Alamosa

Summers in the Alamosa area are warm and dry, and the majority of the year is dry. Alamosa may not get much rain during the year, it does however gets a beautiful blanket of snow during the winter months. As the area is over 7500 feet above sea level, nights year round can be quite cool and the days can quickly warm up, so dress accordingly. The Great Dune National Park sands can get pretty hot, so make sure you protect your pets tender feet.

Winter does not put a stop to the fun and enjoyment that comes from visiting the Alamosa area. Think of snowshoeing on the massive sand dunes of the Great Sand Dunes national park. Bird watching is a year round activity, but at Christmas there is a special event bird watching event hosted by the Audubon Society.

You have not seen anything until you see Zapata Falls freeze into a surreal ice structure. If nordic skiing in snowey meadows and through the trees of the Rio Grande National Forest is your thing, then the Big Meadows Ski Trail the foothills of the San Juan Mountains is the perfect winter time activity.

Please respect farm access roads and ditch crossings, most are private property even when unsigned.

Winter lows can drop below -10 °F (-23 °C), be sure to check road reports on US 160/285.

Alamosa offers a generous selection of pet-welcoming accommodations:

• There are at least 17 pet-friendly hotels, including:
  • Best Western
  • Holiday Inn Express
  • Hampton Inn
  • Fairfield Inn
  • Super 8
  • Quality Inn
  • Cottonwood Inn
• Alamosa's dining scene embraces pups, especially on patios:
  • 4th Street Grille
  • Juanitos Mexican Kitchen (they even brought a water bowl for dogs)
  • My Brothers Place
  • Roast Cafe (noted for its dog-friendly patio)

Alamosa is committed to accessibility, with formal procedures, regulatory frameworks, and infrastructure planning in place. While new developments adhere closely to ADA guidelines, older areas may still pose mobility challenges. The city continues to work on upgrades, while public-facing services—including digital experiences—are increasingly inclusive.

• Alamosa demonstrates a strong commitment to preserving its most precious resource—water. The city actively promotes responsible and efficient water use, highlighting long-term conservation as a core sustainability principle.
• As of July 2025, the City Council is reviewing and refining its green waste program, which includes both curbside pick-up and a drop-off zone at the recycling yard.
• A community-led collaboration between the Community Resources & Housing Development Corporation (CRHDC) and the city is paving the way for more inclusive, sustainable housing options.
• In 2017, Alamosa participated in the EPA's Local Foods, Local Places initiative, aiming to strengthen local food networks, enhance downtown vitality, and support community well-being.

Alamosa offers a welcoming experience with minimal tourist-specific scams. The most relevant concerns are general security—such as card skimming and impersonation tactics—which are increasingly common across Colorado. Staying alert and cautious, especially with cards and incoming calls, will keep your trip both enjoyable and safe.

Police, Fire, Medical – 911, Fire Department (Non-Emergency), Chief – Bill Stone (719) 589-2593, Police Department (Non-Emergency) Chief – Ken Anderson (719) 589-2548