Top 5 Pagosa Springs Day Trips: Explore Colorado!

Pagosa Springs, Colorado, is certainly a really fantastic spot to establish your base camp. It’s almost like having a gateway to a heap of stunning locations that are ideal for really memorable day outings. This cozy town is rather well known for its geothermal hot springs (quite a few!), yet its central position also provides very simple entry to a wide array of landscapes and attractions. I’m talking old-growth forests and mountain peaks, plus ancient ruins and really great little towns that are perfect for investigation. So, if you are ready to explore some fantastic locations surrounding Pagosa Springs, grab your hiking boots, get the car gassed up, and prepare for some exploration.

1. The Majesty of Chimney Rock National Monument

Chimney Rock National Monument may be an incredibly awesome area steeped in history. Just a quick car trip from Pagosa Springs, you find the remains of an ancient civilization, the Ancestral Puebloans, also recognised as the Anasazi. Here you see, this place really offers a unique look into the lives and experiences of the individuals who resided in this location approximately one thousand years in the past. What makes Chimney Rock that much more fantastic are definitely the astounding rock formations that really dominate the horizon.

When you come here, you ought to find out more regarding the guided tours, for instance. You can actually explore the old homes and ceremonial sites with someone that really knows what they are talking about. Don’t you know that these structures may provide information relating to the complex cultural and engineering capabilities shown by the Ancestral Puebloans. The High Mesa Trail might be a seriously exciting path to hike, offering expansive vistas and getting you up near the cliff dwellings. Bring that camera, because the views are seriously picture-worthy, particularly during daybreak or nightfall when the rocks glow due to the sun’s location. Plus, there is something truly enchanting about going around where individuals wandered back in the day. It is a somewhat thought provoking experience!

Insider tip: Check their website for event schedules. Quite often they put on special activities for certain astronomical occasions. Can you believe they have evening star parties and cultural celebrations? They are very fun and seriously boost your travel.

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2. Treasure Falls: A Cascade of Beauty

Just a somewhat short drive outside Pagosa Springs lies Treasure Falls, actually a seriously lovely waterfall and, by the way, easily reachable for a morning trip. Is that not just really a breath of fresh air when things aren’t super-hard to access? Anyhow, legend has it that the falls acquired their name simply because some treasure is concealed in the nearby area, bringing some mysteriousness to your trip. However regardless of any potential hidden wealth, it’s the waterfall by itself which is the real draw here.

The falls drop a pretty serious 105 feet, and with that rush of water, the falls definitely produce a seriously exciting show. You understand, it is worth making that climb up to the observation platform, where you will almost definitely get some impressive shots. In the summertime, the place turns into this beautiful green paradise, which in reality really makes the scene seem so ideal for photos. Then in the winter, the frozen waterfalls have a really captivating frosty quality. Is it just me, or does nature do the coolest things sometimes? The path toward the falls isn’t too difficult, really making it a quite amazing place to bring all generations for any outdoor excursion. Make it a picnic? Oh definitely.

Heads-up: the road there’s generally open nearly all year round, just in case the elements agrees. But, so you understand, in winter season you may want to phone in advance simply to make certain it really isn’t dangerous to pass through there.

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3. Wolf Creek Pass: Scenic Views and Hiking Trails

Wolf Creek Pass may be merely south of Pagosa Springs and it is very well recognised, certainly amongst snowboarders, to get quite a huge amount of powder during the winter period, still it’s also really worthy of some vacation during summer and fall also, actually. Whenever the snow vanishes, this mountain move switches right into a fantastic spot, in my opinion. And just so you know, there’s awesome places where you could get amazing vista points and just basically awesome hiking trails.

If you are definitely up for a bit of walking, have a peek at the Continental Divide Trail when you are in the area, or maybe trek right into Alberta Reservoir only for a much more comfortable trek? Either approach will definitely net you a lot of nature sights, right? While you’re driving, actually ensure that you pull off occasionally; the views around this place truly are something to behold, you see? Like your landscape photographer style views around pretty much every single curve, or at least, I really believe so. When fall comes along and the foliage turns hues? Totally gorgeous! This place transforms to an all-out breathtaking panorama.

Make sure you are actually prepared when visiting at higher levels. Is it okay if I mention remaining hydrated? Because, also, take lots of sunscreen; The sun could actually get extreme, by the way.

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4. A Day Trip to Durango: History and Adventure

Okay, so Durango’s got this awesome combination of old-west charm and mountain activities. It’s only slightly over an hour from Pagosa Springs, so very do-able, it’s a bit similar to going back through time.

One of the greatest attractions here, just about everyone agrees, has to be that Durango and Silverton Slim Measure Railroad. We actually like what’s going on when historical steam trains take people up into the rugged San Juan Mountains; The sights up here might even make you forget you had any anxieties back in the real-life, right? Or, if that is more like it, in case train trips happen to be outside your scope of curiosity, walk around downtown and check the shops and museums that are here. Be sure to discover the Animas River, where you could literally try kayaking or basically appreciate viewing what flows by on the riverside walking pathways.

To remember, is that Durango truly becomes quite busy throughout tourist seasons, and as a result I’d recommend scheduling stuff beforehand—the rail passes specifically, is that ok? It seriously does take plenty of anxieties away.

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5. Relax and Rejuvenate at the Pagosa Hot Springs

Alright, let’s actually dial it all the way back and appreciate among Pagosa Spring’s principal features: its geothermal springs! It can seem like almost all outdoor activities actually make me a little worn-out at some time. Why not just commit a day simply chilling, right? And I’m saying really chill in many mineral water; Sounds good, okay?

The Springs Resort & Spa really stands out as amongst the most well-known choices, so just know that you’ll enjoy many tubs which have various temperature ranges plus sights across the San Juan River. Another good spot actually tends to be Overlook Hot Spring Tank tops – it actually features indoor plus outdoor tubs, and you might even be able to get a seriously unique perspective. Doesn’t this feel wonderful?

As they get extremely well known and common with people, particularly during colder periods, actually consider trying to visit early. Oh, incidentally, you must probably have reservations. Believe me: obtaining spots arranged in advance would ensure no unnecessary trouble.

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