Visit southern Colorado, and you’ll find that the landscape has remained largely unchanged over the course of centuries. The area is surrounded by 14'ners (peaks over 14,000 feet).

This is also the agricultural hub of Colorado. Colorado’s San Luis Valley is the second largest fresh potato growing region in the U.S. for good reason (pictured). Sitting at an elevation of 7600 feet, between the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan Mountains, the valley enjoys mild temperatures and 350 days of sunshine a year.

Part of an ancient lake bed, the fertile soil has been enriched by a unique mix of mineral deposits and is further enhanced by abundant annual snow melt. That is why over 150 potato growing families have made the San Luis Valley their home for generations.

Hardy towns are spread across the windswept plains, including Alamosa,

Del Norte, Walsenburg and San Luis — dating back to 1540, it’s the oldest in the state. A strong sense of community anchors these places and is fostered by down-to-earth people who love the outdoors and take advantage through mountain biking, scenic hikes, skiing and other pursuits.

The Rio Grande River snakes across the valley, providing an opportunity for whitewater rafting, fly-fishing on the longest stretch of the state’s Gold Medal waters, camping and stand-up paddleboarding.

North America’s tallest sand dunes are a dramatic backdrop against the Sangre de Cristo mountains at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, where you can sandboard or sled down the naturally occurring dunes. In the spring and early summer, don’t miss as Medano Creek mysteriously flows down from the mountains, creating a beach oasis perfect for building sandcastles and skimboarding. Not too far from the park, a short hike to Zapata Falls reveals a cool respite in the summer and a giant ice sculpture in the winter.

When you set foot in one of the largest alpine valleys in the world, you get a sense that there’s more than meets the eye. Eclectic curiosities are waiting to be discovered: A drive along Highway 17 leads to the UFO Watchtower, a quirky roadside attraction with information on the valley’s surprising number of unexplained sightings. Or, check out the Colorado Gators Reptile Park, home to a number of scaly creatures. Speaking of animals, the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge is a prime place to spot migratory birds and is host to the annual Monte Vista Crane Festival each March.

An exciting way to soak in fantastic scenery and Old West antiquity is aboard on a historic train ride in the San Luis Valley. Board the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad in Antonito for a ride that climbs higher than 10,000 feet though southern Colorado to Chama, New Mexico.

Rooted in American Indian heritage and known as the birthplace of modern Colorado, this region is also home to a vibrant Hispanic and religious history. Visit the more contemporary Shrine of the Stations of the Cross to see a series of bronze statues positioned along a path that winds up a mesa to an adobe chapel.

The unspoiled nature and spirit of the San Luis Valley has been well-maintained, making it an ideal place for travelers who seek rich culture, outdoor recreation and a taste of vivid history — truly a destination for kind and curious spirits that will leave you with a renewed sense of peace and centeredness.

RESOURCES

Del Norte Magazine

Colorado National Park Journal

Visit Pagosa Springs

South Fork Visitors Guide

Alamosa Visitors Guide

FRESH FOOD will be available at a local farmers market and off the back of trucks: INFO

Sol Mountain Farm is a vendor at Mercado Del Norte (in the center of town), which opened in 2021.

Heinrich met the founders, Wes (above) and Ike, at college in Fort Collins. They, along with Angela, have built the farm into a steady supply of fresh foods servicing local restaurants and stores in the SLV.

Visiting Sol Mountain and hanging out with the people connected to and with them are a big reason why we moved here.

Read more about Sol Mountain Farm in Del Norte Magazine. open and scroll. That's Wes working hard at the market in Del Norte!

Simple Foods Market is the only natural food store nearby. When you shop at Simple Foods, have peace of mind that you are purchasing unadulterated, natural and humanely sourced products while supporting your local community, economy and environment.

From The Windsor Hotel, across the street.

From Mellow Moon, 10 minute walk.

From the Campground, 14 minute walk; 2 minute drive - easy street parking.

Lowe's Market in Del Norte is a full service grocery store and liquor store.

From The Windsor Hotel, 12 minute walk.

From Mellow Moon, 3 minute walk.

From the Campground, 20 minute walk; 2 minute drive - easy parking.

Conoco Gas Station located at Grand Ave and Oak, also sells beer. (Closest to camping venue.)

While you're walking, stop in to say hello to Jack the fly fisherman at Jackalope - he's on the corner!

Rainbow Grocery in South Fork - Sporting goods and hardware store also selling groceries, including fresh produce and meats. Buy beer & wine.

Wolf Creek Liquor Store in South Fork for wine, beer and spirits.

Large Grocery and Better Liquor Stores

MONTE VISTA

Head straight out of town going east to Safeway, the largest and most affordable place to do a big shop. There are a couple of liquor stores there too. But you can buy wine and beer in the grocery.

About Monte Vista: Set in a high plains valley, Monte Vista is bordered by the rugged Sangre de Cristo range to the east and the equally stunning San Juan Mountains to the west. The town’s prime location makes it an ideal jumping-off point for day trips to explore the area’s many 14,000-foot peaks — called “fourteeners” by locals — as well as the ample treasures the San Luis Valley has to offer.

The farming hub raises potatoes, alfalfa and carrots, but has become famous for another agricultural product — Coors barley. The world's largest single-site brewery, Miller Coors, based in Golden, Colorado, relies on the farms around Monte Vista to produce special barley for its Rocky Mountain-style beer.

Incorporated in 1886, this charming town was once a stop for the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad. Today, you take a historic walking tour through downtown, where the streets are lined with historical buildings and lovingly preserved architecture. Monte Vista's old-fashioned downtown offers free parking, art galleries, antique and clothing shops, and an array of dining options — from taquerias to from-scratch bakeries. Local lodging ranges from high end and eclectic to low key and traditional, with B&Bs, hotels, a retro motor lodge and nearby campsites.

The Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge is one of the area's top attractions. Established by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission in 1953, the wetland habitat provides a safe place for wildlife, especially migratory birds. Native American petroglyphs in the area depict the sandhill crane's migration, a nod to the fact that the big birds have been using the San Luis Valley as a spring break spot for more than 2,000 years. One of the best times to visit the refuge is during the annual Monte Vista Crane Festival held each March.

ALAMOSA is further east - and a larger town. If you need something bigger, like a large cooler or things like that, there is a Walmart and several groceries, hardware and farm stores. Its also where the airport is.

After your day of hiking and biking, get a relaxing massage right in town.

Best to book in advance.

San Luis Valley Therapeutic Massage - Del Norte

Nomadic Massage - 515-808-8869

Enduring Wellness Health Services - 719-624-2808

Hippie Chick - 719-657-1440 - Del Norte

Tiny Timbers Resort Spa - South Fork

above:

Ouray

Black River of the Gunnison

Fruita, located just east of Grand Junction, is home to great outdoor adventure, amazing geography, a dinosaur museum. This was the destination once the ski season ended in Steamboat as it was warm, arid and we could BIKE.

If your trip goes near there, you'll want to check it out. Cute town.