Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
of the
San Juan National Forest
land. If the local politicos get their way, Chimney Rock Ar-
chaeological Area will soon be designated a National Monument.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Pagosa Springs
POP 1717 / ELEV 7126FT
Pagosa Springs may seem to be a large slice of humble pie, but it has the bragging rights
to the biggest snowfall in Colorado - at Wolf Creek Ski Area - nearby. Pagosa, a Ute term
for 'boiling water,' refers to the other local draw: hot springs. Natural thermals provide
heat for some of the town's 1900 residents.
The town sits east of Durango, on US 160 at the junction with US 84 south to New
Mexico. The historic downtown, with most of the visitor services, is near the intersection
of Hot Springs Blvd and US 160. Condos and vacation rentals flank a winding series of
roads 2 miles to the west, over a small rise.
Sights & Activities
Fred Harman Art Museum &
the Red Ryder Roundup
( 970-731-5785;
www.harmanartmuseum.com
;
85 Harman Park Dr; adult/child $3/50¢; 10:30am-5pm Mon-
Sat; )
The Red Ryder's image might be lost on today's whippersnappers, but Fred
Harman's comic book hero was born in Pagosa Springs, and today Harman's home is a
small museum. It's a kitschy and off-beat roadside attraction, but Harman himself is often
on hand to show you around his studio.
Pagosa Springs' biggest annual event is the Red Ryder Roundup, a carnival with a
rodeo and art show that ends in fireworks. It's held near 4th of July.
MUSEUM
SPA
Springs Resort & Spa
( 970-264-4168;
www.pagosahotsprings.com
; 165 Hot Springs Blvd; adult/child from $25/14; 7am-11pm;
)
These glorious pools along the San Juan River have healing, mineral-rich waters from
the Great Pagosa Aquifer, the largest and deepest hot mineral spring in the world. Man-
made pools look fairly natural, and the views are lovely. Temperatures vary from 83°F to
111°F (28°C to 44°C).
