Colorado.com
5 Days
Discover the Mystic San Luis Valley on 3 Scenic Byways
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

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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…

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 for…

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 Highway…

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.

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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…

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 canine…

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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…

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, from…

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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…

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 3

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Paradise Coffee

Family-owned Paradise Coffee was brewed in April 2012. Serving a variety of delicious espresso, lattes and coffees.

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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

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 other…

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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.

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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…

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

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breakfast

Dutch Mill Restaurant

A favorite for breakfast burritos, as well as other Mexican specialties.

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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 and…

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…

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…

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Historic Downtown Creede

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

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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 them…

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.

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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.

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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…

dinner

Climb Elevated Eatery

Elevated comfort food and craft cocktails served with attentive, friendly service.

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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…

lodging

Wildflower Cabins

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