Overview
Alamosa is a small town in south central Colorado, USA. It is noteworthy as the nearest significant town to Great Sand Dunes National Park, a similarly near neighbor of the eastern hub of a superb scenic railroad, and also because during the winter, it frequently records the lowest temperature of the day of any place in the contiguous United States.
1 sights · 4 things to do · 12 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 8 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Alamosa
Zapata Falls
A waterfall found 40 minutes outside of Alamosa off of Highway 150 in Mosca. The sign for the falls is small and green, and takes you on a winding dirt road that goes up the mountainside and brings you to the parking lot…
Adams State University
In Alamosa, with a nice campus.
Cattails
Cattail's is an 18 hole, par 71 golf course that winds through woods and wetlands, with panoramic views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range. This course is noted for its 12th hole, a challenging par 4 featuring a wate…
The Colorado Gator Farm
They are an alligator farm & reptile park with more than 400 alligators and dozens of exotic reptile species. The Gator Farm is also a rescue facility that takes in reptiles that have outgrown their homes. They have …
Splashland
A geothermal, outdoor swimming pool that was built in 1955 and has since been renovated, and has added a concession stand for its patrons. This pool is only open seasonally. For hours
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jun–Aug. Summer highs reach about 79°F; winter lows dip to about 5°F. Cold months (Jan, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Aug and Jul. (climate data from nearby Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- ALS San Luis Valley Regional Airport/Bergman Field, Alamosa — 2 mi away. Directions
- TSM Taos Regional Airport, Taos — 71 mi away. Directions
- COS City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport, Colorado Springs — 112 mi away (major hub). Directions
Alamosa is at the intersection of US highways 160 and 285, about 230 road miles from Denver. (The straight-line distance is considerably less, but the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains deter traffic.)
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Typical meal: about $6 per person at listed restaurants.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Zapata Falls, Adams State University, Cattails
- Lunch Calvillo's
- Afternoon The Colorado Gator Farm, Splashland
- Dinner Campus Cafe
- Evening San Luis Valley Brewing Company
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By car
Alamosa is at the intersection of US highways 160 and 285, about 230 road miles from Denver. (The straight-line distance is considerably less, but the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains deter traffic.)
By plane
See
Do
Do Cattails
Cattail's is an 18 hole, par 71 golf course that winds through woods and wetlands, with panoramic views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range. This course is noted for its 12th hole, a challenging par 4 featuring a water hazard off the tee, a dogleg, and then another water hazard.
Do The Colorado Gator Farm
They are an alligator farm & reptile park with more than 400 alligators and dozens of exotic reptile species. The Gator Farm is also a rescue facility that takes in reptiles that have outgrown their homes. They have constructed a biodome on their property that is a home to various tropical plant species.
Do Zapata Falls
A waterfall found 40 minutes outside of Alamosa off of Highway 150 in Mosca. The sign for the falls is small and green, and takes you on a winding dirt road that goes up the mountainside and brings you to the parking lot. Here they have a hiking trail, a scenic outlook for pictures, and a restroom. There are also campground sites for those who wish to spend the night. The trail up to the waterfall is a half mile long with benches placed along the route for those who need to take breaks. The Zapata Falls are free to visit and are open year round to the public.
Do Splashland
A geothermal, outdoor swimming pool that was built in 1955 and has since been renovated, and has added a concession stand for its patrons. This pool is only open seasonally. For hours
Eat
Eat Calvillo's
Family-owned Mexican restaurant known for their lunch and dinner buffet and their margaritas, can accommodate large groups and are also available for catering.
Eat Campus Cafe
American diner with soups, salads, and sandwiches. They are only open for breakfast and lunch.
Eat City Market Delicatessen
Deli located inside the City Market grocery store. Assorted sides and sandwiches, catering.
Eat El Charro Café
Known for their Mexican dishes. Very limited seating, with only 10 tables inside the restaurant. Only open for lunch and dinner.
Eat Hunan Chinese Restaurant
Classic Chinese cuisine, sushi and alcohol, open for lunch and dinner, take-out available.
Eat Juanito's
Mexican cuisine, specials on tacos every Tuesday, serves alcohol. Outdoor seating available seasonally. Take-out is always available.
Eat Milagros Coffeehouse
Coffee house with a variety of fresh baked goods, muffins, quiches and breads. Sandwiches and wraps, several varieties of ice cream.
Eat Mi Taquito
Authentic Mexican dishes and a fresh salsa bar.
Eat Nino's Mexican Restaurant
Mexican restaurant that serves alcohol, does take-out orders, outdoor seating seasonally. Open for lunch and dinner.
Eat Oscars Restaurant
Mexican restaurant open for lunch and dinner, take-out options available, serves alcohol.
Eat San Luis Valley Pizza Company
Makes their own specialty pizzas and desserts. Weekday lunch buffet. Subs, wings, pasta and salads. They offer delivery and take-out, and serve alcohol.
Eat St. Ives Pub & Eatery
Bar & grill with daily specials from $1 tacos to $.50 wings. Several TV's for sports enthusiasts and a full bar.
Drink
Drink San Luis Valley Brewing Company
Craft brewed beers and famous homemade root beer, menu on website. +1 719 587-BEER.
Sleep
Stay Best Western Alamosa Inn
A fairly large property not far from Adams State College, on the main drag through town. Not special, but entirely acceptable.
Stay Days Inn
Free continental breakfast, fitness center, WIFI, and pets are allowed for a fee of $10 per pet.
Stay Holiday Inn Express
Free breakfast, pool, jacuzzi, sauna, fitness center, meeting/conference room, business center, WIFI, pets allowed.
Go next
- The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve at 11999 Highway 150, Mosca is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, with the tallest dune (known as the Star dune) measuring 750 feet high in elevation. The Pinyon Flats Campground at the park has 88 individual camping sites along two distinct loops. Restrooms have sinks, flush toilets and a sink for washing dishes. Each campsite has a fire grate and picnic table.
Antonito is a small town about 30 miles south of Alamosa. Lodging exists at Antonito, but it's not as plentiful as in Alamosa.
Place Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad
Trains run from the eastern terminus at Antonito to Chama, New Mexico through some superbly scenic country. The line offers options for round trips to Chama or the half-way point, with a possible return from Chama via bus. Reservations are a must.
In the town of Hooper, there are a few developed hot springs in the San Luis Valley, about twenty miles (30km) north of Alamosa.
Place Sand Dunes Swimming Pool and RV Park
Family-owned natural artesian pool features 150,000 gallons of clear, odorless hot springs water which maintains a temperature between 98-100 degrees year-round. A 25 person therapy pool maintains a temperature of 107 degrees. Covered baby pool. Suits, towels, and toys available for rent. Concession stand offers organic produce from on-site greenhouses.
Just east of the road to Antonito is the similarly small town of Manassa, birthplace of the great boxer Jack Dempsey.
Place Jack Dempsey Museum
Nearby
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Park · 3 listings · 27 mi away
Crestone
City / town · 3 listings · 38 mi away
Westcliffe
City / town · 4 listings · 51 mi away
Chama
City / town · 14 listings · 56 mi away
Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
Park · 6 listings · 57 mi away
Red River
City / town · 9 listings · 59 mi away
Walsenburg
City / town · 30 listings · 61 mi away
Creede
City / town · 9 listings · 63 mi away
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