20 Attractions to Explore Near UFO Watchtower

The San Luis Valley is a region in south-central Colorado with a small portion overlapping into New Mexico. It is a spiritual, intriguing land offering a sense of peace amid epic 100-mile views and sand dunes circled by soaring peaks, the valley is peppered with the legacy of American Indian, Hispanic and European settlers and explorers, steeped in history and ripe with folklore.

The Colorado Gator Farm is one of Alamosa’s most unique attractions, and highly underrated. A geothermal well on the property creates ponds and wetlands for the alligators, but also provides habitat and food for many water-birds and waterfowl. The "Two Mile Creek Wildlife Habitat" lets visitors view alligators, reptiles, and birds in a natural setting, and to go fishing, boating, and picnicking. Over 125 species of birds have been sighted at the farm.

The Trujillo Homesteads are a historic ranch site near Mosca, Alamosa County, Colorado, not far from the Great Sand Dunes National Park. The homestead site covers about 11 acres in a remote rural setting northeast of Mosca. The site includes the archaeological site where Pedtro Trujillo built his log cabin, the surviving ranch house, and a corral area dating to the Trujillo's ownership period. The ranch house is a two-story rectangular log structure, covered by a modern metal roof.

San Luis State Park is a former state park located in Alamosa County, Colorado, United States. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area, including coyotes, kangaroo rats, rabbits, elk, various kinds of songbirds, raptors, reptiles and amphibians.This wildlife area is ideal for hunting, fishing and other wildlife-related recreation. A valid hunting or fishing license is required for everyone 18 or older accessing any State Wildlife Area.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is an American national park that conserves an area of large sand dunes up to 750 feeton the eastern edge of the San Luis Valley. This park features North America's tallest dunes, rising over 750 feet high against the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This geologic wonderland, containing over 30 square miles of massive dunes, became a national monument in 1932. The park contains the tallest sand dunes in North America.

The Russell Lakes are two high mountain lakes in Saguache County, Colorado. They are located in a rugged, remote area and can be accessed only by hiking. The lakes are named for their distinctive shape - they are each shaped like a perfect oval. The lakes are surrounded by towering cliffs and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Despite their remote location, the lakes are teeming with fish, and both rainbow trout and cutthroat trout can be found in their waters.

Medano Creek is often referred to as Colorado’s Natural beach, as it forms at the foot of the Great Sand Dunes and creates an incredibly fun venue for visitors to splash around, picnic, and sometimes even float down in rafts. Since the river is fed by the surrounding mountain's snowpack, the best time to enjoy the river is typically spring and early summer.

Zapata Ranch is an authentic working cattle and bison guest ranch owned by The Nature Conservancy, covering more than 100,000 acres and bordering the Great Sand Dunes National Park. With nearly 2,000 head of free-roaming bison, the ranch specializes in multiple night stays where visitors become immersed in the Colorado ranching experience.

The high dune on the first ridge is neither the highest in elevation nor the tallest in the park, but it looks that way from the main parking lot. Discover this 4.8-km out-and-back trail near Gardner, Colorado. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 26 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.

Challenger Point is a mountain peak in the San Luis Valley. The peak is named for the Space Shuttle Challenger, which broke up shortly after liftoff on January 28, 1986. The Crew Memorial, located at the summit of Challenger Point, honors the seven astronauts who lost their lives in the accident. The memorial consists of a large granite boulder with a plaque listing the names of the crew members. It is a popular destination for hikers and climbers, and offers stunning views of the valley below.

The Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge spans an area of 2,144 acres and was established in 1965. The primary focus of the refuge is to provide a habitat for the migrating birds that pass through the area. However, the refuge also supports a variety of other wildlife, including elk, mule deer, pronghorn, and coyotes. In addition to its abundant wildlife, the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge also features a variety of landscapes, from meadows and wetlands to forests and grasslands.

Towering at an impressive 14,165 feet, Kit Carson Peak is the sixth highest peak in the state of Colorado. The peak is part of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range and offers stunning views of the nearby peaks and valleys. Although it is a popular destination for hikers and climbers, the summit can be challenging to reach, requiring a strenuous hike or a technical climb. However, those who make the effort are rewarded with one of the most breathtaking panoramas in all of Colorado.

Columbia Point is located in Saguache County, Colorado. The area is known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities. Columbia Point is home to a variety of businesses, including a grocery store, a post office, and several restaurants. The area also offers a variety of recreational activities, such as hiking, fishing, and camping. Columbia Point is a great place to live, work, and play.

Crestone Peak is the highest summit of the Crestones, a cluster of high peaks in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Colorado. The peak is also the seventh-highest peak in the state and the twentieth-highest peak in the contiguous United States. Crestone Peak is notable for its dramatic relief, as it rises over 7,000 feet from the San Luis Valley floor in only 2 miles. Crestone Peak is a popular destination for mountaineers and hikers, and it is frequently climbed via its east face.

The Sangre de Cristo Wilderness is located in Saguache County, Colorado. The area is known for its dramatic landscapes, which include alpine meadows, forests, and peaks. The wilderness is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and black bears. Visitors to the area can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and horseback riding. The Sangre de Cristo Wilderness provides a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Colorado's mountains.

Willow Lake is a natural lake located in Saguache County. The lake is fed by several small streams and is surrounded by willow trees and other vegetation. Willow Lake is a popular destination for fishing, swimming, and picnicking. There are also several campgrounds located near the lake. In addition to its recreational uses, Willow Lake is also an important ecosystem. The lake is home to a variety of fish, amphibians, and birds. Willow Lake is also a stopover point for many migratory birds.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is an American national park that conserves an area of large sand dunes up to 750 feet. Its sandbox of epic proportions, the entire dune field encompasses 30 square miles and the tallest dune towers 750 feet high. Aside from the dunes, you'll find picnicking, hiking and camping opportunities, the challenging four-wheel scenic drive on Medano Pass, horseback-riding trails, the mysteriously appearing and disappearing Medano Creek.

Crestone Needle is a dramatic fourteener in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Standing at an elevation of 14,197 feet, it is one of the tallest peaks in the state. The Needle is known for its steep, exposed north face, which provides challenge and excitement for climbers of all levels. In addition to its height, Crestone Needle is also notable for its unique geology. It is composed of a type of metamorphic rock known as gneiss, which is found in only a few other places in the world.

Broken Hand is one of the first mountains to greet hikers and drivers on the South Colony Road. Its steep east face is a brilliant demonstration of the rock strata in the area.

Pinon Flats Campground is located in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve in southern Colorado. The huge dunes are the tallest in North America and comprise about 11 percent of an enormous sand deposit that covers more than 330 square miles. The park is perfect for kids, who love exploring the dunefield on foot or by sled. Medano Creek, at the base of the dunes, is a popular place in the summertime.