Area Attractions
The Great Sand Dunes Lodge is the perfect home base for exploring all that the San Luis Valley has to offer during your Colorado vacation. There are many attractions and activities nearby, such as the Great Sand Dunes National Park, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, the Royal Gorge, and Zapata Falls.
To start planning your visit, feel free to visit the links below. Then be sure to contact us at the Lodge to make reservations. We look forward to hosting your stay!
Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad: Narrow gauge railroad from Northern terminal at Antonito, CO. Ride 64 miles through beautiful scenery much the same way as pioneer travelers did in the 1880s. One day and overnight trips are offered.
Conejos, CO: Claims to be the oldest church in Colorado. In near-by Manassa, CO., visit the home of Jack Dempsy, the "Manassa Mauler". Local citizens have restored the 1895 birthplace of the famous fighter.
San Luis, CO: Colorado's oldest town, established in 1851, the museum and cultural center display its history. Recently completed by a local artist, you may visit the "Stations of the Cross", a long tradition of the Catholic Church.
Mt. Blanca Peak: Colorado's fourth highest summit, overlooking Fort Garland. Four-wheel drive road open, weather and conditions permitting.
Alligator Farm: Located between Mosca and Hooper on Highway 17, geothermal waters maintain a constant temperature of 87 degrees for alligators and unusual fish.
Royal Gorge: Near Canon City, CO and operated by the city, visit the world's highest suspension bridge. Tram rides across the gorge or a ride to the bottom to the Arkansas river and a short train ride are offered as part of your entry fee.
Raft Trips: Several companies offer a variety of rafting trips on the Arkansas River to suit you and your family.
Zapata Falls: Five miles down the highway from our lodge, falls over 30 feet tall cascade down sheer rocks. A short hike from the day use area is necessary to reach the falls.
Fort Garland, CO: Restored to its original appearance, the fort commanded by Kit Carson in 1866 and 1867, displays numerous relics, many donated by families of past generations from the valley.
Joyful Journey:
Enjoy the innate qualities of the 3 natural geothermal springs (98-108°) which Native Americans have used for centuries for medicinal and ceremonial purposes, with the lovely Sangre de Cristo mountains in the distance.
Sand Dunes Swimming Pool:
This is another example of a nearby Olympic-size geothermal pool which is especially enjoyable to children.
Alamosa County:
Alamosa County is located approximately 23 miles from the Lodge 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.
Alamosa, CO:
The Alamosa Chamber of Commerce has information on community events, lodging, and historical sites.
Monte Vista, CO: Spanish for "mountain view", Monte Vista was so named by the early settlers who were thrilled by the large mountains visible in every direction. Now a bustling and energetic city, Monte Vista is located in the heart of the high altitude San Luis Valley of south central Colorado.
Colorado Directory:
The Colorado Directory has information about lodging and many other activities in Colorado. We also have an information page located on their site. Click Here to view it.
Questions?
Reservations? Contact us at gsdlodge@hotmail.com
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Dunes Lodge; All rights reserved.