community profiles

With a land area of close to 8,200 square miles, the San Luis Valley is larger than the land mass of Rhode Island, Delaware and Connecticut combined. This high elevation Valley boasts claim to the title of largest alpine valley in North America.The Valley provides a home to the tallest dunes in North America at Great Sand Dunes National Park. It lies in the shadows of the towering Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Mt. Blanca, the fourth tallest peak in Colorado. Within the Valley’s watershed, high in the San Juan Mountains, snow melt and rain give birth to the mighty Rio Grande, second longest river in our nation.

The Valley floor sits at an average elevation of 7,500 feet. The flat terrain, rich soil, moderate summer temperatures and abundant sunshine provide the foundation for the Valley’s agriculturally-based economy. These same factors, coupled with a lower cost of living than in many other parts of Colorado, have attracted many retirees to the area.

Additionally, enjoying spectacular scenery is easy — justlook up. Tall mountain peaks surround the Valley. The Sangrede Cristos, among the tallest mountain ranges in Colorado,border the east side of the Valley. The more gently rolling La Garita Mountains border the north and northwest sides. To the west, the San Juan Mountains provide the backdrop for spectacular sunsets. Together, these mountain ranges create a basin that stretches almost 125 miles from north to south and 75 miles from east to west.

In spite of its size, the Valley never feels crowded. With a population density of about six people per square mile, there is plenty of open space. However, living in the Valley doesn’t require one to give up all the amenities of big city life. Alamosa, the Valley’s largest city, serves as the Valley’s regional hub.There you will find the area’s largest hospital, a regional airport, Adams State College, shopping opportunities and more.

South Fork is 15 minutes west of Del Norte, about 30 minutes west of Monte Vista, and an hour drive from Alamosa.If you must explore a larger town, Alamosa is within a four hour drive of both Denver and Albuquerque. It’s a great place. We hope you come to visit to experience the beauty of our high valley and cool sunshine!

To learn more about the San Luis Valley, download our Community Profiles resource in PDF Format. View San Luis Valley Map Top photos courtesy of: Becky Dixon