October’s when we start sending guests north. The cottonwoods along the Rio Grande turn gold, thousands of sandhill cranes feed in the barley fields near Monte Vista, and the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad runs its last trips of the year.
Here’s how we plan to spend our time in Alamosa, CO, starting at the 1911 Steam Train Hotel in Antonito, 28 miles south on US-285.
That’s 30 minutes to Alamosa and two minutes to the train depot, so if you want to explore Alamosa and still make it to the train in the morning, our hotel is a no-brainer.
Explore Downtown Alamosa
Start on Main Street with coffee at Milagros Coffee House. Then walk over to the San Luis Valley History Museum at 401 Hunt Avenue, open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 to 4.
It covers Hispano settlers, Native tribes, and the valley’s Japanese American farm families.
For lunch, San Luis Valley Brewing Co. sits inside an old national bank. The vault’s still behind the bar, and that’s just unbeatable.
Visit the Rio Grande
Cole Park sits on the river near Main Street. From the State Street Bridge, the Rio Grande Trail follows the old flood dikes for about three flat miles round trip.
Go near dusk. That’s when the owls come out, and the beavers get to work.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
This is the big one among things to do near Alamosa, and it gets its own day. The tallest dunes in North America climb to 750 feet against the Sangre de Cristos.
On the way, stop at Zapata Falls off CO-150. The trail’s under a mile, but the last stretch means wading a snowmelt creek into a rock cave. Wear shoes you don’t mind soaking.
In summer, hit the sand early. By afternoon, it’s hot enough to burn bare feet. For more detailed information, check out our Great Sand Dunes National Park guide.
Scenic Drives Through the San Luis Valley
Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic Byway links Alamosa, Antonito, and the old Hispano villages along Spanish colonial routes.
For mountains, take CO-17 west from Antonito over La Manga and Cumbres passes. In fall, FR 250 along the Conejos River toward Platoro is our pick for aspens.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
The C&T is why most of our guests find Antonito. It’s 64 miles of narrow-gauge steam railroad between Antonito and Chama, New Mexico, climbing to 10,015-foot Cumbres Pass and running the rim of Toltec Gorge.
The season runs late spring through October. Our one rule: don’t plan anything else on a full-day ride. Our Cumbres & Toltec guide breaks down which trip fits you.
Wildlife & Outdoor Recreation
Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge sits just southeast of town. The one-mile Bluff Nature Trail, off Bluff Overlook Drive, stays open year-round. The Rio Grande Nature Trail closes April 15 through September 1 for nesting southwestern willow flycatchers.
For cranes, drive 20 minutes west to Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge. Fall numbers peak in early October, and spring peaks bigger in March. Go at sunrise or sunset, when they fly to and from the roosts.
Stargazing and Dark Skies
Great Sand Dunes is an International Dark Sky Park, but the whole valley floor goes black once the sun’s down.
On select evenings, the C&T runs its Dark Sky Train out of Antonito, with a guided stargazing stop in the mountains. Every other night, our rooftop patio does the job. Bring a jacket. Our dark skies guide has more.
Day Trips From Alamosa
Once you’ve sorted what to do in Alamosa, Colorado, the rest of the valley opens up:
- UFO Watchtower, Hooper: A viewing platform and small museum on CO-17, 25 minutes north. Locals take the sightings seriously.
- Crestone: An hour northeast at the foot of the Sangre de Cristos, home to retreat centers, temples, and a lot of quiet.
- Chama, New Mexico: The other end of the C&T, an hour from Antonito over Cumbres Pass.
Why Stay in Antonito While Exploring the Area
Alamosa is where the valley runs its errands. Antonito is where it slows down.
We’re one of Colorado’s oldest Hispano communities. Our Lady of Guadalupe, the state’s oldest parish, is just outside town in Conejos. Cano’s Castle, a four-tower folk-art castle built from hubcaps and beer cans, is a few blocks from us.
Dinner’s easy: Dos Hermanas and the Dutch Mill Café are across the street. Driving back from Alamosa at dusk? Watch for deer and pronghorn on US-285.
Make Steam Train Hotel Your San Luis Valley Base
We’re not in Alamosa, but we’re the base that puts the dunes, the cranes, the train, and more things to do in Alamosa, CO, within easy reach.
The 1911 Steam Train Hotel has 13 rooms plus The Cabin, a kitchenette unit for longer stays. Continental breakfast runs late May through late October, coffee’s on 24/7, and our lot fits trailers and big rigs.
See our rooms or book your stay. Want help planning? Call us at 1-719-298-8908, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mountain Time.
