When travelers are set on a destination, they might sometimes overlook the scenery or any other worthwhile stops along the way. For example, the Great Sand Dunes, a thrilling national park where you can stand on the tallest dunes in North America, is a one-of-a-kind attraction in Colorado, but it shouldn’t outshine some of the other nearby sites. One of these is actually a gateway to these sand dunes: the city of Alamosa. While it’s mostly known for being home to hotels close to the famous park, it’s worth spending a few days in Alamosa to explore it in its own right.
Like most of Colorado, the weather in Alamosa is generally pleasant, with over 300 days of sunshine per year. Summer and fall in the city are perfect for getting outdoors to see beautiful Colorado landscapes, including several preserves and wildlife refuges. In the winter, you can still get outside and be active by cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
Even after a quick search, you may not get the full scope of all that Alamosa has to offer. After all, most websites list it as simply being close to the Great Sand Dunes. However, you don’t want to miss this amazing location — Alamosa is a lovely place to visit at any point of the year. Beyond stunning high desert nature, there are also plenty of other attractions in the city — from historic museums to a local theater — you won’t want to miss out on.
Alamosa is a history-filled destination
Alamosa has a strong Western feel to it, and being on the border of a desert, it appears so as well. To get insight into the city’s past, you’ll have to visit one of its many museums. From Native American crafts at the Luther E. Bean Museum to local historical and cultural exhibits at the San Luis Valley History Museum and Fort Garland Museum, there’s plenty in Alamosa to keep you busy and informed. If you want to learn even more about the city first-hand, there is the opportunity to sign up for the Historic Downtown Alamosa Walking Tour, which takes you to several important landmarks located downtown.
For some local art, check out Creede Repertory Theater. It is a repertory theater, with a rotating schedule, meaning visitors can see a new show every night, instead of being stuck with the same option for months on end. Tickets can be booked online; check the official calendar for showtimes. On cooler days, you can enjoy Alamosa’s hot springs. There are a few in San Luis Valley — home of this city — and Alamosa in particular has one called Splashland. Operating since 1955, this geothermal gem is open seasonally and offers family-friendly pools fed by a 102-degree natural hot spring.
To get to Alamosa, you’ll likely want to fly unless you enjoy road trips, as the city is a little out of the way. One of the closest major hubs is Colorado Springs, America’s Olympic City, which is nearly a three-hour drive away. Thankfully, the San Luis Valley Regional Airport is only a six-minute drive from Alamosa and offers daily flights to and from Denver International Airport.
Outdoor adventures and wildlife around Alamosa
