Alamosa, CO

Travel Guide
Great Sand Dunes National Park showing desert views
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 kilometers) 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.

Dunes Inn
Dunes Inn
2.5 out of 5
425 Main St, Alamosa, CO
The price is ¥14,220 per night from May 26 to May 27
¥14,220
per night
May 26 - May 27
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Alamosa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (877 reviews)
"Inside room was good. Stairs to room was questionable."

Reviewed on May 13, 2024

Dunes Inn
Comfort Inn & Suites Alamosa
Comfort Inn & Suites Alamosa
2.5 out of 5
6301 US HWY 160, Alamosa, CO
The price is ¥20,726 per night from May 23 to May 24
¥20,726
per night
May 23 - May 24
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Standard hotel, we booked it because it was close to sand dunes."

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2024

Comfort Inn & Suites Alamosa
Hampton Inn Alamosa, CO
Hampton Inn Alamosa, CO
2.5 out of 5
710 Mariposa Street, Alamosa, CO
The price is ¥23,322 per night from May 28 to May 29
¥23,322
per night
May 28 - May 29
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Alamosa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"It was an all right hotel. Breakfast was amazing"

Reviewed on May 13, 2024

Hampton Inn Alamosa, CO
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.
Riverside Meadows Cabins
Riverside Meadows Cabins
3 out of 5
2 Dodge City Road, South Fork, CO
Stay at this 3-star cabin in South Fork. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (169 reviews)
Lovely cabin
"Lovely wooden cabin only a few meters from the river in a rural setting. Saw lots of deer in the evening in the surrounding area. The owners were very helpful & friendly"

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

Riverside Meadows Cabins
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (89 reviews)
"Wonderful place to stay when visiting the Sand Dunes. Awesome sleeping arrangements. Clean and safe. Staff super friendly and accommodating. Highly recommend staying here. Thank you Rustic Rook!!!!!!"

Reviewed on Sep 25, 2023

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. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (161 reviews)
"A great little cabin for our family ski trip to Wolf Creek. Quiet location, nice view, friendly proprietors. Nice open air hot tub.Highly recommend! Nearby Mexican restaurant (at main intersection) is wonderful!"

Reviewed on Apr 22, 2024

Grandview Cabins & RV Resort
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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