Top 5 Pagosa Springs Day Trips: Explore Colorado

So, you’re hanging around Pagosa Springs, Colorado, huh? What a spot! Pagosa Springs is almost heaven, famous for its mineral hot springs as highlighted here, it’s like your basecamp for some top-tier day trips. That is, if you feel like leaving the steamy waters for a bit. Believe you me, there’s a whole lot more to the area than just hot soaks. From old ruins to pretty mountain ranges, here’s the lowdown on five unreal day trips that will make your Colorado visit a bit spectacular. Seriously, grab your hiking boots and let’s get going!

1. Chimney Rock National Monument: Ancient History and Stellar Views

Okay, so picture this: you’re looking at ancient ruins way up high with a totally awesome view of the surrounding area. That’s Chimney Rock National Monument for you. About an hour’s drive away from Pagosa Springs, Chimney Rock offers a very awesome peep into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans. These folks, who some folks would call the ancient ones, used to live here over a thousand years ago. Imagine discovering their world.

Very arguably, the highlight of this spot is the Great Kiva Trail. That is a half-mile loop that takes you past a reconstructed kiva, or ceremonial structure. You can actually walk inside and, I don’t know, maybe feel the vibes from centuries ago. So, there’s also the High Mesa Trail, that takes you, yup, up to the top of the mesa for insane panoramic views. Keep an eye out for the summer solstice equinoxes because the park has very cool guided tours during these events, that really delve into the site’s astronomical importance. Seriously, it’s a bit unreal!

Anyway, don’t forget your camera for this one, too it’s almost that you’ll definitely want to snag some photos. Very also, remember the sunblock and water. Even if it’s not super-hot, the altitude can really make a person tired. Oh, and check the Monument’s website beforehand to confirm it’s not that tour schedules aren’t messed up.

2. Durango: A Step Back in Time with a Touch of Modern Fun

Alright, ready for a trip to a town with that classic Wild West feel but a bit hip vibe? Durango is only about an hour away from Pagosa Springs, but so it feels like you’re jumping back in time. The biggest draw is easily the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Actually, this train ride takes you on a spectacularly beautiful trip through the San Juan Mountains which you will be telling everyone about, twisting and turning along cliffs and through gorges. So it’s just a heads up though, it can get booked solid, especially in summer. Get your tickets way beforehand.

Of course, once you’re in Durango, wander around the historic downtown. That’s where you’ll find cool shops, cool galleries, and even cooler restaurants. Is that you’re looking for a bite? Kennebec Cafe is known for its views and seasonal plates. Also, there’s Steamworks Brewing Co., so, is that your looking to relax with some really tasty craft beers and pub food? Then definitely check that out.

Basically, if you’re more like a hands-on person, you might wanna hit up the Animas River Trail for some casual walking or biking. Want some more challenging outdoor adventures? So too it’s almost you could venture slightly into the San Juan National Forest. Hike and just gaze in admiration over your great life.

3. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve: A Desert Oasis in the Mountains

Yeah okay, who expects to see huge sand dunes in Colorado? No one! Yet the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is kinda one of the state’s hidden treasures. Really though, it’s a bit of a drive – around 2.5 to 3 hours from Pagosa Springs. Still, that landscape with those crazy huge dunes nestled up at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains? Actually that alone is so, so, so worth the drive because you have been needing it.

Very frankly, climbing the dunes is something you must do. But be careful, walking in that hot sand can feel a bit like torture in summer. Very arguably, early morning or late afternoon are the best times to avoid turning into toast. So remember you can even rent sandboards or sand sleds to have even more fun sliding down those big slopes. Plus there’s Medano Creek, which usually flows at the base of the dunes during spring and early summer. It offers an almost cool way to cool off and play.

Anyway, if you have the time, check out some of the park’s hiking trails too. So is that you enjoy a bit more peace? Consider visiting during the off-season. Really the summertime can be pretty crowded. Really honestly don’t leave your camera because a panorama of Colorado can be a game changer!

4. Silverton: High-Altitude History and Scenery

Yeah, speaking of stepping back in time, Silverton feels like you’re walking into an old Western movie. It’s a little more than a two-hour drive from Pagosa Springs. So what this old mining town has? History and views for miles!

Arguably you could start your visit by checking out the Silverton Historic Downtown, a National Historic Landmark. I mean the buildings are so well kept. It really makes you feel something, like how prospectors of that era must of have felt finding their way here. Check out the San Juan County Historical Society Museum. Is that it’s not too corny to get your inner history nerd activated.

Arguably the most breathtaking way to get to Silverton is with the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (mentioned earlier), but is that it’s your looking at a shorter trip, then the drive is gorgeous in itself. So keep an eye on the road if that’s the choice.

Really for an unbelievable experience, plan your trip so it syncs with one of Silverton’s events. Like, really there’s a crazy amount of cool things to do here in the summertime. From the infamous “Iron Horse” bicycle race where bikers race the train (yes really!) to “ экстремальные Hard Enduro events, you are guaranteed to feel a kick like no other.”

5. Pagosa Hot Springs: Relax and Rejuvenate Close to Home

Of course, this is a list of day trips from Pagosa Springs. Actually, so let’s keep it a bit real: sometimes the best adventures are the closest ones, y’know? Basically, Pagosa Hot Springs is right there in town, and it is absolutely a world-famous destination. Really what this means is that you can chill out and rejuvenate without even packing a day bag. Basically, so it’s very cool for me I’m writing this.

Oh right so the hot springs here have bragging rights, they’re the deepest geothermal hot springs on the planet, if that is what your like. Now there are several hot springs resorts to choose from, too it’s almost like you’ll enjoy an awesome soak at each place. At The Springs Resort & Spa you’ll enjoy several pools overlooking the San Juan River with different temperatures to suite how sensitive you are. Looking for a spot where adults will hang in peace? Overlook Hot Springs Spa are who you want. How about a local choice? Healing Waters Resort & Spa has indoor and outdoor pools that all get fed from their own source.

Okay basically, don’t forget to schedule yourself in for a massage or any other sort of spa treatment while you’re at any of these hot spring paradises, if the funds aren’t too restricting of course! Honestly it’s great self-care after some awesome adventures. I promise it’s all it’s cracked up to be!