Alamosa / Great Sand Dunes KOA Journey Local Attractions

Things to Do In Alamosa

In addition to the attractions listed below, please visit www.alamosa.org for more information about things to do, restaurants to visit, and scheduled community events!  Be sure to plan enough days at the KOA to take in all the sites!
If you wish to extend your stay at the after you have arrived, please see us at the front desk.  We are happy to help you enjoy more of what Alamosa has to offer.

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The Mystic San Luis Valley

Our KOA is located in the mystic San Luis Valley (SLV).  The SLV is home to many of Colorado's first and oldest:  you can visit Colorado's oldest church (Mission of San Acacio); and oldest parish (Our Lady of Guadalupe); the oldest town in Colorado; oldest still-standing fort (Fort Garland Museum); and Colorado's first designated national monument (Wheeler Geologic Area).  The SLV is also home to 130 hiking trails, the Great Sand Dunes, hot springs, spiritual centers, and eleven 14ers!  The Go to www.sanluisvalley.org to plan your SLV vacation.

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Great Sand Dunes National Monument

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is a United States National Park located in the easternmost parts of Alamosa County and Saguache County, Colorado. The park contains approximately 85,000 acres. The park contains the tallest sand dunes in North America, rising about 750 feet from the floor of the San Luis Valley on the western base of the Sangre de Cristo Range, covering about 19,000 acres. The dunes were formed from sand and soil deposits of the Rio Grande and its tributaries, flowing through the San Luis Valley. Over the ages, westerly winds picked up sand particles from the river flood plain. As the wind lost power before crossing the Sangre de Cristo Range, the sand was deposited on the east edge of the valley. This process continues, and the dunes are slowly growing. The wind changes the shape of the dunes daily. http://www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm

Colorado Alligator Farm - See KOA OFFICE for discount tickets and gator food coupon

Colorado Gators is a family oriented, educational facility that focuses on full use of natural and recycled resources.  Our goal is to maintain an integrated ecosystem while providing educational opportunities and viable farm products.The History of Colorado Gators  Erwin and Lynne Young moved from Post, Texas to Alamosa, Colorado in September, 1974 with their four children, Mark, Mike, Sherri, and Jay.  Erwin learned of the geothermal water resources available in the Valley and wanted to grow Tilapia, an African perch that requires warm water and is very good to eat.In 1977 they purchased the 80 acre farm that is now Colorado Gators Reptile Park.  It wasn't until 1987 that they purchased 100 baby alligators to dispose of dead fish and the remains of filleted fish.Those baby gators grew quickly in the warm geothermal water (87° F) and the locals wanted to see them, so we opened to the public in 1990.  Soon we were in the spotlight of many media programs and articles.  Individuals with overgrown alligators and other reptiles such as large pythons, tortoises, iguanas, and more started dropping them off with us.We have become a sanctuary for unwanted exotic pets and we care for them as best we can.  We display them for the public to understand the dangers in owning these pets and we take them to schools for educational programs.

719-378-2612

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Zapata Falls and Trail

The views of the valley and the Sand Dunes are fantastic from Zapata Falls, and there are four miles of well-marked hiking and mountain biking trails below the parking area.  Access into the mountain peaks and wilderness area is also available on Forest Service Trail #852 beginning in the parking area.  This trail follows South Zapata Creek to South Zapata Lake.  There are several ruins of cabins along the trail to view.The falls are particularly impressive in winter when it freezes into a sculpture of ice. In both fall and summer, the water is cold and the rocks can be slippery, so use good judgment as to whether or not you are up to the challenge.  Even in the summer, air temperatures inside the alcove can be cool, so bring a jacket.    

Access Zapata Falls from Highway 150, 12 miles north of the intersection with highway 160.  Turn right at the sign and travel three miles on the dirt road to the parking area.

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