Discover Archuleta

Archuleta combines vast natural landscapes, impressive waterfalls, archaeological sites and the vibrant surroundings of Pagosa Springs. A vacation rental or vacation home in the region can therefore suit different travel plans: days spent hiking and observing wildlife as well as cultural activities, hot springs, river activities or road trips.

Landscape Between National Forest and Mountains

A defining part of the region is the San Juan National Forest: 49 % of Archuleta County is covered by this forest area. Around Pagosa Springs, 2.5 million acres of wilderness and national forest land are also available for hiking, wildlife observation, fishing and backcountry adventures. The county receives an average of 116 inches of snow per year. Wolf Creek Pass is only a short drive from downtown Pagosa Springs; at Wolf Creek Ski Area, skiing is part of the destination’s offerings.

The landscape is also varied in summer and during the snow-free season. Treasure Falls is a 100-foot-high waterfall visible from US 160. A short trail of about a quarter of a mile leads to Misty Deck, where you can feel the spray from the waterfall. The Opal Lake Trail is 1.2 miles long; after about a mile, it enters the South San Juan Wilderness. Opal Lake gets its milky color from mineral deposits at the inlet.

Hiking with Different Points of Emphasis

For planning your day, trails with distinctly different profiles are available. Coyote Hill is an easy loop at a low elevation and offers views of the San Juan Mountains and Pagosa Peak. Piedra Falls is about half a mile from the trailhead; the round trip takes approximately 30 minutes. Those looking for a longer route will find a 12-mile point-to-point trail on the Piedra River Trail that leads from the edge of a canyon down to the river. On both sides, steep cliffs rise for several hundred yards.

The Quartz Creek Trail is 6.5 miles long and provides access to the Continental Divide Trail south of Summit Peak. Reservoir Hill has trails for hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, as well as an 18-hole disc golf course. Cloman Park also features an 18-hole disc golf course along with hiking and mountain biking trails.

Chimney Rock and Regional History

Chimney Rock National Monument encompasses 4,726 acres and preserves hundreds of prehistoric archaeological sites around the twin peaks of Chimney Rock and Companion Rock. The ancestors of today’s Pueblo Indians built more than 200 dwellings and ceremonial structures there; the site is spiritually significant to many tribes. Archaeological finds point to a thriving community that existed there and in the surrounding area until approximately 1125 A.D.

The monument offers an accessible, self-guided tour featuring the Great Kiva and a reconstructed pit house. In addition, the Pagosa Springs History Museum in downtown Pagosa Springs, at 96 Pagosa Street next to the bridge over the San Juan River, tells the story of the local past. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, it is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; it remains closed on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays.

Water, Wildlife and Experiences in Pagosa Springs

The San Juan River flows through downtown Pagosa Springs and offers whitewater as well as recreational opportunities for trips on calm water. Sailing is permitted on Navajo Reservoir. The reservoir extends 20 miles south to New Mexico, covers 15,000 water-surface acres and attracts sailors, houseboaters, motorboaters, anglers and campers year-round. At Navajo State Park, you can look out for deer, elk, foxes, beavers, river otters and numerous bird species.

The Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park teaches visitors about Colorado’s native wildlife, displays animals up close in naturalistic habitats and offers a daily feeding tour led by an animal keeper. Downtown Pagosa also has more than 50 hot spring pools at three commercially operated facilities. The Pagosa Farmers Market takes place every Saturday from June 6 through the end of September, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Those who would like to end the day with a meal can visit Riff Raff Brewing Company on the San Juan River for craft beer or cocktails as well as entrées, salads, burgers and fried dishes.

Pagosa Springs as a Possible Starting Point

Pagosa Springs is located on US Highway 160, an east-west highway, and therefore connects various excursion ideas in the region. From the city, possibilities range from the museum and hot spring pools to river activities, waterfalls and the short route to Wolf Creek Pass. For a vacation rental in Archuleta, it can therefore be decisive whether you are primarily planning cultural activities and amenities in Pagosa Springs, hikes in the national forest, water experiences at the reservoir or winter days at Wolf Creek Ski Area.

Additional destinations for orientation: Custer, Weld, San Miguel, Montezuma County, Douglas, Sedgwick County, Washington County.

For the main travel overview: Colorado.