Although Alamosa is the youngest of the counties
of Colorado, it has become one of the most
progressive. It is making rapid strides in the
development of trade, transportation, industry, and
cultural growth. As a result of it's mass economic
growth, Alamosa, with a population of about 8,000,
currently makes up around half of the San Luis
Valley's population.
Adams State College is an
integral part of the community. Enrolling
approximately
2,300 students annually, the tradition of excellent
education continues today as ASC graduates are
regularly recognized among the best in the state
and region. Being the hub of the San Luis Valley,
Alamosa has plenty of recreation, great schools,
and friendly people, making it a great place to live.
Alamosa Land and surrounding area information.
LOCATION INFO
Alamosa County is located in South Central Colorado at an elevation of 7,544 feet. The County's high plains and flat valley expands 722 square miles, surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo mountain range to the east and the San Juan mountain range to the west. The famous Rio Grande River originates in the San Juan Mountains and flows through the San Luis Valley.
CLIMATE
| Average
Winter Temperature |
14.8° F |
| Average
Summer Temperature |
65.1° F |
| Average
Annual Precipitation |
7.6 inches |
| Average
Annual Snowfall |
41.7
inches |
| Number of
Sunshine Days |
350 |
The climate of the San Luis Valley is
marked by moderate summers and cold winters, light
precipitation and much sunshine. In Alamosa, 80% of the
annual precipitation occurs from April to October, most
of it as scattered, light showers from thunderstorms that
develop over the mountains and move into the valley
during the afternoon. More than half of these
thunderstorms occur during July and August. Hail
frequently falls in some parts of the valley. Winter
snow, which occurs mainly in frequent light falls,
average less than 40 inches per year, with occasional
falls as early as September or as late as May. A good
snow cover will remain on the ground for several weeks
during the coldest months. The growing season averages
about 90 days in Alamosa, increasing to over 100 days in
the areas north and west of the city. July and August are
usually the only frost free months.
«
DOWNHILL SKIING»
«
WOLF CREEK »
Wolf
Creek
P.O. Box 1036
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
|
Wolf Creek is
known as the ski area with the most
snow in Colorado, over 450 inches a
year via Mother Nature. The ski runs are 20%
beginner, 35% intermediate, 25% advanced, and 20%
expert. The entire skiable area is 700 acres,
with the altitude base starting at 10,350 feet
and going up to 11,775 feet at the Continental
Divide. To keep skiers moving, they offer 3
chairlifts, 3 surface lifts and the Water Fall
shuttle. The Water Fall area is open daily for
daring skiers to discover untouched powder. 1.5
hours from Alamosa
For information
call 970-264-5639, or for a recorded ski report
call 1-800-SKI-WOLF.
|
«
MONARCH SKI RESORT »
Monarch Ski Resort
#1 Powder Place
Monarch, CO 81227
|
Whether you ski, snowboard or
just love the mountains, Monarch has an adventure
for everyone. They are located on the Continental
Divide, just 18 miles west of Poncha Springs.
Monarch boasts over 350 inches a year of all
natural snow. Trails are 21% beginner, 37%
intermediate, and 42% advanced. Monarch also has
a snowboard park and Snowcat Tours.
For information on
the resort call 888-996-7669 or 800-228-7943 for
current snow report.
2 hours from Alamosa
|
«
CUCHARA SKI VALLEY »
| Cuchara Ski Valley is surrounded
by the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range
with convenient lodging and accommodations
nearby. They are known as having one of the
lowest ticket prices in Colorado and they offer
night skiing for those enthusiast who just can't
get enough. 1.75 hours from Alamosa. For information on the
ski area call 1-888-CUCHARA, or 719-742-3163.
|
«
SKI RIO »
| Ski Rio is New Mexico's second
largest ski resort, offering downhill and cross
country skiing, snowboarding,
snowshoeing, snowmobiling, snowskating, sleigh
rides, dog sled tours and more. 1.5 hours
from Alamosa. For
information on the ski area call 1-800-2-ASK-RIO,
or 505-758-7707.
|
«
DURANGO MOUNTIAN RESORT »
formerly Purgatory
Durango Mountain Resort features 75 trails across more than 2,500
acres of terrain.
Purgatory’s terrain is 23% beginner, 51% intermediate, and 26%
advanced / expert. An average of 260 inches of snow a year (over 21
feet!), blankets our mountain, and 11 lifts including the new Purgatory Village Express high-speed, six
person super chair, mean there’s rarely a lift line.
1.5 hours from Alamosa
|
«
ANGEL FIRE RESORT»
New Mexico
Located in the heart of northern New Mexico in the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. The area is surrounded by cascading peaks and valleys, natural wildlife and a pristine mountain setting unlike any other. Summit Elevation: 10,677 feet, Vertical Drop: 2,077 feet, Chair Lifts: 2 high-speed quads, 3 doubles, 1 surface, Terrain: 68 Trails: 31% Beginner 48% Intermediate 21% Advanced, Average Snowfall: 210 inches annually.
1.5 hours from Alamosa
|
«
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING »
RIO GRANDE NATIONAL FOREST
| The Rio Grande National Forest
is full of beautiful places to cross country ski
throughout Conejos Peak District, Del Norte
District, Creede District and Saguache District.
Be sure to wear the proper clothing (very warm)
and bring along the necessary items for safety.
It is also wise to check the weather conditions
and avalanche hazards before heading out. Trail
maps can be acquired by the Rio Grande National
Forest, please call 719-852-5941 for further
information. |
Nearby San Luis Lakes State Park
 The combination of wetlands, lakes and dry valley floor enviornments provides a fantastic wildlife viewing and recreation area. Migratory waterfowl and other birds are frequent visitors to these tranquil waters. Coyotes, kangaroo rats, and rabbits are common slight in the surrounding dunes. Elk, songbirds, raptors, reptiles and amphibians all find refuge in this unlikely riparian oasis hidden in the low dunes of the San Luis Valley.
The protected lands of the 2,054 acre park and wildlife area preserve critically important habitat for unusual flora and fauna. Park facilities have been carefully planned to minimize the disruption and impact of visitors to these species. The fragile dune enviornment is damaged easily. Please obey all access restrictions to provide undisturbed habitat for our rare plants and wildlife.
The park is located 13 miles from the Great Sand Dunes National Monument on Alamosa County 6-mile lane, or east 8 miles off of Colorado Hwy 17, north of Mosca also via 6-mile lane. Choose below to explore through information about San Luis Lake State Park.
San Luis Lakes State Park
« WATER SPORTS/BOATING »
San Luis Lake is a popular place for water sports in the San Luis Valley. Such water sport activities include water-skiing, motor boating, sailing, windsurfing and other fun water games. All Colorado boating statutes and regulations are enforced by the park rangers. Please contact the park office for required safety equipment information. All boats must remain south of the wildlife area buoy line at the north end of the lake. No boats are allowed in the buoyed area, to protect valuable waterfowl nesting habitat.
The lake shoreline is accessible to many watercraft because of the shallow center and gradual sloping sides. A wide boat ramp and calm water make it easy for visitors to load and unload their boats.
« FISHING »
Summer and winter fishing is permitted on the lake, however, be very cautious of thin ice when ice fishing. The rainbow trout is a good catch all year round. Check signs at the boat ramp or contact a park ranger or the Colorado Division of Wildlife for information on special restrictions, regulations and hunting seasons.
« ENTRANCE FEES »
All visitors are required to have a current Colorado State Parks' Pass on their car windshield. A daily pass is valid from the day purchased until noon the next day. An annual pass is valid at any Colorado State Park for the rest of the calendar year. Additional vehicles can receive a pass for a reduced fee at the park entrance and self-service dispensers.
Colorado residents 62 years or older can obtain an annual Aspen Leaf Pass at a discounted rate. With an Aspen Leaf Pass, residents visitors are allowed admission to all Colorado State Parks every day, as well as free camping on weekdays.
Colorado Disabled Veterans with a Disabled Veteran license plate are admitted free without a pass.
For more information call 719-378-2020
Colorado Map
South Central region of Colorado
Select Menu: Colorado Information || Alamosa Colorado || Fort Garland Colorado || Sangre De Cristo
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