Pagosa Springs, CO

I have been going to that corner of CO for about 55 years--still go back. I recommend Vallecito Reservoir that is about 25 miles east of Durango. If you can get in stay at Blue Spruce RV Park. Great hiking nearby, fishing, and some mountain roads that you can do in your truck. I have my summer 2016 reservation at Blue Spruce-hope you can get in.

In the immediate vicinity of Pagosa the scenery isn't as good as when you get closer to the mountains. We weren't fans of the hot springs pool either.

The hiking trail south off of Wolf Creek Pass is pretty tame grade-wise, and you're already high up, so once you clear the trees, you have good views. All along the ridge, you'll look down to the east at Wolf Creek Ski area.

A quick drive up CR 402 on the north side of Wolf Creek Pass takes you to a view point looking north. We haven't been there since the fire of June 2013 when the actually closed US 160 and CO 149 briefly from time to time.


One time we had to drive way up past Williams Creek Reservoir to find a campsite. Pretty area as you get higher up. There's a trailhead at the end of the road heading into the San Juans but we didn't get to it. I do seem to recall seeing some horse trailers there, so the trail conditions may be affected by that. In mid summer, the flowers will be out and there are lots of meadows on that road.

On our to do list is a much more in depth exploration of the Southern San Juans, those mountains south of Wolf Creek Pass. Pretty wild area down there.

We know we will be going to Ouray again and then we thought we would go to Chama, NM (never been there). Was looking for something in between. Could do Durango again but not all that excited about that. We were afraid we would miss something we would regret the rest of our lives! :-) Unless there is a really special thing or hike we might just do the over night one of those places.

I've been thru there several times and don't remember ANYTHING worth seeing there.

Hey Lauren,

The hot springs in town are fun, but unless one is really in to hot springs, it's a one time thing for most folks. However...

H E R E is an interesting place to consider staying, looks like reasonable rates, and there's some hiking info on their website.

And H E R E is a resource I've used before (alltrails.com) to evaluate hiking trails, since there are so many up here in northern Colorado.

And H E R E is another resource for day hikes in and around the Pagosa Springs area.

Looks like there could be enough to keep you busy for a bit!!:D

Pagosa Springs is good for a visit to say "been there, done that". But it is really a very touristy town. And the hot springs is the major attraction best as I can tell. And we have been several times.

For natural beauty, hiking trails, mountain drives, etc in that same general area, I would be more inclined to recommend Lake City. Beautiful area and not nearly the number of tourist as Pagosa as it is off the beaten path. Some 4 wheel roads that would be best to rent a local jeep for rather than take your own truck.

In the link above, you can click on the arrow on the left side of the top picture and scroll thru the other pics. And click on each pic for additional info for each activity.