Alamosa Travel Guide

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Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the beautiful San Luis Valley in Colorado, Alamosa is a charming town that offers a delightful mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure. Surrounded by majestic mountains and vast open plains, this hidden gem is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

One of the main attractions in Alamosa is the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, a unique natural wonder that must be seen to be believed. Towering over 750 feet high, these massive sand dunes create a surreal landscape that is perfect for sandboarding, hiking, and stargazing. The park also offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, with the chance to spot elusive creatures like elk, bighorn sheep, and even black bears.

For a glimpse into the region's rich history, visitors can explore the Alamosa Museum, which showcases artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the area's Native American heritage, early settlers, and railroad history. The museum also hosts special events and programs that provide a deeper understanding of the local culture.

Art enthusiasts will find plenty to admire in Alamosa as well. The town is home to a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and studios showcasing the works of local artists. From traditional paintings to contemporary sculptures, there is something to suit every taste.

Outdoor enthusiasts will be thrilled to discover the diverse range of recreational activities available in and around Alamosa. The Rio Grande National Forest offers miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as opportunities for fishing, camping, and wildlife photography. The nearby San Juan Mountains provide the perfect backdrop for adrenaline-pumping activities such as whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and skiing during the winter months.

Alamosa also boasts a lively downtown area, where visitors can explore unique shops, dine at farm-to-table restaurants, and enjoy live music performances. The town's friendly atmosphere and welcoming locals make it a truly special place to visit.

Alternative names: Established: 1878 (146 years ago)Population: 9.8 thous.Area: 5.52 mi²Elevation: 7543 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 37°28'6"N, 105°52'1"W

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ColoradoUnited States

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Alamosa Top Attractions

Alamosa Attractions - What to See and Explore

Alamosa offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Adams State University, Rio Grande Scenic Railroad, St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Church • Mission Revival Style architecture
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Sacred Heart Catholic Church is a historic church at 727 4th Street in Alamosa, Colorado. It was built in 1922 in a Mission Revival/Spanish Revival style and was added to the National Register in 1998. Its construction began in 1922. It is 78 by 138 feet in plan.
Universities and schools
Adams State University
Adams State University is a public university in Alamosa, Colorado. The university's Adams State Grizzlies athletic teams compete under the auspices of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.
37°28'0"N • 105°51'54"W
Rio Grande Scenic Railroad
The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad of Colorado, owned by Iowa Pacific Holdings of Chicago, was a heritage railway that operated from 2006 to 2019 in and around the San Luis Valley, on trackage of the San Luis and Rio Grande Railroad.

Church
St. Thomas Episcopal Church
The St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Alamosa, Colorado is a historic Mission Revival-style church at 607 Fourth Street. It was built in 1926 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
37°28'5"N • 105°51'54"W
Alamosa Home
The American National Bank Building is a historic bank building located in Alamosa, Colorado. The two-story Arcaded Block-style building was constructed in 1909. The building's most distinctive architectural features are the tall, evenly spaced, rounded arches on the north and west sides of the building. The bank closed in 1951.
Church
First Baptist Church
First Baptist Church is a historic church at 408 State Avenue in Alamosa, Colorado. It was built in 1907 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. Its exterior is concrete blocks, painted. The blocks are approximately 18 by 8 inches and are laid in running bond.
Memorial
Train 169
Denver and Rio Grande Western No. 169 is a 4-6-0 "Ten Wheeler" type narrow gauge steam railway locomotive. It is one of twelve similar locomotives built for the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1883.
37°28'24"N • 105°52'52"W
Nielsen Library - Adams State University
Library

Day trips

Alamosa – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Alamosa, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Willow Lake (Sangre de Cristo Wilderness), Humboldt Peak (Sangre de Cristo Wilderness), Crestone Needle (Sangre de Cristo Wilderness).

39 milesN
Natural attraction, Lake
Willow Lake, Sangre de Cristo Wilderness
Willow Lake, also known as the lower Willow Creek Lake, is an alpine lake in Saguache County, Colorado, United States, located in the Sangre de Cristo Range within the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness in Rio Grande National Forest.
39 milesNE
Natural attraction, Mountain
Humboldt Peak, Sangre de Cristo Wilderness
Humboldt Peak is a high mountain summit of the Crestones in the Sangre de Cristo Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America.
38 milesNE
Natural attraction, Mountain
Crestone Needle, Sangre de Cristo Wilderness
Crestone Needle is a high mountain summit of the Crestones in the Sangre de Cristo Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America.
38 milesN
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Kit Carson Peak, Rio Grande National Forest
Kit Carson Peak is a high mountain summit of the Crestones in the Sangre de Cristo Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America.
38 milesNE
Natural attraction, Mountain
Crestone Peak, Sangre de Cristo Wilderness
Crestone Peak is the seventh-highest summit of the Rocky Mountains of North America and the U.S. state of Colorado. The prominent 14,300-foot fourteener is the highest summit of the Crestones and the second-highest summit in the Sangre de Cristo Range after Blanca Peak.

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Best Time To Visit Alamosa

Learn when is the best time to travel to Alamosa weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June, July, August and September are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in May.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in January, February and December. Most of it rains in August.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Alamosa?

The top attractions to visit in Alamosa are:

What is the best time to visit Alamosa?

June, July, August and September are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in May. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and December.