One Of Colorado's Oldest College Towns Is Nestled Between Iconic Sand Dunes And Rugged Peaks

Colorado is likely most well-known for its iconic natural wonders like the Rocky Mountains and Garden of the Gods, but the Centennial State does have some outstanding urban spaces. Denver is, of course, a popular city break and the state's capital. However, those looking to combine the state's nature with smaller urban charm should head to some of Colorado's cute historic towns. Among these is Alamosa — rich in history and the gateway to Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Alamosa has a population of just under 10,000, but it is packed with history dating back to the 1800s, especially related to its railroad background. Learn about the town's origins with a walking tour. This historic tour takes visitors around downtown, with stops at a massive locomotive from 1883, the town's first schoolhouse, and a variety of colorful buildings from the 1880s to the 1930s. The San Luis Valley Museum shows what life was like during Alamosa's early years with exhibits on farmers, ranchers, and settlement fixtures like general stores and post offices. The museum also introduces visitors to Adams State University, which is historic in its own right. The university was founded in 1921 and reveals more of the region's history at the Luther Bean Museum on campus. This free museum features paintings, memorabilia from its founders, and Native American pottery and clothing.

One of the best reasons to visit Alamosa is the nearby Great Sand Dunes National Park — Colorado's most underrated national park. The juxtaposition of massive golden dunes with snowy mountain peaks is a unique sight, not to mention the evergreen forests and meadows found in the park too. You can hike to the tops of these huge dunes or even do some sledding on the sand. To hike in surroundings other than sand, check out the wooded Medano Lake Trail. Stop at the lake and enjoy the alpine scenery or continue to the top of Mount Herard at 13,297 feet for a more advanced hike and sweeping views of the park. While plenty of animals like elk, bison, and beavers enjoy the multiple ecosystems throughout the park, sandhill crane migration during the spring and fall is particularly exciting.

Another special aspect of Great Sand Dunes is that it is an International Dark Sky Park, meaning it has very little light pollution. This allows for incredible stargazing whether you stay overnight at the park or not — it's open to visitors 24/7. For the most sky visibility, try to visit during a crescent or new moon so it doesn't outshine the stars, and check the weather for cloud coverage. 

Not far from Great Sand Dunes National Park is Blanca Peak, one of Colorado's most majestic mountain peaks, towering over 14,000 feet. This intense altitude may sound daunting, but there are several ways to enjoy the views. The 11-mile round trip hike (8.5 miles if you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle) to Lake Como is the easiest to navigate and has low rockfall risks. To get up higher on Blanca Peak, take the Northwest Ridge Route or Ellingwood Point, both around 17 miles round trip. Any option will be beautiful, even if you just visit what is accessible by car.

If you'd like to get amazing southern Colorado views with less hassle, book a ride on the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad. The train uses the same tracks that have traversed through the San Luis Valley since 1878. As you ride from Alamosa to La Veta and back, you'll see Rocky Mountain scenery, evergreens, and sweeping meadows that make the valley so beloved. There is an open-air car on the train to give you an even more memorable mountain experience.