Three scenic byways in southern Colorado offer a three-day road tour for travelers who like frequent stops, short walks and awe-inspiring walking trails that are good for both kids and dogs. These 203 mystic miles feature the Highway of Legends scenic and historic byway, Los Caminos Antiguos scenic and historic byway and the Silver Thread scenic and historic byway. You'll be seeing the towns of Trinidad, Cuchara, La Veta, Fort Garland, Alamosa and South Fork — all of which offer unique amenities.
Three Unique Ways to Give Back
Looking to give back to Colorado during your visit? Work to improve the Cuchara Mountain Park is an ongoing process. Maybe you want to donate? The San Luis Valley Museum Association is an all-volunteer nonprofit that supports the efforts of 22 museums throughout the Mystic San Luis Valley. Finally, if you're an animal lover, Citizen Science hikes along creeks near South Fork, recording information about beavers.
Day 1
Bob & Earl's Cafe
Providing great food since 1993. Here you can leave the mood of the Interstate behind, and pick up the quieter rhythm of a historic two-lane road on…
Hike Carpios Cove Trail at Trinidad Lake State Park
The half-mile Carpios Cove Trail is an easy jaunt through pinyon pine and juniper trees with beautiful lake views and access to multiple ecosystems…
Stonewall Shopping Bag
Stonewall Shopping Bag is a small country store with a 40 seat restaurant plus an RV Park located next to the Stonewall Gap on Highway 12 - the Highway…
Hike the Vista View Trail
Native Americans regarded the majestic Spanish Peaks as the abode of the Gods. Today hikers enjoy a top-down view of this National Natural Landmark…
Legends on Main
Authentic New Mexican and international food in the European tradition. A small restaurant with an even smaller kitchen produces clean, quality, from…
Go on a Dark Skies Walking Tour
After dinner, take the 4-block walking tour of historic downtown La Veta, then drive south of town on Highway 12 to reach deeply dark skies and, hopefully,…
Two Fox Cabins & RV's
Twelve rental cabins in La Veta. The property abuts the Cuchara River. We do daily, weekly and monthly rentals.
Day 2
Paradise Coffee
Family-owned Paradise Coffee was brewed in April 2012. Serving a variety of delicious espresso, lattes and coffees.
Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center
was built in 1858, ten years after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, during American expansion into the west. Today, visitors can explore life in aa…
All-Gon Pizza
Located in the heart of historic Fort Garland, our family-owned restaurant is known for fine dining, delicious home-style cooking, and comfy rustic…
Experience the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area
The Los Caminos Antiguos scenic and historic byway is located within the heritage area. The mission of the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area is to promote, preserve, protect and interpret the profound historical, religious, environmental, geographical, geologic, cultural and linguistic resources of Costilla, Alamosa and Conejos counties.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Because the dunes and surrounding mountains are designated wilderness, this is a great place to enjoy unspoiled natural beauty in a variety of ways…
Hideaway Steakhouse
HIDEAWAY STEAKHOUSE is where Classic American Steakhouse meets Contemporary Upscale Restaurant. Locally owned and operated, we use fresh seasonal ingredients…
Go for a Walk
After dinner, head for Alamosa's Blanca Vista Park. Take in the views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, enjoy the sunset or do a bit of birdwatching…
Dunes Inn
The newly renovated Dunes Inn offers personal, small-town hospitality with budget-friendly rates. It's within walking distance of Alamosa restaurants,…
Day 3
AIRPORT ROAD CAFE
Airport Road Café is a sandwich shop located in the San Luis Valley Behavorial Health Group.
Hike Alder Creek Canyon
This in-and-out trailhead is located behind the Alder Creek Cabin. Keep your eyes and ears open as their is an abundance of wildlife.
Trail Run Big Meadows Loop Trail
This is a major trailhead to the Weminuche Wilderness as well as a connector to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Expect great mountain…
Ramon's Mexican Restaurant
Ramon’s Mexican Restaurant serves delicious food for an authentic taste of Mexico! Come experience our fresh-prepared burritos, fajitas, tacos, burgers…
Enjoy an Evening Hike
Near South Fork, Giant Fir Tree Trail is a half-mile walk to see the biggest Douglas Fir tree in Rio Grande National Forest. Fun Fact: It's the second…
Experience the Night
Enjoy stargazing in the Mystic San Luis Valley towns of La Veta, Cuchara, Crestone, Lake City, Westcliffe and Creede as well as the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve — all Colorado stargazing hotspots, many of which are International Dark-Sky Association Designated Communities.
Riverbend Resort Cabins & RV Park
Cozy log & wood cabins are open year round with wood burning fireplaces, kitchens, Satellite TV, grills & decks with river & mountain views…