Attractions and Places To See in Conejos County - Top 9

Conejos County is rich in history. You can experience the past aboard the Cumbres & Toltec - Historic Scenic Railroad, America's longest and highest narrow-gauge steam railroad, offering a 64-mile journey through the San Juan Mountains. Other significant sites include Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Colorado's oldest parish, and Pike's Stockade, a reconstructed fort from Zebulon Pike's 1807 expedition. The Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic & Historic Byway also traces ancient paths through the region.

Yes, Conejos County offers several family-friendly options. The Cumbres & Toltec - Historic Scenic Railroad is a great experience for all ages. You can also visit Platoro, a settlement with facilities and a cafe, or enjoy the natural beauty and camping at Spectacle Lake & Campground. The Jack Dempsey Museum in Manassa provides an interesting historical stop for families.

For hiking, consider the Red Lake Trail, a 2.5-mile trail with a mild, gradual climb to 10,600 ft elevation, known for mushroom hunting in the fall. The Rio Grande National Forest and South San Juan Wilderness Area offer extensive opportunities for hiking. For viewpoints, visit Lookout Mtn, Little & Big Red Mtn - Overlook & Info, which provides geologic information about the impressive rock formations.

Conejos County is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The Rio Grande National Forest and South San Juan Wilderness Area provide extensive opportunities for big game hunting, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling, especially around Cumbres Pass. The Conejos River is renowned for gold medal fly-fishing. The Platoro settlement is also a popular stop for those on multi-day mountain bike rides on the Divide trail.

Beyond historical sites, Conejos County features unique cultural landmarks. Cano's Castle in Antonito is an elaborate and unconventional folk art structure that draws visitors. The town of Antonito itself also boasts several historic buildings listed on the Colorado and National Historic Registry, including the Warshauer Mansion and the Palace Hotel.

Conejos County offers diverse experiences throughout the year. Summer is excellent for hiking, fishing, and exploring the scenic byways. Fall brings vibrant colors and opportunities for mushroom hunting on trails like the Red Lake Trail. Winter is popular for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, particularly around Cumbres Pass and La Manga Passes.

Yes, the county is home to significant natural features. The Conejos River, the largest tributary of the Rio Grande in the area, is famous for its gold medal fly-fishing waters. You can also visit Spectacle Lake & Campground for camping and enjoying the natural surroundings. Sanchez Reservoir State Wildlife Area is excellent for birdwatching, and La Jara Reservoir is ideal for picnics or elk hunting trips.

The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) passes through Conejos County. You can find a significant marker at the Colorado-New Mexico border, which marks the state junction on the CDT. From here, the trail extends north through Colorado and south towards the Mexican border, offering extensive hiking opportunities.

To delve into the region's agricultural past, visit the Conejos County Agricultural Museum. It features one of Colorado's finest collections of farm equipment, providing insight into the historical farming practices and heritage of the area.

The Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic & Historic Byway, meaning 'The Ancient Roads,' is a scenic route that traces the paths of Native Americans, Spanish explorers, settlers, and miners. It winds through diverse landscapes, including mountains, lakes, wetlands, and ranchland, and passes through historical sites like San Luis and Fort Garland, offering a comprehensive tour of the region's heritage and natural beauty.

Yes, Conejos County provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. The Sanchez Reservoir State Wildlife Area is a prime location for birdwatching, where you can spot various species including gulls, loons, grebes, passerines, sage sparrows, and sage thrashers. The extensive public lands within the Rio Grande National Forest also support diverse wildlife.