Muraling Throughout Mystic San Luis Valley

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Delve into the Mystic San Luis Valley’s diverse history while you tour the area’s greatest murals and hop on some of the most scenic routes in southern Colorado. We’ll walk you through historic towns and give you a glimpse into the lives of early settlers, miners and cowboys through the lens of local artists.

Sustainability Activity
How to Give Back to These Special Places

The Spanish Peaks Arts Council (SPACe) is a local nonprofit that’s dedicated to supporting artists and art education in the region. Their gallery is a rich display of artists throughout the area, with rotating exhibits throughout the year. When you’re in La Veta, be sure to stop by and check them out. You can also help support the arts by donating, or by purchasing one of their vintage-style posters, which help fund the organization.

Day
1
public health is a puzzle mural in walsenburg photo
Activity
Public Health is a Puzzle
When Colorado's health department published its 51-page health assessment, they knew few people would read it. Instead, they decided to fund…
Lunch
Alpine Rose Cafe
Open for breakfast and lunch, with breakfast burritos, green chili, homemade cinnamon rolls and more.
Itinerary Tip
Take Flight

Under the shadows of the Spanish Peaks you’ll find Crafty Canary, a woman-owned microbrewery serving up some of the best batches of ale in town. Be sure to stop by and enjoy what’s on tap for the day.

Activity
Code of the West by Yul Jorgensen
Although this piece was a commercial project for a local real estate company, this mural is one of Walsenburg's standout designs. Yul Jorgensen…
Itinerary Tip
Roll Out

Hop on the Highway of Legends byway to catch some serious scenery on your way toward La Veta. Be sure to stop by Lathrop State Park to squeeze in a quick hike.

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
The Creative Process
Anyone who's delved into the arts knows how daunting the creative process can be at times, yet the reward almost always keeps artists coming back…
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
2
Breakfast
Paradise Coffee
Family-owned Paradise Coffee was brewed in April 2012. Serving a variety of delicious espresso, lattes and coffees.
Itinerary Tip
Mosey on Down to San Luis

Make your way to San Luis, one of Colorado's most fascinating towns.

Activity
Sierras y Colores by Carlos Sandoval
One of the town's most celebrated works, ​"Sierrras y Colores" walks onlookers through the history and culture that created the town of San Luis…
Itinerary Tip
Next Stop: Antonito

Head west from San Luis to Antonito, a tiny town where an Indiana Jones scene was shot in 1988.

Lunch
Dos Hermanas Restaurant
For two delicious decades, Dos Hermanas Restaurant has been a destination for Antonito’s best homemade recipes and margaritas.
Activity
Wild Antonito by David Ocelotl Garcia
​Intended to honor the beautiful ecosystem found in Antonito, this mural depicts the abundance of plants and animals that are found in the area…
Itinerary Tip
On the Lookout

On your way north toward La Jara, see if you can spot a design that features a whooping crane on the side of a brick silo. The mural was made by celebrated muralist Fred Haberlien, whose designs you’ll see all throughout the Mystic San Luis Valley.

Dinner
Wagon Wheel Saloon
The best ribeye steaks, thick and juicy catfish, shrimp, fish sandwiches, large shrimp and the finest Southwest grub. Large parking lot for big…
Activity
Shepherd's Sunrise by Fred Haberlein
You can find many of Fred Haberlein's works through the region. It tends to feature San Luis Valley's rich history and its residents' connection…
Lodging
Steam Train Hotel
Welcome to the Steam Train Hotel! Our hotel is located in Antonito, Colorado, part of the San Luis Valley, in the heart of Historic Conejos County…
Day
3
Breakfast
Dutch Mill Restaurant
A favorite for breakfast burritos, as well as other Mexican specialties.
Itinerary Tip
Aim Your Ride Toward Alamosa

A 30-minute drive north lands you in Alamosa.

Activity
Naming of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
This piece tells the early history of the bloody conflict between the indigenous people of the San Luis Valley and early European settlers. From…
Lunch
San Luis Valley Brewing
Offers the finest in craft brews and fine food in an inviting atmosphere.
Activity
San Luis Valley Heritage by Ian Wilkinson
Representing the region's past, present and future, this massive piece is a collection of 85 individual murals that grace the exterior of the San…
Itinerary Tip
Just Dune It

Before you head west toward Creede on the Silver Thread byway, be sure to stop by the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve for a glimpse of one of nature’s greatest masterpieces.

Dinner
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
The Four Seasons by Stephen Quiller
Creede and Mineral County are home to some of the most beautiful sights in Colorado, and this 30-year-old piece is a homage to the area's changing…
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…