general vicinity information
The Chambers of Commerce and Visitor’s Centers are excellent in getting comprehensive literature and guides to you if you call with your address. We recommend doing this if you plan to take a few extra days either before or after your stay at Rainbow Trout Ranch. There are lots of wonderful and interesting places within easy reach of the ranch.
Some numbers and websites that may be useful are listed below. Please keep in mind that we are always delighted to help with suggestions and recommendations. Call us at 1.719.376.2440 or email us at [email protected]
Chambers of Commerce/Visitor’s Centers
Alamosa, CO (1 hour NE): 719.589.3681 www.alamosa.org www.slvheritage.com
Albuquerque, NM(3 ½ hrs S): 800.284.2282 https://www.visitalbuquerque.org/
Colorado Springs, CO (3 ½ hrs NE): 800.368.4748
https://www.visitcos.com/
Durango, CO (2 ½ hrs W): 970.247.3500 www.durango.org (near Mesa Verde)
Manitou Springs, CO (4 hrs NE): 800.642.2567 www.manitousprings.org (historic area near Colorado Springs)
Santa Fe, NM(2 ½ hrs S): 800.777.2489 www.santafe.org
Taos, NM (1 ½ hrs SE): 800.732.8267 www.taoschamber.com
If you come in from the north (Denver, Colorado Springs etc.) take time to stop at the remarkable Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. It is easily reached from either Hwy 285 north of Alamosa or Hwy 160 east of Alamosa. They have a great Visitor’s Center and the area is fascinating. http://www.nps.gov/grsa
A night or two in Santa Fe is wonderful if you are coming in from the south. The history, architecture, art, cuisine and culture are fascinating and it is only a 50-minute drive from Albuquerque which is the airport many of our guests use. Taos is always an interesting stop as well, but remember that if you raft you will be going there from the ranch during the week. There is a great drive east of Taos through Angel Fire, Eagle’s Nest, Cimarron and Red River as well if you want to explore further before or after you time at RTR.
To the west lies Durango with Mesa Verde further west and the Durango/Silverton train ride which used to be part of the same line as our nearby Cumbres & Toltec line, historic mining towns and wonderful scenery.
For those of you wanting to venture even further afield, we are an 8-hour drive from the Grand Canyon. The fabulous Canyon de Chelly is about 5 hours from the ranch and a bit of a detour on the way to the Grand Canyon, but worth it. https://www.nps.gov/state/az/index.htm
Of course, these are just a few off-ranch suggestions for before or after your trip to the ranch. Once you get to Rainbow Trout you won’t want to leave as there is plenty to do and enjoy right here!
