Alamosa and the surrounding San Luis Valley together offer visitors an array of things to see and do both inside and out, from railroad excursions to scenic and culturally authentic day trips to galleries, museums and more. Select an area below to explore the possibilities!

 

Didn't think you could build sandcastles in Colorado? Think again. North America's highest sand dunes flank some of the continent's highest mountain peaks in the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. It's just a 45-minute drive from downtown Alamosa. More than 30 square miles of dune fields stretch across the landscape, offering visitors one of the most unique playgrounds found anywhere.

Colorado's newest scenic railroad, The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad, departs Alamosa daily, including memorable weekend steam-powered excursions, whisking passengers deep into a Colorado most have never experienced.

Step back in time to the 1800s on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad's historic steam-powered train from Antonito to Chama, New Mexico and back, with a lunch stop in beautiful Osier, Colorado that includes a delicious, hot meal and homemade dessert from the renowned Osier Kitchen.

Visit Colorado’s only hotel Waterpark at the Inn of the Rio Grande. The Waterpark features three pools: a splash pool, a recreation pool, and a kiddie pool. This state of the art facility offers a 155 foot long giant water slide. There is also a kiddie frog slide for the little ones. There is water basket ball and volley ball available, and all your favorite snacks are available in the snack bar. Open year round!

There are over 400 Alligators soaking in our natural hotspring waters at the Colorado Gator Farm. Originally brought to the valley to act as garbage disposals for the tilapia fish farm. This is the most unusual attraction in the San Luis Valley!

The Stations of the Cross are a series of graphic meditations of the last hours of Christ's life, depicted in beautiful bronze sculpture. Created by internaionally known sculptor Huberto Maestas the bronze pieces adorn a hillside path.

The San Luis Valley is home to many Museums & Historic Sites. From the cabin of the Manassa Mauler, Jack Demsey, to the oldest church in Colorado; from historic Ft. Garland to the Pike Stockade, there's plenty to see.

Experience the hometown feel of this historic downtown and its diverse architechture on a self-guided walking tour that begins with narrow gauge locomotive No. 169 in Cole Park.