Don’t Miss – San Luis Lakes
is the most popular place for water sports in the San Luis Valley. Water sport activities such as water-skiing, motor boating, sailing, and windsurfing are widely enjoyed. Catch the breeze and glide through deep blue waters against the backdrop of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The lake shoreline is accessible to many watercraft because of the shallow center and gradual sloping sides. A wide ramp and calm water also make it easy for visitors to load and unload their boats. All Colorado boating statutes and regulations are enforced by the park rangers.
Consult San Luis Lakes State Park for more information: (719) 738-2376.
In the spring, sandhill cranes, waterfowl, and other migrating birds stop at Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge to refuel on their journey to northern breeding grounds. The Valley celebrates with an annual Sandhill Crane Festival. As they migrate to southern wintering grounds in the fall, the cranes also make a stop at the Refuge. The best birding opportunities are from March-May in the spring, and from September-November in the fall.
Find out more about cranes from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: (800) 344-9453.
Penitente Canyon
is an excellent climbing area, known for incredible routes, easy access, and great camping. The canyon once served as a place of worship for Los Hermanos Penitente – a small but robust sect of the Catholic Church. Today Penitente Canyon, along with surrounding Rock Garden, Sidewinder, and Witches Canyons, serves as a recreation mecca for climbing sports. A campground is also available just south of the canyon for those who want to stay and soak up the experience a little longer.
The Colorado Gator Farm
is home to more than 400 alligators. But that’s not all. They also house a variety of live turtles, tortoises, snakes, and lizards. Educational programs are offered for school children, and daring adults can sign up for alligator wrestling classes. It’s a short 17-mile drive north of Alamosa on highway 17.
Call (719) 378-2612 for more information.
