The San Juan River runs through the little town of Pagosa Springs. Just 3 hours north of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Pagosa Springs will take you back to the good ol’ days! You may enjoy strolling down the charming main street or exploring quaint shops, historic sites, and excellent restaurants. You may also enjoy the soothing hot springs that are located alongside the river. These were once believed by local Indian tribes to have healing powers. Today, the natural hot springs, known as “The Springs,” are a favorite place to go to relax after a day of skiing or hiking. 

If you are winter-sports enthusiasts, you and your family will make wonderful memories at Wolf Creek Ski Resort. Wolf Creek receives the most snow in the continental U.S., making it a favorite for downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding. Snowmobile rentals and horse-drawn sleigh rides are also available. If summertime activities are your preference, you will love all the activities that Pagosa has to offer. From hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, tubing, and horseback riding to fishing, picnics, and miniature golf, your time will be well spent. There are sightseeing tours at Chimney Rock, a natural rock formation and home of ancient Indian ruins. And there is plenty of golf to be played at the Pagosa Golf Course, a 27-hole championship public golf course. The possibilities are endless! Our family especially enjoys the wildlife we have viewed here, including the bear, elk, dear and fox.

If time allows, you may choose to visit Durango, Colorado, located 1 hour west on Highway 160. Durango provides wonderful shopping and dining experiences, but it also features unique tourist adventures, including the Durango/Silverton Railroad (a steam-engine passenger train) and the Durango Recreation Center with an indoor water park — a great place to visit and enjoy!

• Downhill skiing

• Cross-country skiing 

• Hunting access

• Snowmobile rentals

• Sleigh rides

• Snowboarding

• Golf

• Whitewater rafting

• Hiking and biking

• Fishing

• Hot-air ballooning

• Horseback riding

• Durango steam engine

• Mineral baths

• Wildlife viewing

• National-forest access

• Shopping