Trains: Monte Vista: Spanish for Mountain View, is a histor- Are you feeling a bit nos- ic, lively city located in the heart of the San Luis Valley. In talgic, looking for a way every direction you are sur- For a step back in time, to experience history, rounded by some of Colora- spend an evening with the culture and beauty all at dos’s magnificent 14,000 ft. family at the DRIVE–IN. once? Then take a trip peaks. Throughout the year Movies are played throughout the summer on on one of three highly visitors can see historic build- two giant screens! rated trains found in the San Luis ings and homes and participate Valley. Most trips will be full days com- in one of a kind events like the annual Crane Festival in plete with lunch stops, however some shorter options March, and Colorado’s Oldest Professional Rodeo in July. are available. If you are looking for a way to experience Drive-In-Movie Theater, Golf Course, Wildlife Refuge, Rodeo the beauty and of the mountains, but don't feel like driv- Motels, B & B’s, RV sties ing, sit back and relax as the engines pull you up the hills Great Restaurants & Unique Shops and around the mountains to some of the best secluded www.monte-vista.org vistas in the state. Denver & Rio Grande Rio Grande Scenic Cumbres & Toltec Del Norte: Where mankind and mother Nature South Fork Alamosa Antonito make history. Visitors are often attracted to the natural th Daily Service from Daily Service from Daily Service from and rugged beauty of Del Norte. With areas like Pe- On June 5 a dry thunderstorm produced a large amount headed toward nearby communities like an out of control South Fork to Wagon Alamosa to La Veta, Antonito to Chama , netinte Canyon available for Mtn. biking and Rock Climb- of lightening in the Wolf Creek pass area. As a result of locomotive. Wheel Gap, with spe- special trips in- NM, featuring great this, two trees were struck on the south side of Wolf cials including Raft the clude summer con- fall color rides, ing, and nights under the stars at the observatory, Del For those who come to the area, they will find that the Rio Rails and Moonlight cert series and kid open air car and Norte, the gateway to the San Juan Mountains is an ideal Creek within the San Juan National Forest. Because of the Grande National Forest covers 1.82 million acres in South- Excursions friendly specialties seasonal specials location of these trees in rough canyons, they smoldered location to start your Rocky Mountain vacation. west Colorado and remains one of the true undiscovered 719-873-2003 877-726-7245 888-286-2737 for almost 10 days. Around June 15th, winds began to in- Restored Historic Hotel & Restaurant, Historical Museum jewels of Colorado. The West Fork Complex has burned denverandriogrande- riograndesc- cumbrestoltec.com crease in the area, which brought flames and a spreading trailroad.com cenicreailroad.com Motels, B & B;s, RV sites over 100,000 acres, but has heavily damaged more of the Main Street Shoping and Restaurants fire to the areas just south of Wolf Creek Ski area near Weminuche Wilderness, found within the forest, than the Wildlife: www.delnortechamber.org Treasure Mountain and north of Born Lake. While these forest lands themselves. So unless you are an avid back Many animals are found most commonly during early fires began to spread, it didn’t appear at the time that country hiker, backpacker or horseman, most will never they had much room to grow because of rough terrain, morning and evening hours, however, always be on the South Fork: initially developed as a community to see its full devastation; due to the fact wilderness areas and the looming continental divide, which is sparsely pop- lookout because you never know what you might find service lumber & mining operations, it is now the center cannot be accessed by motor vehicles. More public access ulated with trees, due to the high elevation. around the next corner on your hike or drive. And don’t of a rapidly growing tourist recreation area; trails galore, has been affected in the areas lying west of Creede, than forget your camera! Remember to keep your distance sports shops & guides are waiting to show you the won- However, Red Flag Warnings produced significant wind immediately adjacent to South Fork that is easily accessi- from any wild animal, always be cautious, and never ap- ders of the mighty Rio Grande on a Fly Fishing trip for tro- gusts over 30mph for multiple days. In addition to fuel ble to the general public. Currently areas like Big Mead- proach babies, since mom won’t be far off. Animals you phy trout and rafting through paradise. From scenic by- sources of heavily dead spruce due to an ongoing beetle ows, Shaw and Hunters Lake are closed, with many trails might expect to find are; ways and trains, golf and music festivals, South Fork in- infestation, the fire spread crowns of the trees, and on a leading to and away from these areas also unavailable at Elk Coyote Marmot Pica vites you to relax in their scenic mountain splendor. fast paced course to the top of the continental divide, to- this time. Deer Raccoon Bobcat Antelope wards the town of South Fork. Because of these winds, With only 5% of the total area encompassing the Forest Moose Fox Mtn. Lion Rabbits Scenic Rail Excursions, Golf Course, ATV Trails Black Bear Skunk Lynx Squirrels the fast paced and often erratic behavior of the fire com- damaged, and much of that within limited access areas, Lodges, Cabins, Motels, B&B’s, RV sites, Home/Condo Rentals bined with dense fuel sources, South Fork and many Great Restaurants and Unique Shops recreation opportunities still abound where the famous Great Sand Dunes National Park & neighboring subdivisions and campgrounds were evacuat- www.southfork.org th Rio Grande begins its 1800 mile journey to the Gulf of Preserve: ed on June 20 . Mexico high up in the San Juan Mountains in the western Local Breweries can be found in Del Norte, and Alamosa featuring Resulting from geological events after volcanoes and cal- While the fire made local and national news stations jump most part of the Forest. The Continental Divide runs for deras formed the surrounding mountains, wind swept unique craft beers made to match the local flavor of the ingredients and its people. with what seemed to be excitement of the pending loss of 236 miles along most of the western border of the Forest sand into this alcove of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Three Barrel Brewing ~ SLV Brewing a community, fire crews were able to utilize natural fuel and the jagged tops of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains At this beach in the mountains you will find Medano breaks, existing trails and roads to slow the fires growth to form the eastern border. In between these two mountain Creek for cooling off, wildlife, sandboarding, sand castles We Think you will find Rio Grande Country is “Stronger then the Fire” So please enjoy your stay with us! the west and north with aerial retardant drops and fire ranges sits the San Luis Valley which is a large agricultural and Zapata falls. www.nps.gov/grsa lines. South Fork remained a ghost town for a week be- alpine valley. fore citizens and guests were allowed to return, with Home to Colorado Gators Reptile Park: many thinking, ‘what fire’? Smoke could and can still be You Tube Facebook Twitter Lodging over 200 alligators, crocodiles, snakes, lizards turtles, os- seen coming from hot spots within the West Fork com- triches, and turtles. Water heated from geothermal activ- plex. The Mountains surrounding South Fork are un- ity below the surface of the earth keep this spot warm scathed from the once thought to be insurmountable fire, year-round! www.coloradogators.com Trail Systems: Penitente Canyon A & B Golf Courses: Museums/Historical Points of Interest Currently 22 trails are available and open to the public, Loops offers a total Whether you are looking to empty a bucket on the driving Rio Grande County Del Norte Hours: Vary change of scenery from range, or perfect your putt, three phenomenal courses Museum 719-657-2847 Admission these trails include short nature hikes, to full day adven- tures. Please keep in mind that all Forest Service Roads are other area trail. Desert, found in the San Luis Valley will give you something to Transportation of the Monte Vista By Appointment also available for Mtn. Biking, Nature Hikes, Horseback boulders, and slickrock write home about. West 719-849-9320 Donations make for the ultimate rides, ATV’s and dirt bikes, but trails are use specific. While Rio Grande Club Monte Vista Municipal Cattails Underground Mining Creede Daily 10am-4pm mountain bike playground! Museum 719-658-0811 Admission hikers and hors- South Fork Monte Vista Alamosa Historic Society Creede Daily 10am-4pm es can use any Recreation Trail Maps are available for route details 18- Hole Semi-Private 9 Hole Public 18 Hole Public Museum 719-658-2303 Admission of the motor- 719-873-1997 719-852-4906 719-589-9515 Fort Garland Daily 9am-5pm ized shared use Motorcycle Only theriograndeclub.com monte-vistagolfclub.com alamosacattails.com Fort Garland Museum 719-379-3512 Admission trails, motorized West Bear Creek Moderate 2 ½ miles Hazard House Museum Saguache travelers cannot Embargo Creek Moderate 6 miles From the Monte Vista Municipal course which opened in Jack Dempsey Manassa Tues-Sat 9am-5pm use hike/horse 1928, to the beauty of Cattails found on the valley floor to Museum 719-843-5207 Free only trails.