Great for a romantic getaway, family trip, Adventure buddy excursion or a solo journey.

For a great sample of the winter areas activities in the Valley, we suggest a (3) night stay at Rustic Rook Resort. Our Studio Grain Bin Villas are open year around, and the perfect basecamp for an amazing winter adventure in the San Luis Valley (the largest alpine valley in the WORLD) and Surrounding areas.

Day 1 – Arrive
➼ Pre arrival tips – Packing: bring layered clothing – it may still be pretty warm in the sun. Bring your favorite beverages, snacks, sandwich making fixings and food to cook/grill. The bin is equipped with a fridge/freezer, microwave, cook top, pans, spices, olive oil, coffee, tea, plates/silverware/cups, and a charcoal grill outside (bring your own charcoal) We do still offer locally made breakfast burritos and S’mores kits when the glampground is closed – be sure to pre-order when you book. A good book, flashlight and card games are also great suitcase additions.

➼Arrive between 3 and 4pm, settle into your Bin then enjoy a refreshing beverage on your bins private patio with amazing views of the snowy mountains and majestic dunes. If it’s cold start up the propane fire pit for added warmth. Your bin includes the propane fire pit but you will need to add the propane in advance and we’ll have it ready for you. Take a walk around the sunrise loop or the camp trails, play a game of horseshoes, or a round of disk golf on our 9 hole course around camp (ask about borrowing disks when you book if you don’t have you’re own).

➼For dinner you can of course cook your own meal, or head to Alamosa for a verity of food including Mexican, Italian, American, Thai and more.

➼In the evening pay a card game, curl up to read, watch your favorite show or just enjoy the peaceful quite of the area and the amazing stars. The Sand Dunes is open 24/7 so if your feeling adventitious a night time hike at the dunes is an option (bring your flashlight).

Day 2 – The Great Sand Dunes, Colorado Reptile & Gator Park, Crestone & Sand Dunes Hot Springs

➼Watch the sunrise from your porch or bedroom window, as you enjoy a delicious cup of coffee or tea. Your bin has a percolator, coffee grounds, sugar and dry creamer. Be sure to bring half and half or anything else your favorite coffee requires.

➼ Tips:
1. Make sure to pre reserve your sand sleds or boards when you make your reservation so that they are waiting for you in your bin. We have adult sleds, kid sleds and all ages boards which will include wax.
2. Make sure to wear your layered of clothes so you can stay comfortable.
3. Bringing a picnic lunch is a great way to enjoy the park and keep your energy up as there are no food options in the shoulder season or winter season near the park.
4. If your looking to do some hiking check out Alltrails.com app – it has a great list of hikes and can help you pick the hike with the perfect distance and views for you. You may need snow shoes for some trails, but can typically find some miles without snow all winter long.

➼ Head out to the dunes! It’s a 20 min. drive. You can buy a pass at the gate if it’s attended, otherwise head on in. Sled/board, hike, take pictures (the Dunes are VERY photogenetic). After playing in the dunes head to the picnic area for lunch – it’s on the south side of the main parking lot.

➼After lunch head back to your bin to clean up and relax a little – then over to The Colorado Reptile and Gator farm in Hooper. You can get discounted tickets at the Pit Stop – the gas station that will be on your way to the Gator farm on 17. TIP – Bring your swimming suite with you so you can stop at the hot springs before heading “home”.

➼If you still have time after the Gator farm you could head to the town of Crestone – just north of hooper – they have shops and a brew pub and are nestled right up against Challenger Peak (one of Colorado’s 14k foot mountains) creating a beautiful backdrop to the town. Make sure to check restaurant/shop hours as they are sometimes limited in the winter.

➼Last stop – and dinner – go to the Sand Dunes Rec. Center in Hooper for a soak in the hot springs and dinner – make sure to check their hours online – they change seasonally and are always closed on Thursday for cleaning. They have an Olympic sized hot springs pool outside with beautiful mountain/dune views as well as an adult only green house with several pools at different temps. The pool area has a different menu than the green house, and the green house has adult beverages available.

Day 3 – Skiing, Snowshoeing, cross country skiing or/and ice skating
➼ Option 1: go Skiing! Head up to Monarch Mountain or Wolf Creek Ski area for a day of skiing, snowboarding or snow tubing (monarch only). Get your lift tickets in advance for better pricing. Tip – See about renting skis/boards in South Fork if you’re going to Wolf Creek or Pagosa Springs if you’re going to Monarch (better pricing than at the resorts). On you’re way down the mountain if you don’t feel like cooking stop in South Fork (WC) or Salilda/Pagosa Springs (Monarch).

➼ Option 2 Head to South Fork to 8200 Mountain Sports Guided Fly Fishing Fly Shop & Rentals to rent snowshoes or cross-country skis if you don’t have you’re own – let them advise you on the best place to go for you’re skill Level. South Fork also has an ice skating rink – bring you’re own to skate around or rent some skates. Have dinner in South Fork before heading back – they several options including a pizza place where you can sample lots of different beers.

➼ Option 3 – Snowmobiling! Book a tour in advance with Wolf Creek Snowmobile Tours. It’s a 2 hour tour – on the way to ride you will pass through South Fork – a great place for Breakfast check out Tiny Timbers Coffee Shop. You’ll also be driving over Wolf Creek Pass – make sure to check the weather a couple days before. It’s a stunning drive, a great way to see beautiful snowy Colorado.

➼ Head back to your bin after you’re adventures or un-wind at the hot springs again first (don’t forget to pack your swimsuit).

Day 3
➼ Breakfast and pack up for a 10am departure OR pick another option from the above and stay another day!

The Itinerary can of course be shortened or lengthened to suite your preference. We have found that guests that stay at least 2 nights enjoy there experience more and have time to see more than just the Sand Dunes. Having a place to come back to shower after the dunes is also a big plus.
Happy Travels!