4 Days

3 Scenic Byways: Leaf Peeping in Southern Colorado

See the reds, yellows, oranges and browns create a kaleidoscope of color in the southern Colorado towns of Lake City, Creede, Alamosa, Antonito, Mosca, La Veta, Cuchara and Trinidad.

Pro Tip: It's easy to get caught up in the moment when viewing fall colors on a scenic drive. For the best photos, Do Colorado Right by choosing a spot in a safe, designated parking area to really bask in fall's beauty. Keep in mind that these destinations are popular for leaf peeping, especially during peak weekends. Try visiting during lesser traveled times on weekdays to enjoy more of the colorful vistas. And while you're keeping an eye out for the golds, ambers and reds, don't forget to also look for pedestrians that may be taking in the scenery as well.

Sustainability Activity

Travel Like a Local

There are special places and unique vistas around nearly every Colorado corner. You can help ensure these places exist for generations to come by staying on roads and trails, keeping speeds in check, leaving campsites and picnic spots just as you found them, and following instructional signs while you’re out and about in our state.

Day 1

activity

Windy Point Overlook

Heading south on the Silver Thread Scenic and Historic Byway, make a pit stop at Windy Point, east of Lake City. This overlook offers superb views of…

Insider's Tip

Pick Up a Guide

Stop by the Lake City Visitors Center for a Mile Post Guide prior to hitting the road and heading south toward Creede.
lunch

Climb Elevated Eatery

Elevated comfort food and craft cocktails served with attentive, friendly service.

activity

Bachelor Loop Tour

This 17-mile, self-guided driving tour showcases amazing foliage and historic mining structures throughout Creede’s silver-mining district.

dinner

Kip's Grill

Kip's Grill started operating out of a caboose on the side of the Highway in Del Norte, Colorado in 1996. The goal was to create seriously fresh,…

activity

Historic Downtown Creede: Walking Tour

Experience the history and charm of the western mining town of Creede.  Downtown is home to shops, art galleries, and eateries, as well as the…

lodging

Aspen Inn

The Aspen Inn is a 4 room inn located in downtown, historic Creede, CO. Accommodations in comfort and natural beauty await. The Inn can be booked or…

Day 2

breakfast

Bristol Head Bakery

Bristol Head Bakery in Creede offers fresh, made from scratch pastries, pies, cakes and cookies. Custom orders are available with advance notice.

activity

Pool Table Road Scenic Drive

Views of golden aspens line Pool Table Road, just off the Silver Thread. Scenic views of the Rio Grande River Valley are visible for the first few miles…

Insider's Tip

Head to Alamosa

lunch

Rubi Slipper

The Rubi Slipper has classic American cuisine, and is open for lunch and dinner. Famous for their $1 Taco Tuesdays, they've extended that special to…

activity

Scenic Autumn Drive & Conejos Canyon Overlook

Take a brisk fall drive starting in Alamosa through the southern end of the San Luis Valley to the beautiful San Juan Mountains along the Conejos River…

Insider's Tip

Make a Pitstop

If you have more time, stop at Elk Creek Bridge before you drive up the switchbacks and take a kayak or tube down the Conejos River (during low water in July and August when it’s hot). Stop to see Elk Meadow Ranch on your way back to Mogote on the southeast side of the Conejos River. 
 
dinner

Dos Hermanas Restaurant

For two delicious decades, Dos Hermanas Restaurant has been a destination for Antonito’s best homemade recipes and margaritas.

activity

Rio Grande Natural Area

On the way back to Alamosa, turn right on Hwy 142 toward San Luis and drive to the Rio Grande Natural Area at the pull-off just west of the Rio Grande…

lodging

Valley Motel

Valley Motel is a family operated independent economy motel located right of Highway 160 in the beautiful town of Alamosa in Colorado’s San Luis Valley…

Day 3

breakfast

Milagros Coffee House

Drink Coffee....Love Others!  Milagros Coffeehouse not only serves a full line of delicious espresso and coffee drinks, teas, and baked goods,…

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activity

Colorado Gators Reptile Park

Reptile rescue park. See more than 250 alligators including Mr. Bo Mangles the albino alligator and Morris the movie star, tortoises, pythons and much…

Insider's Tip

UFO Watchtower

Drive North past Hooper to see the UFO Watchtower. It's a 360-degree-view observation platform of the San Luis Valley. Get directions, and after you've seen the view, hop on the road to La Veta.

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lunch

George's Drive Inn Restaurant

This is the hottest thing going in the area. Nearly every day it’s obvious when you look at the multitude of parked vehicles, that the food is good…

activity

SPACe Gallery

The Gallery displays the works of regional artists in a variety of changing exhibits throughout the year, while the Gift Shop provides members a year-round…

Insider's Tip

Drive to Dinner

Hop onto the Highway of Legends and head south toward Trinidad. 

dinner

Dog Bar & Grill

Long considered the heart and soul of the Cuchara Valley, Dog Bar & Grill is the place to enjoy lunch on the outdoor deck with your favorite…

activity

Trinidad Lake State Park

Pinyon-juniper woodland and short- and mixed-grass prairies occupy park uplands making for excellent photos.

Insider's Tip

Take the Long Way Round

Take a more interesting drive to your final destination for the evening: From Trinidad Lake State Park, take the road over the Trinidad Dam (CR 18.3) to Starkville then north on Santa Fe Trail into Trinidad.

lodging

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Trinidad

Take advantage of our pet-friendly hotel's many modern amenities, free hotel features, friendly service, and convenient location near the city's downtown…

Day 4

Insider's Tip

Breakfast

Your morning meal is included in your stay at the La Quinta Inn & Suites.

activity

Trinidad History Museum

Trinidad History Museum features the historic Bloom Mansion and Baca House, two residences built in the late 19th century, as well as heritage gardens…

lunch

Mission at the Bell Restaurant

Mission at the Bell is a cozy, family-owned restaurant, (over 20 years in business) serving Tex-Mex style menu items. Located on the basement level…

activity

Wormhole Loop Trail

Wormhole Loop Trail is a 2.3-mile moderately trafficked loop near Trinidad. Trail run, hike or mountain bike the afternoon away.

dinner

Bella Luna Pizzeria

Pizza specialist fixing up wood-fired pies, plus beer & wine, with outdoor seating.

activity

Corazon de Trinidad Historic District

Located in a breathtaking area of Southern Colorado, the Corazón de Trinidad Creative District supports local artists and entrepreneurs…

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lodging

Days Inn & Suites Trinidad

Stop in and let us host your visit at our Days Inn & Suites Trinidad hotel, conveniently located off I-25, halfway between Santa Fe/Albuquerque…

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