What makes it a great escape: The largest city in the San Luis Valley, has hot-springs pools, hiking, two railroads and the to explore, and a wildlife refuge that borders the Rio Grande River. It’s also a good launching point for .
Get there: Alamosa is 235 miles southwest of Denver via Interstate 25 and U.S. 160.
Get out there: is free and just 3 miles outside of town, with more than 11,000 acres adorned by Mount Blanca of the Sangre de Cristo Range. A 3½-mile driving tour or a 2-mile nature hike are chances for birders and wildlife enthusiasts to glimpse hundreds of species.
Or try this: You’re mostly indoors on the route (877-726-7245, coloradotrain.com) from Alamosa to a variety of destinations, but you can take a turn on the open car as well. May to September on the weekends, excursion trains visit La Veta, with some dropping passengers off for live music, while other trips head to Fort Garland or Monte Vista, and the Cumbres Connection journeys to Antonito. Along the way, expect stunning views over the passes and comfortable seats; there’s a snack bar, a dining car on some trains and, depending on the trip, you may be powered by steam. Rates vary depending on trip and seating class but start at $19 adult, $9 child for coach, round-trip.
Dine: Skip the so-so buffet and order off the menu at Calvillo’s Mexican Restaurant (400 Main St., 719-587-5500), which does a medium-hot chile verde, well-seasoned fajitas and a tres leches cake worth saving room for. Good (and big) margaritas, too.
Overnight: (333 Santa Fe Ave., 800-669-1658, innoftherio .com) is a hit with families because of the indoor water park, which features a water slide and full-size and kiddie pools, and game room. Pets and Wi-Fi are free, and so is breakfast at the on-site Clancy’s eatery. Rooms are stark but adequate; rates in summer are $94.95 a night for two doubles/one king.
