There are many attractions for families and groups visiting Pagosa Country, whether it is getting pampered at our local resorts and spas, ice skating, sledding, skateboarding, cross country skiing, snowmobile, nature walking or hot air balloon festivals.
Hot Springs and Spas
When you visit Pagosa Springs, soaking in the local hot springs will bring a welcomed relief from long hikes or activity. There are three locations to choose from. They each offer different and unique experiences.
Healing Waters Resort & Spa
This location offers a large swimming pool, heated by natural mineral waters. There are hot tubs for individual quieter experiences. Whether you want to swim, play or simply lounge, the family will enjoy this getaway.
The Overlook Hot Springs
For the more serious, you can relax in the healing waters in scenic rooftop tubs or in one of 5 indoor pools. Exclusive & completely private tub rooms are available. Massages help you unwind from long hikes or activity, as do hot, therapeutic mineral water soaks.
The Springs Resort & Spa-
This resort offers 23 soaking pools. Every pool offers a different experience. Five pools are designated as Adults Only. A family-friendly swimming pool, a fresh water jacuzzi, and 16 soaking pools for the children to enjoy.
Ice Skating and Sledding Hill
In the heart of downtown Pagosa Springs families and visitors alike will enjoy our free skating pond and sledding hill at Reservoir Hill.
Ice Skating
The Town of Pagosa Springs offers free skating on the ponds behind River Center for ice skating. When the ice is at least 4″ thick, ice skating is allowed. Skate rentals are available nearby.
Sledding
The Pagosa Springs Reservoir Hill allows sledding and snowboarding. Other popular hills in the community are Lobo Overlook parking area on Wolf Creek pass, Hatcher Lake Greenbelt, and the golf course.
Note: Snowboarding is not allowed on private land without owners permission.
Hot Air Balloon
Experiencing the adventure of a lifetime in a hot air balloon. These balloons provide a unique, year round perspective of Pagosa Country, allowing you to float peacefully while taking in the expansive views. With an experienced pilot, individuals, families, and groups, will see the Rocky Mountains as few as people ever get to.
Contact: Rocky Mountain Balloon Adventures Wyndham Resort Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 (970) 946-2549
Siteseeing
There is nothing more beautiful than fall color changes in the San Juan Mountains. Most any place you venture into the forest, youwill be charmed with its colors and beauty. These hikes will allow you to view the Pagosa Country and catch glimpses of small wildlife. The numbers relate to the forest service map.
For information on larger wildlife viewing: Click Here
Buckles Lake Road
(#663) South of Pagosa about fifteen miles.
A lovely gravel road for any vehicle Buckles has some great views into Spring Creek Valley and then up to the trailhead and short hike to the lake.
Mill Creek/Nipple Mtn. Road
Turn just south of the HWY 160/84 junction east on Mill Creek Road. This is a nice long drive in aspen forests with several side roads to investigate.
Wolf Creek Pass including side trips on Jackson Mtn. Road
See the spectacular view from the Treasure Falls Scenic Overlook looking west toward Pagosa.
Jackson Mtn. Road (#037) is a short drive to the trailhead for a nice trail walk into aspen forest.
Plumtaw Road
(#634 from the west, Four Mile Road side) or (#633 from the east, Piedra Road side) A lovely ride with huge vistas and close-up aspen views.
Cross Country Trails and Skiing
Alberta Lake Loop
From Pagosa Springs travel 23 miles East on Highway 160 over Wolf Creek Pass to Wolf Creek Ski Area. Drive to end of Tranquility parking lot. Trail heads down to Alberta Meadows where a 4 km loop goes around the natural meadows and an additional 6 km loop takes you down to Alberta Reservoir. Use of cross country trails is complimentary of Wolf Creek Ski Area: no fee. 10 KM Groomed Nordic Trails
Coyote Hill
From Pagosa Springs go north on Piedra Rd (CR600) 6.5 miles. Once you pass N Pagosa Blvd, go 1/4 mile further accress cattle guard(end of pavement). Coyote Hill trail head parking on right. Groomed by Pagosa Ranger District. 14km Groomed Nordic Trails, all ability levels
Reservoir Hill & Yamagucci Park
South on Hot Springs Blvd past Town Hall. Turn right on Apache St., over bridge, left on S 5th st. Go 2 blocks, parking on left. 1.5KM Groomed Nordic Track Easy Terrain
West Fork
From Pagosa Spirngs, go 15 miles East on Hwy 160 to West Fork Road.(#648) on left just before Treasure Falls Turnout. trailhead 1/4 mile at end of road. 15KM Groomed Nordic Trails
Top of Wolf Creek Pass
23 miles northeats on Hwy 160 to top of Wolf Creek Pass. South side of Hwy is multi use area. Some commercial snowmobile operations. Non motorized area 1/4 mile further east Hwy 160 to Lobo Overlook parking lot on left, North. Increased avalanche potential. Backcountry terrain.
Wolf Creek Trail
20.8 miles northeast on Hwy to Wolf Creek Road (FS#725). Some commercial snowmobile operations.
Increased avalanche potential. 11km Intermediate
Fall Creek Road
19.3 miles northeast on Hwy 160 to Fall Creek Road(FS#039) Some commercial snowmobile operations. Increased avalanche potential. Groomed early season only. 11km Intermediate.
East Fork Trail
10 miles northeast on Hwy 160 to East Fork Road (FS#667), go 1 mile to the closure. Increased avalanche potential. 23km Groomed by Trail Blazer Snowmobile Club
Jackson Mountain
7 miles northeast on Hwy 160 13km Intermediate
Plumtaw Trail
From Hwy 160 in Pagosa Springs, go north onto Lewis Street, immediate left onto N. 5th St, becomes Fourmile rd (CR 400). Go 6.5 miles to trailhead. Roadside parking. Some commercial snowmobile operations. Connects with McManus/ E Toner trailhead, (18 miles north on Piedra Road to FS Rd. #632).
36km Intermediate. Groomed by Trailblazer Snowmobile Club
Horseback Riding
Pagosa Country offers over 3 million acres of national forest with incredible views for lovers of horseback riding. Whether you’re looking for day rides, overnight trips or bringing your own horses, the area has facilities to accommodate your needs.
There is no greater testimony to the area’s horsemanship opportunities than the world renowned Parelli Natural Horsemanship world headquarters, located in Pagosa Springs.
Pagosa Springs has many outfitters that offer horseback rides, pack trips, and hunting and fishing trips. Horses are allowed anywhere in National Forests, unless posted otherwise.
4x4 Trails
Important information: by Norm Vance
Always navigate with a U.S. National Forest Service Map and U.S.G.S. Topo Maps when possible.
On the maps, FDR numbers refer to like numbers on the Forest Service Map identifying forest access roads. Other three-digit numbers identify non-improved roads and trails.
The Forest Service Map is difficult for people with impaired vision. Hiking trails are shown with very fine single dashes and 4×4 trails with equally fine double dashes. A magnifying lens is very helpful.
Major 4×4 Off-road Trails on the San Juan National Forest
No. 1 – DEVIL MOUNTAIL TRAIL FDR626
Trail:
This motorized trail travels north from Hwy 160 about 18 miles west of Pagosa Springs and just west of the Chimney Rock Archaeological Area. It is about 10 miles in length and generally uphill to the end.
Terrain: There are some very steep sections and lengths of loose rock and areas that become slick when wet. Driving this road in spring to early summer can be dangerous because of slick areas and a few stream crossings. Near the end of the road is an old Forest Service lookout tower and a spectacular panoramic view of the divide ridge west, north and east.
No. 2 – EAST FORK/ELWOOD PASS 4×4 TRAIL FDR667
NOTICE, CAUTION!
Terrain and Trail: This 4×4 trail is the “real thing” and the best off-road experience in the Pagosa Country area. It climbs about 18 miles to the top of the Continental Divide and meets with a forest access road just east of the divide. There are two crossings of the East Fork River that are impossible in the spring when snow melt-off makes a raging torrent of the river. Do not attempt in this condition. Later in the summer the crossings are passable with four-wheel drive and high clearance. Just beyond the second crossing is a sharp right turn and an immediate steep climb; be prepared, stay to the inside and don’t stop. There are many other steep and rocky climbing sections along the way and these can be treacherous when wet. Near the top, right at timberline, the road flattens out and mud can be a problem when it’s wet. Once on top there are a lot of interesting things to do, see articles on history of Elwood Pass/Summitville on this site.
No. 3 – BLUE CREEK 4×4 TRAIL
This is a fun ride, it doesn’t go anywhere important but is a “roller coaster” type ride with enough challenge to keep you awake.
Trail: The trail is about 13 miles long and connects The Blanco Road, 7 miles south of Pagosa to the Buckles Lake Road near Chromo, Colorado. There is a crossing of the Blanco River that can only be done after spring runoff season is over.
Terrain: The trail can be muddy in wet weather and life has been lost on this road, near the Blanco side, under wet conditions. There are some shorter 4×4 trails off the main route to try as time allows.
No. 4 – RIO GRANDE SIDE OF THE DIVIDE TRAILS
There is an interesting network of trails on the eastern slopes of the divide. If you go over East Fork/Elwood Pass turn left at the top to find these trails. An alternant route is to drive over Wolf Creek Pass and turn south on Tucker Ponds Road or Park Creek Road. Use the forest service map to navigate this network of trails.
Golf
The Pagosa Springs Golf Club is a spectacular Public Resort Facility with a challenging 27 championship holes. The Pinon Nine and Ponderosa Nine are mountain courses with ponderosa trees bordering the fairway. The Meadows Nine offers the golfer a links-style course with many lakes and magnificent views of the San Juan mountains of southwest Colorado. Annual Golf Memberships are available for those interested in enjoying Pagosa Springs to the fullest.
There is always a new reason to enjoy a day of golf and fun times with family and friends at Pagosa Springs Golf Club. It’s not just for golfers either- bring the family or meet your golfers at The Pines Bar & Restaurant. Pagosa’s only golf club is the ideal way to enjoy the outdoors and the company of others.
For leagues, tournaments, and golf outings at Pagosa Springs Golf Club, be sure to take a look at what options are available to your group this year. Annual Golf Memberships are available for those interested in enjoying Pagosa Springs to the fullest.
Clubhouse hours are 7:00 am to 6:00 pm through June 9th. Starting June 10th until September 14th clubhouse hours are 6:30 am to 7:00 pm.
First tee time is 8:00 am subject to frost delays, course and weather conditions permitting.
The Pines Restaurant is now open daily from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, with a fresh new menu for 2014.
Call for a tee time at 970-731-4755 or visit the Club’s web site at www.golfpagosa.com.
Total Holes: 27-hole Regulation
Designer: Johnny Bulla
Year Opened: 1980
Address: #1 Pines Club Place Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
DIRECTIONS: The course is 3 miles west of the town of Pagosa Springs on the north side of Hwy 160.
Courses close to Pagosa Springs are Dalton Ranch, Hillcrest Golf Club and Tamarron (an Arthur Hills design) which are all located in Durango, about an hour’s drive from Pagosa. Farmington, NM (2 hour drive from Pagosa) has an excellent course which is top rated by Golf Digest.
