozy log &amp; wood cabins are open year round with wood burning fireplaces, kitchens, Satellite TV, grills &amp; decks with river &amp; mountain views. 18 WINTER RV SITES NOW AVAILABLE. Full Hook Up- RV park and Seasonal riverside tent and trailer rental camping under the trees in a separate area. Guests will also enjoy stocked fishing, hot tub, playground, game room, WIFI, and pet friendly atmosphere. Come enjoy your next Colorado Vacation for hiking, biking, museums, golf, hunting, ATV, snowmobile and skiing. Located 3 miles outside of South Fork, we are only 15 miles from Wolf Creek.