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

The 85,000 acre 'Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve' was created by the U.S. Congress in September of 2004.The largest sand dunes in North America, they tower some 750 ft above the valley floor, and are constantly growing. Sand from the Rio Grande and its tributaries is carried across the San Luis Valley until it reaches the base of the Sangre de Cristo mountains where the sand is deposited - much like snow drifting behind a fence. Visitors may slide, ski or sled on any of the unvegetated areas of the sand.

http://www.nps.gov/grsa/

    One of the joys of living in a county with more 14,000 foot mountains than any other in Colorado is actually hiking one!  It was a 12-hour day, starting in the dark with the mystical mooing of nearby cows to the end, when my legs had turned to rubber.  I had expected 7 at the most 8 hours.  Climbing a 14er requires strength and stamina beyond the day to day exercise routine.  It will be a long time before I take a day off for this "leisure" activity! - Leslie Walker