Places To Visit, Things To Do In The San Luis Valley
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Located 16 miles north of Blanca, Great Sand Dunes has been discovered to be the second quietest location in the United States, with a noise decibel reading of 12-16 on the back half of the park. As a comparison, two people holding a conversation with low voices 12 feet away from you would register a 60 decibel reading. We like to say that the silence here and at the Sand Dunes is a silence you can hear- it actually presses on your eardrums, and we embrace it.
The Sand Dunes Park allows hiking in the Dunes, wading in their creek, great sand castle construction opportunities, and they also have a campsite that allows comforts, or you can hike out and sleep in the Dunes- an opportunity to star gaze rivaled only by space travel!
Contacts: http://www.nps.gov/grsa 719-378-6300
La Veta and Chama Narrow Gauge Trains
You can pick up the La Veta train 10 minutes away in Fort Garland, or drive 40 minutes to pick up the Narrow Gauge Train that takes you on a ride through Colorado and New Mexico, in areas where you are sure Butch Cassidy is going to stop the train and climb aboard any moment.
Contact: http://www.cumbrestoltec.com 888-286-2737
Rafting the Arkansas River
Yes, it is a 2 hour drive, but the excitement and the choice of half or whole day trips make every minute worthwhile! There are half a dozen companies to choose from, we favor independent companies, but you can choose- just Google "raft the Arkansas river!"
Fly Fishing
In less than an hour, you can be lost in the meditation of fly fishing on world class streams. With more than 120 miles on 11 rivers and streams still largely untracked by humans, the Conejos River Anglers provide cabins, guides and experience to direct you to some of the best fly fishing in the country.
http://www.conejosriveranglers.com 719-376-5660
http://www.dansflyshop.com 970-944-2281 (further north)
Hot Springs
There are many hot springs opportunities in the valley, from day trips to overnight spa packages, all of them are great ways to relax and retreat.
North Valley: Joyful Journey Valley View (about a one hour drive)
Western Slope: Pagosa Springs (about a 2 hour drive across the valley and over Wolf Creek Pass - we are Hot Springs aficionados and this is our VERY FAVORITE Colorado Hot Springs.)
Shopping And Eating, Gallery Walking In Taos And Santa Fe
Taos is a 75 minute drive, Santa Fe is 2.5 hours south. Their restaurants will motivate you to drive much further than that, and of course their galleries are unique and unparalleled in the area.
Hiking, Climbing Mt.Blanca, Motorcycle Riding And Mountain Biking
...are also activities that many enjoy - we just don’t have time to try it all!
