Alamosa ColoradoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Alamosa, Colorado.
1. Great Sand Dunes National Park
SPECTACULAR NATURAL WONDER
Great Sand Dunes National Park features the tallest sand dunes in North America, creating a surreal landscape against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Visitors can enjoy hiking, sandboarding, sledding, and stargazing in this unique ecosystem. The park offers a diverse environment where alpine forests meet desert terrain, creating a memorable experience for outdoor enthusiasts.
2. Zapata Falls
BREATHTAKING FROZEN WATERFALL
Zapata Falls offers spectacular views of the San Luis Valley and the Great Sand Dunes from its elevated position. The falls are particularly impressive in winter when they freeze into a magnificent ice sculpture. Four miles of well-marked hiking and mountain biking trails surround the falls, making it accessible for various outdoor activities.
3. Colorado Gators Reptile Park
UNEXPECTED WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Colorado Gators Reptile Park is a unique attraction where visitors can see alligators living in Colorado's high desert environment. Originally started as a tilapia farm, the facility now houses hundreds of rescued reptiles including alligators, crocodiles, and various exotic species. Visitors can enjoy educational tours and even participate in handling some of the smaller reptiles.
4. Rio Grande River
LEGENDARY WATERWAY ADVENTURE
The Rio Grande River flows through Alamosa, offering excellent opportunities for kayaking, rafting, and fishing. Outdoor enthusiasts can paddle along this historic waterway while taking in the scenic beauty of the San Luis Valley. The river provides a refreshing recreational outlet in the midst of Colorado's largest alpine valley.
5. San Luis Valley Brewing Company
LOCAL CRAFT BEER HAVEN
San Luis Valley Brewing Company serves up handcrafted beers in a welcoming atmosphere in downtown Alamosa. Visitors can sample a variety of locally brewed ales and lagers while enjoying hearty pub fare. The brewery has become a gathering place for locals and tourists alike, celebrating the craft beer culture of Colorado.
6. Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge
PREMIER BIRD WATCHING DESTINATION
Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge provides critical habitat for migratory birds and offers exceptional bird watching opportunities throughout the year. The refuge is particularly known for the stunning Sandhill Crane Migration, when thousands of these majestic birds pass through the area. Visitors can explore wetlands, grasslands, and riparian areas through well-maintained trails and viewing areas.
7. The San Luis Valley Museum
RICH REGIONAL HISTORY
The San Luis Valley Museum preserves and showcases the diverse cultural heritage of the San Luis Valley region. Exhibits feature artifacts from Native American, Hispanic, and pioneer settlers who shaped the area's unique identity. Visitors can explore historical displays that bring to life the struggles and triumphs of those who called this high-altitude valley home.
8. Downtown Alamosa
CHARMING HISTORIC DISTRICT
Downtown Alamosa features historic buildings, local shops, and diverse dining options in a walkable district. Visitors can browse unique stores offering everything from outdoor gear to handcrafted souvenirs while enjoying the mountain town atmosphere. The area hosts various community events throughout the year, bringing together locals and visitors for celebrations of local culture.
9. Firedworks Gallery
LOCAL ART SHOWCASE
Firedworks Gallery displays an impressive collection of arts and crafts created by local and regional artists. Visitors can browse and purchase unique pottery, jewelry, paintings, and other handcrafted items that reflect the culture and landscape of the San Luis Valley. The gallery contributes to Alamosa's growing art scene and offers a glimpse into the creative spirit of the community.
10. Cattails Golf Course
SCENIC DESERT GOLFING
Cattails Golf Course offers golfers a challenging experience set against the backdrop of Colorado's stunning mountain ranges. The 18-hole course features well-maintained fairways, challenging water hazards, and strategic bunkers that test players of all skill levels. Golfers can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding landscape while navigating this desert-style course.
11. Alamosa Farmers Market
FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE
Alamosa Farmers Market brings together local farmers, artisans, and food producers in a vibrant community gathering. Visitors can purchase fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and prepared foods while connecting with the agricultural heritage of the San Luis Valley. The market typically operates during the growing season and showcases the bounty of this unique high-altitude farming region.
12. UFO Watchtower
QUIRKY EXTRATERRESTRIAL ATTRACTION
The UFO Watchtower is a unique roadside attraction located near Alamosa that capitalizes on the San Luis Valley's reputation for UFO sightings. Visitors can climb the observation platform for panoramic views of the valley while learning about reported UFO encounters in the area. The site includes a garden filled with alien-themed art and mementos left by believers from around the world.
13. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
HISTORIC STEAM TRAIN JOURNEY
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad offers passengers an authentic steam train experience through the spectacular landscapes of the San Luis Valley and beyond. This historic narrow-gauge railroad traverses steep mountain passes, deep gorges, and high desert plateaus on its journey between Colorado and New Mexico. The full-day excursion includes on-board narration about the region's history and stops at scenic locations along the route.
14. Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center
PRESERVED MILITARY HISTORY
Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center preserves an important 19th-century military outpost that once housed Black, Native American, and Hispanic soldiers. Visitors can explore the adobe buildings and learn about the fort's role in western expansion and the Civil War in the West. The museum features exhibits on Buffalo Soldiers and highlights the multicultural history of the San Luis Valley.
15. Penitente Canyon
WORLD-CLASS ROCK CLIMBING
Penitente Canyon offers world-class rock climbing on unique volcanic formations in a dramatic desert setting near Alamosa. The area features hundreds of established routes ranging from beginner-friendly climbs to challenging ascents that attract climbers from around the world. Beyond climbing, visitors can explore hiking trails, mountain biking routes, and ancient petroglyphs that reflect the canyon's cultural significance.