Great Sand Dunes National Park
One of the lesser known national parks, this place is a wonderland of places to explore. On a sunny day in the winter with a skiff of snow hardening the top layer of sand, hiking conditions on the dunes can be perfection. The local kids call it the “Alamosa beach,” because kids have such fun playing in the sand when Medano creek is running. Check out the great opportunities for back country hiking.
image: Eric Johnson
Zapata Falls
Located near the Great Sand Dunes NP, on the side of the Sangre De Cristo mountains, this is an amazing vantage point from which to view the San Luis Valley. It’s a bumpy ride from the main road, but an easy walk from the parking lot to the falls. In the winter, this is a popular ice climbing spot, and you can get better access to the slot canyon by walking on the frozen creek. In the summer, it is a wonderful oasis from the heat.
Penitente CANYON
Located on the western edge of the San Luis Valley, near the outpost of La Garita this is a great area for rock climbing, bouldering, hiking, and biking. With hundreds of bolted climbs, this area was developed by local climbing enthusiasts in the 1980s. It has become increasingly popular with bikers as well, and it has a new annual bike race called “12 hours of Penitence.”
This is a great spot for kids and adults to explore, wander, and enjoy the great outdoors.