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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.

Muraling Throughout Mystic San Luis Valley

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The <a href="https://spanishpeaksarts.org/donations/">Spanish Peaks Arts Council (SPACe)</a> 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 <a href="https://spanishpeaksarts.org/scenic-southern-colorado-posters/">vintage-style posters</a>, which help fund the organization.

How to Give Back to These Special Places

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When Colorado's health department published its 51-page health assessment, they knew few people would read it. Instead, they decided to fund muralists to depict the main aspects of the report. This puzzling design is one of eight related murals found throughout the state, and dives into mining history and the symbiotic relationship between self, community and the environment. Maria Cocchiareilli-Berger spearheaded the design alongside local veterans and artists.

Public Health is a Puzzle

“A taste of today in yesterday’s store” reflects what to expect on a visit to Serendipity. Owner Gaye Davis has chosen to create a coffee shop/specialty gift store in a historic building in the heart of downtown Walsenburg.

Serendipity Coffee House

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Under the shadows of the Spanish Peaks you’ll find <a href="https://craftycanarybrewery.com/">Crafty Canary</a>, 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.

Take Flight

Although this piece was a commercial project for a local real estate company, this mural is one of Walsenburg's standout designs. Yul Jorgensen was the artist behind this work, and the vertical mural honors the beauty of the Huerfano landscape and lifestyle. Beneath it is a metal cutout that spells out the commandments of the West by Zane Gray.

Code of the West by Yul Jorgensen

Hop on the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/byways/highway-legends">Highway of Legends byway</a> to catch some serious scenery on your way toward La Veta. Be sure to stop by <a href="https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Lathrop">Lathrop State Park</a> to squeeze in a quick hike.

Roll Out

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

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 for more. This design explores the topic, and was executed by five students from local schools in La Veta with help from their art teacher, Eric Lunde.
Photo credit: Peggy Zehring

The Creative Process

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, you're sure to find this property special and full of charm. Located in the heart of La Veta, this property tells countless stories over the years, including those of being haunted.

La Veta Inn

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

Skinny's Diner and Bar

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

Mosey on Down to San Luis

One of the town's most celebrated works, "Sierras y Colores" by Colorado native, Carlos Sandoval, walks onlookers through the history and culture that created the town of San Luis. Each panel tells a different story and honors the Ute people.

Sierras y Colores by Carlos Sandoval

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

Next Stop: Antonito

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

Dos Hermanas Restaurant

​Intended to honor the beautiful ecosystem found in Antonito, this mural depicts the abundance of plants and animals that are found in the area. The piece also serves as a colorful reminder to protect our precious places. The mural's author, David Ocelotl Garcia, is an accomplished Colorado-based artist with works in museums and private collections.

Wild Antonito by David Ocelotl Garcia

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 <a href="https://www.museumtrail.org">mural</a> was made by celebrated muralist Fred Haberlien, whose designs you’ll see all throughout the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/region/mystic-san-luis-valley">Mystic San Luis Valley</a>.

On the Lookout

The best ribeye steaks, thick and juicy catfish, shrimp, fish sandwiches, large shrimp and the finest Southwest grub. Large parking lot for big rigs and RVs. You are only a stranger once.

Wagon Wheel Saloon

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 to the scenic landscape. We like to think he's conveying the latter in this piece.
Photo: Kat Olance

Shepherd's Sunrise by Fred Haberlein

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.  Surrounded by the majesty of the Rocky Mountains, we boast an average of 350 days of clear skies a year!

Steam Train Hotel

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

Dutch Mill Restaurant

A 30-minute drive north lands you in Alamosa.

Aim Your Ride Toward Alamosa

This piece tells the early history of the bloody conflict between the indigenous people of the San Luis Valley and early European settlers. From these wars, the Spanish are said to have christened the mountains for the blood of Christ in commemoration of the lives that were lost. The naming for the mountain range directly translates as "the blood of Christ." T​his mural took about a year's time to complete and was created by Adams State University faculty member J. Noel Tucker.
Photo: Courtesy of the Adams State University Luther Bean Museum

Naming of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains

Offers the finest in craft brews and fine food in an inviting atmosphere.

San Luis Valley Brewing

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 Luis Valley Museum. It tells the story of prominent figures, landscapes and points of interest, shedding light on the area's diverse heritage. The design itself was concepted and completed by Adams State University alumnus Ian Wilkinson, and was the result of a year's planning, collaboration and outreach with the local community.
Photo: San Luis Valley Museum

San Luis Valley Heritage by Ian Wilkinson

Before you head west toward Creede on the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/byways/silver-thread">Silver Thread byway</a>, be sure to stop by the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/national-park-profile-great-sand-dunes-national-park-preserve">Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve</a> for a glimpse of one of nature’s greatest masterpieces.

Just Dune It

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 patio. Delicious sandwiches, salads &amp; our famous BBQ Ribs go great with a selection of locally &amp; globally brewed beers.

Tommyknocker Tavern & BBQ Bistro

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 seasons. The mural was commissioned by Creede Arts Council and was hand-painted by Stephen Quiller in his studio workshop. The piece ended up being so large that the artist had to modify the door to get it out. Luckily, the town stepped in and gave a lending hand to make it possible.
Photo: Jim Loud

The Four Seasons by Stephen Quiller

The Aspen Inn is a 4 room inn located in downtown, historic Creede, CO. Accommodations in comfort and natural beauty await. The Inn can be booked <a href="https://aspeninncreede.com/">directly</a> or thru the major services like VRBO or Airbnb.  Note - Room access requires a 1 1/2 story stair climb.