Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Wildlife Refuge
( 719-589-4021; www.fws.gov/alamosa ; 9383 El Rancho Lane; sunrise-sunset) This wildlife
refuge on the banks of the Rio Grande is a special spot, and will give you some idea of
what the valley must have looked like before it was developed for agriculture. It's best to
visit at dawn or dusk, when wildlife is the most active and when you'll hear the amazing
soundscape of bird calls and whistles.
If you're lucky, some of the animals you might see here include bald eagles, elk,
coyotes and porcupines; in the spring and fall look for migrating sandhill cranes and nu-
merous other seasonal travelers.
The refuge is located 3 miles southeast of Alamosa on Hwy 160. A 2.5-mile trail along
the Rio Grande and a panoramic overlook on the east side of the refuge give visitors
views of the wetland marshes, ponds and river.
WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
San Luis Valley Museum
( www.sanluisvalleymuseum.org ; 401 Hunt Ave; adult/child $2/free; 10am-4pm Tue-Sat) Located behind the
Chamber Depot, this museum has a small but well-arranged collection of 'then and now'
photographs and artifacts from early farm life in the valley. Knowledgeable volunteers an-
swer questions and can help plan excursions to historical sites.
For a regional museum, there's some offbeat stuff here, including an interesting exhibit
about the nearby La Jara Buddhist Church, the story of the Japanese in the valley and a
Nazi uniform worn by a prisoner of war stationed near here during WWII.
MUSEUM
Blanca Wetlands
( 719-274-8971; www.blm.gov ; County Rd 2S; mid-Jul-mid-Feb) The Bureau of Land Man-
agement (BLM) has restored the wildlife habitat at Blanca Wetlands, northeast of Alam-
osa. Activities include fishing for bass or trout in newly created ponds and viewing water-
fowl, shorebirds and other species. Hiking trails lead throughout the many marshes and
ponds, but are closed in the nesting season from February 15 to July 15.
To get here from Alamosa, travel 6 miles east on Hwy 160, then 5 miles north on Alam-
osa County Rd 116S.
WILDLIFE RESERVE
Kristi Mountain Sports
OUTDOORS
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