Los Caminos Antiguos
Local Visitor Information
Discover more ways to experience this byway — photos and local partners.
Explore Resources
Find maps, guides, weather, and seasonal information for this byway.
Byway Overview
This scenic byway has a spirit of its own. In the San Luis Valley, find an enormous, sun-baked flat between the Sangres and the San Juan foothills. Life here almost seems as if it hasn’t changed much since the 1600s, when Spain cast its claim over this region. Los Caminos Antiguos takes you to Colorado's oldest surviving community (San Luis, 1851), its oldest parish (Our Lady of Guadalupe, 1858), the oldest continuously operating business in Colorado (R&R Market, 1857) and one of its first military posts (Fort Garland, 1858).
Quick Facts
- Designation
- State Byway
- Location
- CO
- Total Length
- 129 miles
Visitor Information & Byway Partners
Contact Details
For personalized travel assistance and local recommendations, please reach out to our regional visitor center.
Local Byway Partners
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Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
The tallest dunes in North America, surrounded by a landscape of wetlands, grasslands, forests, alpine lakes, and tundra.
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Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Your ride in a completely authentic steam train begins in Antonito, Colorado. You’ll wind along steep mountain canyons, high deserts, verdant meadows and ride over trestles, and through tunnels. The Cumbres & Toltec Railroad has operated across the Rocky Mountains since 1880. The Cumbres & Toltec, a National Historic Landmark, has steamed across the Rocky Mountains since 1880.
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Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center
Explore life in an 1858 military fort by walking the parade grounds and touring original adobe buildings.
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San Luis Valley Museum-Alamosa
One of 20 museums of the San Luis Valley united in their goal to preserve the history and heritage of the Valley.
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San Luis Lakes State Wildlife Area
Outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, walking, boating, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, and nature viewing are all possible at San Luis Lakes. Valid hunting and fishing licenses are required.
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Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area
The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area promotes, rehabilitates, and interprets the unique historical, geographic, cultural, and natural resources of Southern Colorado. Their goal is to preserve and protect the integrity of the area and encourage stewardship for all generations through community collaboration.
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San Acacio Church
The Capilla de Viejo San Acacio, founded ca. 1850-1860, is considered to be the oldest continuously used European-American religious space in Colorado. Located at Hwy. 142 and Couty Rd. 15, San Acacio
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San Luis Peoples Ditch
This gravity-fed irrigation channel was hand-dug by San Luis’ first settlers to channel water from the Culebra River and its tributaries. Extending 4 miles west from La Vega, it is the oldest continuously used, community irrigation ditch in Colorado.
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Zapata Falls
Secluded 25-foot waterfalls reachable by a brief crevasse hike, wading through water & traversing slippery rocks.