Stay for a Lifestyle

I'd long thought that Colorado was a state dedicated exclusively to lush, green alpine valleys, boutique ski towns, and extreme sport enthusiasts - until I moved to Salida.

Twelve miles outside of Salida you'll find yourself atop a 9,000' mountain pass confronted with stunning views that drop into the San Luis Valley and stretch all the way to New Mexico.

Of the 2,000,000 acres that comprise the valley near 50% are privately owned, 500,000 acres are managed by the Bureau of Land Management, and public lands in the mountains are part of the Rio Grande National Forest.

Whether you're an avid bird watcher, a U.F.O. enthusiast, a budding herpatologist, or a hot springs aficianado the San Luis has something for you.

The San Luis Valley serves as a flyway for migratory birds, including avocets, bald eagles, gold finches and hawks. Every March the Monte Vista Crane Festival celebrates the sandhill crane migration and rumor has it a whoopping crane or two can often be glimpsed as well. A six foot tall petroglyph of a sandhill crane near Monte Vista provides evidence these birds have been visiting the area for some 2,000 years! http://www.cranefest.com/

"The Mysterious Valley," written by one time area resident, Chris O'Brien, chronicles many of the valley's paranoramal happenings, including: U.F.O. and Bigfoor sightings, cattle mutilations, wierd noises, and apparitions. For a kick in the pants and a chance to get closer to the night sky, visit the U.F.O. Watchtower in Hooper, Colorado.

'Colorado Gators Alligator Farm & Reptile Park' on Hwy 17 is host to 400 alligators and a number of exotic pet rescues. Colorado Gators aims to be a family oriented, recreational and educational farm - they also offer gator wrestling classes. www.gatorfarm.com

The mysterious and beautiful San Luis Valley is also host a number of geothermal hot springs. Most notably, Valley View Hot Springs located on the Orient Land Trust, and Joyful Journey. Both offer a welcome retreat, a relaxing place to stay in the valley, and incredible views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. http://www.olt.org/ or http://www.joyfuljourneyhotsprings.com/yurts.html