Alamosa is full of curiosities, wonders and incredible beauty. It is incredibly hard to narrow down the areas and attractions that are sure to make you stop and stare, but these five picks are sure to inspire! Whether you are planning a visit,local to the area, or new to the area, we hope you take in these jaw dropping wonders found right here in Alamosa County.

1. Great Sand Dunes National Park

The Great Sand Dunes are a sight to behold. Stepping into the dune field is an awe inspiring moment that makes your breath catch and your excitement for adventure peak! Explore the culture and history this park has to offer, take part in guided experiences, catch a ranger led program, stargaze the way the pros do, and so much more in this one of a kind park. This National Park is a photographer’s dream destination. Capture one of a kind images day or night, as the sand is constantly shifting and changing the dunes’ appearance.

2. Zapata Falls

There is nothing quite like a hike with an incredible reward waiting for you at the end. When you choose to experience Zapata Falls, that is exactly what you get! Young or advanced in age, this mild hike is a great way to introduce outdoor adventure to beginner outdoorsmen! The cool waters of the hidden waterfall will fill you with a sense of peace as you listen to the water crash and take in the incredible nature all around you. Winter or summer, the falls are breathtaking, missing out on this attraction would be a shame! cranes spread out across the entire San Luis Valley, there are a few central locations that host them in larger numbers than others.

3. Blanca Peak

This one is for the most experienced and advanced hikers. If that is you, Blanca Peak is an avid hikers dream 14er. With the right skillset and preparation, summiting Blanca Peak can be a bucket list achievement. The rewards of this hike are worth work, however. Climbers’ eyes will feast on countless miles of breathtaking mountains, lush forests far as the eye can see, and of course, a show stopping alpine lake that is more than Instagram worthy! 

4. Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge

This list simply wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Alamosa National Wildlife Area. Home to countless species of birds, reptiles and amphibians, deer and elk, and so much more, there is really no telling what you might spot along the way. This refuge hosts two mild hiking trails for visitors to enjoy the best nature views and wildlife spotting. With 12,026 acres of refuge, there is plenty of space for everyone and isolated viewing is more than an option here. Being surrounded by three mountain ranges makes for a million dollar shot at sunrise and sunset, but one can capture breathtaking moments at any time of day. Experience a wildlife refuge you are not soon to forget when you step into the gates of this wondrous location.

5. Medano Creek

We know we have already touched on Great Sand Dunes National Park, but what we didn’t mention was the secret, disappearing creek that seasonally resides within the park. Medano Creek is truly an incredible once a year occurrence thanks to the gorgeous mountains surrounding the dunes. The appearance of Medano varies year to year depending on the amount of snowpack in the mountains, but the creek can generally be expected to make its grand entrance late April to early May. The creek continues to flow until the snow is gone, typically until the end of June and makes its grand exit by July. This limited time experience makes an already incredible experience, a truly unforgettable one.

Like we said, it is SO hard to narrow this list down to only 5 when there are countless breathtakingattractions and sights to be seen during your time in Alamosa. With summer creeping in, now is the perfect time to start planning your adventures and start narrowing down your list because trust us, we know it will take some time!

All of us here at Visit Alamosa wish you well in your planning and remind you we are just an email or phone call away for all of the best adventure tips and advice!