2017
A Tourism & Recreation Guide to Conejos & Costilla Counties... In Southern Colorado
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Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Conejos/Costilla County summer events
Fort Garland Family Fun, June 17 Not to repeat another year without
Sanford Pioneer Days event. A pageant competition will be held, in addition to a parade and other events. Info: 719-274-4024
Manassa Pioneer Days, July 20-22
entertainment, Fort Garland has created a fundraiser family event in support of the pee wee basketball and wrestling teams. There will be a 16-team volleyball tournament, games for When it comes to celebrations, Manassa kids, music, food vendors and fun from noon means business. The small town should; they’ve to 6 p.m. at the fort. Admission is free. been officially celebrating for 138 years and the For more information, call 719-379-3482. pride hasn’t waned. As the town grew, so did the celebrations. What began as a time to celebrate the Mormon settlers, the three-day celebration has become a time when generations of families get together to share their history, legacy and memories, which build with each year’s events. La Jara Glory Days, a traditional summertime It’s also a time for visitors and joy for some celebration, features a pancake breakfast, 5K 10,000 persons each summer. There’s a carnival, race, parade, live music, a street dance, vendors, rodeos, live music, annual royalty, horse racing, food and fun. Info: 719-580-5828 a demolition derby and more. Not to be missed are the parades, with floats that rival those in big cities and something for everyone. Info: 719-843-5207, www.manassa.com
La Jara Gloy Days, June 24 July Rocks, July 8, 15, 29, Aug. 5
Saturday nights in La Jara Town Park rock during July with live music from 7-9 p.m. Don’t miss out on the second annual event at 221 Broadway. Info: 719-274-5363
Santa Ana y Santiago Fiesta, July 21-23 San Luis, Colorado’s oldest town, honors and
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La Jara Farmers Market, Aug. 11Sept. 8, every Friday The La Jara Farmers Market will begin in
produce of local farmers and gardeners, the events also feature live performers and other activities. Info: 719-274-5363
Sept. 1-3
Antonito tops off the summer with a Labor Day celebration that includes a softball celebrates the native Catholic culture and plays tournament, drawing players from across host to three days of Mariachis, local bands, late summer and run into the early fall at the Colorado and New Mexico, with parades, traditional singers, wonderful food and more. La Jara Town Park, 221 Broadway. With the artists, great food and abundant fun. Sanford honors their roots with the annual Info: 719-672-2080
Sanford Pioneer Days, July 20
Museums of the southern San Luis Valley
Jack Dempsey Museum
Antonito Conejos County Museum Located at 5252 U.S. Hwy. 285, it features memorabilia from the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad, Silo Park, the 1913 Warshauer Mansion and the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: Free Info: 719-376-2049 or 1-800-835-1098
Photo by Ryker Alonzo
St., the birthplace of the legendary “Manassa Mauler,� the world’s greatest heavyweight boxer of the 20th century. View a wealth of photos and memorabilia of Dempsey’s legendary career. Hours: Tues.-Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (summer season) Admission: Free Info: 719-843-5207
Sanford Fort Garland Sanford Museum Fort Garland Museum Located at 778 Main St. in Sanford. Historic Fort Garland is a proud historic Hours: By appointment only landmark in the town that bears its name. Fort Info: 719-274-4382 Garland was once commanded by the legendary Christopher “Kit� Carson and was home to the San Luis 9th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers. Sangre de Cristo Heritage Center Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (summer season) Closed, call for updates Admission: Adults $5, Children (ages 6-16) Info: 719-672-0999 $3.50, Seniors $4.50, Children (under age six) free. Active military and their families, as well For more information on all local as SLV residents (with proof of residency) have m u s e u m s , v i s i t M u s e u m Tr a i l . o rg , free admission. Info: 719-379-3512 s p o n s o r e d b y t h e S a n L u i s Va l l e y Museum Association, “Your pathway to Manassa the history of the San Luis Valley.� Info: Jack Dempsey Museum 719-580-4346, Facebook: museumtrail. The Jack Dempsey Museum is at 412 Main org, museumtrail@yahoo.com
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Summer in The South
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
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Plan your next road trip along scenic Los Caminos Antiguos
COLORADO — A new partnership between the Colorado Byways Program and MyScenicDrives.com is offering a new way to explore Colorado’s 26 Scenic and Historic Byways – just in time for the summer season. MyScenicDrives.com provides detailed information about Colorado’s system of 26 spectacular touring routes – 2,565 miles – throughout the state. MyScenicDrives.com includes features that showcase electrical vehicle charging stations, visitor amenities and a road-trip planner that can be printed or exported to a GPS device. Here is the link for specific information on Los Caminos Antiguos https://www. myscenicdrives.com/drives/colorado/loscaminos-antigous. Additionally, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) furnishes a free Bicycling and Scenic Byways map that is available at Colorado Welcome Centers or by mail upon request. CDOT also provides online bicycle route maps at https://www. codot.gov/programs/bikeped/informationfor-bicyclists/colorado-bicycling-maps. The Colorado Byways program website includes a resources page with additional tourism materials, and wayfinding information. “We encourage visitors and residents alike to take advantage of these free resources and explore Colorado’s byways,” said Colorado Scenic Byways coordinator Lenore Bates. “Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, history buff, nature lover, tourist or conservationist, Colorado’s byways provide a “wow” factor that can’t be denied.” Los Caminos Antiguos is located within Alamosa, Costilla, and Conejos Counties and provides access to The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, the historic town of San Luis, Stations of the Cross Shrine, the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, Colorado’s oldest church in Conejos, and
many other natural and historic sites. The byways throughout the state are located in 48 of Colorado’s 65 counties and provide access to eight National Forests and two National Grasslands; eight National Monuments; two National Historic Sites; two National Heritage Areas; two National Wildlife Refuges; two National Recreation Areas; 13 National Recreation Trails; and four National Parks—Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Great Sand Dunes, Mesa Verde (a World Heritage Site) and Rocky Mountain National Park. “The tourism generated by Colorado’s byways is often the key supporting financial source to many of our historic designated sites as well as to the local businesses along the byways,” said Bates. “Exploring the byways is a great way to support small businesses and communities along the byways.” For more information about Colorado’s Scenic and Historic Byways, visit www. ColoradoByways.org. For more information about Los Caminos Scenic and Historic Byway request a brochure from the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area info@ sdcnha.org Los Caminos Scenic and Historic Byway is overseen by the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area and is a partnership with the Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways program. This statewide partnership is intended to provide recreational, educational and economic benefits to Coloradans and visitors. This system of outstanding tourism routes in Colorado affords the traveler interpretation and identification of key points of interest and services while providing for the protection of significant resources. Scenic and Historic Byways are nominated for their exceptional scenic, historic, cultural, recreational and natural features.
Embrace Mother Mary’s Garden SAN LUIS VALLEY—If you find yourself traveling south on Highway 159 toward Taos or Santa Fe, N.M., you might want to check out a place National Geographic’s Four Corners website (www. fourcornersgeotourism.com) says is “well worth a visit!” It’s a non-denominational prayer and meditation garden—free to all—Mother Mary’s Garden. The vast 300-foot diameter garden includes two labyrinths, a medicine wheel, a ceremonial fire circle, a sacred stone healing circle and at the center, and a ten foot tall western red cedar Native-American totem carving of Mother Mary as the focal point of the garden. Mother Mary’s Garden is the main attraction of what will eventually be Casa
de Santa Maria’s spiritual retreat center. Casa de Santa Maria is not a church, nor is it connected with any organized religion. Their belief is “It is love that heals.” Love— acceptance of all—judging no one—and the golden rule of treating others as you would like to be treated. Editor, Maria Martinez of La Sierra News - (The Voice of Costilla County) writes; “If you are looking for a place to contemplate, renew your spirit, worship under the beautiful blue sky, or just unwind from the stresses of the day with nothing between you and a Higher Power, you will want to stop and visit Mother Mary’s Garden, a non-profit sacred site.” Info: www. mothermarysgarden.org
SdCNHA preserves heritage SAN LUIS VALLEY—The San Luis Valley is nestled in the largest alpine valley and served as the cradle of Colorado’s settlement. Today, much of this area is preserved in the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (SdCNHA), home to the unquestioned birthplace of Colorado in Costilla County. The heritage area works to honor the history of this area and celebrate the living traditions still practiced here. The heritage area encompasses 3,000 square miles and includes the three counties of Costilla, Conejos, and Alamosa. San Luis, the first non-tribal settlement, was established in 1851. Many of the heirs of those original settlers still practice the traditions and speak the unique Spanish dialect brought to the area by their forebears.
Sharing that history and heritage are the Hispanic and tribal settlers of Conejos County, who were joined by Mormons, Japanese, Germans, Swedish, Anglos, French and many more adventurers whose culture and heritage have added a rich history to Colorado’s story. Alamosa County, the third part of the SdCNHA is the child of a union between agriculture and the railroad. Once the regional hub of the narrow gauge, it welcomed people who came in on what the tribes called the “iron horse,” the Hispanics called “ferrocarril” and the growing Valley called progress. Blended together, the contribution of all these peoples and their progress make up the stories, history and culture that residents and visitors can enjoy and appreciate. Info: www. sdcnha.org
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Summer in The South
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Rainbow Trout Ranch is conserved
CONEJOS COUNTY—Over a mile of the upper Conejos River is now protected forever, thanks to the commitment of the VanBerkum family. In late October, 2016 the beautiful Rainbow Trout Ranch was preserved in perpetuity through a conservation easement with the community’s Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust (RiGHT). “On behalf of Linda, David, Jane and myself, we would like to express our appreciation to RiGHT and to the many individuals who have helped us in our journey to preserve this beautiful stretch of the Conejos River,” said Doug Van Berkum. “We are blessed to live in the spectacular Conejos Canyon and are honored to share the traditional western lifestyle with our guests, and to know that the natural and unspoiled beauty will be preserved for generations to come.” The 591-acre Rainbow Trout Ranch is a historic guest ranch which has been in operation for over 85 years. Largely surrounded by public lands, the entire ranch, including the impressive rock outcrops above the main lodge, can be seen from the scenic overlook on Highway 17 as it climbs the Cumbres/La Manga Pass. Highway 17 is designated as a Los Caminos Antigos Scenic and Historic Byway and the views of the Conejos Canyon and the ranch from the overlook are spectacular. With few privately owned parcels protected
Photo by Rio de la Vista
Overview of the upper Conejos Canyon, looking over the Rainbow Trout Ranch, from Highway 17 in Conejos County along the Conejos, the preservation of this “We are immensely grateful to the Van the upper reaches of the Conejos. Bordered by historic and picturesque ranch is an important Berkum family for their dedication to this the Rio Grande National Forest on three sides conservation accomplishment. beautiful property and to the Conejos Canyon,” and La Jara Reservoir State Land Trust land to said Nancy Butler, RiGHT’s Executive the north, the permanent conservation of the Director. “As the owners of Rainbow Trout property will enhance and maintain the overall Ranch since the early ‘90s, they share the ranch landscape. This is vital for wildlife movement with over 700 guests every summer who come as well as the preservation of the scenic beauty from across the United States and overseas to of the area. The property features large intact enjoy the beauty and serenity of the Conejos areas of Douglas fir forest and extensive River valley. Protection of the ranch will riparian habitats, both important wildlife help ensure that legacy continues far into the resource areas for large mammals including future and that the land and wildlife habitat the federally-threatened Canada Lynx, elk, will remain intact for all to enjoy.” and black bear as well as migratory birds The conservation of Rainbow Trout Ranch that rely on high altitude river corridors and was made possible through the generous the important fisheries of the Conejos River. support of Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), Nearby landowner, former RiGHT Board the Gates Family Foundation, the North member, and renowned artist who draws American Wetlands Conservation Act and great inspiration from the scenic beauty of the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area. the upper Conejos area, Jim Gilmore said of Rainbow Trout Ranch was featured by RiGHT the completed easement, “I feel the Conejos in their 2014 “Save the Ranch” campaign, and Canyon is one of the most beautiful spots in a total of 57 individual donors also contributed Colorado. And the Rainbow Trout Ranch is to make this project a success. RiGHT would one of the largest and most desirable properties especially like to thank: Forrest Ketchin, along the river. It is great news that RIGHT Duane and Susan Larson, Chris and Christy and the Van Berkum family worked together Hayes, Michael and Andrea Banks’ Nature to conserve this beautiful piece of land.” Photo by Staci Turner Fund, Jim Gilmore, Tom and Pat Gilmore, Conservation of this historic guest ranch also Barbara Relyea, Nancy Starling Ross and protects the history of western recreation and Wayne Ross, and Bonnie Orkow and many the cultural importance of a natural playground others for their generous contributions to this that generations of guests have enjoyed. First be taken from any satisfaction for one’s sins exceptional conservation effort. known as the Rainbow Trout Lodge, the ranch made by Catholics sent to Purgatory. Catholics “This project exemplifies the power of opened to guests in 1927, mainly as a fishing traditionally teach that Purgatory is a place partnerships,” said Katherine Brown, RiGHT’s retreat, with horseback riding, backcountry of penance necessary before many bound Development Coordinator. “The support pack trips and hiking also offered. In 1993 for Heaven can be completely purged of sins of these funders, from state and federal the Van Berkum family converted it to a committed on earth.) programs and private foundations, along with full-fledged guest ranch complete with youth The intricately detailed Stations of the Cross contributions from so many individuals and programs, evening activities and recreational figures at San Luis consist of 15 sculptures, the Van Berkum family all came together to and fishing access to the beautiful Conejos but the 15th (the Resurrection) is not related make this possible. We hope that everyone Canyon. With an emphasis on the western to Christ’s Passion and did not constitute the who drives up Forest Service Road 250 to traditions and lifestyle, the Rainbow Trout traditional meditations on His suffering and the Platoro Reservoir or who stops at the Ranch will continue to be a place for families death. It is placed there, rather, to remind those Highway 17 overlook to take in the majestic to experience the beauty of nature far into visiting the stations that hope of salvation and view of the Conejos Canyon will appreciate the future. eternal life follows the sorrows and sufferings the spectacular landscape that will remain For more information about the conservation of the good in this world, much as the rainbow open and connected through this conservation work of RiGHT, whose mission is to appeared in Noah’s time following the flood. project.” “conserve the land, water and way of life in The stations are located on San Pedro Mesa As part of RiGHT’s Rio Grande Initiative Colorado’s San Luis Valley,” please visit www. overlooking San Luis, at the junction of Colorado to protect the land and water along the Rio riograndelandtrust.org or contact the land trust Highways 159 and 142. Info: 719-672-3685, Grande and Conejos Rivers, Rainbow Trout office in Del Norte at 719-657-0800 or info@ www.sdcparish.org Ranch is the first conservation easement on riograndelandtrust.org.
Enjoy a spiritual excursion SAN LUIS—Those seeking a profound religious experience are invited to view the Stations of the Cross, 15 bronze sculptures created in the 1980s by gifted local artist Huberto Maestas following Jesus on his tormented journey to Calvary. Local Sangre de Cristo parishioners and the Knights of Columbus helped Maestas place the statues along a steep path overlooking the 1886 parish church. Those visiting the site will be treated to a magnificent view of the Valley from the Chapel ofAll Saints, perched strategically on the “La Mesa de la Piedad y de la Misericordia” (Hill of Piety and Mercy). The Stations or Way of the Cross covers about a half-mile, and the pathways are not too difficult for most visitors to navigate. The Catholic church long ago fixed the number of the stations at 14 and blessed them with many indulgences, (grants of time to
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Summer in The South
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Step back in time at Fort Garland
FORT GARLAND—One of only two forts in Colorado when the Civil War broke out in 1861, Fort Garland was established in 1858 to protect San Luis Valley settlers from Indian raids. At that time Colorado was still part of New Mexico Territory. Fort Garland was built to replace Fort Massachusetts, just six miles to the north, because the other fort was vulnerable to attack and the land around it was too swamp-like. Fort Garland was named in honor of Brevet Brigadier General John Garland, who then was the commander for the Dept. of New Mexico. The fort’s 20 adobe buildings could accommodate two companies of 100 men and officers. Various companies of infantrymen, mounted riflemen and volunteers would eventually call the fort home. The fort even sported its own laundry and laundresses. Only two forts existed in Colorado when the Civil War broke out in 1861, because at that time the Indians were behaving peaceably. Once the war broke out, the 200 men stationed at Fort Garland were put on alert and eventually were called into service in 1862 to assist Texas Confederates in fighting the battle at Glorieta Pass. The pass is located at the southern tip of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains southeast of Santa Fe. This battle proved to be the turning point of the Civil War, fought in New Mexico Territory. Following the war, Kit Carson took command of the post as a Brigadier General, in recognition of his valor at the Battle of Valverde, also in New Mexico Territory, Carson was well known for his successful work with the Indians and while at Fort Garland was asked to negotiate with the Ute Indians. For a time Carson’s efforts were successful and the Indians lived in peace with
Colorado settlers. In 1867 Carson was forced to resign for health reasons. He moved to Boggsvile in 1867 and died there in 1868. Over the next 10 years, the town of Fort Garland became a commercial hub for settlers arriving in the Valley. In 1876 the fort became home to the Ninth Cavalry, the Buffalo Soldiers. The Ninth Calvary was brought to the fort during the gold and silver rush days because the Indians were rebelling against the arrival of so many prospectors searching for their fortunes in the state. Following the murder of Indian agent Nathan Meeker and his employees at the White River Agency, the garrison at the fort grew much larger as it became a base for planning strategy against the Indians. The Indian threat was curtailed in 1880, when the Utes were forced by the Army to retire to reservations created for them in southwestern Colorado. Troops at the fort were then reassigned, and by 1883 the fort was abandoned. For a time the buildings at the fort were put to various community uses until it was purchased in 1930 by the Colorado Historical Society. Since that time it has operated as a military museum. In the case of Fort Garland, the fort that originally protected what later became the inhabitants and founders of the town was actually both the water and the seed for the town itself. Fort Garland without the fort could not, would not be. Info: 719-379-3512, www. historycolorado.org
Fort Garland
is a National Historic Landmark owned and operated by the Colorado Historical Society. On this site, explorer Lt. Zebulon Montgomery Pike built a log stockade (similar to a fort) to shelter those soldiers accompanying him from the brutal winters in Colorado’s San Luis Valley. Constructed in 1807, the stockade stood on territory claimed by the Spanish government. After being pursued by Spanish Pike’s Stockade dragoons, Pike was captured and escorted into For a great side trip, visit Pike’s Stockade what was then Chihuahua, New Spain (now located along the Conejos River. The stockade Mexico). While imprisoned, Pike was able to
Photo by Ashli Adams
keep secret journals from his captors, which were published following his release. The journals detailed the territory he covered, a map of sorts which the United States later used to take over the Southwest from Spain. The stockade site is open from Memorial Day to Sept 30. The gate is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends by appointment only. Admission is free. Pike’s Stockade is located east of Sanford just off Highway 285. Info: 719-379-3512, www. historycolorado.org
Take a trip away from the modern world
ANTONITO—Colloquially called a “museum on wheels” and saved from oblivion by an agreement between the states of Colorado and New Mexico, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad (C&TSR) offers a trip into some of the two states’ most spectacular scenery. Following a rail bed constructed in the 1880s and maintained by both states, it crosses the Colorado-New Mexico state line 11 times, accessing Cumbres Pass, which at 10,015 feet elevation, is the highest pass reached by rail in the United States. The narrow gauge rails are three feet apart, rather than the four feet, eight and one-half inches of the standard gauge, which often runs briefly alongside it in Antonito. When the rails were laid, narrow gauge made sense to access the rich silver mines in the San Juan mountains. Plans were afoot to convert it to standard gauge, even though the two gauges could not connect to each other, but then the “silver bust” hit, changing everything. The railroad fell asleep. A natural gas boom awakened it briefly after World War II and then it drowsed off again. Much of the track had been dismantled when Colorado and New Mexico were drawn together to purchase the remaining track and rolling stock. The tracks hadn’t been upgraded since the 1920s and the railroad was headed for oblivion. In 1969, the Rio Grande Railroad was given permission to tear up the track and sell it for scrap, but momentum was growing to “save the narrow gauge.” Renamed the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad in honor of the high pass and deep gulch it traversed, the train soon began hauling passengers. Today, it is making new memories for young and old alike. Riders may choose from three options: a morning motor coach ride along Colorado’s Caminos Los Antiguos Scenic Byway, returning to the boarding station by train and enjoying the high energy of fellow riders about to step back in time; start out
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Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad on the train and returning via motor coach on the byway or changing trains at Osier and returning by train. The season began Memorial weekend, after the snow has melted and the wildflowers are in bloom. Bookings continue through the spectacular golden fall foliage into late October. Whenever you ride in summer or fall, you’ll enjoy spectacular scenery, wildlife, and the fresh air of the open gondola car. Remember to bring sunglasses and a hat and dress in layers for all kinds of weather. Info: 888-286-9737, www.cumbrestoltec. com