Pagosa Springs

The state of Colorado has much to commend it, including the rugged scenery of the Rocky Mountains. Southern Colorado contains Archuleta County and its county seat of Pagosa Springs. It is a beautiful area with pine and aspen forests, hot springs and an historical legacy found at Indian ruins, such as Chimney Rock and the wonderfully named, Canyons of the Ancients. Visitors enjoy the hunting, rafting and the 27 hole, championship golf course. There are also many hiking trails and rivers for good fishing, especially for brown trout and rainbow trout.

Snow sports are very popular in the Rockies and downhill skiing; cross country skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts are to be found at the Wolf Creek Ski Area, just east of the town. It is one of the state's oldest ski resorts and has a plentiful supply of powder snow and a summit of almost 12,000 feet. There is a school for beginners and private lessons can be booked.

The Great Pagosa Hot Springs resort is known for its high mineral water content, believed to have great restorative powers. There are two outdoor pools, one of which is heated, and indoor hot baths. Another Pagosa Springs tourist attraction is the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway, where visitors enjoy being passengers on a vintage steam locomotive

The local history of the area is displayed at the San Juan Pioneer Museum, covering the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. There are various typical examples of the lifestyle of the times in Pagosa Springs, including a barbershop, dentist's surgery, rural schoolroom, blacksmith's forge and general store. There is also a typical family's kitchen and displays of logging equipment.

There is another museum in the area, with an unusual collection in dedication to a cartoonist. The Fred Harman Art Museum exhibits original sketches and paintings and other memorabilia of the creator of Red Ryder and Little Beaver, which appeared in the Chicago Sun newspaper. The museum also shows examples of Harman's fine art output in oils, bronzes and pen and ink drawings with western subjects.

Wildlife and nature is all around the town, including in the Rocky Mountains Wildlife Park. Many native animals are on view and there is a museum and gift shop. There is also an exhibition of landscape and wildlife art and photography. The stone villages, built into the cliffs at nearby Mesa Verde bring visitors to Pagosa Springs from all over the world and show the intricate canyon homes of the Anasazi people.