Info on towns in the San Luis Valley (Alamosa, Monte Vista: houses, living)

[Joey2k]

I've read several previous threads on the SLV, but most of it was in regard to rural living, farming/gardening, and especially water rights. I'd just like some information about the towns there, anything noteworthy or interesting. I moved to CO last year and I'm looking to get out and explore some of the less well known corners of the state.

[Mike from back east]

The Alamosa area is fine for exploring....Great Sand Dunes.... and there's a tourist train from Alamosa to La Veta that often schedules concerts up on the mountain and much more to see...

[NW Crow]

Crestone, several dozen religious / spiritual communities and retreats. Great views.


Villa Grove, some old buildings & history.




Bonanza, ghost town / summer homes.


Blanca, views, off-griders.


Monte Vista / Del Norte, old houses on tree lined streets. Access point to Rio Grande back toward South Fork. Outdoor rec options.




Manassa, Jack Dempsey museum.


Great Sand Dunes also has Medano Creek area headed towards mountains. A different part of the ecosystem and different views to the dunes.


Conejos River gets pretty as you reach the mountains, especially in fall.


Penitente Canyon, rock climbing, history.


Antonito, train.


San Luis, oldest church in state.




General stores, antique places here & there. Check a guidebook.


Could carry on north to Westcliffe, small ranching town or south into NM along Rio Grande (or east to Raton, Sugarite Canyon, Capulin Volcano, etc.)

[bluescreen73]

If you're planning on going to the valley within the next couple weeks plan your route carefully. US-160 is closed between Fort Garland and La Veta due to the Spring Fire, and US-285 is closed between Fairplay and Antero Junction because of the Weston Pass Fire.

[Joey2k]

Originally Posted by bluescreen73

If you're planning on going to the valley within the next couple weeks plan your route carefully. US-160 is closed between Fort Garland and La Veta due to the Spring Fire, and US-285 is closed between Fairplay and Antero Junction because of the Weston Pass Fire.

I'm aware (I work for CDOT keeping track of all these closures), I'm keeping an eye on those. Thanks for the heads up though.

Originally Posted by NW Crow

San Luis, oldest church in state.

Oldest town in the state, if I'm not mistaken?

[NW Crow]

Websites that are careful say oldest continuously occupied town or first permanent settlement. Since 1851.


For the history before, this article provides a summary In search of Colorado’s oldest town – Colorado Central Magazine

[TCHP]

NW Crow has a good summation.

Other things in the Valley; visit CO Gators Park, visit a bison farm, visit an elk ranch (the 12-15' tall fences are a bit shocking at first), visit the alien viewing center, vistti Cano's Castle made of repurposed material, see the Indiana Jones childhood home from "The Final Crusade", and of course there are the Great Sand Dunes National Park and the Cumbres and Toltec railroad.

Be forewarned that the valley is big. It can take an hour or more to traverse it, so see some things will take a deliberate effort.