When planning a trip, you are usually looking at the best time of year to visit! The best part about Alamosa, is that there is NEVER a bad time to visit! It seems like a weird time of year right now, summer and fall have gone but winter hasn't quite made its way into town for the season. So, you might be asking yourself, what would I do for fun if I visited right now? We have you covered! Continue reading below to find some of our favorite in between season activities!
The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
The great thing about the Great Sand Dunes the fact that it doesn't have a season! This is an adventure to experience no matter what time of year you visit! Right now there is always a possibility of seeing snow capped dunes resting under snow capped mountains making for the ultimate vacation photo. Wanting to wait a few weeks? You might get the opportunity to snow sled down the tallest dune in North America, and how many people can say that?!
Wildlife Viewing in the San Luis Valley
There are so many opportunities for wildlife viewing while you are visiting! From Alamosa to South Fork there are sure to be plenty of animals for you to see! Here is a list of the best locations, in our opinion!
-
Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge and Visitor Center
-
Baca National Wildlife Refuge
-
Blanca Vista Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
-
Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge
-
Beaver Reservoir, South Fork
Do Downtown Alamosa Right!
No limit Arcade
Play the night away at No limit arcade with vintage games that will take you back in time. Adults and kids alike are going to lovet this family friendly Downtown location, we know we do!
Roast, Milagros, Friar’s Fork Sanctuary
Our top recommendations for coffee are ALWAYS locally owned! Stop in and try one of their top sellers or one of their seasonal specials, either way you won't be disappointed. Don't forget to save room for a snack, each location hosts different food options that will keep you fueled for plenty of shopping.
Narrow Gauge Book Coop
Find the perfect read for those cold days that you just want to curl up with a good book and some hot cocoa. Narrow Gauge has so much more than books, making it a perfect location for gifts and local souvenirs too!
Sneak in some extra holiday…or personal shopping
-
Treasure Alley
-
Hobby Town
- Wild Roses
-
Kreative Kraftworks
-
Rousey Roulette
- Mammoth Gifts/Souvenirs/Fudge
-
Wild Boots
-
Happy Mountain Antiques
Beyond Alamosa…..
Wolf Creek Ski Area
The amount of snow we have in the San Luis Valley varies year to year, however during a good early snow year, like 2024, Wolf Creek Ski Resort is open early season and consistently gets the most snow of any ski area in Colorado and you are less than a 2 hour drive away! Didn’t want to bring your skis all the way here with you? No problem! You can get rentals at several establishments in the San Luis Valley including but not limited to: Kristi Mountain Sports (Alamosa), 8200 Mountain Sports, Rocky Mountain Ski and Raft, and Doc’s Outdoor Sports (all 3 located in South Fork).
Ice Skating
Alamosa
The Alamosa Family Recreation Center is the perfect place to spend the day when it is just too cold to be outside! The ice rink offered is perfect for any size group and offers skate rentals on site!
South Fork
This outdoor rink in more suited for a warm winters day! Spend the day on the ice surrounded by the mountains and beauty that South Fork has to offer! Use the picnic area for a warm drink and a quick lunch before getting back out on the ice! Later in the year, towards the end of December, one can skate and sled at this location! The sledding hill is just a few feet from the rink, making it easy to have a fun filled day all in one location.
So, don't think that you have to wait until the summer to book your trip to Alamosa, because any season, even in between seasons, is the best time to visit Alamosa!
