The Hub of the Majestic San Luis Valley

Alamosa is often referred to as the hub of the San Luis Valley as it's the largest town in the region and offers a strong connection to the valley’s historic past and culture. Much of the area’s historical significance is alive and well today, on display both in downtown and through a collection of museums and historical sites across town. For visitors, it’s also a favorite location to dub as “base camp” due to its convenient location near a handful of exciting destinations. With over 100,000’s acres of pristine national forest land, the Great Sand Dunes National Park, and numerous wildlife refuges found right in our backyard, you won't have to look far to discover something breathtaking.

No visit is complete without stopping downtown where there’s history to be found on every block. We invite you to stroll around our historic downtown to check out welcoming shops, sample local eateries, and maybe even sip on craft breweries that line the town.

Established by Railroading, Fueled by Agriculture

Alamosa’s modern history exploded during the Gold Rush era when our town was declared a “hub” for the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. Fueled by the discovery of gold and silver and reinforced by new distribution channels for the high desert valley’s array of crops, Alamosa quickly began to grow into what it is today. Our deep roots in agriculture and railroading are still very present in our culture today. Doubling as our Visitor Center, you can visit the original depot center of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad—now the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad—and take in much of its history on-site. Although it’s currently closed for passenger service, it’s still worth checking out!

Experience the Taste of Local

Deeply rooted in our history of agriculture, we’re prideful in showcasing farming practices within our plates and pints found around town. You can expect to find the freshest ingredients in local restaurants, farmers markets, and even on tap at the local breweries. Barley sourced from the valley is a key recipe within some local craft breweries offering the ultimate farm-to-tap experience, with an unprecedentedly short supply chain. By visiting our restaurants and breweries, you’re supporting the shakers and makers of the valley. When compared to visiting a big city, you’ll likely get to meet the chefs, owners, and brewmasters of each establishment along the way adding further to the experience.

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Historic Alamosa Walking Tour

You can stroll through our region’s vivid history one step at a time! The Historic Alamosa Historica Alamosa Walking is a well-charted journey through town that identifies significant locations of interest all within a small handful of blocks. You can find a brochure here:

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