Date Hiked: December 29, 2022

Distance: 1.8 mi (RT)

Elevation Gain: Minimal

Elevation: 7,530 ft

Trailhead Lat/Long: 37.68449, -105.73598

Managing Agency: CO Division of Parks & Wildlife

Fee: Yes (License Required)

Directions:

From Alamosa, head north on Hwy 17 and turn right onto 6N for 7.7 miles to the entrance for San Luis State Wildlife Area.  Turn left into the park and follow the good dirt road to the end. 

Hike Description:

San Luis State Wildlife Area is an interesting and scenic area that shares the western boundary of Great Sand Dunes National Park.  The area is a State Wildlife Area, but used to be a State Park.  In 2017, the area lost its state park designation and merged with the adjacent state wildlife area. Now the area has a few nature trails, picnic areas, camping (?), and viewpoints looking out on the mostly dry San Luis Lakes.  My main interest in hiking this area comes from the absolutely incredible views of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains east of Great Sand Dunes National Park.   

Follow the park’s road, past San Luis Lake to the end of the road and the gate blocking vehicles from accessing the park’s northern reaches.  This is the trailhead.  Follow the dirt road for about 500 ft and turn right on the first dirt road (most of the hiking here is on dirt roads.)  The roads lead to the shores of what may have once been lakes, but now are dry lake beds, with possible seasonal water.  

At the next road junction, you can take the left fork for a short detour to a dry lake shore…  Return to the main road and continue east.  The road eventually leads to a gate blocking further access and more dry lake views. When you have had enough dry lakes, head back to the trailhead. 

The hiking in this park is not all that exciting to be honest.  However, the views of the Sangres are spectacular.  There are also some great opportunities for wildlife viewing along the trails. I was lucky enough to get an up close look at a Great Horned Owl perched in a tree.  This hike is a good representation of the San Luis Valley, with big skies, open plains, and mountain views.  The views of the Sand Dunes with the Sangres behind simply can’t be beat.