Pagosa Springs, Colorado: A Little Known Vacation Gem

It is not as well known as some of the other vacation spots in Colorado. Many consider Pagosa Springs, Colorado, to be a true gem, however, because there is beautiful scenery, wilderness areas, a national forest, areas to hike, bike, ride a horse and much more in the summer. There is plenty to do in the winter, with skiing nearby and plenty to do in the town itself.

Pagosa Springs, Colorado, located at the base of the Continental Divide in Southwestern Ohio, has more than 300 days of sunshine each year. It's no wonder some consider it a good summer vacation spot. The three natural hot springs facilities show why the area received its name, as "Pagosah," means healing waters in the Ute language.

In addition to everything else to see in the area, visitors can see Puebloan Indian sites at Chimney Rock Archeological Area.

You can go back in time on one of the two nearby steam trains. If you are still interested in the past after a trip on one of them, you can visit the Historical Museum. At another museum, the Fred Harman Art Museum, you can learn about the history of the Little Beaver and Red Rider cartoons.

Pagosa Springs is surrounded by national forest and wilderness areas--totaling three million acres. You can run, hike, bike, float, fish, kayak, go horseback riding, soak, or just sit and relax and enjoy your vacation.

Other traditional summer activities include a bluegrass festival, a hot rod show, a golden retriever roundup, a July 4 festival with live music, rodeos, and more; a pirate festival, and more.

There is plenty to do in the winter in the area.

The Wolf Creek Ski Area has 465 natural inches of snow annually, providing what some consider to be a great ski area. Durango Mountain is also close to Pagosa Springs.

In November and December you can learn to Nordic ski, as sporting goods shops have their best equipment out to try. Instructors offer free lessons, weather permitting.

In February, there are downhill sled races, Soup for the Soul, a WinterFest dance, Nordic races, the Pagosa Penguin River Plunge, a Snowboard Rail Jam, and a snow sculpting contest.

The Christmas in Pagosa provides Santa Claus and offers caroling, hot cider, cookies, a Bar D Wranglers Christmas concert, and the lighting of the town.

The St. Patrick's Day Parade offers a BBQ and more.

Whatever time of the year you visit, there is plenty to do in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

Citations: Pagosa Springs, no author listed, coloradoinfo.com
Pagosa Springs, no author listed, coloradoinfo.com