Los Caminos Antiguos is Spanish for "The Ancient Roads," and this network of paved roads does indeed travel through territory that has been used by various peoples for thousands of years. This area of the upper Rio Grande River valley was once the northernmost outpost of Spanish territory, and the Catholicism they brought to the region is still evident today in a number of beautiful churches. Remnants of earlier inhabitants can be seen in the petroglyps found along the route, and the Native Americans who still ranch in this valley. Mines and homesteads of the white pioneers who came here in the 19th and 20th centuries are also present.
Passing by a number of museums and historical sites in the dry high desert, Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic Byway is a great drive for those interested in the multicultural history of this area.
Details
Location:
In the southern San Luis Valley, near Alamosa
Setting:
Desert / Red Rock
Surface:
Paved
Length:
129 miles
Time:
3 hours
Main Roads:
CO-17 S
Season:
Year-round (heavy snow may temporarily close La Manga and Cumbres passes)
Camping Info
Trujillo Meadows, Elk Creek, Spectacle Lake, Conejos, Mogote, Aspen Glade
Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Monte Vista. More Visitor Guides are available in Oregon. Click here to view them all!
South Fork Southwestern Colorado
South Fork
Southwestern ColoradoAre you looking for a naturalist paradise with affordability? Then look no further South Fork is your destination. A world class golf course, gold medal fishing in the Rio Grande, and thousands of acres of National Forest to hike, bike, ATV, ski and snowmobile through. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
We also have the following visitor guides in Oregon. Click on any additional guides you would like to receive.
Oregon's Mt Hood Territory Northern Oregon
Oregon's Mt Hood Territory
Northern OregonFrom majestic Mount Hood to the green and sprawling Willamette Valley, Oregon's Mount Hood Territory is a place to be explored. Enjoy conquering historic hiking trails or take on Mount Hood on skis for an experience not soon to be forgotten. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Albany Visitors Association Central Oregon
Albany Visitors Association
Central OregonPlan Your Visit
Explore on foot, by bicycle, boat, or car. Albany is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
We also have visitor guides available in states highlighted in blue below. Click on any state to see what's available.
Alaska
Arizona
California
Canada
Colorado
Hawaii
Idaho
Louisiana
Michigan
Montana
Nevada
New Mexico
Ohio
Oregon
Texas
Utah
Washington
Wyoming
Switch to Mobile Browser Mode
We offer a compact version of Go-Oregon for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. Of course, you can still use the full version of Go-Oregon on your mobile device just as you can on your desktop.