Discover the San Luis Valley by Gravel
San Luis Valley Great Outdoors (SLV GO!) invites you to explore the vast, culturally rich landscapes of southern Colorado. Stretching nearly 8,000 square miles at an average elevation of 7,262 feet, the San Luis Valley is the largest high-altitude desert in North America—a place where open roads, endless sky, and quiet solitude create a gravel rider’s dream.
This remarkable region is home to a living blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo heritage, with many residents tracing their roots to original Mexican land grant settlements. That mix of cultures, history, and land stewardship gives the Valley its unique sense of place and belonging.
Across six counties—Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Saguache—an immense network of unpaved county, BLM, and forest roads offers routes for every kind of adventurer. The rides here are remote and rewarding, demanding endurance, skill, and respect for both the land and its communities. Those who take the time to explore will find moments of deep calm, connection, and perspective in the wide-open landscape.
Please ride responsibly and follow Leave No Trace principles. The San Luis Valley’s delicate ecosystem depends on our collective care to sustain the land’s ability to nurture both people and wildlife. Whether you’re here to test your limits or simply find stillness between the peaks, this field guide is your invitation to experience the Valley’s beauty, culture, and spirit—one gravel road at a time.
Communities
Each town included in this guidebook has a story to tell. There is no better way to learn about and experience them than from the saddle of a bicycle.
San Luis
Located at the southern end of the valley, San Luis is the oldest permanently settled community in Colorado. Founded in 1851, this town best reflects the multi-ethnic and shifting borders of the Southwest. Originally part of the Sangre de Cristo land grant from Mexico, San Luis retains the pastoral quality of life that drew early settlers. With a small population (700) and little traffic, riding gravel here affords one the chance to experience what residents have for generations.
La Culebra
Distance: 55 Miles
Elevation: +3,086 Ft
Max Grade: 8.3%
Approx: 93/7 – %Gravel/Paved
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From the town of San Luis this route follows Culebra Creek and takes you into the heart of the SLV to truly understand why the valley holds the sentiments of nourishment and spirituality so closely.
Flowing adjacent to Main Street and C.R. 19 is the San Luis Peoples Ditch, the oldest continuously used community irrigation acequia in the state. It flows through the La Vega Commons, where in 1863, Rio Culebra Basin residents set aside land that stretched to the New Mexico border for traditional, uncultivated wetlands use for the purpose of grazing cattle and horses for 5 months of the year.
On top of the San Pedro Mesa are sweeping views to the east, west and south, including the Los Caminos Antiguos Byway that connects a number of small villages. Pedaling under the Culebra Range of the Sangres, you see and feel the rural communal way of life along the Colorado-New Mexico border.
Rito Seco
Distance: 36 Miles
Elevation: +4,518 Ft
Max Grade: 24%
Approx: 91/9 – %Gravel/Paved
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This loop highlights a unique ecosystem, and you’ll quickly understand why el agua es vida (water is life). The ride starts out in the desert before climbing to higher elevations through a shaded forest of aspen and pine which protects water. While descending down, starting at mile 20, you’ll begin to understand how snowmelt gathers into small pools and streams and flows into the Rito Seco, irrigating valley farms below. This is easily one of the most beautiful rides in the entire SLV.
Don’t let the less than 40 miles ride distance deceive you. This is a tough one, with steep of the climbing in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. You can shorten the distance by starting and ending at Rito Seco Park. Be prepared by carrying plenty of water and snacks because the closest amenities are found in the town of San Luis.
Fort Garland
First established as a military fort in 1858, Fort Garland sits at the eastern end of the valley near La Veta Pass. It served as an outpost that protected settlers from Native American attacks as tensions grew in the 19th century. Among the soldiers stationed at Fort Garland were the famous African American Buffalo Soldiers of the U.S. 9th Cavalry regiment. They arrived after the Civil War paved the way for the first railroad tracks to be laid into the valley. Today, while not a sizable town, Fort Garland offers convenient access to an impressive network of unpaved roads.
Ancient Bison
Distance: 40 Miles
Elevation: +270 Ft
Max Grade: 1.1%
Approx: 58/42 – %Gravel/Paved
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This route provides access to travelers arriving from the east on Highway 160. Fort Garland is a solid starting point for gravel cyclists seeking a taste of what the SLV has to offer.
The ride takes you southeast of town on low traffic Costilla County roads used by local residents. You’ll traverse the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, with views of Mountain Home Reservoir and Blanca Peak.
This route represents the complex history of 19th century westward U.S. expansion. It pays homage to the influence of the buffalo on the people and land in the valley. Ancient bison (Bison Antiquus) with 3 foot horns once called it home. Later, Native Americans would label Black military men “Buffalo Soldiers” because their fighting abilities reminded them of the ferocity of wild bison and the hair between their horns.
Alamosa
Founded on the Rio Grande River in 1878, the town serves as a hub for the entire valley due to its central location. Alamosa’s name signifies “cottonwood groves” in Spanish. Similar to other SLV communities, its settlement was directly related to the arrival of the railroad as a result of mining discoveries in the San Juan Mountains to the west. This led to an expanded farming, ranching, and timber economy that persists even now. Alamosa’s central location makes it an ideal base to explore the valley’s abundance of gravel riding, including the Great Sand Dunes area.
Wildlife Refuge
Distance: 40 Miles
Elevation: +270 Ft
Max Grade: 1.1%
Approx: 58/42 – %Gravel/Paved
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This is a classic San Luis Valley route highlighting symbiotic relationships of land, water, and wildlife in south-central Colorado. Leaving south from Alamosa, the first 10 miles are paved before giving way to a long stretch of dirt. This ride circumnavigates the Alamosa Wildlife Refuge, which was established in 1963 to protect 12,025 acres of habitat for migratory birds and valley wildlife.
What makes this ride special is the high probability of seeing one of over 200 bird species, including songbirds, water birds, waterfowl and raptors. Prancing mule deer, beavers, and howling coyotes are part of the experience, as well. Be prepared for weak cell phone signals at times, and expect to encounter short sections of sand. Appreciate the solitude while taking in views of three mountain ranges: the Sangres to the east, San Juans to the west, and Saguache mountains to the north.
Dunes Ramble
Distance: 69 Miles
Elevation: +186 Ft
Max Grade: 0.4%
Approx: 84/16 – %Gravel/Paved
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Traveling northeast from the town of Alamosa, the majestic Blanca Peak stares at you. Throw in the Great Sand Dunes on the horizon and the view makes for a fantastic gravel ride. Even though there’s no climbing, don’t expect an easy ride. Rambling over low rolling sections of road makes this a fast training ride option, or fun low key ride distance. You can add to the ride and swing by the UFO Watch Tower in Hooper.
Always take into consideration wind conditions, because they can add a challenge. Remember, wind played a key role in the formation of the dunes. Places where wind moves grains of sand are considered aeolian environments. Here, the wind blows towards the Sangre de Cristo mountains, and storms bring it back toward the valley. The opposing air flow is what causes the dunes to grow upward in size.
Valley Farm Tour
Distance: 77 Miles
Elevation: +657 Ft
Max Grade: 1.4%
Approx: 61/39 – %Gravel/Paved
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This is another route with a mellow elevation profile that demonstrates the role agriculture plays in the SLV way of life. Long stretches of dirt, magnificent mountain views, historical sites, and towns along the way make this long distance ride special.
Highlights include riding past Pike’s Stockade, where Zebulon Pike built one of the first structures built by an American in Colorado. Nearby Manassa is the birthplace of former boxing champion Jack Dempsey. In La Jara, the historic train depot (1911) shipped ranch and farm products and is now the town hall. Meanwhile, Capulin is the former home of Hispanic folk textile artist Eppie Archuelta, who owned and operated the SLV Wool Mill.
Countless farms and ranches further illustrate the multi-ethnic heritage and storytelling of the valley. In 1870, Hispano sheepherders welcomed Mormon immigrants who helped improve farming techniques, and in recent years the Amish have added to the multiculturalism of the valley.
Monte Vista
Unlike other towns, Monte Vista is an example of a community that claims no single name or person with its founding. It started as the site where the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad placed a sign in 1881. It was once referred to as Henry, but after outside investments, it earned the name Monte Vista because of its “mountain views”. Today, Monte Vista plays host to the state’s oldest pro rodeo (1915) and the Crane Festival, while also holding a number of registered historic places. Monte Vista gives gravel cyclists plenty to explore due to its close proximity to BLM property.
Sendero Viejo
Distance: 24 Miles
Elevation: +1,104 Ft
Max Grade: 5.8%
Approx: 62/38 – %Gravel/Paved
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This mixed terrain ride is an opportunity to explore the foothills southwest of Monte Vista. A section of it follows the national historic Old Spanish Trail (Sendero Viejo). Mile marker 7 commemorates the pack mule trails’ use and influence on southern Colorado. While there’s not a lot of climbing, the ride takes you past a number of rock formations on double track roads and affords some great views.
Using indigenous knowledge of the SLV, a merchant from Santa Fe named Antonio Armiio helped establish an overland connection between New Mexico and California in 1829-30. While initially used for commerce, the Sendero Viejo also contributed to migration of Hispanos seeking to take advantage of Mexican land grants. By the 1850s the trail became less significant, but its impact on the population of the valley was irreversible.
Del Norte
Del Norte’s name was inspired by its location, where the Rio Grande del Norte, ‘large river of the north’ flows into the San Luis Valley. The area was first inhabited by Ute tribes in warmer months seeking wild game, plants, water, and timber, with Spain and Mexico following suit. Land grants issued by Mexico encouraged settlement, but this proved difficult as Utes fought to preserve their sovereignty. After the U.S.- Mexican War, Euro-American migration accelerated and the town was formed In 1871. Del Norte quickly grew as a supply station for freighters and miners from the East Coast and Europe. Now, it’s a gateway for gravel cyclists to access the unpaved roads and trails of the Rio Grande National Forest, and the renowned Continental Divide Bike Route.
Rio Grande Traverse
Distance: 66 Miles
Elevation: +4769 Ft
Max Grade: 10.9%
Approx: 54/46 – %Gravel/Paved
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This route starts by following the contours of the Rio Grande River between Del Norte and South Fork. South Fork serves as a stage stop for travelers passing through. Cyclists are encouraged to take advantage of amenities here to prepare for the long ride.
South of Highway 160, the ascent to 11,519 ft through the Rio Grande National Forest begins. The roads here are directly related to the 19th century mining and timber industries. 1870 gold and silver discoveries in the San Juan Mountains drew an influx of prospectors. Conservation efforts began in 1905, when President Theodore Roosevelt established the San Juan Forest Preserve after demand for timber increased.
The route is very suitable for bikepacking if you’d like to make it a multi-day outing. A number of campgrounds are accessible along Beaver Creek.
Saguache
Situated at the north end of the valley, Saguache was one of the last areas to see permanent settlement. The name refers to a Ute camp found there as Euro-American traders and trappers passed through on the Old Spanish Trail. Farming of wheat, hay, vegetables, and grazing of cattle and sheep quickly took hold after Otto Mears opened a store and brought the first mover, reaper, and threshing machine into the valley in 1866. He later gained road building notoriety by connecting Saguache (Route 285) over Poncha Pass. Today the town boasts a number of historical buildings and access to the Rio Grande National Forest, BLM, and extensive unpaved road network of Saguache County.
Saguache – Del Norte GDMBR South
Distance: 62 Miles
Elevation: +4,004 Ft
Max Grade: 9%
Approx: 82/18 – %Gravel/Paved
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This one can be ridden in different ways. One way, or out and back. One or multi-day. How to tackle the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route between Saguache and Del Norte is up to you. Simply know it’s a challenge on a gravel bike. Segments include sand and sharp rock requiring 40 mm+ tires.
Created by the Adventure Cycling Association in the 1990s, GDBR extends from the Canadian to Mexican border. Leaving from Saquache you’ll make two climbs to an elevation of 10,164 ft. Strands of aspen, wildflowers, and views laden with remnants of SLV’s volcanic past are everywhere. For those traveling with a fishing pole, the Carnero Creek (Sheep in Spanish) will be of interest. Beautiful and rare cutthroat trout can be found.
This is a fantastic SLV segment of the GDBR for adventure riding or endurance training. You do you.
Great Divide Overland North
Distance: 155 Miles
Elevation: +10,343 Ft
Max Grade: 12.5%
Approx: 75/25 – %Gravel/Paved
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This route is intended to be a multi-day bikepacking excursion that allows you to camp or stay in cabins along the way. It will also follow the northern segment of the GDMBR but return to the valley from Sargents to Villa Grove in Saguache County.
You’ll travel over Cochetopa Pass, which was used by Ute tribes to travel to and from the SLV. Cochetopa translates as “pass of the buffalo” and the surrounding hills were traditional hunting grounds. Public land in this area provides the first camping opportunity.
There are eight miles of pavement in the approach to Sargents on Highway 50, one of the few segments of pavement on the route. The town affords the chance to overnight and obtain needed food and water supplies. Be prepared for big climbs before returning towards Villa Grove. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of the hot springs before riding into Saguache.
Creede
Historic Creede is the one, and only, town in Mineral County. Despite a small population (>300), it possesses extraordinary Colorado history. Situated at the end of a box canyon and the headwaters of the Rio Grande del Norte, the hanging cliffs above town makes this a unique SLV stop. One visit, and you’ll see why it was chosen as a shooting location for the 2013 Lone Ranger film. At one time, Creede was home to as many as 10,000 people seeking fortune and fame, including criminal underworld and outlaw personalities like Robert Ford, best known as the man who killed Jesse James. However, it all came to an end with the Silver Panic of 1893, which led to a U.S. economic depression until 1897. The current gravel bike boom has given people a new reason to visit this stunning place on the map.
Bachelor Loop
Distance: 25 Miles
Elevation: +4,549 Ft
Max Grade: 21%
Approx: 94/6 %Gravel/Paved
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An iconic off-road route that begins and ends in the town of Creede. After climbing the steeper East Willow Creek portion, the hard effort pays off with a fun descent down the West Willow Creek. The original Creede townsite sat at the junction of the two creeks. It was named after Nicholas Creede, who discovered the lead, zinc, and silver deposits of Holy Moses Mine in 1889.
This is a high elevation ride, rarely dipping below 10,000 ft, with a high point of 12,518 ft. It affords great views of the town and Rio Grande River Valley. It’s not out of the question to catch glimpses of wildlife, including mule deer and moose. If you’re not in a hurry, there are interpretive stops along the way to further learn about the area’s mining history.
Road Origins
A Supervolcano & Ancient Lakebed
The SLV’S landscape was influenced by a series of supervolcano events approximately 30 million years ago. One, La Garita Caldera, produced the largest known volcanic eruption on Earth. As the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan mountain ranges lifted upward, the area between them dropped to create the valley and Lake Alamosa, which was as deep as 200 ft, formed. Then 500,000 years ago, it drained and exposed the sediment deposits left behind to create the rich agricultural conditions of today. It also contributed to the formation of the Great Sand Dunes, and the sandy condition of some roads.
Due to the SLV’s remote and rugged terrain, it was initially largely used as a migration corridor by indigenous people beginning almost 10,000 years ago. Over the years trails began to form as human activity increased. The sacred Blanca Peak (14,326 ft) was considered the easternmost boundary of the Navajo Nation, and later other Native groups (Pueblo, Comanche, Kiowa, Arapahoe, Jicarilla Apache and Cheyenne) would visit to hunt bison and collect resources. However, it was the Ute who were the first to really call the valley home.