Chris's favorite things to do while in Pagosa.
Treasure Falls
Whether it's summer or winter you're guaranteed to have an amazing experience hiking to the base of Treasure Falls. Treasure falls can be found by following highway 160 for about 10 to 15 minutes away from Pagosa and towards the Wolf Creek Ski Resort. The falls will be on your right hand side and just at the base of the mountain before you to climb towards Wolf Creek. In the summer there is plenty of parking in the lot right at the base of the falls. If you are snow shoeing up in the winter to see the falls in their frozen state, you may need to go past the falls and park in the lot across the street. It's well worth the drive and well worth the short hike. I guarantee it will be spectacular!
Raft the San Juan River
The San Juan River is ever changing. It truly is a paradise of activity for floating enthusiasts. In the spring, the engineered rapids are a blast through town. Once the water calms down, it's duckie time in inflatable kayaks. As summer hits full swing, it's time to break out the inner tubes and have a relaxing float through town.
Ski the infamous Wolf Creek Ski Resort
Wolf Creeks claim to fame is that it receives the most powder of all the ski resorts in Colorado. On a really good year the resort can receive from 500 to 700 inches. Get ready to see your legs disappear in the champagne powder. Ski during the week, get there early, and you may find yourself being the only person on a slope while your carving "freshies" all the way down in "pow pow."
Fly fish in the
San Juan River
Fishing in the San Juan River is an epic experience. Our town is full of experienced guides who will "put you on the fish." Visit Ski and Bow Rack and they will give you a free fly fishing lesson during the summer. Once you step into the river, you probably won't care if you even catch anything as it's truly a breathtaking experience. But be patient as there a some mammoth sized rainbows and browns just lurking under the surface.
Soak in our world famous
hot springs
Take a drive or go four wheeling
The Springs Resort features seventy-nine rooms & suites in Classic, Deluxe, and Luxury accommodations. A geothermal heating system derived from the naturally-hot Mother Spring fills all twenty-four soaking pools. Soak and relax by the San Juan River as peace and balance is restored to your soul.
There are so many places to explore on and off road around Pagosa. In the fall you might just want to drive the backroads and gaze at the changing aspens. For someone with a bit more adventure in their veins and the vehicle to back it up, go off road. Once of our favorite 4 wheeling excursions is to take Elwood Pass all the way to a little town called Platoro. (note you take this pass at your own risk.) The entire town goes under the snow in the winter. But in the summer they serve one of the best burgers around at the lodge in town.
Hike the Piedra River Trail
The Piedra River Trail is the most famous hike near Pagosa. It's a bit of drive but the scenery on the way is amazing. It's well worth the drive. Drive North on Piedra Road (CR 600/FS 631) 16-miles crossing Piedra River on a bridge and to the parking area immediately after on the west side of the road. Road is gravel.