Travelers have always come to this Valley;
some are just passing through, many
will return, and a handful will stay - but
none will forget the vast beauty that is
Saguache County. From the time prehistoric
Ice Age peoples hunted giant
bison 11,200 years ago, through the
historic period when European settlers
carved out homes in the wilderness, we
remain a resilient bunch. Willing to forego
convenience of urban pleasures for
the quality of life in this peaceful open
place where the sun always shines and
the stars are as close as your backdoor.
This land of majestic vista has much
to offer those who seek an experience
apart from the ordinary.
Folks always ask us, “what is there to
do here?” This guide will show you all
the wonders of Saguache County – outdoor
recreation on public lands, religious
temples, quiet spaces to watch abundant
wildlife, and a deep culture full of history
and art. We invite you to come be a
part of it all – you’ll never forget it.
From the Sangre de Cristo to the San Juan Mountains, the
jagged peaks and rushing rivers of the San Luis Valley public
lands wrap themselves around this Rocky Mountain basin.
Whether viewing the mountain scenery from roads or
finding challenge on trails, visitors discover solitude and
self-reliance through uncrowded year-round recreation opportunities.
As recreation pressures increase in other parts
of Colorado, the public lands of the Saguache County maintain
their remote spirit and traditional culture.
The Rio Grande Forest and adjacent BLM lands form
the scenic and cultural backdrop to the Saguache County.
With a landscape of high peaks, geologic wonders, and
steep river canyons, the spectacular scenery beckons adventurers
from near and far. Culturally, the public lands
have been significant to generations of users and continue
to provide economic benefits to local communities through
recreation-based tourism and multiple uses. History is alive
at prehistoric Native American sites, historic mining camps,
and along the routes of early explorers and settlers.
The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail winds
for 236 miles across the Rio Grande Forest and is managed
to protect its scenic and recreation values. The CDNST
stretches 3,100 miles from Canada to Mexico along the spine of the Rocky Mountains, creating a habitat corridor
for wildlife and hikers. For map and more information go
to
www.cdtrail.org.
Special attractions include Sangre de Cristo and La
Garita Wilderness Areas, Penitente Canyon, significant
migratory wetlands, numerous 14,000 ft peaks, excellent
hunting, fishing, and hiking opportunities. Consistent
snow and excellent terrain create a winter wonderland
ready for enthusiasts of snowshoeing, cross-country skiing
and snowmobiles. With nearly half of the land designated
as Wilderness or backcountry, and the overall remote nature
of our public lands, the opportunities for solitude are
outstanding. The area continues to be a safe and inviting
place for families and social groups to experience the great
outdoors.
The Rio Grande National Forest and BLM lands are
managed public lands; the lands combined are called the
San Luis Valley Public Lands. Visit the
Regional Forest
website or the
BLM website for more information.
