Points of Interest in Crestone and the San Luis Valley
UFO Watchtower
The watchtower, which has a 360-degree view of the San Luis Valley, was created for UFO observers. This unique roadside attraction invites extraterrestrial seekers and curious minds alike to the watchtower for a chance to spot an alien or UFO for themselves. Numerous UFO sightings have been reported here over the years, which could in part be possible thanks to Alamosa’s vast and unfiltered view of the night’s sky. The Great Sand Dunes National Park is right around the corner, which has been designated as an International Dark Sky Park because of the areas exceptional stargazing vantage point.
Alligator Farm
See hundreds of rescued reptiles including alligators, crocodiles, caiman, tortoises, and turtles. See albino alligators, and Morris the movie star alligator! Hands on Experiences! All visitors to Colorado Gators have the opportunity to pet, hold, and take pictures with a small alligator! Buy Gator Chow to feed the alligators! Visitors can also pet and feed tortoises, feed the fish, fish for carp to feed to the alligators!
9162 Lane 9 N, Mosca, CO 81146
(719) 378-2612
Sandhill Crane Migration
Over 20,000 cranes spend part of their spring and fall each year in this valley. After wintering in southern New Mexico, they typically begin to arrive in the San Luis Valley in early February, while winter temperatures still drop below zero degrees F at night.
In fall, they begin to arrive back in the San Luis Valley in late September, and leave by late November.
In general, cranes are in agricultural fields or grasslands during daylight hours, and in wetlands from sunset to sunrise. In some locations they return to wetlands during mid-day for water and rest.
Liberty Gate Road
Features of this area include rolling grasslands, large herds of elk, a crater and stunning views of the Crestone Peaks.
Baca Wildlife Refuge
This 93,000-acre wildlife refuge hosts a diverse combination of shrublands, grasslands, wet meadows, playa wetlands, and riparian corridors.
Head to the website to find out more information about trails and hunting in the refuge.
Baca National Wildlife Refuge | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov)
Tashi Gomang Stupa
Short Uphill Walk to this Huge Stupa. Huge and expansive views of the valley and great for sunset.
Learn More about the Stupa by visiting the website:
KTTG, Crestone, CO - Vision of HH Karmapa - Karma Thegsum Tashi Gomang (karmapastupa.org)
North Crestone Creek
Camp Sites and Lunch Sites along the creek with access to hiking trails.
4WD and Off Road Trails for Exploring
Yeshe Rangsal Stupa
Easy Walk to a Stupa with trails leading around the center. You will find a shrine open for prayer.
Crestone Ziggurat
Easy Walk to a unique spiral tower.
San Juan Catholic Spiritual Center
Walk the same path where courageous Hispano settlers journeyed into Southern Colorado from New Mexico to live their Catholic faith at the foot of the La Garita Mountains.
This is a unique 10-acre site that offers a historical view of cultural traditions and a Catholic way of life brought from old Spain by the first Hispano settlers who traveled to the Spanish northern frontier from New Mexico.
Revolution Rail Co. South Fork
Rail biking is a pedal-powered adventure that lets you cruise down railroad tracks reborn for adventure—smooth, safe, and packed with scenery you can’t see any other way.
It’s the freedom to travel through unique landscapes on a custom-built rail bike—no steering, no stress, just pure fun.
Whether you're with family, on a date, or flying solo, every pedal brings you deeper into nature and farther from your to-do list.
Rio Grande County Museum
Take a peek into the cultural history of the area from the Native Americans, to the mountain men fur trappers, to the Mexican land grants and the settlers from New Mexico, to the gold seekers, the farmers, ranchers and merchants who came for land, freedom and a better way of life. Many came for the adventure.
The museum offers learning opportunities for visitors of all ages. Notebooks of research on the exhibits are available and the director and staff are always willing to give guided tours.
