601 State Ave., Alamosa, 877-726-RAIL,
Why check this out now: One of the best and warmest ways to see the snowcapped Sangre de Cristo peaks, this relaxing ride allows you to view remote sections of the San Luis Valley. Through April 2, the train leaves the Alamosa depot each Saturday at 10 a.m., returning at 5:30 p.m. Kids get to play engineer, with special tours and a visit with the conductor, and there’s a brief stop in La Veta. Snacks and warm beverages are sold along the way, and the last hour of the trip finds live music in the Calumet Car. Cost is $48 per person for club seating and $58 for dome.
Stay: There aren’t a lot of options in Alamosa, but fortunately the Comfort Inn Alamosa (6301 U.S. 160, 719-587-9000, ) is a nice, reasonably priced option. Nothing fancy, it is clean, with an indoor pool and hot tub, and a hot breakfast is included. The rooms are very plain and simple but have a lot of space, and this is a great location for families. Rates start at $75 a night.
Dine: The former Pizza Den & Pasta is now Bistro Rialto (716 Main St., 719-589-3039), with a new menu and in a new space, with red-and-white-checkered tablecloths and an expanded wine list. But you can expect the same Chicago-inspired pizza, homemade sauces and fresh pastas — the creamy, cheese-packed lasagne and the old-fashioned Italian wedding soup are two must-haves — and the bistro also offers gluten-free noodles. Kyle Wagner
