Discover the Mystic San Luis Valley on 3 Scenic Byways

5
 days
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In Southern Colorado, three scenic byways — Highway of Legends, Silver Thread and Los Caminos Antiguos — boast incredible scenery, historic downtowns and more. You'll visit Trinidad, Cuchara, La Veta, San Luis, Antonito, Alamosa, Creede and Lake City on this epic five-day journey. 
 
Sustainability Activity
Travel Like a Local

There are special places and unique vistas around nearly every Colorado corner. You can help ensure these places exist for generations to come by staying on roads and trails, keeping speeds in check, leaving campsites and picnic spots just as you found them, and following instructional signs while you’re out and about in our state.

Day
1
mc cormick building, main and commercial photo
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…
Lunch
Bob & Earl's Cafe
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…
Activity
Trinidad Lake State Park
Close to Trinidad, with fishing, hiking, biking and boating. Enjoy 73 campsites, electricity, showers, laundry and group shelters. The ideal hub…
Dinner
Stonewall Shopping Bag
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…
Activity
Farley's Overlook

On Cordova Pass — above the town of Cuchara — visit Farley’s Overlook for an awe-inspiring, panoramic view of geological formations.

Lodging
River's Edge Bed & Breakfast at Dodgeton Creek Inn
River's Edge Bed & Breakfast at Dodgeton Creek Inn is open year-round with deluxe accommodations that receive first-class attention. Located on…
Day
2
Insider's Tip
Breakfast Is Served

Where you slept last night is also where you're eating breakfast! A hot, gourmet breakfast awaits you — and they are great about accommodating special dietary needs.

Activity
Driving Tour of the Spanish Peaks

Rising above the towns of Cuchara and La Veta, the Spanish Peaks are a masterpiece of nature. Continue your drive to see how they take center stage in the region.

Lunch
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…
Activity
Radial Dikes

The radial dikes near La Veta and Cuchara are a unique geological feature in North America. More than 400 dikes rise above the forest canopy, just waiting to be photographed.

Dinner
Legends on Main
Authentic New Mexican and international food in the European tradition. A small restaurant with an even smaller kitchen produces clean, quality,…
Activity
Goemmer Butte

Go on a tour of historic downtown La Veta. Then drive southeast until you catch a glimpse of Goemmer Butte, a latite volcanic plug that rises out of the land along the Highway of Legends Scenic Byway.

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…
Day
3
Breakfast
Paradise Coffee
Family-owned Paradise Coffee was brewed in April 2012. Serving a variety of delicious espresso, lattes and coffees.
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…
Lunch
Mrs. Rios Restaurant & Thai Kitchen
If you're after amazing Thai food in southern Colorado, look no further than Mrs. Rios Restaurant & Thai kitchen. You'll also find an array of…
Activity
Sacred Circle Tour

Take a tour through nine missions to learn about the religious and architectural history of Hispano settlers.

Dinner
Dos Hermanas Restaurant
For two delicious decades, Dos Hermanas Restaurant has been a destination for Antonito’s best homemade recipes and margaritas.
Activity
Antonito Cultural Walk

Take a walk down Antonito’s historic downtown and view murals by artist Fred “Lightning Heart” Haberlein. Plus, you can see the headquarters for the Society for the Mutual Protection of United Workers/La Sociedad Proteccion Mutua de Trabajadores Unidos.

Lodging
Narrow Gauge Railroad Inn
Located next to the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Depot. A modern 33-unit motel conveniently located with an RV park and gift shop on site. Ticket…
Day
4
Breakfast
Dutch Mill Restaurant
A favorite for breakfast burritos, as well as other Mexican specialties.
Activity
Creede & Mineral County Visitor Center
Start your visit at the Creede & Mineral County Visitor Center and see an 1892 model of the town. Pick up a Mile Post Guide for the Silver Thread…
Lunch
Tommyknocker Tavern & BBQ Bistro
The nightlife of Creede with 3–4 live music shows a week! The restaurant serves great food in the casual setting of an historic Creede building…
Activity
Historic Bachelor Loop Tour

This 17-mile driving — or biking — tour through Creede’s Historic Mining District includes ghost towns, historic silver mines, museums and views of the Rio Grande River.

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,…
Activity
Historic Downtown Creede

A lawless place, Creede, attracted outlaws, gamblers and miners looking to strike it rich.

Lodging
Casa Kokopelli
This adobe house in town includes 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, kitchen and kiva fireplace. This two-bedroom adobe house allows pets! Be sure to contact…
Day
5
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
North Clear Creek Falls

North Clear Creek Falls is one of Colorado's most photographed waterfalls and presents interpretive panels that introduce ancient peoples' stories.

Lunch
Southern Vittles
Good old southern cooking. Specializing in fried fish, shrimp and chicken; also added this year is more BBQ. Come check out our new menu items.
Activity
Alfred Packer Massacre Site

When Packer’s group left the camp of Chief Ouray in February 1874, they were warned that they would never make it into Lake City. The prediction came true, for everyone but Alfred Packer.

Dinner
Climb Elevated Eatery
Elevated comfort food and craft cocktails served with attentive, friendly service.
Activity
Historic Lake City

The silver boom created Lake City, but today it has one of the largest national historic districts. Plus, it's part of the Colorado-Stargazing group for the preservation of dark skies.

Lodging
Cannibal Cabins
Located in historic and beautiful Lake City, Colorado. The Cannibal Cabins (formerly Westwood Resort) consist of 8 rustic yet comfortable studio,…