Conejos County Colorado Sightseeing

One of the best things about Conejos County is the variety of activities it has to offer. From scenic vistas and wildlife watching to museums and unique cultural events, we offer activities and places that authentically represent the rich and diverse history of the area. Leave your accommodations behind for the day and experience area sites that tell the stories of our county and the San Luis Valley.

Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic & Historic Byway :
Los Caminos Antiguos (The Ancient Roads) Scenic & Historic Byway is the best way to explore the valley. Starting in Alamosa and ending high in the mountains on Hwy 17 at the New Mexico border, the Byway winds you through the heart and soul of the Valley. Travelers along the Byway discover that the Valley is one of the western United States' most scenic regions. In addition to the local landmarks and heritage sights, travelers should keep a sharp eye out for wildlife. Furred or feathered, bold or timid, swimming or scurrying, life teems in every corner of the Valley.

As the highway traverses the Valley floor it crosses and parallels many important riparian areas which attract wildlife to the life-giving waters and plant communities found along streams and rivers. Driving, hiking or floating the river corridors, you could see golden eagles, bald eagles, bears, songbirds, woodpeckers, shorebirds, beavers, deer and porcupine. Although wildlife may be viewed in many areas along the Byway, several designated areas have interpretive panels to help you understand more about the unique environments and wildlife species to be found there. Pick up a Byway map and be sure to stop at places indicated by a Watchable Wildlife Sign Binoculars Symbol marking roadside areas with outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities. www.loscaminos.com 719-379-3500

The Cumbers and Toltec Scenic Railroad:
If you're looking for a meeting of the old and the new, try the all day Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad trip. Not only will you get to ride in a living museum narrow gauge train, eat a hot homestyle lunch in a hidden valley, and meet people from all over the world, you'll also see the hidden treasures of the mountains that lie far off the highways and byways. Spend the entire day riding out on the open car with the wind blowing through your hair and the views warming your heart. Or stay inside the cars and keep your eyes open for families of elk. Watch the views unfold before you and be reminded of all that nature has to offer. Each year people from all over the globe come to ride our piece of living history on America's longest and highest narrow gauge steam railroad. The train travels a breathtaking route of 64 miles between Antonito, CO and Chama, NM with a midday stop for lunch in beautiful Osier meadow. www.cumbresandtoltec.com 1-888-286-2737

Toltec Gorge Limited
A new excursion train from Alamosa to Antonito has been introduced to great success. The Toltec Gorge Limited is a standard gauge train that will bring you to and from Antonito where you will be able to board the historic narrow gauge Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad for your ride back in time. www.alamosatrain.com 1-877-7CO-RAIL

Conejos County Agricultural Museum:
One of Colorado's finest collections of farm equipment. At the annual Harvest Festival on the last Saturday in August, agricultural equipment is demonstrated in the field at County Arena on Hwy 285. Open weekdays from 8 AM to 4 PM year round. Admission is free.

Jack Dempsey Museum:
Jack Dempsey was a world re-known boxer. Coming from a poor mining and timber family, he began fighting in mining camps for money in 1914 under the alias "Kid Blackie". Often fighting bare-fisted for a dollar a fight, Jack would say he felt very lucky earning two dollars a day. On July 4, 1919, Jack Dempsey took the heavyweight championship title from Jess Willard. Jack became the first fighter to draw a million-dollar gate. He later adopted the name of the "Manassa Mauler", making Manassa world famous as his birthplace. Dempsey is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of modern boxing and has gone down in history as one of the toughest men to ever enter the ring.

The house that Jack was born in was moved from its original site to the Jack Dempsey Park at 412 Main St. in Manassa. A fine bronze of the boxer is also located in the park. Open 9-5 from Memorial Day through September. Admission is free. www.museumtrail.org/JackDempseyMuseum.asp 719-843-5207

Our Lady of Guadalupe Church:
Located in Conejos, this is Colorado's Oldest Parish and first church. Established in 1857, for many years this beautiful mission church had no floor except the earth. It did have a well, crudely cast from material gathered from the faithful throughout the whole region, including women's donated jewelry. The church is still in use today and open to the public. 719-376-5985

The Mission Churches of Conejos County:
St. Augustine's - Antonito
San Juan Nepomuceno - Ortiz
San Rafael Presbyterian Church- Mogote
San Rafael - San Rafael
Sagrada Familia - Lobatos
San Antonio du Padua - San Antonio
St. Joseph - Capulin
St. Anthony - Los Sauces

Pike's Stockade:
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 marks 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

Cano's 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.

Other Sites and Adventures Around the San Luis Valley

The Stations of the Cross:
Located on a mesa above San Luis, the Stations of the Cross is a meditative climb to the top of San Pedro Mesa. Amid three-quarter size bronze sculptures of Christ's last hours, by local sculptor Huberto Maestas, one connects with one's spiritual side. La Capilla de Los Santos (the Chapel of the Saints) is located at the top of the Mesa and overlooks the Culebra Valley. From the top of the Mesa you'll find a breath-taking view of Colorado's oldest town (est. 1851) and the last remaining commons in the US, la Vega. Open daily, free admission.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve:
Just to the north of Zapata Ranch is the Great Sand Dunes National Monument, the tallest sand dunes in North America. Set at the base of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, the sand dunes are both beautiful and irregular, for they stand in stark contrast to the surrounding terrain. Bring the kids and some sand toys or just put on your hiking boots and walk up and down the seemingly endless expanse of sand which covers nearly 39 square miles. Bring your camera and binoculars for you just might spot some kangaroo rats or some mule deer, elk, coyotes, bobcats, rabbits and ravens which live near the dunes.

The Visitor Center is open daily from 9:00-4:30 except on federal holidays in winter. Camping sites available, first come, first served. www.nps.gov/grsa/ 719-378-6300

Swimming:
A refreshing dip in one of the San Luis Valley's thermally heated pools will help relieve stress and give you an experience found in few locations throughout the continental United States. You can reach Splashland Hot Springs Pool at 719-589-6307 and Hooper Hot Springs at 719-378-2807 www.sanddunespool.com.

Alamosa also has a newly built indoor water park at the Inn of the Rio Grande. The park is open to the public. Please call 719-589-5833. Be sure to call before you visit these private facilities for hours, regulations and costs.

Zapata Falls Recreation Area: From the intersection of State Hwys 160 and 150, drive North on Hwy 150, along Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic & Historic Byway, towards the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve to the Zapata Falls road and experience some of the finest views of the Valley. A hiking trail, picnic area and plenty of parking make the visit warm and welcoming.

Blanca Wetlands: Home to teal, pintail and mallard ducks, Canada Geese, yellow-headed blackbirds, snowy plovers and many more. Watch quietly, please. The wetlands may be closed at certain times of the year during sensitive nesting periods.

San Luis State Park:
This State Park and Wildlife Area has a modern campground, picnic facilities and wonderful wildlife trails and blinds. Elk, songbirds, coyotes, kangaroo rats and rabbits are common sights here. And excellent spot for fishing and boating, with spectacular views of Mt. Blanca and the Great Sand Dunes National Monument. 719-378-2020.

Alamosa, Monte Vista and Baca National Wildlife Refuges:
The San Luis Valley boasts three wildlife refuges created to provide safe harbor for a variety of small wildlife and waterfowl. These refuges are meticulously maintained to provide habitat for songbirds, mallards, pintails, Canada gees, teal, killdeer, egrets, herons, raptors, deer, beaver and coyotes. The refuges seek to conserve the natural habitat of these local creatures while providing an environment that is also conducive to human visitation. Offering a safe and appealing meeting ground for wildlife and humans, these refuges are both peaceful and educational for people of all ages. www.fws.gov/alamosa/ (719) 589-4705

San Luis Valley Alligator Farm:
Famous for its high-altitude reptiles, the warm artesian spring water not only creates ponds and wetlands for the gators, but also provides outstanding habitat for many waterbirds and waterfowl. Admission charged. www.gatorfarm.com/ 719-378-2612

Towns of Conejos County

Conejos
The town of Conejos boasts the oldest church in Colorado. Conejos County continues to be an ever-changing melting pot of cultures and perspectives. Although Guadalupe is considered the first established settlement (1851) in the county, other villages were being created at the same time. Guadalupe held the county seat until 1863 when its new neighbor, the town of Conejos, was established on the south side of the Conejos River. Soon townspeople built a beautiful church and a large stone three-story courthouse. The courthouse was in use until 1980 when it sadly burned to the ground. On the first year anniversary of the tragic fire, a brand new courthouse was built on the same site. Today, the town of Conejos still holds the county seat.

Antonito
Antonito, Spanish for "little Anthony", was first called San Antonio Junction. Founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Western (D&RGW) Railroad in 1880, Antonito is located in the south central part of Conejos County. When the railroad was extending south from Alamosa, company officials failed to get the desired concessions at the old town of Conejos. So, they laid out a site of their own to the southeast of Conejos, and the first train pulled into Antonito the evening of March 27, 1880. Since that time, the town has been a shipping center for the southern end of the San Luis Valley and northern New Mexico. For many years, it was the junction for two branches of the railroad, one west over Cumbres Pass into the San Juan country and Durango, and the other into the ancient capital of Santa Fe, New Mexico. In the late 1930's, the southern branch was discontinued. Today, the San Luis and Rio Grande Railroad runs a freight train connecting perlite mine operations and lava rock to the north by hauling rail-cars loaded with these materials out of the area. The narrow gauge sections through the mountains are still in use as a historic tourist train.

Antonito lies just six miles north of the New Mexico state line. It sits between the Conejos and San Antonio rivers at an elevation of 7888 feet above sea level and is the gateway to the beautiful Conejos River Canyon. Antonito is well-known for the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and is the last full-service stop before heading up the Conejos River Canyon.

La Jara
In 1880, as the D&RGW Railroad continued its southward movement, it arrived at the LaJara Creek. At this halfway mark between Alamosa and Antonito, the railroad built a water tank, a small "section house" and a "sidetrack" or "siding". Originally, this location was called The Tank. In 1880, foreseeing the advantage of a town near the railroad, a group of enterprising men made plans to establish a post office and a town. They organized the La Jara Town Company and on April 18, 1884, the La Jara Town Company purchased the land surrounding The Tank from the State of Colorado. On July 15, 1884, a post office was established. The town of La Jara took its name from a Spanish settlement just downstream.

La Jara has developed into a small town full of activity. Today, it is home to the Conejos County Hospital, the Conejos County Library and Centauri Middle School and High School.

Manassa
During the late part of the 19th century, a group of Mormon pioneers arrived from Utah to winter in Pueblo, Colorado. They traveled under the direction of leaders from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The earlier settlers began calling them Mormons because of their belief in the Book of Mormon. After spending a winter in Pueblo, the pioneers set out for the San Luis Valley. They finally settled in Los Cerritos where a number of Spanish and Indian families were already living. The Mormon pioneers were not prepared for the hardships of frontier life. The Spanish families helped by giving food, teams of horses, mules, and cows. As was often the case in those days, survival depended on the generosity of good neighbors. While their own homes were being built a short distance away, the Mormons stayed with the Spanish families. The Mormons created their own town, plotting out an area one-mile square with 64 ten-acre blocks with each block then being divided into four lots. The town was called Manassa after the biblical name Manasseh.

Many residents of Manassa still operate farms and ranches that have been in their families for generations. They celebrate Pioneer Days every year around July 24, honoring the anniversary of the Mormon Pioneers' arrival to the Salt Lake Valley in Utah. The celebration includes two days of parades, barbeques, rodeos, carnival rides and dances. The town is very proud of its pioneer heritage and particularly proud of its homegrown boxing champion, Jack Dempsey. He will always be remembered as one of the world's greatest sports giants.

Romeo
This community was established in 1889 and named "Sunflower" because of the flower's abundance. In 1901, a Denver developed mapped out Sunflower and renamed it Romero. Another town already had the Spanish name Romero, so the second "r" was dropped and the name became Romeo. The Romeo State Bank, located in the Colonial Hotel Building was established in 1920. The Culler Store, Weddington Store, and the Romeo Store Company made up a good portion of the downtown. Most of the businesses in Romeo catered to farmers and ranchers. Just outside of Romeo, north on Highway 285 is a huge plaque honoring war veterans from the area.

Sanford
The site of Sanford was surveyed in the fall of 1854 and named in honor of Silas Sanford Smith. He served as the first president of the San Luis Stake of Zion in Conejos County. The road between La Jara and Sanford was surveyed and improvements to the road were completed in 1935. Sanford holds a Pioneer Day Celebration every July with a parade of beautiful floats made by local members of the Mormon churches. These floats are truly the highlight of the celebration. This is a quiet farming community, which is hard to find in our hustle-bustle world.

Capulin
Capulin means 'chokecherry' in Spanish, and is named because of the chokecherry bushes that grow in the area. In 1867, Capulin became one of the first permanent settlements established by Spanish families. The Spanish settlement became a booming center of trade for its local citizens and area ranchers and farmers.

Present day Capulin has undergone tremendous changes since its early beginnings. Paved roads replaced hard dirt, electricity replaced bees wax candles or kerosene lamps, and more modern homes replaced the adobe hacienda or modest adobe home. There are still remnants of the early Spanish-style home present today. Deteriorating cemeteries continue to serve as reminders of a proud pioneer past.