The small town of Pagosa Springs sits in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, where you can take in the rugged landscape of the American Southwest from nearly one and a half miles above sea level. Encompassed by over two million acres of the San Juan National Forest, the town offers exploration and excitement in equal measure, from skiing and hiking to hot air ballooning. The area also has a rich cultural history — Chimney Rock National Monument and the Mesa Verde National Park have deep connections to the ancestral Puebloans who have called this land home for millennia.

The mineral-rich hot spring pools along Pagosa Springs’ San Juan River Walk provide rest and relaxation downtown, while nearby Treasure Falls offers a visual treat without having to get your feet wet. Back in town, Main Street is home to artisan shops selling handmade pottery and turquoise jewelry made by local craftspeople, and you can hunt for antiques and buy unique metal sculptures in the Uptown District.

Temperatures in Pagosa Springs are relatively mild all year round, but at this high elevation, it’s vital to take plenty of water, layers of clothing, and sunscreen with you regardless of the weather or season. Early summer is the best time to go kayaking, white water rafting, and hot air ballooning and make the most of the warm weather. The hot springs that the town is named after are most easily accessible in the late summer and early fall, which coincides with a famous folk festival in early September. Winter is when skiers and snowboarders of all experience levels come to ride the mountains or go cross-country on fresh snow. Spring is one of the coldest times of the year and often the quietest season to visit, so head here between March and May to get the place almost to yourself — just remember to bundle up.

Chimney Rock National Monument

This archeological site on the southern edge of the San Juan Mountains is open to the public from late spring into fall. Here, you can walk the pathways of this ancient civilization, which haven’t changed in 1,000 years. The hike to the top of Chimney Rock is a half-mile long and provides a glimpse of 200 preserved ancient homes and ceremonial buildings.

San Juan River Walk

The San Juan River Walk is a wheelchair-accessible paved path in downtown Pagosa Springs. Free hot spring pools are available for anyone to enjoy along the way. The path passes through Centennial Park with its public beach, geothermal greenhouses, community garden, and riverside amphitheater. If you keep going down the trail, you’ll find the Riverwalk Wetlands, home to Virginia rail and marsh wrens.

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

One hour and 45 minutes from town, this historic railroad opened in 1882 and is now a National Historic Landmark. The on-site D&S Roundhouse Museum takes you on a journey through the history of the railroad industry over 12,000 square feet filled with artifacts, and you can hop on a real train for unrivaled views of vast canyons, powerful rivers, and towering mountains.