Explore National and State Parks, wildlife reserves, watchable wildlife and recreation areas along Los Caminos Antiguos Historic and Scenic Byway. 

Travel through a "living museum" on a steam powered train. 

The San Luis Valley contains over 230,000 acres of wetlands, the most extensive system in the Southern Rocky Mountains. Numerous species of water birds breed, raise their young, and migrate through the Valley. Artesian and surface flows combined with high alkaline soils in some parts of the Valley result in many unique wetlands. The Rocky Mountain population of greater sandhill cranes depends on this critical spring and fall migration habitat.

Approximately 22,200 acres of publicly owned wetlands exist which are actively managed, primarily for waterbirds. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages approximately 16,000 acres of these wetlands equally split between Alamosa, Monte Vista, and Baca National Wildlife Complex .

The Great Sand Dunes
National Park and Preserve   
 
North America's tallest dunes rise over 700 feet high against the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The wind shaped dunes glow beneath the backdrop of the mountains, creating a memorable scene. This geologic wonderland, containing 39 square miles of dunes, became a national monument in 1932 and received a Wilderness designation October 1976.  It was declared a National Park in 2000 and dedicated in 2004.
Thirty-five miles northeast of Alamosa.  The Dunes can be reached by US Hwy 160 from Fort Garland and Blanca to the west and by Colorado Hwy 150 from the south. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  Visitor center open daily, closed on winter holidays. 

Climate, comfort, clothing.  In fall, winter and spring, expect moderate daytime temperatures and freezing to sub-zero temperatures at night.  Summer temperatures during the day average 70 to 80 degrees, lows may drop to 40. 

Facilities.  The Visitor Center has a 15 minute video, exhibits, a bookstore and computer touchscreen information systems.  There are 18 miles of established trails, 39 square miles of unlimited hiking.  Summer: evening slide presentations, ranger-led interpretive nature walks, Junior Ranger program.

San Luis State Park and Wildlife Area
A 2,054 acre park and wildlife reserve is a combination of wetlands, lakes and dry valley floor.  Modern campground with showers and electricity, fishing, windsurfing, boating, water skiing, picnicking, photographic opportunities, amateur archaeology, guided tours, hiking, year-round wildlife viewing.  All visitors are required to have a current Colorado State Parks' Pass on their car windshield  The park is located just 15 minutes west  the Great Sand Dunes National Park on Los Caminos Antiguos Byway on Alamosa County 6-mile lane, or east 8 miles off of Colorado Hwy 17, north of Mosca. Entrance Fees.

BLM-Blanca Wetlands 
A network of natural playa lakes that are managed today, to provide outstanding recreational experiences.  Ponds, wet meadows, shallow water wetlands and sandy uplands intermingle at Blanca Wetlands to provide rich and diverse habitats for wildlife and a haven for people.

From Feb. 15 to July 15 this area is closed to the public to protect nesting waterfowl, shorebirds and other wildlife.  During this closure period, you may still view wildlife on this refuge, but only at the Watchable Wildlife Area. 

The ponds at the Blanca Wetlands are great places to hunt and fish.  Hunters may seek waterfowl, rabbits and other game species within established seasons.  Cold and warm water ponds support trout, bass and bluegill.

Free.  Located approximately 8 miles northeast of Alamosa off County Road 2S.   Call 719-274-8971 for more information. 

Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge
Over 11, 00 acres providing habitat for numerous bird species, including the Whooping Crane.  Borders the Rio Grande River.  Located 3 miles southeast of Alamosa. Hiking trail, Overlook, exhibits.  Free.  Located 3 miles southeast of Alamosa.  Information 719-589-4021.

The Nature Conservancy purchased the 100,000 acre Medano - Zapata Ranch in the San Luis Valley in 1999. The ranch features outstanding bird watching, elk and deer on the grounds. Along this route you can see herds of bison and perhaps a flight of migrating sand hill cranes.  View the striking contrast between the bright sand dunes, crisp blue sky and emerald green wetlands.  A full schedule of summer 2001 events will include ranch tours, nature walks, a lecture series at Adams State College, and other special programs as scheduled. 

The San Luis Valley Alligator Farm
The San Luis Valley's most unusual wildlife viewing experience.  The Alligator Farm provides close up views of hundreds of these huge reptiles, as well as other captive reptiles and fish. Additionally, wildlife species like great blue herons, black crowned night herons and snowy egrets can be found wading in the warm 86 degree well water that allows these cold-blooded gators to survive the frigid winter weather here in Colorado at 7,500 feet in elevation. Fee.  Located 3 miles north of Mosca on Alamosa County Rd 9N, just east of Colo.17. 

Watchable Wildlife
Keep your eyes open and your binoculars handy when you visit the byway.  The unique combination of habitats supports a wide variety of interesting wildlife.  From huge elk to tiny tiger beetles, the wildlife watching here is extraordinary.  Waterfowl and shorebirds by the thousands are found along the byway during spring, summer, and fall.  Bald Eagles spend their winter months here.  Coyotes, bears and
Colorado's reintroduced Lynx are found in this portion of southern Colorado. 

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Take a trip into the past to relive an era when steam-powered locomotives were an essential part of everyday life. Between Antonito and Chama you'll find a "living museum" where things haven't changed much since 1930. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you ride the same tracks once used by silver barons, cowboys, and the settlers of the real Old West. Natural beauty, adventure, history. 

Other National and State Park Information
Colorado Department of Natural Resources
Colorado State Parks & Outdoor Recreation
Colorado Division of Wildlife  News, information, education, activities
National Park Service  Information, purchase parks passes
BLM - McIntyre Springs
Rio Grande National Forest
Sangre de Cristo Wilderness
South San Juan Mountains

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