3 minute read
The Official Visit Pagosa Springs Travel Planner
Average Monthly Temperatures (High/Low-F)
January: 39 / 4 February: 44 / 10 March: 50 / 19 April: 59 / 25 May: 68 / 31 June: 78 / 38
July: 83 / 45 August: 80 / 45 September: 73 / 37 October: 63 / 27 November: 49 / 17 December: 40 / 7
www.visitpagosasprings.com 800.252.2204 3
HIKING & BACKPACKING Pagosa Springs has over 650 miles of hiking trails, for all abilities, with scenery that never disappoints. Several scenic and historic hikes can be found right in Downtown Pagosa Springs as well.
If you head north on Piedra Rd (County Rd 600), you will find several hikes - hike the Piedra River Trail through box canyons or take a short 1/2 mile hike that ends at the thundering Piedra Falls. Also north of town on Fourmile Road, is a 3-4 mile oneway hike that will take you to Falls Creek Falls and Fourmile Falls.
The trails south of town include Opal Lake, a 1½ mile, one-way hike, with some steep portions leading to a milky white lake. Trails east of downtown include parts of the Continental Divide Trail. Stop by the visitor center and pick up a FREE Hiking Trail and Scenic Drive brochure for more trail suggestions.
WILDLIFE Pagosa Springs, the surrounding wilderness, and national forest is home to abundant wildlife. Sightings of deer, elk, coyote, skunk, fox, and turkey are not uncommon. While bear, moose, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, lynx, and mountain lions are less common, they do make their home in our area. Pagosa Country also has a large variety of birds, including bald eagles. While we can’t guarantee you’ll see what you are looking for, it is quite likely they will see you!
Both deer and elk venture out in the warm morning sunshine. If you’re hiking, it helps to be quiet as you move along. The animals can hear better than you and commonly stay just out of sight. As you come upon open space, slow down and walk softly for a better chance at spotting wildlife.
The best opportunity to see area wildlife and learn more about the various local animals is to take a tour at Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park. Feeding time is the best time to visit. Located five miles south of Pagosa on Hwy 84, the Wildlife Park is a sanctuary for rescued animals that wouldn’t survive on their own in the wild.
For full event calendar and details, including weekly live music and events, check out: www.visitpagosasprings.com/events
SPRING
Pints & Pools Craft Beer Festival
Pagosa Paddle Whitewater Race Pagosa
Car Show
Folk n’ Bluegrass Festival
Chimney Rock Season Opening
Live theatre productions at Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts
SUMMER
July 4th Festivities: Celebrate America
Arts & Crafts Festivals
Live theatre productions at Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts
Rodeos
Cowboy Fast Draw (State Championship)
Four Corners Folk Festival
Farmers Market
FALL/WINTER
Live theatre productions at Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts
Colorfest Weekend
Mountain Chile Cha Cha
Cabin Fever Festival
Nordic Races
Live theatre productions at Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts
Events at Wolf Creek Ski Area
Winterfest Weekend
Winter in Pagosa Springs is known for bright sunshine, fresh light snow, and outdoor activities for all. The San Juan Valley has terrain perfect for snowshoe and Nordic skiing beginners or those looking to enjoy a quiet day. The adventurous looking for a challenge will find it at Wolf Creek Ski area and higher in San Juan Mountains.
