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The Ultimate Colorado Adventure in the Mystic San Luis Valley

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Here are some ways to be conscientious and caring on your adventures, while ensuring you make the most out of every second of your vacation. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/videos/5-steps-care-coloradans">Learn more</a>

5 Steps to Care for Coloradans

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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.

When to Visit

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.

Walsenburg Golf Course

Serving excellent Mexican food since 1956, with a red-chili sauce known throughout the land.

Corine's Mexican Food

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

Hike the Cuerno Verde Trail

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

20-Minute Drive

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 salad to complete your meal.

Alys' Restaurant

Snap a photo of the towering monumental spine of rock known as the Devil’s Stairsteps.

Stop for a Photo Op

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

You're going to drive a little under an hour for your next activity to San Luis.

Get on the Road

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 resurrection and experience the magnificent adobe Capilla at the top of the mesa.

Shrine of the Stations of the Cross

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.

Dine at the Osier Dining Hall

Get back in your car and get on the road to make your train in Antonito.

45 Minutes to Lunch

All Aboard the Cumbres &amp; Toltec Scenic Railroad for a Train Ride of a Lifetime! 
<a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/4-reasons-cumbres-toltec-scenic-railroad-must-visit">Read 4 Reasons the Cumbres &amp; Toltec Scenic Railroad is a Must-Visit</a><a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/4-reasons-cumbres-toltec-scenic-railroad-must-visit"> </a>

The Cumbres &amp; Toltec Scenic Railroad (C&amp;TSRR) is the highest, longest, and most authentic steam-operated railroad in America. The railroad was awarded National Historic Landmark Designation in 2012 and is owned jointly by the states of Colorado and New Mexico.
Climb aboard the historic narrow-gauge railroad which operates in the scenic landscapes of southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. Renowned for its breathtaking mountain vistas, and vintage steam locomotives, the railroad offers an immersive journey back in time to the late 19th century, when railroading played a crucial role in connecting remote regions. Stretching 64 miles of rugged terrain, the Cumbres &amp; Toltec Scenic Railroad provides guests with a unique opportunity to experience the Old West while traversing through deep canyons, across high trestles, and alongside rivers.

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

After your magnificent train ride, drive up to Alamosa.

Train Ride to Car Ride

Here at Calvillos, we believe Mexican food should be fresh, tasty, and authentic. We are dedicated to serving the best Mexican food in Colorado. Located in Alamosa in the San Luis Valley of Southern Colorado, we offer a rich culture and cuisine of the different states o

Calvillo's

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

The Colorado Farm Brewery

Set 33 miles from the Great Sand Dunes National Park &amp; Preserve, this contemporary hotel is also 3.2 miles from the Cattails Golf Course.

Fairfield Inn & Suites

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

Campus Cafe

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

Hike Zapata Falls

The Oasis Restaurant and Store, located at the main park entrance, is the only restaurant within 25 miles of Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Great Sand Dunes Oasis

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.

Surf Down the Sand

After a day of playing in the sand, it's time to head to Moffat for a hot-springs soak.

On the Road Again

Hit the Road

Joyful Journey offers a daily dinner of soup and salad.

A Joyful Dinner

In addition to three all-natural, chemical free hot springs pools, Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa offers lodging, spa services (including massages &amp; facials), and weekend yoga classes. Visit to enjoy a peaceful respite in the remote and majestic San Luis Valley.
Disconnect and rejuvenate in three mineral-rich soaking pools and dry sauna. The mineral waters rise from artesian springs between 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit and are tempered to 98-108 degrees. We empty, clean, and refill the pools daily and do not use chlorine or chemicals. The mineral content of the water is lower in sulphur than other hot springs, and does not have an odor. The water is higher in lithium, which can help with deep relaxation. 
Stay overnight in a hotel room, yurt, casita, rv space or tent site. Every overnight guest enjoys complimentary soaking in the hot springs, as well as daily breakfast and a light dinner. We are committed to offering as much organic, local food as possible and always offer a vegan and gluten-free option. Visit the year-round, geodesic greenhouse or walk the labyrinth

Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa & Event Center

After soaking yourself to a perfectly pruny status, stay the night in the hotel or one of the yurts offered at Joyful Journey.

Rest Time

Roll out of bed and into the dining room at Joyful Journey.

Breakfast is Served

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 shop area featuring sofas, overstuffed chairs, and free coffee. Restroom.

Crestone Historical Museum

Reptile rescue park. See more than 250 alligators including Mr. Bo Mangles the albino alligator and Morris the movie star, tortoises, pythons and much more! Lots of hands on experiences! Hold a gator! Feed the gators, tortoises, and fish! Go fishing!

Colorado Gators Reptile Park

The Rubi Slipper has classic American cuisine, and is open for lunch and dinner. Famous for their $1 Taco Tuesdays, they've extended that special to every day. Enjoy burgers, salads, chili, nachos, and buffalo wings at the Rubi Slipper.

Rubi Slipper

Blanca Vista Park's Crestone Trail features a grand view of the mighty Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range.

Hike the Crestone Trail

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, twenty thousand Sandhill Cranes migrate through the valley.

Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge

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

Del Norte Drive

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 restaurant. 100% Solar Powered on site! Come taste the San Luis Valley.

Three Barrel Brewing Company

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

Go Mountain Biking

Load up your bikes and get back on the road; dinner is a little under 20 minutes away in South Fork.

Stop for Dinner

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!

Ramon's Mexican Restaurant

As a side trip off the Silver Thread Scenic Byway, hike up to these falls.

Hike to South Clear Creek Falls

20 more minutes in the car brings you to Creede for a show.

The Car Journey Continues

An old-fashioned American vacation destination with modern riverside cabins, rooms, RVs, private fishing and riverside dining.