Area Attractions

The Monte Vista area is an exciting place to play, visit and live! Come enjoy the beauty of the San Luis Valley and all it has to offer!

STAR DRIVE IN

The Star Drive In is located on the edge of town and features two large movie screens and a concessions stand. Movies are shown nightly during the Summer months.

SPANISH PEAK TRAIL

 Between 1830 and 1848 the Trail was a major trade route running between Santa Fe, New Mexico and Los Angeles, California. Traces of the original trail can still be seen in the area. In December 2002, President George W. Bush signed S.R. 1926, designating the Old Spanish Trails America’s 15th National Historic Trail. View Map

MONTEZ SKATE PARK

The park was designed to provide Colorado a place for all family members, not just users. The final product is an 11,000 sq. ft. skatepark, that includes a 8,500 sq. ft. snake run ranging from 5 to 7 ft. depths, a frame bank/ledge, china banks, step up gap, escalating quarter pipe, mini ramp with competition stair handrail hubba setup and much more.

SKI HI STAMPEDE

Enjoy old fashioned fun at the Oldest Pro-Rodeo in Colorado. Ski Hi Stampede is a San Luis​Valley tradition and shouldn’t be missed! Watch rodeo events, attend the carnival, watch the parades, enjoy concerts, great food and so much more!  Website

MONTE VISTA GOLF CLUB

Come and experience all the Tradition, History and Prestige
found on one of Colorado’s first 15 courses. At the Monte Vista Golf Club you will find a pro shop and tennis courts to supplement the beautiful 9-hole golf course.
Website

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for migratory birds and other wildlife. The refuge cosists of wet meadows, river oxbows and dry uplands. These areas support songbirds, water birds, raptors, mule deer, beaver and coyotes.   Website

THE HISTORIC WINDSOR HOTEL

Located just 15 minutes away in Del Norte, the Windsor Hotel has been an iconic reminder of the past for more than a century. One of the oldest hotels in Colorado is now home a fully restored hotel, dining room, art gallery and western furniture store.  Website

THE RIO GRANDE SCENIC RAILROAD

Don’t miss Colorado’s newest restored scenic train, offering steam engine rides through breathtaking mountain valleys and passes on hundreds of miles of historic rail. The Rio Grande Railroad features a 100 year old steam engine and has depots in Alamosa and La Veta.   Website

CUMBRES & TOLTEC SCENIC RAILROAD

Hidden away in a little-known corner of the southern Rocky Mountains is a precious historic artifact of the American West. Built in 1880 and little changed since, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is the most spectacular example of steam era mountain railroading in North America.   Website

COLORADO GATORS REPTILE PARK

See the biggest alligators in the West! Located 17 miles North of Alamosa, Colorado Gators Reptile Park gives you an upclose and personal view of over 400 Gators, Nile Crocs, Rattlesnakes, Giant Pythons, Ostriches, Emus and so much more!  Website

THE GREAT SAND DUNES

Come explore the tallest dunes in North America. No matter if you are hiking up the dunes, sliding down, or exploring in a dunes wheelchair, the Great Sand Dunes will be an experience you will never forget. During the late Spring and early Summer you can even splash around in Medano Creek!  Website

ZAPATA FALLS

After climbing the Sand Dunes on a hot summer day, refresh yourself at spectacular Zapata Falls. South Zapata Creek has powered its way through a rock crevasse, etching and carving the steep stone walls containing the 30 ft. high waterfall. Truly a spectacular natural wonder.  Website

SAND DUNES SWIMMING POOL

Come spend a day of fun in the naturally hot artesian waters of Sand Dunes Swimming Pool.  Fun for the whole family, this large pool is amazingly clear with no odors or added chlorine.  The pool is located near the town of Hooper and has amazing view of the scenic desert surroundings and the mountains.  Website

WOLF CREEK SKI AREA

Whether you are a skier or a boarder, you are in for a treat at one of Colorado’s oldest and finest ski resorts.  Friendly employees and plenty of light powder snow make Wolf Creek memorable and keep people coming back season after season.  Lift tickets are one of the most affordable in the state!  Website

For more attraction and recreation ideas, visit the Upper Rio Grande Guide for more resources and information.