Colorado Gators Reptile Park
* Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge is 14,084 acres in size and is comprised mostly of artificially created wetlands, (impoundments). The water for the wetlands is intensively managed to provide habitat for sandhill cranes, bald and golden eagles, ducks, Canada geese, white-faced ibis, herons, snowy egrets, raptors, owls, and elk, mule deer and occasional pronghorn antelope. The refuge features a 2.5 mile long auto-tour route (open sunrise to sunset) that begins at the information kiosk near the refuge entrance road. There are five "crane viewing" pullouts south of the auto-tour route along Highway 15 South, and afford visitors ample wildlife viewing opportunities in safe locations away from the busy highway. The refuge is located 6 miles south of Monte Vista on State Highway 15, South. Call (719) 589-4021 for more information or visit: www.fws.gov/alamosa
* The world's only drive-in theatre and hotel rolled into one. At Movie Manor Hotel guests can sit in the comfort of their hotel room and watch one of two screens at this drive-in theatre. This unique hotel is just 2 miles west of Monte Vista on US Highway 160. Call (719) 852-5921 or visit: www.bestwestern.com
* Monte Vista Crane Festival provides bird watchers a close look at the amazing cranes that pass through the valley every spring and fall. Guided tours, seminars, educational booths, and workshops feature every aspect of these and other magnificent birds. Call the chamber in Monte Vista at (719) 852-2731 or visit: www.cranefest.com
* The Monte Vista Country Club at 101 Country Club Drive is 75 year old 18-hole course nestled in the heart of town. For information call (719) 852-4906 or visit: www.golfcolorado.com and use the course locator.
* The Silver Thread Scenic Byway is a 75-mile drive between Lake City and South Fork, the Silver Thread Scenic Byway offers not only scenic beauty and natural wonders, but also a deep history forged through abandoned gold and silver mines and boomtowns found along Highway 149. At the height of Colorado's mineral rush, this byway was once a thoroughfare of prospectors and entrepreneurs, boasting towns of thousands of people and thriving businesses. Now only a shadow of its crowning glory, this stretch of highway still attracts visitors with alluring vistas, wild adventures, lively recreation, and fascinating historical sites. Contact the visitor's center at 800-571-0881 or visit: www.southfork.org/silver
* Logger's Day Festival is held every year in South Fork and features axe and log throwing competitions as well as arts, crafts, and food booths. Call the South Fork chamber at (719) 873-5556 or visit: www.coloradologger.com
* The Rio Grande Club is one of the top rated courses in the area. Although primarily a private course, is open to the public subject to availability. Call (719) 873-1995 or visit: www.theriograndeclub.com
* The Natural Arch near Del Norte is an excellent place to see bighorn sheep, deer, antelope, golden eagles, raptors and songbirds all summer. The area has rolling hills covered with pinion, juniper and monolithic rock formations favored by technical rock climbers. To locate the arch go north on highway 112 from Del Norte turn left on the first road past the Rio Grande bridge. Take Forest Rd. 660 to Old Woman's Creek. Go left onto Forest Rd. 569 and drive 1.5 miles to the Natural Arch. You can also visit: www.sangres.com/colorado/riogrande/naturalarch.htm
* Years ago Penitente Canyon served as a place of worship for a small sect of the Catholic Church known as Los Hermanos Penitente, mostly Spanish men of deep faith and commitment, lived secluded from outside influences in the foothills and canyons of the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan Mountains. Penitente Canyon named for its seclusion, has emerged as one of the states premier sport climbing areas. The area, which includes Penitente Canyon and the adjacent Rock Garden, Sidewinder and Witches Canyons have yielded as fine a concentration of high quality routes as any area in the region. Visitors include climbers from as far away as France, Germany, Spain, Canada, and Japan. The area has been featured in Climbing Magazine, and two books written about the area describe the climbs. Visit: www.slvguide.com/delnorte/penitente.htm
* Rio Grande County Museum is located in an area with a rich and varied past, the Museum houses a large collection of artifacts, photographs, books and documents that illustrate the chronicle of a life as it was lived "way back when". It offers glimpses into the lives of prehistoric Indians, cowboys, Spanish colonists, miners trying to make their fortunes and homesteaders in search of the proverbial "Garden of Eden". Call (719) 657-2847 or visit: www.rgcm.org
