Saguache County - 27 Attractions You Must Visit

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About Saguache County

Saguache County is a beautiful destination for tourists seeking to experience the great outdoors. The county is home to several National Forests and Parks, as well as the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and horseback riding in the summer months, and in the winter, they can hit the slopes at one of the area's ski resorts. There are also numerous hot springs in the area, which are perfect for relaxing after a long day of exploring. Whether you're l

Types of Attractions in Saguache County

Activities Around

List of Attractions in Saguache County

Antora Peak

Antora Peak

Viewpoints

2-5 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

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.

Challenger Point

Challenger Point

Viewpoints

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

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.

Cochetopa Pass

Cochetopa Pass

Mountain Passes

Cochetopa Pass is a high mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado. The pass is located on the Continental Divide, at an elevation of 11,991 feet. It is one of the lowest passes on the Continental Divide in Colorado. The pass is traversed by State Highway 114, which connects the town of Saguache with the San Luis Valley. The pass is located within the San Isabel National Forest, and is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and fishing.

Columbia Point

Columbia Point

Outdoors- Other

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 Needle

Crestone Needle

Viewpoints

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

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.

Crestone Peak

Crestone Peak

Viewpoints

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

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.

Halfmoon Pass

Halfmoon Pass

Viewpoints

2-5 Day Treks

Mountain Passes

Halfmoon Pass is a scenic mountain pass located in Saguache County, situated at an elevation of 12,059 feet and provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The area around the pass is popular with hikers, campers, and mountain bikers, and it is also a popular destination for backcountry skiers. Halfmoon Pass is one of several high mountain passes in Colorado that remain open year-round, and it provides access to a number of beautiful alpine lakes.

Kit Carson Peak

Kit Carson Peak

Viewpoints

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

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.

La Garita Wilderness

La Garita Wilderness

Viewpoints

Forests

Wildlife Sanctuaries

La Garita Wilderness is a federally protected wilderness area established in 1980 and covers a total of 37,000 acres. The area is known for its rugged mountain terrain, as well as its abundant wildlife. Visitors to the region can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and horseback riding. It is also home to several rare plant and animal species, including the Gunnison sage grouse. With its diverse landscapes and abundant recreation opportunities, this Wilderness is a cherished natural treasure.

Marshall Pass

Marshall Pass

Viewpoints

Mountain Passes

Marshall Pass is a high mountain pass that has been used for centuries by Native Americans and early settlers. The pass was named for James Marshall, who discovered gold in California in 1848. In the late 1800s, the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad built a line through the pass, and it became an important route for trade and travel. Today, Marshall Pass is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and cross-country skiing. The scenic route offers stunning views of the valley below.

Medano Creek

Medano Creek

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Outdoors- Other

Medano Creek is a tributary of the Rio Grande that flows through Saguache County, Colorado. The creek is best known for its ephemeral nature, as it only flows during times of heavy rainfall or snowmelt. However, when it does flow, Medano Creek can become a raging torrent, capable of causing severe damage to property and infrastructure. In recent years, the creek has been the site of several flash floods, which have led to the evacuation of nearby residents and the closure of roads and bridges.

Medano Lake

Medano Lake

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Medano Lake is a natural lake in Saguache County. It is located in the San Luis Valley and is fed by the Medano Creek. The lake is known for its high concentration of salt, which gives it a unique buoyancy. Visitors to the lake can experience this by floating on their backs and not sinking into the water. Medano Lake is a popular spot for bird watching, as it is home to many species of waterfowl. It is also a popular spot for fishing, as the high salt content attracts many types of fish.

Medano Pass

Medano Pass

Mountain Passes

Medano Pass is a high mountain pass in the San Juan Mountains on the Continental Divide, at an elevation of 12,933 feet. It is traversed by U.S. Highway 285 and State Highway 112. The pass provides the only year-round road access to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. The pass is also popular with off-road vehicle enthusiasts. In winter, the pass is used by cross-country skiers and snowmobilers. Medano Pass is one of the highest continuous paved roads in North America.

Mount Herard

Mount Herard

Viewpoints

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Mount Herard is the highest peak in Saguache County, Colorado. The mountain is part of the Sangre de Cristo Range, which runs along the eastern edge of the county. Mount Herard rises to an elevation of 12,966 feet. The peak is located in the San Isabel National Forest and is accessible via a number of hiking trails. The summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot bighorn sheep, elk, and other animals while hiking in the area.

Mount Ouray

Mount Ouray

Viewpoints

2-5 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Mount Ouray is a mountain peak in Saguache County. With an elevation of 12,943 feet, it is the county's highest point. The mountain is located in the San Juan Mountains, a range of the Rocky Mountains. Mount Ouray is named for Chief Ouray of the Ute tribe, who lived in the area. The mountain has been a popular destination for hikers and climbers since the late 19th century. A trail to the summit was built in 1887, making it one of the first mountains in Colorado to be accessible by trail.

North Crestone Lake

North Crestone Lake

Lake/ River/ Ponds

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.

North Pass

North Pass

Mountain Passes

North Pass is located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Saguache County. It is the highest motor pass in Colorado. The pass provides a connection between the town of Saguache on the west side and the Sangre de Cristo range on the east. There are several lakes in the area, including Blue Lake, which lies just north of the pass. North Pass is a popular destination for hiking, fishing, and camping.

Poncha Pass

Poncha Pass

Mountain Passes

Poncha Pass is a high mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado, located on the continental divide in the Sawatch Range, within the San Isabel National Forest. The pass is an important section of U.S. Highway 50 and is traversed by the Rio Grande Railroad. It is one of the few transcontinental railroad passes in North America not currently served by Amtrak. The highest point on Poncha Pass is 12,095 feet, making it one of the highest mountain passes in Colorado.

Rio Grande National Forest

Rio Grande National Forest

Viewpoints

1 Day Treks

Forests

The Rio Grande National Forest is located in Saguache County. The forest includes the San Luis Valley, which is the largest high-altitude valley in the world. It is home to many species of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn. The forest also has a wide variety of birds, including eagles, hawks, and owls. This National Forest is a popular destination for hikers, campers, and fishermen. There are over 700 miles of trails in the forest, as well as four Wilderness Areas.

Russell Lakes

Russell Lakes

Lake/ River/ Ponds

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.

Map of attractions in Saguache County

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