Local Area Map
San Luis Valley Area Map

San Luis Valley Area Map, Colorado Vacation Directory

Map of San Luis Valley, Colorado
Not all towns appear on map. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for accuracy or completeness of maps. This information was compiled as accurately as possible.

Dirt road inside San Isabel National Forest, Colorado

Taking the Road Less Traveled in the San Isabel National Forest

View of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the San Luis Valley, Colorado

San Luis Valley - A National Heritage Area near the Sangre de Cristo Mountains

The south central San Luis Valley is rich in culture and history from the Ute Indians and the Spanish who called the valley home. The valley was once home to the Ute Indian Tribe who followed herds and hunted throughout the region. Mexico, then known as New Spain, claimed the valley in the 1600s. The Spanish awarded large sections of land to people wishing to help populate the area. But because of the Mexican War, this process was delayed, and the United States gained control of the area in the mid 1800s. By 1852, Fort Massachusetts, which 6 years later was replaced by Fort Garland, helped stabilize the valley until it was abandoned in 1883. This area was then turned into rich farmland, which is what it is used for today.

The Great Sand Dunes and snow capped Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range, Colorado

The Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado, Photo by Michael Hartzog

See the Great Sand Dunes - Only Steps from the Parking Lot

The towns of South Fork, Del Norte, Alamosa, and Antonito, Colorado, and Chama, New Mexico are located in the San Luis Valley. When you really want to get away from it all, this is a great place to vacation, recreate and rejuvenate with geothermal hot springs, hiking the "fourteeners," horseback riding, Los Cumbres Golf Course, or fishing The Rio Grande River. The Crestone Music Festival each August is filled with live music, artisans, healers, food, drinks, fireworks, and fun for all ages. Spread your blanket on the grass while enjoying blues, salsa, rock, bluegrass, country, folk, spiritual, reggae and Celtic music all day.

The Sun Rising in the San Luis Valley

San Luis Valley at dusk, Colorado, Photo by Michael Hartzog

The Sun Setting in the San Luis Valley

The area is beautiful. With elevation ranging from 7,000' to the 14,349' summit of Blanca Peak, there are many different geological features to explore. The valley is nestled against the magnificent Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range on both the south and east sides. To the north and west, the La Garita and Conejos-Brazos mountain range tower above the valley. It is approximately 125 miles long and over 65 miles wide.

A popular place to visit in the San Luis Valley is the Great Sand Dunes. Bringing about 300,000 visitors a year, the dunes cover 30 square miles and are nestled right next to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.