San Luis State Park

San Luis State Park lies in the San Luis Valley of south-central Colorado, in the high desert at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Despite the name, it is not in the town of San Luis, which is farther south near the New Mexico border; the park is in the northern part of the valley, close to Mosca and not far from Alamosa, and it adjoins Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. The elevation is around 7,500 feet, and the valley floor is flat and open, with the mountains rising sharply on the eastern horizon.

The park covers grassland, sand and wetlands, and its centrepiece is San Luis Lake, a shallow reservoir. Head Lake and the surrounding marshes add to the picture, and the water sits against the backdrop of the dunes and the mountains. The contrast between a blue lake, tawny dunes and high peaks is the main visual draw here and makes the park a favourite among photographers.

Travelers who come for the birds will find the wetlands the park's chief ecological value. In a dry valley they act as a magnet for birds, and waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors use them through the year. The valley is also known for the spring passage of sandhill cranes, which gather in the area, so visits in March and April can be particularly rewarding for birdwatchers. Other wildlife includes mule deer and coyotes, and the quiet early morning and evening hours are the best times to see animals.

Visitors will find recreation centred on the lake. Fishing and boating are the main activities, and the open, windy conditions on the valley floor make it attractive to sailors and to wind-powered watersports enthusiasts. The park has a campground, and the combination of dark night skies and a high, dry climate makes it a good place for stargazing. Because the elevation is high, summer days can be hot and the nights cool, and strong afternoon winds are common, so sunscreen, layers and plenty of water are sensible.

The valley has a deep human history, with Ute and other indigenous peoples using it long before Spanish and later Mexican settlers arrived, and its towns, including San Luis, one of the oldest in Colorado, are worth a visit. San Luis State Park suits families, campers, birdwatchers and anyone combining a trip to the dunes with a quieter day by the water.