Outdoor enthusiasts headed to the Rocky Mountains have long known about Pagosa Springs. Located in the southwest corner of Colorado, it’s a magnet for year ‘round activities. The town’s name originates from the Ute Indians, who named the hot springs “Pah gosa” which translates into “healing waters”.

Pagosa, as it’s locally called, is the county seat of Archuleta County. Almost 65% of county land is either Southern Ute Indian or San Juan National Forest land. The town’s elevation sits at 7,000 feet, with the Continental Divide forming a dogleg to the north and east of town. To the south and west is the high desert of the Colorado Plateau. This unique geographical setting allows the town to receive, on average, 300 days of sunshine annually. Additionally, thanks to the lay of the land, nearby Wolf Creek Ski Area bills itself as receiving “the most snow in Colorado” and backs that statement up with facts, making it a powder hound’s heaven.

The famous Pagosa Hot Springs are located downtown, along the banks of the San Juan River. A series of pools with varying temperatures allow visitors to experience the springs therapeutic qualities after a day of outdoor activities.

The summit of Wolf Creek Pass reaches an elevation of 10,857‘. From there, the road descends 5,000‘ in a series of hairpin turns, providing stunning views of the mountain valley below, with Wolf Creek leading the way. Along this stretch of highway are a series of beautiful waterfalls, mostly unmarked, that can be easily located. Several areas along the road provide ample room for pulling over where it’s only a matter of listening for roaring water, a sure sign and safe bet for tumbling cascades and crashing waterfalls.

Located 20 uphill miles from Pagosa, and just over the pass is Wolf Creek Ski Area, famous for snow. Lots of it.  During ski season, locals and regional residents keep a close eye on weather conditions, heading for the pass when fresh powder arrives. With the exception of spring break season, it’s not unusual to ski an entire day without waiting in lift lines.

Unpretentious and laid back, Wolf Creek is truly one of Colorado’s great ski areas. Many visitors fly into Albuquerque, New Mexico, renting a car for the scenic four hour drive north to the ski area. Lodging reservations can be made in nearby Pagosa, where numerous rental options are available, along with a soak in the famous springs.

The Weminuche Wilderness, situated within the San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests, is the state’s largest wilderness area, comprising 488,210 acres of stunning Rocky Mountain landscape, with elevations ranging from 8,000’ to over 14,000’.

At the summit of Wolf Creek Pass, look for a gravel road taking you higher up to a parking location near the large communications tower. This is one of the jumping off points for the wilderness area and a chance to take in almost 80 miles of the famous Continental Divide trail. Heading west along this trail takes the hiker deep into the back country, a place where quality wilderness maps are essential.

Because this area offers some of Colorado’s best backpacking country, it’s also extremely popular, hence crowded. However, if hiking wilderness trails is your goal, this area offers up almost 500 miles, taking the fit hiker along a windswept ridge and then deep down into a pristine wilderness valley, over and over.

Thanks to abundant wildlife, including elk and mule deer, this area is a favorite for big game hunters. Use caution when hiking during the autumn hunting seasons.

Early summer in Pagosa is the perfect location for that mountain river raft trip. The San Juan River, swollen from spring snowmelt, is high country excitement at its best, that being a solid understatement. Whether you’re planning a family rafting trip or you’re part of a smaller group, there are several guide services providing mountain madness in the form of fast action white water trips.

Other outdoor activities include hiking, mountain climbing, horseback riding, fly fishing, and great mountain biking. Winter activities include cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling.