A picturesque setting in the San Luis Valley sets the scene for outdoor adventures in Alamosa. The city combines stunning mountain landscapes with a friendly atmosphere and historic charm. Shop, dine and brewery-hop in the downtown district, paddle on the Rio Grande and explore Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Things to do in Alamosa
Discover a blend of history, culture and community in Downtown Alamosa. Admire the well-preserved Victorian architecture and browse independent boutiques, galleries and specialty stores. Stop by the San Luis Valley Museum to learn more about the town’s ranching heritage and view unique Native American artefacts.
Experience the otherworldly landscapes of Colorado’s high desert in Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. The park is home to some of the tallest sand dunes in North America, with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains forming a dramatic backdrop. Hiking, sandboarding and stargazing are popular activities in the park.
The Rio Grande flows past Alamosa and offers a wealth of recreational opportunities. Kayak along the famous waterway and enjoy some of the best fishing in Colorado. The birding is fantastic, with the chance to see herons, pelicans, falcons, hawks, eagles and egrets. Twice a year, around 20,000 sandhill cranes descend on the San Luis Valley during their annual migration.
From farm-to-table dishes to Southwestern classics, Alamosa boasts a diverse culinary scene. Try favourites from the Centennial State like lamb chops served with cheese fondue, oven-baked cutthroat trout and deep-fried bull testicles, aka Rocky Mountain oysters. Roasted green chilis are a San Luis Valley specialty and incorporated into everything from spicy salsas to craft beers.
Getting around Alamosa
Downtown Alamosa is compact and easy to get around on foot. The city is in Alamosa County, a four-hour hour drive from Denver and 3.5 hours from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Rent a car for the freedom to visit Alamosa and explore the San Luis Valley at your own pace. Denver International Airport is a four-hour drive away.