ABOUT ALAMOSA COUNTY

Alamosa County is located in the scenic San Luis Valley of South Central Colorado. The valley is the largest of Colorado’s intermountain basins and is roughly shaped like an upside down horseshoe. It is bounded on the west by the San Juan Mountains, on the east by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and on the north by the joinder of these two mountain ranges, both studded with peaks rising to 13,000 and 14,000 feet. The valley floor stretches about 100 miles from north to south and 65 miles from east to west. Encompassing some 8,100 square miles, the valley varies from about 7,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level.

Climate in the San Luis Valley varies from semi-arid to alpine depending upon the elevation. Summertime high temperatures rarely exceed 90 degrees. Precipitation on the valley floor averages about 7 inches annually. The Rio Grande begins its long path to the Gulf of Mexico in the San Juan Mountains to the west and then through the valley, exiting to the south into New Mexico.

Despite the semi-arid climate, the valley is home to a thriving agriculture, that includes its most famous crop, potatoes, as well as barley, spinach, lettuce, carrots, and hay. These crops are watered by an efficient and extensive irrigation system. Even mushrooms are grown commercially in a large operation that is warmed during the winters by warm water wells.

Tourism and agriculture come together at the San Luis Valley Alligator farm. This farm features a Two Mile Creek Wildlife Habitat spread over 80 acres with alligators and warm water fishing for bass and catfish. The farm also features farm-raised tilapia, a food fish.

Great Sand Dunes National Park s located in the county and attracts visitors from around the world. Centuries of wind and sand have created this natural, scenic wonder, with dunes reaching 700 feet high. These are the highest inland sand dunes in the United States.

The historic, century-old Medano-Zapata ranch is now owned by the Nature Conservancy and is being preserved and restored. The ranch encompasses more than 100,000 acres and is home to large herds of bison. Not far from the ranch is Zapata Falls recreation area. It is a spectacular waterfall carved into a narrow canyon. There are picnic tables and trails leading to the falls.

San Luis Lakes is a 2,400 acre state park and recreation area, popular for water sports. Hunting and fishing throughout the area provide recreation for locals and visitors alike.

Alamosa is home to Adams State College, a comprehensive, four-year part of Colorado’s higher education system. The college enrolls about 2,500 students each year in an atmosphere of excellent teaching and small classes. Science, arts, business, and theater buildings are recent additions or renovations on the campus. In addition, Trinidad State Junior College has a branch in Alamosa, featuring courses varying from diesel mechanics to nursing.

The artistic community is vibrant and home to several nationally known artists.

Alamosa County is well served by U.S. Highways 285 and 160. The county is about 75 miles west of Interstate Highway 25. The county is served by a variety of regional and national trucking companies. Commercial air service connects with Denver International airport twice daily from the San Luis Valley Regional Airport/Bergman Field. The airport is home to many general aviation planes and provides a full instrument landing system and night lighting. Rail service is also available.

Shopping opportunities include many locally owned specialty stores as well as national chains including Safeway, City Market (Kroger), Wal-Mart.

Last Modified: 5/15/06