Colorado.com
5 Days
Uncovering History of the Mystic San Luis Valley

Colorado.com

Get ready to take the kiddos' learning to new heights with Colo-Road Trips Educational Itineraries, trips crafted with plenty of hands-on learning, educational adventures and, of course, stops for ice cream. Each was designed with kids from kindergarten to 5th grade in mind, but the activities, outings and accommodations will be enjoyed by children of all ages — yes, that’s you Mom and Dad. Supplement your trip with trivia, educational videos and games — or just hop in the car and go!

Explore the Mystic San Luis Valley on this epic road trip. Along the way, you'll drive along scenic byways, pop into museums, visit a state park and animal refuge and spot a ton of sand too. Traverse through Walsenburg, La Veta, Fort Garland, Alamosa, Monte Vista, Del Norte, Lake City and Creede. 

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Day 1

activity

Get Your Hike On: Lathrop State Park

Opened in 1962, Colorado’s first state park offers stunning views of Spanish Peaks, Greenhorn Mountain and Pikes Peak. With two lakes, three hiking…

Educational Activity

Get Your Hike On

Hiking at Lathrop State Park is a way to connect to a place, hone observation skills and get some energy out! Get Activity.

Extra Credit

Go Geocaching

Interested in an outdoor treasure hunt? Before heading out of Lathrop State Park, try your hand at geocaching. Get Activity.

lunch

Serendipity Coffee House

“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…

Insider's Tip

Roll On

Hop on the road and head 20 minutes south to La Veta.

activity

Architecture Detective: Highway of Legends

Colorado's Highway of Legends Scenic and Historic Byway is the perfect detour for those exploring southern Colorado. Along this stretch of two-lane…

Educational Activity

Channel Your Inner Detective!

Make a stop in La Veta at the beginning of your drive and become an architectural detective. Get Activity.

dinner

Dog Bar & Grill

A staple in the Cuchara Valley, Dog Bar & Grill was named one of the "Top 12 Best Outdoor Patios in Colorado" by The Denver Post. This dog-themed…

activity

Stargazing at Cuchara Mountain Park

Tucked in the eastern slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Cuchara is a charming mountain village with a million-star review. Spend your night…

Insider's Tip

Enjoy a Sundae

Stop by Charlie’s Market after a night under the stars to grab a sweet treat at this old-fashioned soda fountain located in a grocery store.

lodging

La Veta Inn

After a long day’s adventure, spend some time telling stories by the fire. If you book a suite, you’ll be able to tuck your kids into their bedroom…

Day 2

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breakfast

Paradise Coffee

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

Insider's Tip

Drive to Fort Garland

Head south out of La Veta for about 45 minutes to your next destination.

activity

Travel Back in History: Fort Garland

Built in 1858 to protect early settlers from Indigenous raids during the Indian Wars, this 19th-century treasure highlights adobe structures, the Black…

Educational Activity

Travel Back in History

Explore the life of a Buffalo Soldier at Fort Garland Museum. Get Activity.

lunch

All-Gon Pizza

Located in the heart of historic Fort Garland, our family-owned restaurant is known for fine dining, delicious home-style cooking, and comfy rustic…

activity

Exploring Colorado’s History: Los Caminos Antiguos Byway

Los Caminos Antiguos byway traverses the cradle of the San Luis Valley. You'll see historic bits of the state and spot a valley rich in culture, agriculture…

Educational Activity

Spanish, Anyone?

As you travel along the Los Caminos Antiguos byway, try to match the Spanish words to the English translation. Get Activity.

Insider's Tip

Stretch Your Legs

Head to the top of a hill where Shrine of the Stations of the Cross, a historic church, is located.

dinner

Calvillo's

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…

activity

Hike Blanca Vista Park

Stretch your legs at Blanca Vista Park. The mile Crestone Trail is accessible from the wildlife viewing area and features a grand view of the mighty…

Insider's Tip

Have a Nightcap

Visit the Colorado Farm Brewery to "tap" off your night at the nation’s only farm-to-glass brewery. They offer a variety of styles made with the estate’s very own ingredients. The kiddos can enjoy a farm tour while enjoying a delicious root beer as well.

 

lodging

Dunes Inn

If the children need to keep up with their online courses, the Dunes Inn offers free fiber internet to all guests. This gives the little ones time to…

Day 3

breakfast

Milagros Coffee House

With a rotating gallery by local artists, this coffee shop is the perfect place to get the creative juices flowing for the day’s adventure. Several…

activity

Welcome to Alamosa: Alamosa Welcome Center

Alamosa, the largest town in the San Luis Valley, is considered the Gateway to the sand dunes. Said to be named after cottonwood trees along the Rio…

Educational Activity

Interested in Working in the Travel Industry?

Here’s your chance! After a visit to the Alamosa Welcome Center create a poster or brochure to encourage people to visit the Mystic San Luis Valley. Get Activity.

lunch

My Brother's Place

Word on the street is that this pizza parlor rivals most New York City slices and is tike-approved too. Make sure to grab a seat upstairs, which has…

activity

Time Traveling in Alamosa: San Luis Valley Museum and Cultural Center

With exhibits on the lives of Indigenous, Hispanic and Japanese American peoples as well as information on early railroading and early mercantile stores,…

Educational Activity

Shopping: In the Past vs. Today

Explore how modern-day shopping compares to the past at the San Luis Valley Museum and Cultural Center. Get Activity.

Trivia

How’s Your Memory?

Test your memory about your travels from the first three days. Get Trivia.

dinner

The Rubi Slipper

Enjoy American classics in this vintage-style diner, where kids can enjoy a root beer float. But, make sure they save room for dessert! We hear their…

activity

UFO Watchtower

The watchtower is a 10-foot-tall viewing platform that takes advantage of the remote area’s high elevation. Pass the time with your eyes on the sky,…

lodging

Great Sand Dunes Lodge

The best part about a night at the lodge is the view of the sand dunes from your private patio. Keep your eyes peeled for hummingbirds, as they tend…

Insider's Tip

Cool Off

Take a dip at the Sand Dunes Swimming Pool located in Hooper.

Day 4

breakfast

Great Sand Dunes Oasis

Located at the entrance of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, this is a one-stop-shop where you can cross multiple trips off of your list…

activity

Sand Matters: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

A sandbox of epic proportions, the entire dune field encompasses 30 square miles. The tallest dune even towers 750-feet high. The kid in every visitor…

Educational Activity

How Did the Sand Dunes Get There?

Ever wonder how the sand dunes were formed? Visit the Visitors Center to find out. Get Activity.

lunch

Great Sand Dunes Oasis

Drop off your rentals and stay for lunch! The restaurant’s menu offers everything from burgers to tacos, but be sure to take a slice of pie for the…

activity

Hike Zapata Falls

Wade through ice-cold water and maneuver over slippery rocks to see these hidden falls. If you want to keep your shoes dry, balance on the log bridge…

dinner

The Sunflour Cafe

Stop by this local favorite for dinner and be sure to snag a booth for ultimate comfort for you and the fam. This is another spot that excels at dessert,…

activity

Wildlife Sanctuary: Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge

This refuge is a bird watcher's paradise due to the arid climate of the San Luis Valley. Lush wetlands provide a year-round habitat for various birds,…

Educational Activity

Word Scramble

After a visit to the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, practice your new vocabulary by seeing how many words you can unscramble. Get Activity.

lodging

Best Western Movie Manor

Head over to this mom and pop-style hotel that doubles as a drive-in theater! If it has been a long day in the car, you can see the big screen from…

Trivia

How Much Do You Remember?

See what you can recall from your adventures today. Get Trivia.

Day 5

breakfast

Boogies Restaurant

Time to fuel up for your last day of activities! This local favorite boasts hometown service and a dedicated kid's menu. Don't miss the hash brown casserole…

activity

Music in the Valley: Rio Grande County Museum

Filled with hands-on activities to delight kids of all ages, the Rio Grande County Museum will take you on a journey. Learn about Indigenous Peoples,…

Educational Activity

Got Music?

Explore how music was an important part of life in the valley at the Rio Grande County Museum. Get Activity.

lunch

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.

activity

Creede Underground Mining Museum

Kids will enjoy learning about stoping, blacksmithing, mucking, blasting and assaying, all while underground in the cool heart of the mountain. Retired…

Educational Activity

Are you Ready to Travel Underground?: Creede Underground Mining Museum

Expand your vocabulary while exploring the many displays at the Creede Underground Mining Museum. Get Activity.

Trivia

Remember Mining, Anyone?

A few questions to help you remember mining terms and your time in Creede. Get Trivia.

dinner

Tommyknocker Tavern

Tommyknocker's has spacious outdoor seating areas — perfect for getting your kid’s energy out before the night comes to a close. The deck also has spectacular…

activity

Hike South Clear Creek Falls

Located between Lake City and Creede, the falls are a short 900-foot hike.

lodging

Soward Ranch

The cabins have room for the entire family, and kids will have a bedroom all to their own — perfect for getting a good night’s rest before you head…