Rediscover the San Luis Valley
Taken from our newsletter sent Friday, Jan. 26, 2024 • Subscribe at the bottom of this post so you don’t miss future issues!
We Have the Perfect Rental for Your group. Rediscover the San Luis Valley!
Crestone Lodging offers a wide variety of vacation rentals for individuals, couples, families and even large groups. We have the perfect home base for your journey of discovery, adventure and reflection. Tucked away in the San Luis Valley, our vacation rentals afford you the opportunity to explore the beauty and strangely unique world that is the San Luis Valley, all while offering a return to comfort and reflection at the end of each day.
Book now, or continue reading for a few of our favorite experiences that can’t be found anywhere else. Scroll to the bottom for an interactive map!
Great Sand Dunes Monument & Zapata Falls
No trip to the San Luis Valley would be complete without a visit to the Great Sand Dunes National Park, home of North America's tallest sand dunes. There’s little more awe-inspiring than seeing a collection of Colorado’s beautiful mountains bordered by 300 square miles of desert and 700 foot tall sand dunes. Just a short drive beyond the mountain desert, the Zapata Falls Trail leads to a 30 foot waterfall tucked away in a stone enclave. In the winter, this waterfall freezes and becomes a breathtaking ice statue created by nature itself. There are many more hiking trails close to our 16 beautiful properties.
Hot Springs
Hot springs abound in the San Luis Valley. Joyful Journey Hot Springs is known for their dedication to being a peaceful place for rest and healing. While well-supervised children are welcome, if you have your little ones along, why not visit the Sand Dunes Swimming Pool in Mosca or Splashland Hot Springs in Alamosa? Both are kid-friendly so the little ones don't get left out. Finally, if you visit the clothing-optional Valley View Hot Springs in the summer, you just might catch the Mexican Free-tail Bats as they migrate to the historic Orient Mine on the western slope.
Adventure
Some of the country’s best rock climbing is available at Penitente Canyon, featuring over 60 internationally recognized sport climbing routes for bouldering and top-roping, at both beginner and expert levels. You can have a touch of the real Colorado cowboy experience at Baca Grande Stables. They offer trail rides for groups, and if you’re a loner you can book a private ride for just a bit extra.
History and Culture
All aboard! The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a National Historic Landmark. Take an authentic steam train along its 64 mile track and see some of the best scenery in the Rocky Mountains. Though the train ends its Colorado departures in Chama, New Mexico, an hour long bus ride is provided to get you back to your transportation. Explore local history and culture at the Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center, take a spiritual respite at the Shrine of the Stations of the Cross or the Crestone Ziggurat, and check out the birthplace of “The Manassa Mauler” at the Jack Dempsey Museum and Park.
Unique Experiences
For an unusual encounter, visit the Colorado Gators Reptile Park and have a once in a lifetime wildlife encounter. The park is home to hundreds of rescued reptiles including alligators, crocodiles, turtles and more. When you’re done there, head over to the San Luis Valley Brewing Company and have a craft beer to calm your nerves. There’s also food and old-fashioned-style root beer for the kids and those who don’t imbibe. To end with an out-of-this-world experience, the UFO Watchtower offers a quirky and fascinating way to watch the stars...and who knows what else you’ll see?
Find the Perfect End to a Perfect Day at Vacation Rentals Crestone
Make it stand out
After a day of exploration and discovery, come back to peace and relaxation at one of our ideally located homes. Our accommodations are tailored to give you the comfort and amenities needed to wind down and prepare for your next day’s journey in the San Luis Valley, or the adventures you’ll create with family and friends.
Find an interactive map of all these locations at the bottom of this page.
Interactive Map for Locations and Experiences in this Blog