The San Luis Valley is one of the largest high desert valleys in the world, lying at an altitude of over 7,000 feet. It is approximately 125 miles long and over 65 miles wide. Surrounded by the peaks of the Sangre de Cristo mountains to the east and the San Juan mountains to the west, the valley is the size of Connecticut. The Ute Indians made this valley home through 1895. Other Indian tribes such as the Jicarilla Apache, Pueblo, Kiowa and Comanche raided or hunted here.

Colorado Gator & Reptile Park, photo courtesy of the Calkins Family

A major trade route, The Old Spanish Trail, passed through the Valley, ran from Santa Fe, New Mexico, to Los Angeles, California, from 1829 to about 1850. During its heyday, it saw New Mexican goods carried west for sale in Los Angeles. The reverse flow to Santa Fe included mules and horses. Although most trail travel was by mule pack train, some portions of the trail eventually saw some wagon traffic.

Recreation is abundant! The air is fresh and clean and the vistas are magnificent!

When you really want to get away from it all, this is a great place to vacation, recreate and rejuvenate with geothermal hot springs, hiking the "fourteeners", horseback riding, Los Cumbres Golf Course, fishing The Rio Grande River, herds of deer, elk and antelope, hunting and bird watching. The Crestone Music Festival, each August, is filled with live music, artisans, healers, food, drinks, fireworks, and fun for all ages. Spread your blanket on the grass while enjoying blues, salsa, rock, bluegrass, country, folk, spiritual, reggae and Celtic music all day.

San Luis Valley - Northern is near: Alamosa & Salida