photo by Sven Brunso

Pagosa Springs, Colorado 

 Pagosa Springs is a community that truly conveys the four seasons. No matter which season you choose, Pagosa Springs is great for a family vacation, a weekend escape or a romantic getaway.

Hot Springs -- At the heart of the community are the hot springs, which refresh, relax and rejuvenate the body and mind. There are two public mineral hot springs facilities to enjoy while in Pagosa — no matter the season. The Spa of Pagosa Springs offers a mineral swimming pool and two soaking pools that are gender segregated and offer the European soaking experience.

The Springs Resort offers 18 different pools of all different temperatures along the San Juan River, which runs through the center of town. These intimate pools are a perfect way to begin an active day or relax after a day of hiking, biking, skiing or shopping.

 Sightseeing -- Pagosa offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Colorado. Within easy driving and walking distance are numerous waterfalls including Treasure Falls, Piedra Falls, and 4-Mile Falls. Numerous lakes and ponds also abound in Pagosa offering superb fishing.

Winter Wonderland -- Pagosa Springs is only 24 miles from Wolf Creek Ski Area, one of the last privately owned ski resorts boasting the adage “The Most Snow in Colorado”. Whether a powder hound or enjoying a family or group retreat, Wolf Creek offers vertical drops and a comfortable family atmosphere with relatively no lift lines, great hospitality and affordable skiing prices. www.skiwolf.com.

Pagosa also offers great cross country skiing, lots of terrain to explore on snow shoes, or full throttle forward on groomed snowmobile trails. There is also a challenging hut-to-hut system for the adventurer.

 Springtime Excitement -- With the melting snow comes the adventure of river rafting and kayaking and all can be experienced throughout the center of town in the newly restored San Juan River. The abundance of wildflowers is also an inducement to hike to popular peaks at 13,000 feet or experience the less strenuous hikes perfect for a family outing. A perfect family event is the Kite Flying Contest & Children’s Parade happening the second week in June.

 Summer Vacations -- Summer is one of Pagosa’s busiest seasons as people from all over the country look to escape the heat and visit the cool mountain town filled with events and scenic beauty. The weather is perfect for hiking, fishing or mountain biking, day trips to surrounding communities are easy adventures, and the river abounds with tubing enthusiasts frolicking in the cool mountain waters. The 4th of July holiday offers an extensive Arts & Crafts Fair, the Red Ryder Rodeo Roundup, a large hometown parade, spectacular fireworks, and a free live musical concert. If you want to enjoy a more mellow vacation, enjoy the Folk ’n Bluegrass Festival at the beginning of June, the Archuleta County Fair in August, or any number of art exhibits or a weekly rodeo.

Fall Festivities -- As hues of gold and red glisten on the leaves, autumn in Pagosa brings numerous exciting events. Labor Day hosts the Four Corners Folk Festival with three days of live music, the Mountain Chile Cha-Cha with a free concert and a 15-, 7- or 3-mile mountain run, and ColorFest weekend with a hot air balloon rally and nighttime glow, a wine and food festival, beer festival and many other activities.

The Pagosa Lifestyle -- Pagosa offers unique shopping for clothing, jewelry, gifts or that memorable souvenir. The various galleries in Pagosa Springs show off local and national art talent. You can also partake of various classes from nationally known artisans including ceramics, printmaking, watercolor and other mediums. 

With bed and breakfasts, clustered or individual house rentals, and an exclusive resort with on-site mineral springs, Pagosa has lodging options to fit any budget, group size or purpose. Both hot springs facilities offer soaking privileges included in the room rate -- a wonderful incentive for those who want to enjoy the mineral waters on a more extensive basis.

Don’t let the quaintness of the hospitable community lull you into thinking that restaurants are scarce. Fine dining, home cooking and delicious coffee houses abound in the community. You can enjoy the local color and delicious food in one of Pagosa’s cafés, warm up with a morning or après ski latte, relax in the evening’s ambiance at one of Pagosa’s many courtyards, discover Pagosa’s award-winning brewery, or treat yourself to a fine dining experience. 

History is also at the center of Pagosa lifestyle. Chimney Rock is one of the Southwest’s archaeological gems. Guided and self-guided excursions take you back in time to the ancient Puebloan Indian lifestyle or other archaeological wonders, such as Mesa Verde and Chaco Canyon. Chimney Rock offers full-moon tours and various major celebrations including Life at Chimney Rock and Native American Gatherings. The Fred Harman Art Museum houses some of the most extensive original artwork of the Red Ryder creator. Male visitors may remember wanting a Daisy Popgun!

Age is not a prerequisite to enjoying the animals housed at the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park. Orphans and long-time animal residents offer great insight into the habits of wildlife that is indigenous to the Rocky Mountain area, all in a natural setting. Pagosa is also nestled between two narrow gauge trains and two Colorado Scenic Byways making for exciting side-trips and historic excursions.

Pagosa offers the perfect two-sided coin to experience the theme, “What’s Your Rush?”. Push the envelope with numerous seasonal adrenaline-rush experiences or throttle back and relax in the ambiance of Pagosa’s hot springs and charm. The trip from the Front Range is relatively quick and scenic, especially via Highway 285.

For more information go to www.visitpagosasprings.com or call (800) 252-2204.

Article by Mary Jo Coulehan, Executive Director, Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce