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Colorado Field Guide Established in 2017

The Ultimate Colorado Adventure in the Mystic San Luis Valley

The Ultimate Colorado Adventure in the Mystic San Luis Valley

5 days

More Itineraries

Sustainability Activity

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The San Luis Valley Great Outdoors needs funds to help develop trails and outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors.

Insider's Tip

When to Visit: The best time to visit is during late spring or fall since these are shoulder seasons. Plus, the attractions are less crowded, and the weather is more pleasant — enjoy warmer days but cooler nights. But don't forget, you are closer to the sun at 7,000 feet so wear sunscreen and stay hydrated.

Day 1

Activity

Walsenburg Golf Course

Walsenburg Municipal Golf Course is 9 holes, 3,110 yards, par 36, with a beautiful view of the Spanish Peaks and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Lunch

Tina's Family Cafe

American and Mexican home cooking, with great green chili! Read More

Activity

Hike the Cuerno Verde Trail

The Cuerno Verde Trail in Lathrop State Park is a three-mile trail with exceptional scenery. You can walk or take your bike.

COTREX

Insider's Tip

20 Minute Drive: Get in your car and head 20 minutes southwest to La Veta for dinner.

Dinner

Alys' Restaurant

Each evening, we offer a delicious selection from our menu choices of lamb, steak, chicken, seafood or vegetarian complemented with fresh vegetables and potato, rice or pasta, along with soup or... Read More

Activity

Francisco Fort Museum

An original adobe fort in continuous use since 1862. Saloon, log school, blacksmith shop, exhibits of geology, Native and Hispanic cultures, anglo settlement, local industry. Special free... Read More

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, you're sure to find this property special... Read More

Day 2

Breakfast

Ryus Ave Bakery

Serving artisan breads, pastries, breakfast and lunch. Read More

Insider's Tip

Get on the Road: You're going to drive a little under an hour for your next activity to San Luis.

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 bronze sculptures of Christ's passion and... Read More

Insider's Tip

45 Minutes to Lunch: Get back in your car and get on the road to make your train in Antonito.

Lunch

Dine at the Osier Dining Hall

Sample from an all-you-can-eat homemade buffet. You'll fill up on roast turkey with cornbread dressing just like your grandma used to make before chowing down on the famous triple chocolate cake.

Activity

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

USA Today readers voted Cumbres & Toltec the Best Scenic Train Ride in America. Climb aboard this National Historic Landmark for a 64-mile day trip you'll never forget. Our coal-fired steam... Read More

Insider's Tip

Train Ride to Car Ride: After your magnificent train ride, drive up to Alamosa.

Dinner

Calvillo's Mexican Restaurant

Authentic Mexican cuisine, menu or all-day buffet, banquet room and full bar.

Activity

The Colorado Farm Brewery

Tilled, planted, grown, malted, milled, brewed, bottled and consumed in Alamosa.

Lodging

Fairfield Inn & Suites

Set 2.7 miles from the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad, this contemporary hotel is also 3.2 miles from the Cattails Golf Course. Read More

Day 3

Breakfast

Campus Café

Campus Cafe is the local favorite. American food, amazing breakfasts, you have to try the cinnnamon roll! Great lunch menu too.

Activity

Hike Zapata Falls

Wade through chilly waters and climb over slippery rocks for the chance to see Zapata's hidden falls. They are well-worth the journey.

COTREX

Lunch

Great Sand Dunes Oasis

The Oasis Restaurant and Store, located at the main park entrance, is the only restaurant within 25 miles of the national park. The Oasis is open April through October. Read More

Insider's Tip

Try the Pie: You must have a slice of cherry pie — a la mode of course — before renting sand boards just outside the Great Sand Dunes National Park entrance.

Activity

Surf Down the Sand

Sandboarding will be your new favorite activity. You might take a tumble but you'll get the hang of it by the time you leave.

Insider's Tip

Moffat Bound: Once you're done at the dunes, drive over to Moffat for the night.

Dinner

A Joyful Dinner

Joyful Journey offers a daily dinner of soup and salad.

Activity

Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa & Event Center

At Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa, we offer lodging, spa services, including massages & facials, health & fitness classes, including yoga & qi gong, in addition to three all-natural, chemical... Read More

Insider's Tip

Rest Time: After soaking yourself to prune-status, stay the night in the hotel or one of the yurts offered at Joyful Journey.

Lodging

Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa & Event Center

Disconnect in the Hotel, with private bathrooms, custom-made Aspen furniture, travertine floors, secluded patios with spectacular views and easy access to our mineral-rich pools. All overnight... Read More

Day 4

Insider's Tip

Breakfast is Served: Roll out of bed and into the dining room at Joyful Journey.

Activity

Crestone Historical Museum

Museum exhibits include local Ranching (1860-2004), Mining (1874-1904), Schooling (1881-1949), and Home Living (1875-1950). Display items are from the Crestone-Baca Ranch area. Relax in our gift... Read More

Lunch

Crestone Brewing Co

Crestone Brewing Co. is a nano brewpub in the amazing and mysterious San Luis Valley, serving up delicious locally sourced food and craft beverages. Our culinary experts love working with all of... Read More

Activity

Colorado Gators Reptile Park

Colorado Gators began in 1977 as a fish farm to raise tilapia for human consumption. The geothermal well is 2050 feet deep and 87 degrees. In 1987, the first alligators were brought in as ... Read More

Dinner

Rio Grande Scenic Railroad

Rio Grande Scenic Railroad offers a unique concert experience accessible only by train! Just named by USA Today as a Top 10 outdoor concert venue in the country. See Grammy award winning... Read More

Insider's Tip

Wine Train: Board your Rio Grande Scenic Railroad train car at 6pm for a wine-pairing and meal.

Lodging

Fairfield Inn & Suites

Set 2.7 miles from the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad, this contemporary hotel is also 3.2 miles from the Cattails Golf Course. Read More

Day 5

Breakfast

Roast

Discover Colorado's First Craft Roastery, Brewery, Restaurant. We offer house roasted Espresso & coffee, delicious food, craft beer, and unique retail. Read More

Activity

Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge

In the heart of the arid San Luis Valley lies a birdwatchers paradise. Lush wetlands provide year-round habitat for songbirds, water birds, coyotes, deer and other wildlife. In March and September,... Read More

Insider's Tip

Del Norte Drive: After visiting the nature of Alamosa, head over to Del Norte for more outdoor pursuits.

Lunch

Three Barrel Brewing Company

One of Colorado's smallest microbreweries that's been in business for over 15 years. Located in the heart of Del Norte, Colorado, we that utilizes local ingredients in all beers and foods at the... Read More

Activity

Go Mountain Biking

Rent a mountain bike at Kristi Mountain Sports before taking off on one of the many trails in Del Norte.

COTREX

Insider's Tip

Stop for Lunch: Load up you bikes and get back on the road; lunch is a little under 20 minutes away in South Fork.

Dinner

Ramon's Mexican Restaurant

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! Read More

Insider's Tip

The Car Journey Continues: 20 more minutes in the car brings you to Creede for a show.

Activity

Creede Repertory Theatre

"One of 10 great places to see the lights way off Broadway." -USA Today. "Legendary." - The Denver Post. In 2015, CRT celebrates over 50 years of professional theatre in a spectacular setting.<... Read More

Lodging

Dragonfly Flats

This Victorian retreat has 4 separate flats which can be rented separately or together. You can relax on the porch swing, rockers, or bistro tables; enjoy the fire-pit in the backyard or step out... Read More

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