20 Attractions to Explore Near Russell Lakes

UFO Watchtower is a privately run observation deck, which was designed specifically for observing and tracking UFOs, and it boasts some of the most high-tech equipment in the world for doing so. Visitors to UFO Watchtower can stay overnight in comfortable cabins, and during the day they can participate in guided tours and talks about aliens and UFO sightings. The watchtower itself is an impressive structure, built atop a hill with 360-degree views of the surrounding area.

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 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.

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.

Antora Peak is a summit in the San Juan Mountains of Saguache County, Colorado. The peak is located in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area of the Arapaho National Forest. The peak is named for Antora Breedlove, one of the first settlers in the area. The peak rises to an elevation of 12,941 feet and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. There are several hiking trails that lead to the summit, and the peak is popular with climbers and mountaineers.

San Isabel Lake is a reservoir in Saguache County, Colorado. The lake is located in the San Isabel National Forest, and is used for recreation, including camping, fishing, boating, and picnicking. The lake has a capacity of 32,000 acre-feet, and is fed by the Culebra River. The dam that impounds the lake is operated by the United States Forest Service. San Isabel Lake is also a popular destination for bird watching, as it is home to a variety of waterfowl.

Cottonwood Peak is a mountain in northwestern British Columbia, Canada, located in the Iverson Creek area. It is a volcanic feature of the Northern Cordilleran Volcanic Province that formed in the past 1.6 million years during the Pleistocene Epoch.

Hermit Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.986m above the sea level, located in Custer County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It's one of the highest roads of Colorado. It is recommended that beginner riders avoid this road. The route demands 100% concentration.

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.

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 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.

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.

North Crestone Lake is a gorgeous body of water located in Saguache County. The lake is situated at an elevation of 11,950 feet, making it one of the highest lakes in the state. It is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, and its shores are dotted with trees and wildflowers. The lake is home to a variety of fish, including cutthroat trout, brook trout, and grayling. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, and camping in the area. North Crestone Lake is a beautiful spot for a summer getaway.

Hermit Lake is an isolated body of water, located way up at 11,314 feet in elevation west of Westcliffe, Colorado. Hermit Lake is found within the San Isabel National Forest and can be accessed via a short out & back trail. It is a moderately trafficked destination because of its incredibly scenic alpine atmosphere. It is found in Custer County, tucked in the Sangre De Cristo Mountains north of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

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.

Mount Adams is a high mountain summit of the Crestones in the Sangre de Cristo Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The 13,937-foot thirteener is located in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, 5.1 miles east by north of the Town of Crestone, Colorado, United States, on the drainage divide separating San Isabel National Forest and Custer County from Rio Grande National Forest and Saguache County.

The lake is situated in a valley between two ridges in the Porcupine Mountains. Surrounded by virgin wilderness and stunning vistas, the lake is a popular destination for hikers, campers, and fishermen. The lake is a prominent feature of the park, and can be viewed at the Lake of the Clouds Overlook at the west terminus of the former Michigan highway. The state park occasionally hosts a nighttime sky watch at the lake.

The Brush Creek Lakes are two of the largest lakes in the Sangre de Cristo Range, and the fishing can be good.The lakes are situated right on the edge of timberline in a picturesque alpine cirque just east of Thirsty Peak and Lakes Peak.

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.