Forbes Park Community Resource Directory
Transcription
Forbes Park Community Resource Directory
Forbes Park Community Resource Directory Nearby Attractions and Day Trips Version 2010-09 NOTES Forbes Park, Colorado 1 Nearby Attractions and Day Trips Fort Garland Museum http://museumtrail.org/fortgarlandmuseum.asp 29477 Highway 159 PO Box 368 Fort Garland, CO 81133 719-379-3512 Discover the fort once commanded by legendary frontiersman Kit Carson. Established in 1858 in southern Colorado, Fort Garland, with its garrison of over 100 men, served to protect the earliest settlers in the San Luis Valley. The Colorado Historical Society restored and opened the museum in 1950. Reconstructed and restored structures include the Commandant’s Quarters, where Kit Carson and his wife once lived, the cavalry barracks (which houses exhibits of 19th century transportation artifacts and Hispanic traditional arts), and officers quarters. Permanent exhibits focus on Kit Carson and the Buffalo Soldiers. Related sites: http://www.hauntedcolorado.net/Fort_Garland.html http://www.uscoachways.com/articles/fort-garland-museum.html Great Sand Dunes National Park http://www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm Directions: Located in Southern Colorado, near Alamosa. From south: by US Highway 160 and CO Highway 15 From west: by Highway 17 and County Six Mile Lane The park contains the tallest sand dunes in North America – from around 750 feet from the floor of the San Luis Valley on the western base of the Sangre de Cristo Range, covering about 19,000 acres. It’s possible they are 12,000 years old. Entrance fees are $3 per adult (age 16 and older) and are valid for one week from date of purchase. Children are always admitted for free. Camping is available and reservations can be made through the National Recreation Reservation System at: http://www.recreation.gov/campgroundSearchResult.do?topTabIndex=CampingSpot Related sites: http://www.coloradovacation.com/parks/sand.html http://www.sangres.com/sanddunes.htm This list is not an endorsement! It has been compiled as a service to our landowners to provide information about attractions in our area and may not be all inclusive. September 2010 2 Forbes Park, Colorado Nearby Attractions and Day Trips Zapata Ranch – A Nature Conservancy Preserve http://www.zranch.org/ 5305 State Highway 150 Mosca, Colorado 81146 719-378-2356 888-592-7282) [email protected] The Zapata Ranch is a 103000 acre authentic working cattle and bison guest ranch bordering the Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado. Located in south central Colorado, near the town of Mosca in the San Luis Valley, the ranch is not far from the Great Sand Dunes National Park, site of the tallest sand dunes in North America. Related sites: http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/colorado/preserves/art535.html http://www.alamosa.org/ZapataRanch.aspx http://www.sangres.com/features/zapataranch.htm http://www.americasheartland.org/episodes/episode_420/zapata_ranch.htm Zapata Falls http://parks.state.co.us/NaturalResources/CNAP/NaturalAreasInfo/AlphabeticalListing/Z apataFalls.htm Zapata Falls is located south of Great Sand Dunes National Monument. The falls themselves are an impressive geologic feature, where snowmelt from the peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Range has carved a dramatic narrow gorge. The area offers breathtaking vistas of the San Luis Valley and the Great Sand Dunes. Related sites: http://www.sangres.com/features/zapatafalls.htm http://zapatafalls.info/ http://www.desertusa.com/mag05/aug/zap.html This list is not an endorsement! It has been compiled as a service to our landowners to provide information about attractions in our area and may not be all inclusive. September 2010 Forbes Park, Colorado 3 Nearby Attractions and Day Trips Colorado Gator & Reptile Park http://www.gatorfarm.com/ 9162 County Road 9 North Mosca Colorado 81146 719-378-2612 The "Two Mile Creek Wildlife Habitat" provides the opportunity to view gators and reptiles in a natural setting, to fish and go boating, and picnicking. Tour the working fish farm and reptile rescue facility. Over 125 species of birds have been spotted at Colorado Gators including the rare Great Egret. The geothermal pools and fish supply make it a bird's (and birder's) paradise. Located: 20 miles from Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. 17 miles North of Alamosa on Highway 17 and three miles north of the Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic Byway. Related Sites: http://www.coloradodirectory.com/coloradogatorpark/ http://www.colomar.com/ColoradoPlaces/alligator.html Walsenburg Water Park http://www.cityofwalsenburg.com/waterpark.php 700 W 7th Street Walsenburg, CO 81089 (719)738-2628 With three different pools, a lazy river, two giant water slides, and interactive water features that include fountains, sprays, and dumping buckets...prepare to jump into a splashing good time at Walsenburg Wild Waters! Open from Memorial Day to August 16. The Zero entry pool allows the youngest of water enthusiasts to enter without worrying that the water may be too deep. The diving board and 12-foot deep diving well offer a refreshing option for practicing acrobatic skills. The giant water slides are 30+ feet high. Related Sites: http://www.spanishpeakscountry.com/WalsenburgWaterPark.aspx http://www.coloradodirectory.com/walsenburg/ This list is not an endorsement! It has been compiled as a service to our landowners to provide information about attractions in our area and may not be all inclusive. September 2010 Forbes Park, Colorado 4 Nearby Attractions and Day Trips – Railroads and Train Rides Rio Grande Scenic Railroad – Watch as it goes around Forbes Park http://www.riograndescenicrailroad.com/ Alamosa Train Depot (just off main street) 601 State Avenue in Alamosa Reservations: 719-587-0520 Toll Free: 877-726-RAIL (7245) Featuring Western Weekends in the summer, the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad’s steam engine rides through Forbes Park carrying concert-goers to Fir’s unique natural outdoor amphitheater (one-of-kind "green" concert stage and facilities run by solar and wind power), where they join Grammy nominated music legend Michael Martin Murphey for an exclusive mountain top concert. Riding the train to Fir from Alamosa, you will glimpse Forbes Park as you go by. Another extremely popular event, the Rails and Ales Brewfest, is worth the $59 ticket, and is usually sold out, so get your tickets early. Check the above website for dates and details. New in 2010, the train now stops at Sierra near the entrance to the Park. Related sites: http://www.michaelmartinmurpheymusic.com/ http://www.railsnw.com/tours/rio_grande_scenic_railroad/rio_grande_scenic_railroad.htm http://www.alamosa.org/RioGrandeRailroad.aspx Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad (Antonito– 29 miles from Alamosa) http://www.cumbrestoltec.com/ 5234 B Hwy 285, Antonito, CO 81120 Toll Free: 1-888-CUMBRES Hidden away in a little-known corner of the southern Rocky Mountains is a precious historic artifact of the American West. Built in 1880 and little changed since, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is the most spectacular example of steam era mountain railroading in North America. Related sites: Maps and Driving Directions can be found on this page: http://www.cumbrestoltec.com/content/maps.aspx This list is not an endorsement! It has been compiled as a service to our landowners to provide information about attractions in our area and may not be all inclusive. September 2010 Forbes Park, Colorado 5 Nearby Attractions and Day Trips – Highways and Byways The Scenic Highway of Legends - Highway 12 http://www.sangres.com/shol/index.htm National Forest: Pike & San Isabel National Forest Length: 82.0 mi / 132.0 km Time to Allow: 2 hours The Scenic Highway of Legends connects several southern Colorado towns and areas steeped in frontier legend and folklore. In the Cuchara Valley, make sure you stop at the Devil's Stairsteps where over 400 dikes spill from the Spanish Peaks like wheel spokes, all formed from volcanic rock. The byway takes visitors through the San Isabel National Forest and crosses the 9,994 foot Cuchara Pass and the 11,248-foot Cordova Pass. Related sites: http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2100/stories/66921 http://www.highwayoflegends.com/index.php http://www.trinidadco.com/main/highway-of-legends/ http://www.sangres.com/features/dikes.htm Los Caminos Antiguos ("The Ancient Roads") Scenic & Historic Byway http://www.loscaminos.com/ Distance: 129 miles - Driving Time: Three to four hours. Los Caminos Antiguos is the best route to follow through the region of the upper Rio Grande, the northern outpost of 16th century Spanish territorial expansion. Explore the rich culture and traditions of some of Colorado's oldest communities and the panoramic views of the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo Mountain ranges, the San Luis Valley, The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, the Rio Grande National Forest, state parks and federal wildlife areas. Related sites: http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2111/stories/57870 http://www.coloradobyways.org/ByWay.cfm?byWayIDpar=LOS20011203092005 http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com/drives/san-luis-valley.html This list is not an endorsement! It has been compiled as a service to our landowners to provide information about attractions in our area and may not be all inclusive. September 2010 Forbes Park, Colorado 6 Nearby Attractions and Day Trips – Highways and Byways Silver Thread Scenic Byway http://www.southfork.org/silver/ National Forest: Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, Rio Grande National Forest Length: 117.0 mi / 188.3 km The colorful old mining camps of the Silver Thread offer history, scenic beauty, and a heavy dose of authenticity. The heights around Creede and Lake City remain strewn with abandoned mining structures, most of them accessible via rugged backcountry roads. Between the two towns, Highway 149 shadows the upper reaches of the Rio Grande with the, sparkling North Clear Creek Falls, the Slumgullion earth slide, and Uncompahgre Peak. Related sites: http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2116/ http://www.sangres.com/colorado/scenic-byways/silverthread3.htm Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway http://www.enchantedcircle.org/enchanted-circle-scenic-byway.php National Forest: Carson National Forest Length: 84.0 mi / 135.2 km Time to Allow: 4 hours To begin your Enchanted Circle drive, head north on NM 522 out of Taos and follow the signs as you enjoy an 85 mile US Forest Scenic Byway connecting Taos and Questa with the resort communities of Red River, Eagle Nest, and Angel Fire. This beautiful countryside offers dramatic mountain vistas of aspen and pine in the shadow of 13,161 foot Wheeler Peak, New Mexico’s highest point. You may wish to detour at El Prado for the short drive west to the Taos Gorge Bridge, one of the highest spans in North America. Related sites: http://www.northcentralnm.com/ http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2082/stories/56862 http://www.newmexico.org/explore/scenic_byways/enchanted_circle.php http://www.legendsofamerica.com/HC-EnchantedCircle1.html This list is not an endorsement! It has been compiled as a service to our landowners to provide information about attractions in our area and may not be all inclusive. September 2010 Forbes Park, Colorado 7 Nearby Attractions and Day Trips – Highways and Byways San Luis Valley http://www.slvheritage.com/heritage-maps-and-trips/suggested-trips The above link will take you to a webpage which holds six travel itineraries designed to lead you on a journey to distinct sites throughout the San Luis Valley. Each itinerary exposes a unique aspect of the San Luis Valley’s heritage including its natural wonders, pioneering settlers, mining booms, cultural traditions, and creative spirit, many of which are listed in this document separately. For each of these six suggested trips, there is a downloadable itinerary including a map: • In the Steps of Pioneers A journey through the San Luis Valley reveals the influences of Native Americans, Hispano pioneers, Mormon settlers, Homesteaders, as well as ranchers, farmers and prospectors. • Ring of Gold Although the bustling mining camps of the late 19th century have faded, the Valley’s frontier spirit lingers. Downtown districts, railroads, mines, and landscapes preserve the fascinating stories of the area’s rich mining history. • Life in a High Desert Valley With 7 inches of annual precipitation and an elevation of 7500 feet or above, the San Luis Valley qualifies as an alpine desert. • The Creative Spirit Visitors who tour the Valley may admire the wide range of architectural styles found among the homes, churches, and downtown buildings. • Natural Wonders The San Luis Valley possesses incredible natural wonders and provides unparalleled opportunities for wilderness explorations. • Introducing the Valley A journey between these attractions will reveal the unique spirit and rural charm of the San Luis Valley. This list is not an endorsement! It has been compiled as a service to our landowners to provide information about attractions in our area and may not be all inclusive. September 2010 Forbes Park, Colorado 8 Nearby Attractions and Day Trips – National Forests Rio Grande National Forest http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/riogrande/ Taken from the above website: The Rio Grande National Forest (NF) is 1.86 million acres located in southwestern Colorado and remains one of the true undiscovered jewels of Colorado. The Continental Divide runs for 236 miles along most of the western border of the Forest. The Forest presents myriad ecosystems; from 7600-ft alpine desert to over 14,300-ft in the majestic Sangre de Cristo Wilderness on the eastern side. The Forest embraces the San Luis Valley, the largest agricultural alpine valley in the world and includes all or parts of four Wilderness Areas (South San Juan, Weminuche, La Garita and Sangre de Cristo). Denver is 4-hours north and Albuquerque is 4-hours south of us, so when you get the itch to experience some outdoor recreation opportunities come and see us. Related sites: http://www.southfork.org/activities/southfork/riogrande.html San Isabel National Forest http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/psicc/ http://www.forestcamping.com/dow/rockymtn/siinfo.htm http://www.centralcolorado.com/recreation/recguide.htm Colorado State Tree The Colorado Blue Spruce, Picea pungens This list is not an endorsement! It has been compiled as a service to our landowners to provide information about attractions in our area and may not be all inclusive. September 2010 Forbes Park, Colorado 9 Nearby Attractions and Day Trips – Fishing Areas There are plenty of opportunities for great fishing in high mountain lakes and streams as well as downstream rivers and reservoirs in the Forbes Park area. Three Costilla County reservoir fishing lakes are included below. Many fishing areas are accessible by foot and horseback, while others are accessible by motor vehicle. All persons fifteen years of age or older are required to have a Colorado fishing license. Visit the Division of Wildlife site for: Fishing Information: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/ Resources and Tips: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/ResourcesTips/ Mountain Home Reservoir Latitude: 37.3933 Longitude: -105.3939 Altitude: 8202 feet Directions: From Fort Garland, go 2.5 miles east on US 160 to Trinchera Ranch Road, then 2 miles south to Icehouse Road, then 1 mile west to north entrance, or continue 1 mile south to south entrance. Mountain Home Reservoir is a state wildlife area comprised of 956 acres. Facilities: Boat ramp, rest room Restrictions: water skiing prohibited. This list is not an endorsement! It has been compiled as a service to our landowners to provide information about attractions in our area and may not be all inclusive. September 2010 Forbes Park, Colorado 10 Nearby Attractions and Day Trips – Fishing Areas Sanchez Reservoir Latitude: 37.1037842 Longitude: -105.4155939 Altitude: 8291 feet Directions: From San Luis, go 3 miles east on Highway 152 to Highway 242, then 5.2 miles south to property. Sanchez Reservoir is a state wildlife area with a 4-mile long, 2,000 acre lake that provides excellent fishing and is a home for water fowl and shore birds. Located a few miles south of San Luis, Colorado's oldest town, Sanchez Reservoir offers visitors scenic views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Quality-sized yellow perch and trophy northern pike dominate the catch at this reservoir in the San Luis Valley with walleye also being caught. Fishing is best following ice melt in May and June. A concrete boat ramp and camping is allowed east of the boat ramp. Anglers should take note of the mercury warning issued by the Colorado Department of Health and Environment. Sanchez is an irrigation reservoir with large areas of shallow weedy water. Pike to 20 pounds have been caught and Sanchez is famous for high catch rates of perch. Plus, the reservoir is regularly stocked with walleye. Facilities: Boat ramp, rest room Fees: Habitat stamp is required. Restrictions: Camping prohibited in the boat ramp parking area; hunting prohibited; public access prohibited except for fishing; waterskiing prohibited. This list is not an endorsement! It has been compiled as a service to our landowners to provide information about attractions in our area and may not be all inclusive. September 2010 Forbes Park, Colorado 11 Nearby Attractions and Day Trips – Fishing Areas Smith Reservoir Latitude: 38.16806 – Longitude: -108.11139 – Altitude: 7500 Directions: From Blanca, go 1/2 mile west on US 160 to Airport Road, then 4 miles south to reservoir. Smith Reservoir is located in the San Luis Valley, just south of Blanca. The San Luis Valley is the world's largest alpine valley spanning 8,000 square miles. Smith Reservoir was drained in 2002/2003; and will be drained in the fall of 2009 for repair to the outlet structure. The drainage will take the lake down to a creek bed, and it will be refilled during the winter of 20092010. In the spring of 2010, the DOW plans to stock Smith Reservoir again with catchable sized rainbow trout. Despite the drainages, Smith Reservoir has the potential to be an excellent trout fishery. Rainbow trout can reach the 16 to 20 inch range in three years. The white and long nose suckers are expected to survive the draining of the reservoir. Facilities: Rest room, trailer dump station, boat ramp Restrictions: Fishing prohibited Nov. 1 through the last day of waterfowl season, except within 200 yards of the dam; field trials may be authorized February, March, August, and September; public prohibited February 15 to July 15 on north and east shores; vehicles prohibited within 50 feet of water; no waterskiing allowed. Colorado Division Of Wildlife Recorded Helplines Fish Stocking Schedule 303-291-7531 General Fishing Season Dates/Fees 303-291-7533 Fishing Condition Reports 303-291-7534 This list is not an endorsement! It has been compiled as a service to our landowners to provide information about attractions in our area and may not be all inclusive. September 2010 Forbes Park, Colorado 12 Nearby Attractions and Day Trips Shrine of the Stations of the Cross http://www.costillacounty-co.gov/stationsofthecross.html Sangre de Cristo Parish P.O. Box 326 San Luis, CO. 81152 Taken from the above website: ”The Stations of the Cross are a series of graphic meditations of the last hours of Christ's life - His judgment, sufferings, death, and resurrection. The Shrine is located on a mesa in the center of San Luis, Colorado's oldest town. The Shrine is formally known as "la Mesa de la Piedad y de la Misericordia" (Hill of Piety and Mercy).” Related Sites: http://www.alamosa.org/StationsoftheCross.aspx R & R Market - Colorado’s Oldest Business http://www.sanluispreservation.com/ In 1857 Dario Gallegos, one of the early settlers in Colorado, started a mercantile business in San Luis. The store quickly became a hub of the community. Despite two devastating fires and economic hardship in Costilla County, one of the poorest counties in the state, the store has remained opened and operated by the direct descendants of Dario Gallegos for one hundred and fifty years! Yellow Pine Guest Ranch http://www.yellowpine.us/ 15880 State Highway 12 Cuchara, CO 81055 719-742-3528 Horseback riding, fishing and weekly barbecues are a few of the fun things to do here. Weekly summer cowboy barbeques feature ribs, brisket, and chicken as well as fresh greens salad, potato salad, warm dinner rolls, and homemade peach cobbler for dessert. Listen to guitar-playing and singing as you enjoy your meal, and roast marshmallows by the campfire as the sun sets over the mountains. Call ahead for reservations (recommended). Related sites: http://www.coloradodirectory.com/yellowpineranch/ This list is not an endorsement! It has been compiled as a service to our landowners to provide information about attractions in our area and may not be all inclusive. September 2010 Forbes Park, Colorado 13 Nearby Attractions and Day Trips Royal Gorge Bridge and Park http://www.royalgorgebridge.com/ 4218 County Road 3A P.O. Box 549 Canon City, CO 81212 719-275-7507 888-333-5597 Take a walk across the sky! Just outside of Canon City, the Royal Gorge is crossed by the world's highest suspension bridge. Royal Gorge Bridge looms more than 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River, and is suspended from towers 150 feet high above it in the Grand Canyon. The more than 1,200 foot long wood-planked walkway provides a uniquely gorgeous view of the canyon, but chills come with the package. Built at a cost of $350,000 in 1929, its estimated replacement cost today is more than $10 million. Related sites: http://www.pikes-peak.com/Attraction/24.aspx http://www.colorado.com/Listing.aspx?did=1734 http://coloradoinfo.com/royalgorge/bridge-and-park Rio Grande Gorge Bridge http://www.taosguide.com/businesses/view/152 Taos, New Mexico Walk across the bridge if you dare...650 feet above the Rio Grande winding through the rough rock gorge on each side. From Taos, travel north on Hwy 68 and turn left on Hwy 64. The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is 7 miles west of this intersection. Continue west past the bridge and the Earthship community sprawls seamlessly across the mesa. Related sites: http://www.sgha.net/nm/taosbridge/taos_bridge.html This list is not an endorsement! It has been compiled as a service to our landowners to provide information about attractions in our area and may not be all inclusive. September 2010 Forbes Park, Colorado 14 Nearby Attractions and Day Trips Taos Earthship Community – World Headquarters http://www.earthship.org/home/visit-us.html The Visitor center is a fully functioning Earthship that combines passive solar architecture with thermal mass construction, uses renewable energy, integrated water systems and is made out of natural and recycled materials. Related sites: http://www.bioshift.org/photo_1.html http://nomadtraveltales.wordpress.com/2009/10/25/earthships-taos-new-mexico/ http://taosearthships.com/about.htm http://www.sangres.com/newmexico/taos/earthship.htm Bishop Castle http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2047 12705 CO-165 Wetmore, CO 719-485-3040 Many travelers are surprised to find a castle in the Colorado mountains. This one man project was started by Jim Bishop in 1969. All of the work has been done with a wheel barrow and a shovel. The castle is part of a non-profit organization. Related sites: http://atlasobscura.com/places/bishops-castle http://sangre-de-cristo.com/westcliffe/visitors_guide/Bishops_Castle.htm Uptop Ghost Town http://www.uptop-ghosttown.com/ Directions: There are 2 turnoffs on Colorado Hwy 160: --turn at mile marker 276 –15 min. east of Ft. Garland --turn at mile marker 281 - 15 min. west of La Veta and Walsenburg This region is the "hidden gem" of Southern Colorado -- with much to enjoy: Experience the early history of Uptop Ghost Town on Old La Veta Pass, just 15 minutes west of La Veta (mile marker 276); Visit historic La Veta -- with its Fort Fransisco Museum, antique shops and art galleries. This list is not an endorsement! It has been compiled as a service to our landowners to provide information about attractions in our area and may not be all inclusive. September 2010 Forbes Park, Colorado 15 Nearby Attractions and Day Trips City of Cripple Creek http://www.cripple-creek.co.us/ 337 E. Bennett Ave. P.O. Box 430 Cripple Creek, CO 80813 719-689-2502 Once a gold mining town, it now is one of Colorado's few towns where gambling is legal. The historic town of Cripple Creek, Colorado sits on the southwest slopes of majestic Pikes Peak in the Colorado Rockies. More than 100 years ago this charming community attracted tens of thousands of gold-seekers to its hillsides in search of their fortunes. The gold mines are a part of Cripple Creek’s colorful history, and today, visitors can choose from a wide variety of rich and wonderful experiences here. Related sites: http://www.cripplecreekgov.com/ http://www.cripple-creekcolorado.com/ http://www.coloradodirectory.com/cripplecreek/ Creede Repertory Theater http://www.creederep.org/ 124 N. Main Street Creede, CO 81130 719-658-2540 Toll Free: 866-658-2540 Creede Repertory Theatre, the oldest repertory theater in Colorado, is a professional theatre company located in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Each year, from the end of May through September, the theater produces 7-10 plays in rotation, hosts numerous musical events and concerts, exhibits regional artists in its two lobby galleries, and offers educational programming. Related sites: http://www.sangres.com/colorado/mineral/creede.htm http://museumtrail.org/CreedeUndergroundMiningMuseum.asp http://museumtrail.org/creedehistoricmuseum.asp This list is not an endorsement! It has been compiled as a service to our landowners to provide information about attractions in our area and may not be all inclusive. September 2010 Forbes Park, Colorado 16 Nearby Attractions and Day Trips Bent's Old Fort - a National Historic Site http://www.nps.gov/beol/index.htm 35110 Highway 194 East La Junta, CO 81050 719-383-5010 The fort re-enacts daily life of 170 years ago when it was a busy stop on the Santa Fe Trail. Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site features a reconstructed 1840’s adobe fur trading post on the mountain branch of the Santa Fe Trail where traders, trappers, travelers, and Plains Indian tribes came together in peaceful terms for trade. Today, living historians recreate the sights, sounds, and smells of the past with guided tours, demonstrations, and special events. Related sites: http://www.sangres.com/colorado/national-parks/bents.htm http://www.santafetrailscenicandhistoricbyway.org/bentof.html Splashland Hot Springs (Alamosa, Colorado) http://www.soakersbible.com/Page.asp?ID=202 5895 State Highway 17 Alamosa, Colorado 719-589-6307 A large outdoor swimming pool fed by naturally hot mineral water, providing a great place to swim and enjoy the heat of geothermal waters. Located one mile north of Alamosa, these natural hot springs are Open Memorial to Labor Day. Cano’s Castle – Beer Can Folk Art (Antonito, Colorado) http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/8936 http://atlasobscura.com/places/canos-castle This folk art structure was built by a Native American and Vietnam Veteran. Visible as you pass through Antonito on Hwy 285, it is a must-see work of creativity. Made from recycled wire, metal and aluminum cans the castle boasts two towers with religious and political statements peppering the property in an eclectic demonstration of personal art. This list is not an endorsement! It has been compiled as a service to our landowners to provide information about attractions in our area and may not be all inclusive. September 2010 Forbes Park, Colorado 17 Nearby Attractions and Day Trips Pike's Stockade (Sanford, Colorado) Located off Colorado Hwy 136, 4 miles east of the town of Sanford. Based on Zebulon Pike's accomplishments in the realm of exploration, the re-built stockade is a symbol of the expansive nature of the United States during that era. 2006 marked the Bicentennial of Pike's exploration into early Colorado and his eventual capture by Spanish soldiers from Santa Fe. It is a National Historic Landmark and is open Memorial Day - Early October. 719-379-3512 Elevation is 7,572 feet. There are restrooms at the site but it is not staffed. The gate is open 9 am-5 pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The site is sometimes closed due to flooding, so check with the Fort Garland Museum before visiting, and don't enter the site if the gate is closed. The site attracts fewer visitors than its historic importance warrants, and the property is subject to vandalism due to its isolation. Watch out for rattlesnakes in the tall grass. Mosquitoes are abundant in the willow swamps on the banks of the Conejos River, so bring repellent. Birdwatchers like to come here to see the Southwest Willow Flycatcher. List of Area Museums: http://museumtrail.com/museums.asp This list is not an endorsement! It has been compiled as a service to our landowners to provide information about attractions in our area and may not be all inclusive. September 2010