Watch a winter wonderland whiz by while staying warm and cozy in the comfy cars of the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad, which each Saturday through spring leaves at 9 a.m. from the Alamosa station and chugs over La Veta pass. The views of the snowcapped Sangre de Cristo peaks and surrounding San Luis Valley and forest are unparelleled, as the train can get to places where no car can. Kids are elevated to engineer status, with special tours and an interview with the conductor, and snacks, soups and sandwiches are sold along the way. Return to Alamosa at 5:45 p.m. Cost: $58 dome, $48 coach adult, $43 senior, $33 kids. 601 State Ave., 877-726-RAIL, . Kyle Wagner
STAY: With its cute indoor waterpark, complete with giant swirly slide and water basketball, a hot tub and rec room with pingpong and an on-site eatery that serves three diner-style meals a day (including kids breakfasts for $4 and free breakfast weekdays for adults), the Inn of the Rio Grande in Alamosa is about as family-friendly as they come. Rooms are simple and spacious, Wi-Fi is free, and pets are welcome. Rates start at $72 a night in winter. 333 Santa Fe Ave. 800-669-1658,
DINE: The locals know Calvillos Mexican Restaurant & Bar is the place to eat in Alamosa, and so at peak dining times and on weekends, there can be a bit of a crowd. It’s worth the wait, though, to get at the strong house margarita, the gooey chiles rellenos, the fajitas, the green and the red chile and the enchiladas (try the “UFO,” with two eggs on top). The freshly stocked nightly buffet ($12) is a ridiculous bargain, and service is spot-on (they always tell you what the aguas frescas are right away). Nothing fancy — small but comfortable booths, vinyl tablecloths — but you’ll feel welcome. 400 Main St., 719-587-5500,
Alamosa is 236 miles south of Denver via Interstate 25 and U.S. 160.
