Alamosa

Travel Guide

Great Sand Dunes National Park showing a sunset and desert views as well as a couple
Alamosa
Alamosa featuring signage
Del Norte showing signage
Great Sand Dunes National Park featuring desert views and landscape views as well as a couple

Located just outside the natural beauty of Great Sand Dunes National Park, this small city makes a great base to explore Colorado’s San Luis Valley. 

Alamosa is the commercial and tourism hub of Colorado’s San Luis Valley, nestled between mountains and deserts. Experience some of the state’s most beautiful wilderness from this bustling city.

Alamosa is Spanish for “of cottonwood.” Admire these beautiful trees throughout the town and lining the shores of the Rio Grande River that snakes through the region.

In the 1870s, the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad brought commerce and a huge population increase to the area. The San Luis Valley History Museum presents the valley’s past, from its original Native American inhabitants and European settlement up until the late 19th century.

Alamosa is home to Adams State University, a small liberal arts college with about 3,500 students. Explore regional art and artifacts at the Luther Bean Museum, located in Richardson Hall on the university’s campus. See Native American pottery, weavings and other pieces of art.

Stop downtown at Firedworks Gallery, a local institution. Whether you are there to shop or just to browse, this contemporary art gallery has a wide variety of pieces on display and is well worth a visit.

Great Sand Dunes National Park is the San Luis Valley’s biggest attraction. Located just 34 miles (54.7 kilometres) outside Alamosa, this park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. Go hiking, beach sledding and camping.

See the region’s wildlife at Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge. This protected area largely consists of wetlands. Take the short hiking trail to look for birds, deer, coyotes and beavers.

Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge is a popular bird sanctuary a 25-minute drive from downtown Alamosa. Trails and roads wind through the park. Each spring, visitors flock to the refuge to see scores of migrating sandhill cranes that stop here in their annual trip north.

As primarily desert region, the San Luis Valley gets little precipitation. Temperatures are rarely uncomfortably hot during the summer and it can get very cold a night. Rent a car to get around Alamosa and its surrounds with ease.

Days Inn by Wyndham Alamosa
Days Inn by Wyndham Alamosa
2 out of 5
223 Santa Fe Avenue, Alamosa, CO
The price is RM384 per night from 23 Jul to 24 Jul
RM384
RM430 total
23 Jul - 24 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Alamosa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Owners knowledgeable and welcoming. Property in great shape and cat friendly. I highly recommend this property!"

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Alamosa
Comfort Inn & Suites Alamosa
Comfort Inn & Suites Alamosa
2.5 out of 5
6301 US HWY 160, Alamosa, CO
The price is RM535 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
RM535
RM612 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Alamosa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Good stay"

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Comfort Inn & Suites Alamosa
Quality Inn Alamosa
Quality Inn Alamosa
2.5 out of 5
333 Santa Fe Avenue, Alamosa, CO
The price is RM355 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
RM355
RM398 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Alamosa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.2/10 Good! (313 reviews)
"Property was ok for the price."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Quality Inn Alamosa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Rustic Rook Resort Great Sand Dunes
Rustic Rook Resort Great Sand Dunes
2 out of 5
13254 Lane 5 N, Mosca, CO
Stay at this campground in Mosca. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and a picnic area. Popular attractions San Luis State Wildlife Area and Colorado ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (130 reviews)
Cozy camping adventure
"Very friendly staff. Great views. Fun community activities such as bonfires and making s'mores."

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2025

Rustic Rook Resort Great Sand Dunes
Grandview Cabins & RV Resort
Grandview Cabins & RV Resort
3 out of 5
0613 Highway 149, South Fork, CO
Stay at this 3-star cabin in South Fork. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (203 reviews)
Rustic vibes with modern amenities
"These cute cabins were just right; beds were comfortable and had different pillows to choose from, kitchen had basic items necessary for mealtime, shower was quaint and clean. We enjoyed the swing on the front porch and the hot tub. The Wi-Fi worked great, we never had any issues. The host was helpful ..."

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2025

Grandview Cabins & RV Resort
Cottonwood Cove
Cottonwood Cove
2.5 out of 5
13046 CO-149, South Fork, CO
Stay at this cabin in South Fork. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attraction Raven Golf Club is located nearby.
"Really cute spot with clean cabins. Restaurant located on site was quite good as well."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2024

Cottonwood Cove
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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