The Great Sand Dunes National Park

Probably the most kid friendly national park ever. The Great Sand Dunes is a one of a kind place. As you approach, the dunes slowly reveal their true massive size. The tallest – Star Dune – is 750 ft tall. Visit in the spring and check out Medano Creek that runs through the base of the sand dunes – for kids, it’s like going to a giant splash pad full of sand with huge sledding hills to play on if the water gets too cold. We offer sled rental onsite for $20/day. It’s a must do. Dogs are allowed in the park. We recommend bringing sun screen, eye protection and something to cover your face in case the wind picks up and blows the sand around – it’s a free sandblast peeling session though if you’re into that! :). The park is open 24/7 – so you can even go late at night to stargaze. Visit The Great Sand Dunes Website

Hot Springs

Several hot springs/pools located near by. Most were discovered by attempts to drill for oil – and getting hot water instead! Check them out!

Splash Land LLC | 5895 Highway 17 Alamosa | Web Site

Sand Dunes Recreation | 991 Co Rd 63, Hooper | Web Site

Joyful Journey Hot Springs | 28640 County Rd 58EE, Moffat |Web Site

Colorado Gator Reptile Park

You probably didn’t expect this in Colorado, but why not? Originally this place raised fish to sell, however they had a problem – dead fish – so they got a few gators to eat the dead fish… Before they knew it people wanted to come see the gators, and the business turned into Colorado Gator Reptile Park! Check them out!
9162 CR 9 N, Mosca, CO, 81146 | Web Site

Hiking and Climbing!

Looking for an unforgettable hike? Look no farther! Nearby there is a wide variety of hiking and climbing options with varying levels of distances and difficulty. Try out High Dune trail at the sand dunes, check out Zapata Falls or take on one of the (3) closest 14ers Blanca, Little Bear or Ellingwood. Just make sure to know your skill level before trying any of the more difficult hikes. We recommend consulting alltrails.com to find all sorts of nearby trails with descriptions, and difficulty ratings. We are happy to help you with your selection.

Scenic Railways

Dine, sip wine, or just hang on and enjoy the views on one of the (2) nearby scenic railways. A relaxing way to see the sights! Check them out!
Rio Grande Scenic Railroad *Currently closed – may re-open in 2023 | 610 State Ave, Alamosa | Web Site
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad | 5234 B US Hwy 285, Antonito | Web Site

Cattails Golf Course

6615 N. River Road | Web Site

ATV, 4×4 trails and the Sand Juans

In less than an hour drive you can spend the day biking, ATVing, hiking etc. in the foothills of the San Juan Mountains. The town of Del Norte is known to be a great place for bikers, and just west of it, the town of South Fork has seemingly endless ATV and 4×4 trails with several great rental establishments to choose from. See more here | Del Norte Biking trails | South Fork ATV and Jeep Trails | A good place we have rented ATVs from

History

Fort Garland has a great museum showcasing the history of the area. Before written history, native American cultures, including Clovis and Folsom, hunted and gathered in the area 11,000 years ago. Spain claimed the area in the 1500’s and established land grants to attract settlers. However, clashes with Comanches left the valley largely unsettled for many years. Zebulon Pike, who explored the southern part of the Louisiana Purchase and discovered Pike’s Peak, was awed by the view of the Sand Dunes (probably from Medano Pass) in 1807. Until Mexico’s liberation from Spain in 1821, Spain claimed the San Luis Valley… See more here | History – Things to see

Horseback Riding

About an hour from camp – Granite Mountain Outfitters is a summer & fall activity business with twenty years of experience, specializing in western outdoor and ranch fun for everyone. What better way to view the beauty of Colorado’s wilderness than from the back of a horse? Their small ride sizes ensure that their guests receive the personal attention they deserve to have a truly interactive horseback experience….We have had several guests highly recommend these guys… See more here | Granite Mountain Outfitter’s Website

About 45 mins. from camp – High Plains Drift Inn offers cabin stays, horseback riding (from a 1 hour ride to full day rides with picnic lunches depending on experience – custom trips available), survival camps, dining and more. High Plains Drift inn is family owned and operated. Enjoy some time in the open range where horses, and goats can run freely, with unspoiled views of the mountains. Call ahead – appointment only. Call 719-850-0264. See more here | High Plains Drift Inn’s Website

Jeep rentals/tours

Medano Pass Primitive Road is a rough 22 mile road connecting Great Sand Dunes with the Wet Mountain Valley and Colorado State Highway 69. Passable only in the warmer months and only with high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicles, it gives access to Medano Pass (elevation 10,040’) and Great Sand Dunes National Preserve. We recommend | Path Finders 4×4 Rentals/tours

Book a private flight

Book a private flight over the sand dunes or mountains. Custom flights available. Rugged Air Tours lets you take in all that Colorado has to offer in a fraction of the time it would require to visit it from the ground. See more here | Fly Rugged’s Website

SLV Adventures

Offering seasonal (May – September) weekend outdoor activities centered around Mt. Blanca & the Rio Grande River in southern Colorado. Specializing in hiking, overnight camping trips, kayak trips, river tubing & ATV/UTV trips. Let them know you are staying with us at Rustic Rook and they will give you a 10% discount! SLV Adventure website here