Welcome to Saguache, Colorado
Welcome to Saguache, Colorado!
Saguache, Colorado is a small town in southern Colorado that offers residents quiet respite and breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains. Saguache Creek runs through town, eventually finding its way to the famous Rio Grande River. Nestled in the basin of the great Rocky Mountains, this picturesque town applauds enormous natural beauty and small-town community spirit all at the same time. Family-oriented events take place here year-round, inviting young and old to gather and celebrate together. For a down-to-Earth, back-to-the-basics way of life, one that garners appreciation for and pays homage to nature at its finest, there is no better locale than Saguache. Please feel free to follow the links below to find area attractions and engaging events. If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Welcome home to beautiful Saguache, Colorado, “Water at the Blue Earth!”
History
The first-known inhabitants of the area presently known as Saguache, Colorado were members of the Ute Indian tribe. The Ute people were made up of multiple nomadic entities who, it is thought, occupied this area for at least one thousand years. In the 1630s, Spanish explorers made their way into the region, establishing colonies in what are now known as New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and California. As a means of travel between New Mexico and California, the Old Spanish Trail was formed in 1829. Native Americans, Spaniards, white European settlers, shepherds, and miners all utilized the trail. Mining became popular in the area, and those settling here saw the opportunity of becoming a center of supply and rest to those pursuing mining occupations.
In 1867, a man by the name of Otto Mears arrived and began developing the area in new ways. He built a grist mill for making flour. Another founding father of Saguache was a pioneer named John Lawrence. Through his charitable ways, Mr. Lawrence helped farmers and ranchers settling into the area, whether they needed money, jobs, or help establishing schools or churches. In 1874, the Saguache Town Company was founded through the efforts of local residents, making Saguache a tenable supply town. Also in 1874, Saguache’s first newspaper, the Saguache Chronicle, came into print. This same publication is known today as the Saguache Crescent. The next project of Otto Mears’ was the building of toll roads, which would afford travelers safe passage across the mountains, enabling commerce among the mountain settlements to flourish. Before long, other businesses began to pop up in the town, following the ages-old law of supply and demand. A wine and liquor store, meat market, boarding house, grocery store, hardware store and more businesses that served needs of settlers and passersby were opened and saw much success as local needs grew.
In time, the raising of cattle and the growing of alfalfa hay became profitable area businesses, replacing sheep ranching as a main method of making a living. As the “gateway” to the San Juan Mountains, Saguache still serves as a last-stop supply town to travelers and adventure seekers today.
Attractions & Activities
 The attractions that you will find in Saguache are not the kind you find just anywhere! From potter’s and weaver’s classes to luxurious hot springs, there is a plethora of pastimes just waiting for you to take part!
Downtown Saguache
Take an evocative trip through time as you tour the historic buildings and quiet setting that have served Saguache and helped it to become a destination of peace seekers since its beginning.
http://www.slvheritage.org/heritage-attractions
The Hazard House Museum
Presenting the rich lifestyle of the well-to-do in Saguache in the 1920s and 1930s, this is a trip to yesteryear with a different flavor! http://museumtrail.org/HazardHouseMuseum.asp
Hot Springs Spas
Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa
These natural hot springs find there way here from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, filling pools by the force of gravity, surrounding visitors in luxurious relaxation and a feeling of clean, positive energy. Come revitalize “where healing waters flow!”
http://www.joyfuljourneyhotsprings.com/
Sand Dunes Swimming Pool
From the large artesian-fed swimming pool to the 25-person therapy pool, Sand Dunes is a facility that accommodates large groups or individuals seeking restoration. Bring the whole gang out for a day of fun and relaxation! http://sanddunespool.com/
Valley View Hot Springs
Featuring six pools and ponds that are open 24/7, Valley View affords its patrons amazing views and a sense of rejuvenation that can’t be defined. There is no need for chlorine in their 80-foot long swimming pool, as a natural spring continually flows through it!
http://www.olt.org/visitor_info/pools&ponds.htm
The Organic Valley
The organic farms in this area have long been established and furnishing all of America with their organically raised vegetables and meats, herbal remedies and more. Come taste the difference true organic can make.
http://saguache.org/area/organic.html
Orient Land Trust
A non-profit working to preserve the natural resources of this amazing land! See what they offer, and what you in turn can offer them by visiting http://www.olt.org/visitor_info/first_time_info.htm.
Robertson’s Flour Mill
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this mill highlights the importance of the flour mill on the founding of this amazing area.
http://www.slvheritage.org/heritage-attractions/robertson-s-flour-mill
The Saguache County Museum
Enjoy a journey back through time with a visit to this historic building that saw many different incarnations in times past. It has served as a school, a courthouse, and a residence for the jail-keeper and his family. Right beside it is the old jail, complete with graffiti by prisoners of old! http://museumtrail.org/SaguacheCountyMuseum.asp
Spiritual and Education Centers
No matter which religious inclination you follow, chances are great that there is a center to aid you in your pursuit of peace; quiet meditation comes naturally here.
http://saguache.org/spiritual/crestone.html
http://www.saguachetourism.com/spiritual/
http://cogenweb.com/saguache/resources.html#churches.
Parks & Recreation
What sets Saguache apart as a wonderful hometown destination is the grandeur of its natural surroundings. A National Park and forests provide dramatic backdrops to a peaceful lifestyle here like no place else!
The Colorado Trail
At 13,334 feet above sea level at its highest point on Coney Summit in the San Juan Mountains, the Colorado Trail beckons the hiker to come and accept its challenge. Give it a try as you follow it up and down, through old mining towns and Indian grounds, even through a modern ski resort. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colorado_Trail
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Come hike the largest dunes in North America! Splash in the streams, hike the mountains, explore the grasslands…get back to nature in every way!
http://www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm
Hiking Trails
Get geared up and take on any of these amazing trails, which dot the entire landscape of Saguache and surrounding Colorado communities.
http://saguache.org/hike/index.html
Rio Grande National Forest
The wonder of this land cannot be put into words. You simply have to pack up your supplies and head out to experience all that this outstanding work of Mother Nature has to offer. Visit this site often for a current listing of area facilities.
http://www.fs.usda.gov
San Luis Valley Natural Areas
Geologic areas, wetlands, wildlife preserves…all things natural are here!
http://www.slvheritage.org
Events Calendar
Given the amount of vast natural beauty at your disposal right in your own backyard, it is easy not to need an events calendar to fill your days with interest. For those times when you’d like to congregate with your neighbors, though, check these links often to see a list of upcoming local events:
http://www.saguachetourism.com/events
Crestone Events
From the annual Fourth of July celebration to Winterfest, there is a fun event taking place in Crestone during every season!
http://www.townofcrestone.org/crestone_today.shtml
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