Pagosa Springs is a pristine and verdant little town in the southwest corner of Colorado.
Pagosa Springs sits quietly at 7,079 feet in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, in the Southwest Corner of Colorado. You hear the same story over and over from residents when you ask: "What brought you here?" Seems most folks drove through on the way to somewhere else, and before you can say "Call the Movers, Honey", they are residents. There are only about 1,500 full-time residents, but a lot of part-timers keep a plethora of vacation homes in the area.
So what's to do in Pagosa Springs? After the awe wears off from the sheer beauty of this pristine mountain town, the Fall brings the hunters and the Winter the skiers who travel just 25 miles northeast to Wolf Creek Ski Area, home of the highest amount of annual snowfall in the state.
Summer brings golfing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, camping, cycling, river rafting, horseback riding, mountain biking. The town is virtually surrounded by national forests.
And yes, year round, one of the most popular attractions are the natural hot springs, reputed to be some of the world's hottest. ("Pagosah" is the Ute Indian word for mineral hot springs, or healing waters). You will surely note the pungent fragrance of sulphur as you pass through town on those hot Summer days. The springs are stunning. They sit just beside and above the San Juan River that runs smack through the center of town. With two feet of snow on the ground and the river frozen, you'll want to be in a 106 degree hot pool of healing waters built into the side of a cliff overlooking it all. And you can even have a massage after you soak at Massage at the Springs.
When you see Town Park you will be convinced that you have stepped into a Norman Rockwell painting. One of the best events of the year is the Humane Society's Pet Pride Day which is held in Town Park, along the beautiful river. There is a County Fair every August, a Fourth of July carnival and craft fair in Town Park, and more parades and festive celebrations than you could imagine for a town so small.
The majestic mountain views that surround the town in all seasons will surely take at least one breath away. Durango is 60 miles west, Albuquerque 212 miles South, Denver 270 miles North.
From Mid-May to the end of September guided tours are given at Chimney Rock Indian Ruins, just 14 miles West of town. The Anasazi lived in and around this site up until about A.D. 1125 it is believed, based upon the archeological evidence.
There are several small motels to choose from, the Pagosa Lodge, a Best Western, and a Holiday Inn Express. In addition, there are many rather unique bed and breakfast options here, ranging from simple yet warm country homes to rather elegantly furnished choices. (The Chamber of Commerce has a great accommodations directory at the Pagosa Springs website).
Unfortunately, the new KFC, McDonalds, and Taco Bell notwithstanding, Pagosa sorely lacks good restaurant choices. But if you are just stopping in for a few days, you won't starve.
Active outdoor folks who crave a small mountain town atmosphere will love this serene and safe, quiet and lush little area. Even if the extent of your outdoor activities is a round of golf or a hike with the dog, you will still find Pagosa Springs to be an enchanting little place of retreat and a wonderful place to raise a family.
