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