Amanda's Guidebook to the San Luis Valley
Sightseeing
The dunes are beautiful but I especially love the trails in the park/preserve! Go explore!
Park at the “horse trailer lot” right before the primitive road. Hike toward the dunes from there for a different view and fewer people. Look for deer and coyotes!
265 locals recommend
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
The dunes are beautiful but I especially love the trails in the park/preserve! Go explore!
Park at the “horse trailer lot” right before the primitive road. Hike toward the dunes from there for a different view and fewer people. Look for deer and coyotes!
In the winter the lake is frozen and beautiful. This is a great place to get a different view of the dunes with the mountains behind. Also good for letting dogs play and is usually not busy.
San Luis Lake
In the winter the lake is frozen and beautiful. This is a great place to get a different view of the dunes with the mountains behind. Also good for letting dogs play and is usually not busy.
Zapata Falls is just a couple miles up the road! When you turn off the highway, the road up to the trail/falls is rough and slow but totally worth it.
33 locals recommend
Zapata Falls
Zapata Falls TrailZapata Falls is just a couple miles up the road! When you turn off the highway, the road up to the trail/falls is rough and slow but totally worth it.
A hidden gem with critters to watch and mountain views. A great spot to spend an afternoon or morning on the way to or from town.
Blanca Wetlands, BLM
A hidden gem with critters to watch and mountain views. A great spot to spend an afternoon or morning on the way to or from town.
UFO Watchtower
Colorado 17Quirky little stop not far from here!
Beautiful drive not far from Alamosa. See mountains, enjoy the Conejos River, plenty of places to fish.
Just look on your phone maps and see all the forest service roads you can explore.
Or keep going up and over the pass into Chama, NM!
Elk Creek Campground
Forest 250 RdBeautiful drive not far from Alamosa. See mountains, enjoy the Conejos River, plenty of places to fish.
Just look on your phone maps and see all the forest service roads you can explore.
Or keep going up and over the pass into Chama, NM!
If you’re in the area for more than a night or if you are heading South on your trip, visit Taos!! The drive is beautiful through historic San Luis, CO and it’s just over an hour and a half to Taos from here!
123 locals recommend
Taos
If you’re in the area for more than a night or if you are heading South on your trip, visit Taos!! The drive is beautiful through historic San Luis, CO and it’s just over an hour and a half to Taos from here!
A little ways down a bumpy gravel road but it leads to a beautiful lake! 30-45 minutes from The Dunes Place and the Loft of the Dunes.
Watch for eagles, hawks, antelope, deer and elk as you drive.
Mountain Home Reservoir, Colorado 81133, USA
A little ways down a bumpy gravel road but it leads to a beautiful lake! 30-45 minutes from The Dunes Place and the Loft of the Dunes.
Watch for eagles, hawks, antelope, deer and elk as you drive.
Food scene
Healthy, local, has vegetarian options.
Also has local honeys, jams, etc.
**Amanda’s favorite casual food spot.
6 locals recommend
Locavores
2209 Main StHealthy, local, has vegetarian options.
Also has local honeys, jams, etc.
**Amanda’s favorite casual food spot.
I haven’t had anything I didn’t like.
And you MUST get an empanada for dessert. Apple and cherry empanadas like you’ve never tasted.
Nino's Del Sol LLC
326 Main StI haven’t had anything I didn’t like.
And you MUST get an empanada for dessert. Apple and cherry empanadas like you’ve never tasted.
Milagros Coffee House
529 Main StLocal coffee and breakfast!
SquarePeg Brewerks
625 Main StFun local spot for drinks, food, fun.
Thai Hut
718 Main StNow called “Siam” something.
Very good Thai food and sushi
San Luis Valley Brewing Company
631 Main StCoffee, beer, food.
A little bit of a drive but Del Norte is a beautiful Colorado town near lots of hiking. This brewery has good local craft beer and delicious pizza.
30 locals recommend
Three Barrel Brewing Co
475 Grand AveA little bit of a drive but Del Norte is a beautiful Colorado town near lots of hiking. This brewery has good local craft beer and delicious pizza.
My Brothers Place
613 Main StreetPapa Murphy's Take-n-Bake Pizza
The Purple Pig Pizzeria & Pub
624 Main StAMAZING ice cream creations run by fantastic people! You might even be served by one of Miss Koth’s former students :)
Frosty Acres Rolled Ice Cream
AMAZING ice cream creations run by fantastic people! You might even be served by one of Miss Koth’s former students :)
Shopping
Places to get essentials or make emergency stops on your trip.
Walmart Supercenter
3333 Clark StSafeway
1301 Main StCity Market
131 Market StGood, inexpensive groceries
Walgreens
Newly built. If you are coming from La Veta Pass this will be the only store you will see between Walsenburg and Alamosa.
Dollar General
Newly built. If you are coming from La Veta Pass this will be the only store you will see between Walsenburg and Alamosa.
Gas
The Mosca Pit Stop
The nearest place to get gas. 20 miles from the National Park.
Loaf N Jug
Gas station as you head in to Alamosa.
Conoco
Fort Garland gas station on hwy 160 east of Blanca (at the western base of La Veta Pass).
City Market Fuel Center
Alamosa gas station in town by grocery store.
City advice
Getting around
Don’t underestimate the roads in winter!
If you don’t have 4wd, be especially careful on the roads throughout the valley. It gets very windy and there are often wet/frozen patches along the highways. Take it easy, watch for wildlife, and listen to the Sand Dunes Visitor Center if the roads are snowy/icy. I tend to drive slow and be especially aware of the winds. Better safe than sorry!
What to pack
Sunscreen and Bug Spray
No matter the season, bring sunscreen and don’t forget to use it!!! Chapstick with SPF is also a must. Bug spray is important in the summer but probably worth packing anytime just in case. SUNSCREEN- we are closer to the sun here!
What to pack
40 minute drive to groceries
Plan ahead for shopping/groceries because you will be about a 40 minute drive to the nearest town.