http://www.visitmontevista.com/

Visit Monte Vista Colorado, San Luis Valley, Monte Vista, CO (2025)

12/30/2021

The Chamber of Commerce’s Tourism Marketing Committee has had a wonderful time this year, launching our various campaigns to raise awareness about the historic town of Monte Vista, Colorado; situated on the eastern side of Rio Grande County. We trust that our posts have helped you to learn more about our wonderful town, the many fine amenities available and how from here, “You Can Get Anywhere in the San Luis Valley.” We look forward to bringing you even more exciting new about “The Heart of the SLV in 2022. From all of us here, Happy New Year!

12/28/2021

Monte Vista Is “The Heart of the San Luis Valley.” Centrally located to everything there is to see and do in this wonderful part of south-central Colorado. As you’re making plans for 2022, be sure to include this historic town on your itinerary. From here you can get everywhere in the region in about an hour, enjoy your day, then return to Monte Vista where you can indulge in a variety of dining options, then retire that evening in one of our local hotels. For more information on all of the great attractions available, hotels, dining, shopping and more, check out our extensive website: https://visitmontevista.com/.

12/23/2021

No matter how you celebrate during this time of year, the Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce’s Tourism Marketing Committee wishes you the best holiday season. Whether you’re spending time with family, relatives, friends or loved ones, we hope your days are filled with happiness, merriment and love. We’ve had a wonderful first year marketing Monte Vista as “The Heart of the San Luis Valley,” and look forward to an even better year in 2022.

12/21/2021

Did you know that roughly 70 cents out of every dollar spent locally stays right here? It’s true! Shopping in Monte Vista not only helps local businesses, but also contributes to someone’s paycheck and helps our local economy. If you’re looking for great gift ideas, we urge you to please shop local. From fine clothing, one-of-a-kind arts, handcrafted products, local souvenirs, and always gift certificates if you cannot make up your mind. Visit Monte Vista “The Heart of the San Luis Valley,” support our local businesses and get something unique for friends or loved ones. And while you are here check out our historic downtown area, dine at one of our restaurants and stay the night in one of our fine hotels. Thank you for shopping in Monte Vista this holiday season.

12/16/2021

Wolf Creek Ski Area is open for the season! Whether you are a skier or a boarder, you are in for a thrill at one of Colorado’s finest ski resorts. Friendly employees and plenty of light powder keep people coming back season after season. Wolf Creek Ski Area boasts “The Most Snow In Colorado” and with over 430” of natural snow per year you won’t find better snow conditions anywhere! Lift tickets are one of the most affordable in the state. Wolf Creek Ski Area is a beautiful 44 miles drive from Monte Vista, the Heart of the San Luis Valley. Plan your winter ski trip now. For more information, visit: https://visitmontevista.com/wolf-creek-ski-area/.

12/14/2021

Have you seen the new feature on our website? It is a map of “Things to Do” all with Monte Vista as your home base. Monte Vista is truly the Heart of the San Luis Valley! Plan a half day or full day trip by checking out the mileage and drive time for your chosen attraction. Click on “Map” in the navigation bar to access the new map. Be sure to return to Monte Vista in time to try one of our great restaurants and stay another day for another adventure, at one of our wonderful hotels. For more information, visit: https://visitmontevista.com/monte-vista-heart-of-the-slv/.

12/09/2021

Monte Vista, Colorado has many wonderful and unique businesses that would love your support during this holiday season. From fine clothing, one-of-a-kind arts, handcrafted products, local souvenirs and always gift certificates if you cannot make up your mind. Visit Monte Vista “The Heart of the San Luis Valley,” support our local businesses and get something unique for friends and loved ones. While you are here check out our historic downtown area, dine at one of our restaurants and stay the night in one of our fine hotels. Thank you.

12/08/2021

Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa is located in the northern gateway to the beautiful San Luis Valley. Enjoy a peaceful day at this relaxing retreat. Enlighten your senses with their rejuvenating waters, relaxing massage therapies and magnificent views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. Joyful Journey offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from comfortable Hotel Rooms with private bathrooms and aspen-wood furniture, to native Tipis, all-season Yurts, or RV and camp sites. Joyful Journey is a mere 50 miles or about 50 minutes from Monte Vista, the Heart of the San Luis Valley. For more information, visit: https://joyfuljourneyhotsprings.com/.

12/02/2021

The Carnegie Library in Monte Vista, Colorado is a building from 1919. It was designed by Denver architect John J. Huddart in Classical Revival style. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. The Carnegie Library in Monte Vista is one of two public libraries that continue to serve Rio Grande County. The Carnegie Public Library in Monte Vista is one of the few original Carnegie Libraries that still exist in the United States today. The library has a very warm and welcoming atmosphere for patrons young and old! Stop in to see what the library has in store for you. Conveniently located at 120 Jefferson St in historic downtown Monte Vista, the heart of the SLV. For more information, visit: https://carnegiepubliclibraries.colorado.gov/a-history-of-the/carnegie-public-library-monte-vista-branch.

11/30/2021

Christmas In Candyland is the theme for this year’s holiday celebration in downtown Monte Vista. Houses and businesses are decorated up and ready for you to enjoy. There will be a parade, tree lighting, caroling and even Santa will make an appearance this Saturday evening, December 4th. As well, make sure to take in the Chamber’s Holiday Bazaar this Friday and Saturday at the Nazarene Church gymnasium. It’s a great time to come on out, enjoy a festive start to the holiday season, and support local crafters, artists and businesses. Monte Vista is truly the Heart of the San Luis Valley. For more information, visit: https://www.montevistachamber.org/holiday-bazaar-2021.html

11/26/2021

Small Business Saturday takes place tomorrow and is to encourage you to ‘Shop Small’ instead of making purchases at big box stores and e-commerce stores. For every dollar spent at a small business, it’s estimated that an average of $0.67 stays in our local community. This has the potential to boost sales during the upcoming holiday season, with many of our small businesses still working to make up the revenue they’ve lost throughout the pandemic. The Chamber’s Tourism Marketing Committee encourages you to support our local businesses and shop local throughout historic Monte Vista and Rio Grande County tomorrow.

11/25/2021

The Monte Vista Chamber’s Tourism Marketing Committee extends our best wishes to you and yours on this Thanksgiving 2021. We trust your day will be filled with family, fun, great food and a host of blessings. We thank you for following our Facebook group and look forward to bringing you even more fascinating information about our historic town in the future. Monte Vista truly is The Heart of the San Luis Valley. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here.

11/20/2021

When the Granada Theater first opened in downtown Monte Vista in 1941, it seated 575 patrons. It was renamed the Vali Theater in 1965. The theater was rebuilt in 1971 after being gutted by fire, to seat 407 people. All along the way, the Vali-3 Theater as it’s now known, has undergone various ownership and management changes, but continues today. More recently, The “Friends of the Vali 3 Theater” formed as a grass-roots community-based volunteer group initially to reopen the Vali 3 Theater. Today they seek to continue operations of the theater in a sustainable manner and to provide quality 1st run movies and events for the San Luis Valley. Movies are usually shown on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and groups can even rent the theater for public or private events. Conveniently located at 139 Adams Street, the Vali-3 Theater is indeed a historic part of The Heart of the San Luis Valley, Monte Vista. For more information: https://visitmontevista.com/vali-3-theater/.

11/17/2021

Truly an oasis in the middle of the scenic SLV, Sand Dunes Recreation (also known as Hooper Pool) offers family fun, relaxation, & rejuvenation. They have a 50x100 large family pool maintained at 98 degrees year-round! An enclosure at one end assures comfort from the weather & covers the baby pool as well. A 25 person therapy pool maintained at ~106 degrees is also under the enclosure. Their on-site grille, offers delicious food for any taste. Suits, sunscreen, snacks, or an array of gifts & jewelry are available in their Gift Shop. And for adults 21 and older, there is a Green House with smaller tubs, a sauna, steam room and a bar. Sand Dunes Recreation is only 30 miles or about 35 minutes from Monte Vista, the heart of the San Luis Valley. Book your stay in Monte Vista, spend the day at Sand Dunes Recreation and top of the evening at one of our fine dining establishments. For more information: https://visitmontevista.com/sand-dunes-swimming-pool/

11/11/2021

The Monte Vista Chamber’s Tourism Marketing Group takes time today to thank all of our local Veterans on this Veteran’s Day 2022. Whether you served on active duty, the National Guard, or in a Reserve unit, we want you to know what we deeply appreciate your service to this great country of ours. There are numerous activities & celebrations planned across the San Luis Valley and even several local restaurants offering Veterans a free meal. From all of us here, Thank You!

11/10/2021

Revered as one of the most impressive waterfalls in the entire Upper Rio Grande, Zapata Falls is a must see! Flowing into a narrow crevasse just south of the Great Sand Dunes National Park, the falls trailhead provides a spectacular view of the entire dunes. To view the falls, hike about a half mile, cross the creek and then climb up the rocks and stream into a crevasse where the 25 ft. high falls cascade onto a ledge. Zapata Falls is an easy day trip from Monte Vista, the Heart of the San Luis Valley. It’s just about a one hour drive, 44 miles away. Impressive to see, regardless of the season, make your plans to visit Zapata Falls.

11/04/2021

The tallest dunes in North America are the centerpiece in a diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, forests, alpine lakes, and tundra, all at the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. Open 24/7 year round! There are no reservations to visit or limit on the number of visitors in the park and preserve, but there is currently limited capacity in the visitor center. Activities abound, such as sand boarding, splashing in Medino Creek, camping, ranger programs, horseback riding, fishing and so much more. Everything to do in the San Luis Valley is only minutes from Monte Vista "The Heart of the Valley." The Dunes are only 39 miles or 45 minutes away. Come stay with us in Monte Vista, spend your day at the Dunes and come back to Monte to partake in one of our great restaurants for the evening. For more information, visit: https://www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm.

11/02/2021

The face of downtown Monte Vista is changing, for the better. New businesses have opened, others have expanded, still more are slated to open soon and growth is certainly in the air. Salons, a mix of eating establishments, thrift stores, a Native American Art Gallery, coffee shops, a hardware store, a soon to open music venue, hobby & craft stores, communications/phone stores, a computer shop, a real estate office, a fine clothing store and so much more await you. Come stay in Monte Vista, dine at our fine restaurants, shop in any of our unique stores, stay in one of our comfortable hotels and enjoy all that the San Luis Valley has to offer. To learn more, visit: https://visitmontevista.com/.

10/28/2021

Looking for something spooky to do this weekend? Come stay in Monte Vista and explore all of the different activities planned for this Halloween weekend. From haunted houses and trunk or treats to costume contests and even a Midnight showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, there’s something scary and exciting for everyone all across the San Luis Valley, all weekend long. For more information on the various events happening, visit https://slvoices.com/events-calendar/ for dates times and locations. Have a safe and enjoyable Halloween from the Monte Vista Chamber's Marketing Group.

10/26/2021

The La Garita Natural Arch is different from many of the others you’ll find scattered around Colorado. Rather than being formed from uplifted sandstone, the Ventana Arch formed within a magma intrusion called a volcanic d**e. A steep hike leads to the arch with views across the San Luis Valley to the Sangre de Cristo mountains and the Great Sand Dunes National Park. The arch itself is difficult to see from any direction except directly in front of or behind it. Located about 11 miles northwest of Del Norte, Colorado, on Forest Service Road A23, the road is rough and a high clearance vehicle is advised. Make sure you bring your camera to snap photos of the massive arch and the surrounding volcanic remains. The La Garita Arch is just one of many wonderful and unique natural attractions located in and around Monte Vista, the heart of the San Luis Valley. To learn more, visit: https://visitmontevista.com/la-garita-arch/.

10/21/2021

Geocaching is the world's largest treasure hunting game. The game's passionate community is made up of millions of players that use Geocaching apps and GPS-enabled devices to find cleverly hidden containers called geocaches, then they share their experiences with others. Today, there are more than 3 million geocaches in over 190 countries. Local to Monte Vista in the heart of the San Luis Valley, there are 19 unique geocaches within a 10 mile radius of downtown. Going out only 20 miles, there’s over 70 geocache locations. So get out, have fun hunting during the day, then stay and enjoy a wonderful evening in Monte Vista. To get started Geocaching, visit: https://www.geocaching.com

10/19/2021

The unique ecosystems of the San Luis Valley have a plethora of birds and waterfowl. This tapestry of wetlands and agricultural fields are filled with the sounds of cranes, geese, ducks and even deer and elk herds. Established in 1952, the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge is 14,804 acres of artificially created yet intensively managed fields and wetlands, providing a habitat for a wide variety of water loving birds. Every March the refuge and local organizations host the Crane Festival, a weekend event that highlights the 6 week long north migration stopover of nearly 20,000 Sandhill Cranes. While not as abundant, the cranes stop back in Monte Vista in October of each year for their return migration. The Visitor Center and numerous viewing areas are located on Highway 15, about 6 miles south of Monte Vista in the heart of the San Luis Valley. For more information, visit: https://visitmontevista.com/monte-vista-national-wildlife-refuge/.

10/15/2021

One of the more unique attractions in the San Luis Valley is the Colorado Gator Farm. An exciting event has happened! The Gator Farm is welcoming some newly hatched baby Alligators. So this weekend October 15 through the 17 is FREE Admission. Come see the new family! The Farm is just 17 miles north of Alamosa on Highway 17 in Mosca only 30 minutes or about 24 miles from Monte Vista the Heart of the San Luis Valley! Take in all the sights and wonders of Colorado's only Gator Farm during the day, then spend a relaxing evening in historic Monte Vista. For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/927656267879462.

10/12/2021

The San Luis Valley Antique Iron Club is committed to the preservation, restoration, and promotion of antique agricultural collectibles. On October 16th they're hosting a Garden/Lawn Tractor pull at the track, located at 2355 US Hwy 160 in Alamosa County. Weigh in starts at 9AM and pulling begins at 11AM. The track is a mere 9 miles or approximately 11 minutes from Monte Vista, the Heart of the Valley! Enjoy the day at the track, stay the evening in historic downtown Monte Vista, dine in one of Monte Vistas fine restaurants. For more information, visit https://slvaic.com/.

10/08/2021

Fall is one of the best seasons here in Rio Grande County and surrounding Rio Grande National Forest. Warm days and cool night temperatures usher in the vibrant color change in the high country aspen trees. Some of the local drives to view the brilliant hues include Del Norte Peak Road, Pinos Creek Road Loop, Silver Thread Scenic Byway, Park Creek Road, Cochetopa Pass, Platoro Reservoir and Love Lake. Many of these scenic drives are less than 30 minutes from Monte Vista in the heart of the San Luis Valley. For more information and directions, visit: https://visitriograndecounty.com/aspen-colors-fall-foliage-car-tours/. And don’t forget your camera!

10/05/2021

The town of San Luis is home to a cultural and spiritual display of inspiring art. The Stations of the Cross are beautifully depicted in a series of bronze sculptures by internationally known San Luis artist Huberto Maestas. They rest along a comfortable three-quarter mile trail that climbs a short distance up a small mesa named La Mesa de la Piedad y de la Misericordia (the Hill of Piety and Mercy). The walk offers numerous opportunities for meditation and reflection, and ends at the top at the chapel, La Capilla de Todos Los Santos (The Chapel of All Saints). No matter your spirituality, this is an emotional and cultural experience. San Luis, the oldest town in Colorado, is only about an hour from Monte Vista in the heart of the San Luis Valley. For more information, visit: http://townofsanluisco.org/shrine.html

09/30/2021

Just east of the downtown area is Monte Vista’s Montez Skate Park. Measuring in at 12,000 square feet of concreted surface, this amazing park has a fun bowl with rad transfer in the street area that has some nice hubbas, a small taco and lots of banks. The Montez Skate Park first opened in June 2013 and has become a favorite for skaters and BMX Bikers across The Valley and beyond. Google reviews for the park stand at 4.5 out of 5 stars. Open from 5AM until 10PM daily and conveniently located at 1401-1475 Park Avenue. Bring your skateboard or bike and enjoy another wonderful treasure in Monte Vista, the heart of the San Luis Valley.

09/28/2021

Stretching from New Mexico to California, the Old Spanish Trail consisted of three distinct trade routes in the American West from 1829–1848. All three of the routes passed through different areas in Colorado. Two of these routes ran north-south through the upper Rio Grande Valley and the San Luis Valley the oldest, both in use for 1,000 years. You can visit parts of the North Branch, just minutes west of downtown Monte Vista. The scenery is beautiful and on a clear day you can see for miles ahead. Just imagine the pioneers exploring this region! Rolling prairies, mountain vistas and miles and miles of what is now hiking, biking, and ATV trails right here in the heart of the San Luis Valley. Experience history and nature at its finest. There is a wealth of additional information available for the Old Spanish Trail, including:

https://coloradoencyclopedia.org/article/old-spanish-national-historic-trail
https://oldspanishtrail.org/
https://www.museumtrail.org/old-spanish-trail---la-vereda-de-norte-chapter.html
https://www.nps.gov/olsp/learn/historyculture/index.htm

(Special thanks to local photographer John McEvoy for the use of his wonderful picture).

09/24/2021

This Saturday, September 25th you can enjoy a fun-filled day of live music featuring Dave Mensch and Ol’ Scratch along with craft beer and spirits! All the festivities take place in Sunset Park in Alamosa from 2PM until 7PM. General Admission is only $5. Tasting Wristbands are $30 and limited VIP Packages are available for $50. There will be live music, giant games, face painting, a mobile escape room, bouncy houses, a stein holding contest, keg toss and a corn hole tournament. Alamosa is a mere 22 minutes or 17 miles from the heart of the San Luis Valley, Monte Vista. For more information, visit https://www.alamosachamber.com/oktobrufest

09/22/2021

Located right in the city, the Monte Vista Golf Club offers 9 regulation holes for play as well as cart rentals. Outside of golf they host a number or local functions throughout the year. One of Colorado’s first 15 golf courses, the Monte Vista Golf Club has been making tee times since 1928! Conveniently located at 101 Country Club Drive. Come on out and experience a small but challenging course with a laid back atmosphere. Open daily from 8AM until 6:30PM. You can call 719-628-0130 or visit https://golfmontevista.com/ for more information.

09/16/2021

Looking for fresh produce, special gifts, handcrafted items and more? Whether you’re a local or from out of town, Farmer’s Markets take place every weekend in the San Luis Valley. From Monte Vista, you can easily get to any of the Farmer’s Markets and produce stands. This week is the last Farmer’s Market for Monte Vista, happening Friday, September 17 from 9AM until 1PM in the Fassett Parking Lot, behind Rain Brews. The seasonal Colorado and New Mexico produce and locally handcrafted items offered at the various Farmer’s Markets help support our local communities across the region. For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/MonteVistaFarmersMarket

09/14/2021

Penitente Canyon, while quite secluded, has emerged as one of Colorado’s premier rock climbing areas. The area includes Penitente, Rock Garden, Sidewinder, and Witches Canyons with a high concentration of world class routes. Along with unparalleled rock climbing, the newly reworked trail systems offers 17 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking to enjoy among twisty rock canyons and towering boulders. Humans have visited this area for over 1000 years. From prehistoric groups to Utes and Jicarilla Apaches, people have added to the area’s rich history. Penitente offers so much to explore! From Monte Vista, the heart of the San Luis Valley, Penitente Canyon is a mere 30 minutes or about 26 miles away. For more information, visit: https://visitmontevista.com/penitente-canyon/

09/09/2021

The San Luis Valley Potato Festival is back for 2021!! Come out on Saturday, September 11th and celebrate America's most popular vegetable and a day at Chapman Park. This is no ordinary food fest - this is a celebration of American farms and farming! There will be the annual 5K Spud Run, Craft and Food Vendors, Guided Ag Tours, Chef Demonstration, a Truck and Semi Show, the Famous Mashed Potato Dunk Tank, Freshly Harvested Colorado Potatoes and much more! Octane Addictions and their motorsports stunt team is this year's special entertainment! It’s all happening in the heart of the SLV, Monte Vista. For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/207776651112154

09/07/2021

Monte Vista is a quaint and historic town located in the heart of the San Luis Valley. In every direction one is surrounded by the magnificent Colorado Rocky Mountains. From here the Heart of the Valley excitement and adventure awaits you! Spend the day at the Great Sand Dunes, wrestle an Alligator, go Hiking, Biking, Fishing, Rock Climbing, Kayaking, Swimming and so much more! Stay here in Monte Vista and plan your daily adventures and excursions though out our wonderful valley! For more information: https://visitmontevista.com/

09/02/2021

Planning on coming to the San Luis Valley for the weekend? Then Monte Vista is the place to stay. Conveniently located in the heart of the valley, everything is accessible from this quaint mountain town. Even the farthest reaches of the SLV are just over an hour’s drive from Monte Vista. You can stay the night, go out and take in some of the attractions or adventures that await you during the day. Then return to great restaurants and reasonably priced local hotels in the evening. We’ve got what you need, right here in Monte Vista, at the heart of the San Luis Valley. Learn more at: https://visitmontevista.com/

08/31/2021

The Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce is also our local Visitors Center for the San Luis Valley region. Stop by 947 1st Avenue to pick up guide books, flyers and pamphlets and learn more about all of the wonderful attractions, places to go and things to do. Open Mon-Fri from 9AM until Noon and 1PM until 4PM. Monte Vista is a historic & lively town located in the heart of the San Luis Valley! In every direction you look, you are surrounded by Colorado's magnificent Rocky Mountains...some of which peak at 14,000 feet! So stop by the Visitor’s Center, go out and experience some of what this area has to offer, then come back and stay in Monte Vista. https://www.montevistachamber.org/

08/26/2021

Catch a tune or two in Creede this weekend, starting at 11am each day. The Headwater's Music Festival brings a series of bands to town for the weekend, along with a variety of unique local dining experiences and vendor booths. The Headwater's stage is erected on the Ball Field, set against a backdrop of Creede's quaint downtown and soaring rock cliffs. Festival-goers set up lawn chairs on the expanse of grass, backed by the San Juan Mountain range, and just a short distance from the headwaters of the mighty Rio Grande. Creede is only 51 miles or about an hour’s drive along the beautiful Silver Thread Scenic Byway, from the heart of the San Luis Valley, Monte Vista. For more information, visit: https://www.headwatersmusicfestival.com/

08/24/2021

Looking for a taste of the old west this coming weekend? Then check out the Alamosa Round-UP 2021, from August 26-29. Events planned for this exciting weekend include the PRCA Rodeo, a demolition derby, mutton busting, an old west cattle drive, a parade, Cowboy Church, a concert, open barrel racing and more. This over 40 year old event will take place at the Alamosa Fair & Rodeo Grounds, 8784 Old Sanford Road. Only 18 miles or about 22 minutes from downtown Monte Vista, the heart of the San Luis Valley. For more information, visit http://www.alamosaroundup.com/

08/20/2021

This is THE WEEKEND to be in Monte Vista. From an Amish fundraiser dinner, a Native American Art Fair, and the Friday Art Walk & Farmer’s Market, to a Micro Brew Fest & Car Show, and so much more, there is something for everyone taking place over the entire weekend. Come visit our local shops, dine at one of our fine establishments and stay the night in this historic town in the heart of the San Luis Valley. The Brew Fest and Car Show will also include games, a scavenger hunt, jousting, food trucks, local vendors and music. A fun and exciting weekend awaits you here in Monte Vista, Colorado. For even more information: https://visitmontevista.com/

08/17/2021

Even summer weekdays hold enjoyable events in Monte Vista and Rio Grande County. You can play pickleball in South Fork, attend a summer BBQ and play bingo in Monte Vista, or have fun at an Open Mic Night and Farmers Market in Del Norte. Throughout the county, activities abound for you to take in, even during the week. And, you can easily get everywhere you want to go from the heart of the San Luis Valley, Monte Vista. So come on out, shop, dine, stay in town and enjoy all that this historic area has to offer, weekdays or weekends. Learn more at: https://visitmontevista.com/