The Official Visit Pagosa Springs Travel Planner

PagosaSprings

TRAVEL PLANNER

We are thrilled you are considering a visit to Pagosa Springs, Colorado. With an abundance of activities for all ages, a variety of lodging and dining options, we know how to treat our guests. We believe you will find our small town hospitality refreshingly authentic and genuinely helpful. For additional planning assistance, visit us online at www.VisitPagosaSprings.com or call us at (800) 252-2204.

When you arrive in town, stop by the Visitor Center, located along the San Juan River on Hot Springs Boulevard in the heart of downtown. You will be greeted by friendly, knowledgeable staff members and seasoned volunteers to help make the most of your visit.

Welcome to Pagosa Springs

Colorfest Weekend in Downtown Pagosa

Pagosa Springs lies in the heart of Southwest Colorado, at the base of Wolf Creek Pass. Located along Highway 160, many National Parks in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Arizona, and many other incredible sites throughout the Southwest are just a short drive from Pagosa Springs.

FLY

Stevens Field, our county airport, serves private aircraft, including jets. Commercial airlines connect through the La Plata County Airport in Durango, CO. Other options include flying into Albuquerque, Denver, or Colorado Springs.

DRIVE

From Durango, CO: Take Hwy 160 East approximately 60 miles into downtown Pagosa Springs.

From Santa Fe, NM: Follow US Hwy 285 North/Hwy 84 for about 3 hours. At Chama, New Mexico, turn left onto Hwy 84 about 45 minutes to junction of Hwy 84 and Hwy 160. Turn left on Hwy 160 and travel into downtown Pagosa Springs.

From Denver: Take Hwy 285 South to Hwy 160 west. The drive takes you past the Collegiate Peaks, Great Sand Dunes National Park and over Wolf Creek Pass.

PagosaSprings

With more than 300 days of sunshine annually, visitors enjoy the outdoors year-round during four distinct seasons.

Average Monthly Temperatures (High/Low-F)

January: 39° / 4°

February: 44° / 10°

March: 50° / 19°

April: 59° / 25°

May: 68° / 31°

June: 78° / 38°

July: 83° / 45°

August: 80° / 45°

September: 73° / 37°

October: 63° / 27°

November: 49° / 17°

December: 40° / 7°

The Springs Resort

EXPLORING PAGOSA

Home to the World’s Deepest Hot Springs, downtown Pagosa Springs features a paved river walk, historic walking tour, the San Juan River and many public parks. Visitors to downtown can enjoy the water, fish, hike, raft, bike or play disc golf without ever leaving town.

Of course, you will want to leave town to explore and enjoy all that the vast area has to offer. Heading east on Hwy 160, make your first stop at Treasure Falls. Next, stop at the West Fork Valley Overlook for a scenic view featured in the movie “Vacation.” Leaving an impression is certain. Drive to the top of Wolf Creek Pass and stop at the Continental Divide. Head up to Lobo Overlook for more incredible views. As you head down the pass towards South Fork, check out Wolf Creek Ski Area and Alberta Park Reservoir. Stop by Big Meadows Reservoir or Tucker Ponds to see small alpine lakes. For more adventure, head up Park Creek Road, which leads to the old mining town, Summitville.

Gorgeous fall colors in the Blanco Basin

Piedra Road is a beautiful drive that can be handled easily by a passenger vehicle. Major destinations include the Piedra River Trail, Ice Caves, Piedra Falls, and Williams Reservoir. Several routes are worth a detour with beautiful picnic spots along the way. Consider taking Plumtaw Road back to town which turns the drive into a loop. Make sure to check out Deb’s Schoolhouse, a National Historic Site, as you pass by.

The Pagosa Springs area has many scenic drives. One of the most breathtaking is the drive into the Blanco Basin. Suitable for all vehicle types, this drive is one of the top day trips in the area. Other great options off of Hwy 84 include Mill Creek Road and Buckles Lake Road. These drives are even more stunning in the fall as the leaves change.

History buffs will want to make the trip to Pagosa Junction, south of Pagosa Springs, where the Rio Grande Railroad once came through the area. This route is part of the Tracks Across Borders Scenic Byway.

Deb’s Schoolhouse Opal Lake

Hot Springs

Hot springs only occur where Mother Nature puts them. With their unique combination of geology and hydrology, Pagosa’s springs are a natural and historical delight.

People have been soaking in Pagosa’s naturally hot mineral water for thousands of years enjoying the health, healing, and relaxation benefits. The mineral water’s deep heating relaxes tired, achy muscles and relieves pain and tension. Soaking in a hot pool followed by a quick dip in the cold river stimulates circulation and dilates blood vessels to help promote healing. When you soak, hydrostatic pressure in the body is increased resulting in increased circulation and cell oxygenation.

Additionally, the hot water helps strengthen your heart by increasing your blood flow. As your pores begin to open, it helps increase mineral absorption and the release of toxins from your body. Finely dissolved minerals in the water are beneficial and don’t dry out your skin in the same way as chlorine does in other hot tubs and pools.

Make sure to visit our three downtown hot springs facilities – you’ll be glad you took the time to relax and enjoy.

Overlook Mineral Springs & Spa

Minerals present in Pagosa’s water and their health benefits:

SODIUM Salt soaks have been known to help in relieving the symptoms of arthritis as well as awakening the lymphatic system.

MAGNESIUM Maintains normal heart rhythms, converts blood sugar to energy and promotes healthy skin.

SULFATES/SULFUR Sulfur is an anti-inflammatory; rids the body of toxins; promotes health of bones, hair, nails, fluids in joints and vertebral discs.

POTASSIUM normalizes heart rhythms; assists in reducing high blood pressure; eliminates body toxins.

CHLORIDE Musculoskeletal benefits, helps with rheumatic and arthritic symptoms.

FLUORIDE Calcium fluoride is a component of elastic fibers of the skin, bones and teeth—promotes hardness.

SILICA Boosts immune system, promotes healthy nerves, mucous membranes, hair and nails and strengthens bones.

BORON Boosts brain activity builds muscle mass, strengthens bones.

IRON Increases resistance to disease and stress. Prevents fatigue and promotes good skin tone.

ZINC Antioxidant nutrient; promotes wound healing, maintains hormone activity; aids in digestion.

Healing Waters Resort

The Springs Resort

Pagosa Springs, surrounded by over 2.5 million acres of wilderness and national forest areas, has an abundance of outdoor activities, scenery, and wildlife. Treasure Falls, one of several waterfalls in the area, is a must see and can be viewed from Hwy 160. You will love the short hike to Misty Deck; feel the spray from the waterfall on your skin. Refreshing!

Activities

HIKING & BACKPACKING

Pagosa Springs has over 650 miles of hiking trails, for all abilities, with scenery that never disappoints. Several scenic and historic hikes can be found right in Downtown Pagosa Springs as well.

If you head north on Piedra Rd (County Rd 600), you will find several hikes - hike the Piedra River Trail through box canyons or take a short 1/2 mile hike that ends at the thundering Piedra Falls. Also north of town on Fourmile Road, is a 3-4 mile oneway hike that will take you to Falls Creek Falls and Fourmile Falls.

The trails south of town include Opal Lake, a 1½ mile, one-way hike, with some steep portions leading to a milky white lake. Trails east of downtown include parts of the Continental Divide Trail. Stop by the visitor center and pick up a FREE Hiking Trail and Scenic Drive brochure for more trail suggestions.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

There are multiple trail systems in the area to keep mountain bikers entertained. Located in the heart of downtown, Reservoir Hill and the Dakota Springs trails offer quick rides and spectacular views. A few miles north, off of Piedra Road, is the Turkey Springs area with more than 30 miles of singletrack providing several options for beginner to advanced riders.

HORSEBACK RIDING

Bringing your horse for a trail ride? Several campgrounds in the area offer horse boarding. Need a horse and a guided trail ride? Pagosa Springs is home to several outfitters. They offer trail rides ranging from 1 hour to all-day rides. Overnight pack trips are great for the more adventurous. They take hunters and explorers deep into the Wilderness areas.

Fourmile Falls

Jackson Mountain

Weminuche Wilderness

HUNTING

With more wildlife than people, the chances of spotting elk or deer are pretty good. The public lands and forests surrounding Pagosa Springs and vicinity afford excellent big-game habitat where licensed hunters enjoy some of the finest hunting in North America. Hunters can find black bears, cougars, bighorn sheep, and considerable herds of mule deer and elk that seasonally migrate between winter and summer ranges.

ATVS & 4X4S

The Pagosa area has many miles of off-road trails. A favorite all-day trail is East Fork Road which takes adventurers past Silver Falls, climbs Elwood Pass to the top of the Continental Divide and into Summitville.

RAFTING & KAYAKING

May through June is the prime season for whitewater rafting and kayaking. Spring snow-melt swells the San Juan and Piedra Rivers, and whitewater adventures await! Whitewater Rafting enthusiasts have multiple outfitters and rivers to choose from for ½ day to full day trips.

Views on Elwood Pass

Rafting the San Juan River

Views from Park Creek Rd near Summitville

FLOATING & TUBING

Pagosa Springs is fortunate to have the San Juan River running through the heart of downtown. The Town has added whitewater features on a 2-mile stretch of the river through downtown, making for unique areas to play throughout the summer. Tubing has become a favorite pastime of many, with tube rentals and shuttles available in town.

STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING

For a quiet afternoon, enjoy our warm summer days and fantastic mountain views around Williams Creek Reservoir while on a stand-up paddleboard. For a quick outing, try Echo Lake State Wildlife Area south of town. Multiple shops rent SUPs with lessons available.

BOATING

Explore our pristine mountain lakes by kayak or canoe. Drink in the scenic beauty of the surrounding San Juan Mountains. Several lakes in the area allow non-motorized boats or electric trolling motors. For those that prefer full-sized, motorized boating, Navajo Lake is less than an hour from town.

Echo Lake

Navajo Lake

FISHING

Dreaming of catching a trout? Fly fish the San Juan River near Town Park or head deeper into the woods and try your luck on one of several area rivers and streams. Guided fishing trips are available from local outfitters who will take you to their favorite spots. Short on time? Echo Lake State Wildlife Area is just 5 minutes south of town on Hwy 84 and is a great place to drop a line in the summer and ice fish in the winter. For the full mountain experience, Williams Reservoir is second to none.

GOLF & DISC GOLF

Pagosa Springs Golf Club is a well-maintained, 27 hole public course featuring a magnificent mountain backdrop. Pagosa Springs is also home to two 18-basket disc golf courses, one on Reservoir Hill and another in Cloman Park.

HOT AIR BALLOON

Capture aerial views of the San Juan Mountains and the area’s gorgeous canyons and valleys on a hot-air balloon ride. During excursions, riders participate in the set-up and inflation of the balloon, learn the history of ballooning and end the trip with a champagne celebration. To see dozens of colorful balloons float above the area, check out the annual ColorFest Weekend in September.

Hot Air Balloon Ride Above Pagosa Country @nickwindsor11

Disc Golf on Reservoir Hill Pagosa Springs Golf Club

Winter in Pagosa Springs is known for bright sunshine, fresh light snow, and outdoor activities for all. The San Juan Valley has terrain perfect for snowshoe and Nordic skiing beginners or those looking to enjoy a quiet day. The adventurous looking for a challenge will find it at Wolf Creek Ski area and higher in San Juan Mountains .

Cross Country Skiing on East Fork Road

Winter Activities

NORDIC SKIING & SNOWSHOEING

The Pagosa Springs area has over 50km of free trails groomed for Skate Skiing and Classic Cross Country Skiing. In downtown, you will find flat groomed trails at Yamaguchi Park and climbing trails at Reservoir Hill. North of town, Turkey Springs and Coyote Hill have enough trails for all day fun. Early and late season conditions are best along the Continental Divide at Lobo Overlook or the Alberta Loop.

ICE SKATING

The Pagosa Multi-Purpose Pavilion, located in South Park is a maintained rink that offers sessions for public ice skating, hockey, and broom-ball. The ponds, located downtown behind the River Center, allow ice skating when the ice is at least 4” thick. There is no fee to skate on the ponds and skate rentals are available nearby.

SLEIGH RIDES

Over the hill and dale, you will hit the snowy trail in a sleigh with draft horses in the lead. With a blanket on your lap and hot cocoa in hand, relax and enjoy the quiet countryside.

Winter Sleigh Rides

Activities

SKIING & SNOWBOARDING

Wolf Creek Ski Area, located near the summit of Wolf Creek Pass just 23 miles from downtown Pagosa Springs, is one of the last family-owned and operated ski areas in the state. Home to “the most snow in Colorado,” Wolf Creek boasts an all-natural base and a whopping average of 465 inches of snowfall each season. This family-friendly ski area is known for low ticket prices, no lift lines, and the fluffiest powder around. With a wide variety of terrain, everyone from beginners to experts can have an epic day at Wolf Creek Ski Area.

Wolf Creek Ski Area Jacque Aragon©

Wolf Creek Ski Area

SLEDDING & TUBING

Driving and have the room? Bring your tubes and enjoy free sledding and tubing on Pagosa Springs’ many hills including Reservoir Hill, near Coyote Hill or at the summit of Wolf Creek Pass. Don’t worry if you didn’t bring your tubes and sleds, there are plenty of places in town to buy or rent them. For a bit more speed, try out the well-designed tubing hill east of Town on Hwy 160. The price of admission includes tube rental.

SNOWMOBILING

Hundreds of miles of groomed trails and accessible high-mountain backcountry; the area can be explored on your snowmobile or with one of many experienced, guided tours in Pagosa Springs. Enjoy something as simple as a 1-hour tour or spend all day exploring the many areas including East Fork, the top of Wolf Creek Pass, Jackson Mountain, Turkey Springs, and Plumtaw.

Snowmobiling Jackson Mountain Road

Tubing in Pagosa Springs

Arts

& Culture

ARTS & CULTURE

The Pagosa Springs area is home to a variety of art galleries, a professional live theatre company, a local history museum, and unique cultural activities. You can explore ancient civilizations, western heritage, and the work of local artisans.

CHIMNEY ROCK NATIONAL MONUMENT

Designated a National Monument in 2012, Chimney Rock lies on 4,726 acres of San Juan National Forest land surrounded by the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. Chimney Rock is the highest in elevation and most isolated community tied to the inhabitants of Chaco Canyon. Home to ancestors of modern Pueblo Indians, it is believed to have been inhabited over 1,000 years ago. The site is of great spiritual significance to this day and is known for when the moon rises between the rock formations during a lunar standstill that occurs every 18.6 years. Daily tours and special programs are offered mid-May through the end of September.

PAGOSA SPRINGS HISTORY MUSEUM

The Pagosa Springs’ local history museum displays artifacts that tell the story of how early pioneers lived in Pagosa Springs and the surrounding area from the 1890s to the early 1900s. Local families donated many of the photos and other historical artifacts from the time-period on display. The History Museum also features a permanent collection of historically significant quilts. It is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 9 am to 4 pm, mid-May through midSeptember.

Chimney Rock National Monument

Pagosa Springs History Museum

Arts & Culture

LIVE THEATRE

The Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts presents something for everyone –band concerts, dance recitals, popular musicals and dramas, jazz festivals, choral concerts, children’s theater camps, and art gallery exhibits. The Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts is also home to Thingamajig Theatre Company, a professional theatre company that produces shows year-round. Broadway in the Mountains is a hit each summer, featuring a wide range of shows all summer long.

Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Arts & Culture

DURANGO & SILVERTON NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, located 60 miles from Pagosa, winds through spectacular canyons in the remote wilderness of the San Juan National Forest. Experience the adventure of traveling by a coal-fired or oilfired, steam-powered locomotive on the same tracks miners, cowboys, and settlers of the Old West took over a century ago. Relive history with the sights and sounds of yesteryear for a truly spectacular journey on board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

CUMBRES & TOLTEC SCENIC RAILROAD

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, located 45 miles from Pagosa, was initially constructed in 1880 as part of the Rio Grande’s San Juan Extension, which served the silver mining district of the San Juan mountains in southwestern Colorado. A Cumbres & Toltec coal-fired steam engine will carry you on an unforgettable, 64-mile journey zig-zagging between the Colorado and New Mexico border. You will pass through steep mountain canyons, high desert, and lush meadows.

Family Fun

FAMILY & KIDS ACTIVITIES

Allow our breathtaking beauty, friendly town, and relaxed pace to make your next family vacation memorable. Whatever your family’s idea of fun is, we can accommodate.

Families with children of all ages can enjoy a variety of year-round activities. Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts has family-friendly shows sure to captivate young imaginations or get up close and personal with rescued animals at The Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park. The naturally warm water of Hot Springs means swimming outdoors possible all year, even during a snowstorm.

In the summer, spend the day tubing on the San Juan River through downtown, picnic in Town Park or spend some time at the skate park or on the climbing wall at Yamaguchi Park. Another day, head to Chimney Rock National Monument where kids can throw an ancient spear using an Atlatl. Indoor archery lessons, locally made root beer, fudge, and froyo are a few of the treasures purveyed by shops around town. For more fun ideas, pick up a Pagosa Springs Activity Book at The Visitor Center.

San Juan River through downtown

Yamaguchi Park Town Park

Family Fun

WILDLIFE

Pagosa Springs, the surrounding wilderness, and national forest is home to abundant wildlife. Sightings of deer, elk, coyote, skunk, fox, and turkey are not uncommon. While bear, moose, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, lynx, and mountain lions are less common, they do make their home in our area. Pagosa Country also has a large variety of birds, including bald eagles. While we can’t guarantee you’ll see what you are looking for, it is quite likely they will see you!

Both deer and elk venture out in the warm morning sunshine. If you’re hiking, it helps to be quiet as you move along. The animals can hear better than you and commonly stay just out of sight. As you come upon open space, slow down and walk softly for a better chance at spotting wildlife.

The best opportunity to see area wildlife and learn more about the various local animals is to take a tour at Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park. Feeding time is the best time to visit. Located five miles south of Pagosa on Hwy 84, the Wildlife Park is a sanctuary for rescued animals that wouldn’t survive on their own in the wild.

Ohea Graham©

@Spiritofthemountainphotography ©

Events

For full event calendar and details, including weekly live music and events, check out:

www.visitpagosasprings.com/events

SPRING

Brews for Rescues

Pagosa Paddle Whitewater Race

Pagosa Car Show

Folk n’ Bluegrass Festival

Chimney Rock Season Opening

Live theatre productions at Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts

SUMMER

July 4th Festivities

Arts & Crafts Festivals

Live theatre productions at Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts

Rodeos

Four Corners Folk Festival

Farmers Market

4th of July Parade in Downtown Pagosa Springs

Life at Chimney Rock Celebration

Pagosa Car Show

Red Ryder Roundup Rodeo

FALL

Live theatre productions at Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts

Colorfest Weekend

Mountain Chile Cha Cha

Oktoberfest

Halloween Hootenanny

WINTER

Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration

Nordic Races

Live theatre productions at Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts

Events at Wolf Creek Ski Area

Winterfest Weekend

&Festivals Events

Four Corners Folk Festival – Michael Pierce Photography ©

Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration Patty Aragon Green Chile Classic

Colorfest Balloon Launch

Groups & Meetings

GROUPS & MEETINGS

Pagosa Springs hosts groups and events of all sizes. Whether planning a wedding, business retreat or family reunion, Pagosa Springs has a range of venues and a variety of activities to keep your group entertained. Hosting an event in Pagosa Springs is easy and everyone will love you for giving them a reason to visit. With amazing hot springs, plenty of restaurants, lodging options, and area activities - entertaining family, friends or business associates in Pagosa Springs is a breeze.

Pattie Copenhaver

Meetings

WEDDINGS

Pagosa Springs offers a quaint town and perfect mountain setting for the unique wedding you’ve always dreamed of having. Whether you’re planning a small family gathering or hosting a couple of hundred guests, we offer every service from fine cuisine to the most beautiful flower arrangements. There are plenty of catering options available, along with great opportunities for group activities such as wine tasting, and tours with local crafters. With gorgeous mountain views, from waterfalls to white-capped mountains, Pagosa has what you need to make your wedding memorable for a lifetime.

FAMILY REUNIONS

Are you looking for the perfect place to reconnect with your family? Pagosa Springs offers everything your family needs for that much needed reunion. The shoppers of the family can visit the many downtown shops. The adventurous can go mountain biking, hiking, or play disc golf on Reservoir Hill. The relaxed can enjoy walking along the San Juan River or soaking in the hot springs.

BUSINESS MEETINGS/RETREATS

Pagosa Springs offers all of the amenities - work and play - for a successful business meeting or retreat. You’ll find our small town provides a cost-effective way to help your business team connect and get work done or get away from the hustle and bustle and recharge. With all of the area activities, you can provide your business associates and their spouses with both a backcountry team building experience and relaxing spa treatments.

Downtown Pagosa Springs

Reservoir Hill

Jacque Aragon©

Jacque Aragon©

Pagosa Springs is famous for its fantastic scenery - the mountains, the valleys, the rivers, and the ‘old time’ western feel have brought many movie productions to our corner of Colorado. Below is a snapshot:

In 1972, John Wayne filmed a lot of The Cowboys, just outside of Pagosa Springs. Wil Andersen, played by Wayne, is shot, killed and buried just north of town. The grave is still marked.

Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo, the Griswolds, were in National Lampoon’s Vacation filmed in 1983. Look for the scene shot from the scenic overlook on Wolf Creek Pass, on Hwy 160 east of Pagosa Springs.

Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade, shot in 1989, features a young Indiana Jones. The Jones family home and the train from the movie are in Antonito, an anchoring end of the Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad. You can ride the train today and visit the house where Indiana ‘grew up.’

In 2009, Phil Keoghan, host of the CBS series The Amazing Race, rode his bike across America and filmed the documentary, The Ride. His overnight visit and warm reception in Pagosa Springs made such an impression, to this day, when interviewed about favorite places in the world, Pagosa makes his list.

Other movies filmed in this area include the 2014 independent film, Child of Grace, the 2012 movie, Last Ounce of Courage, The Prestige made in 2006, The Claim, filmed in 2000, Hostiles with Christian Bale in 2017, and independent film, The Orphan Train, in 2018.

Archuleta County Airport at Stevens Field is one of the most beautiful airports in America.

With an 8100 x 100 foot runway, the airport offers excellent amenities and modern FBO facilities, managed by Avjet. To learn more about the airport facilities, visit www.www.stevensfield.com.

AMENITIES INCLUDE:

• Modern FBO facilities

• Luxury lobby and conference room

• Flight planning room

• Pilot snooze room

• Hangar space

• Quick turns

• Internet terminal and wireless access

• Courtesy transportation

• Government cards

• Office space for lease

• Concierge service

• 24-hour self serve-100LL

• 24-hour restrooms and telephone

Avjet FBO Lobby

View of Stevens Field, uptown Pagosa Springs

Pagosa Springs is a year-round destination that features four distinct seasons. Throughout the year, visitors can relax and rejuvenate in our world famous hot springs, enjoy a performance at the Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts, explore many shops and galleries and take advantage of our many fine restaurants and two local breweries. Below are just a few suggestions for seasonal enjoyment:

SPRING As the snow melts in the mountains surrounding Pagosa Springs, opportunities for exploration are vast:

• Hike, mountain bike or play disc golf in multiple locations close to town

• Wander the scenic Riverwalk through downtown

• Raft or kayak the San Juan River

• Enjoy scenic drives to view mountains awakening from their winter slumber

• Hike to waterfalls while they are running at their peak

SUMMER As the days get longer and the temperatures warm up, Pagosa Springs ripens for adventure:

• Explore over 650 miles of trails seeking waterfalls, wildflowers, and wildlife

• Tube, float or swim the San Juan River through downtown

• Horseback riding through scenic countryside

• Tour Chimney Rock National Monument, a celestial observatory

• Mountain bike 30 miles of pristine single track in Turkey Springs

• Soak in one of three Pagosa Hot Springs under a dark starry night

Piedra Falls

Hatcher Lake

Fall Itineraries

FALL As the leaves change in Pagosa Springs, viewing the fall colors is a must and there are plenty of opportunities to do so:

• Enjoy a hot air balloon ride, providing a bird’s eye view of the fantastic scenery

• View area wildlife in the surrounding 2.5 millions acres of wilderness and national forest

• Explore Williams Creek Reservoir by canoe or stand up paddleboard

• Fish one of many streams, rivers, and lakes

• Enjoy a scenic drive discovering the autumn beauty of the San Juan Mountains

WINTER Snow brings peacefulness to Pagosa Springs, but the adventure never rests:

• Ski or snowboard in the most snow in Colorado at Wolf Creek Ski Area

• Explore over 50km of groomed Nordic trails on cross country skis or snowshoes

• Take a snowmobiling tour to explore the majestic winter backcountry

• Ice skating outdoors in downtown Pagosa Springs

View from 6th Street Pedestrian Bridge

Dining

DINING

Pagosa Springs has a variety of restaurants and dining establishments to choose from: fancy upscale restaurants to neighborhood taco stands, and everything in between. Many of the restaurants in town use fresh local ingredients and can accommodate special dietary needs. There are a variety of regional specialties to whet your appetite, and a wide range of prices to suit most any dining budget.

BREWERIES

Pagosa Brewing & Grill is an award-winning, craft brewery with several national awards to its credit. With over 20 taps on the wall featuring their own locally inspired brews, home-brewed root beer, and an assortment of guest beers, visitors are sure to find the right beer to suit any taste. In addition to beer, Pagosa Brewing Company features a full menu offering daily lunch and dinner options in addition to a weekend brunch menu, fantastic wines, spirits, and cocktails.

Riff Raff Brewing Company has 2 locations in Pagosa Springs. The original brewery lives in an 1896 Victorian house complete with outdoor beer garden. Riff Raff Brewing uses geothermal heat in all aspects of their business from the brewing process to heating the building. They claim “Earth Powered Beer,” and they mean it. Visit their second location for more great beer and a river-side patio, a great place to spend summer evenings.

THE GEOTHERMAL GREENHOUSE PARTNERSHIP (GGP)

The GGP, located in Centennial Park along the San Juan River in downtown Pagosa, just beyond the hot springs pedestrian bridge, is a nonprofit with a mission of “growing food and community with local energy.” They teach sustainable agricultural practices by producing food year-round using local renewable energy. Featuring three grow domes and outdoor gardens, it’s always worth a visit to see what’s growing.

Geothermal Greenhouse

Breweries

HOTELS & MOTELS

BED & BREAKFAST

CABINS

PAGOSA RANGER DISTRICT

Opening and closing dates for all campgrounds may change due to weather or other circumstances. Check with the campground or local district offices for current information.