Canyon Crest Lodge

Camera, Mosquito Repellent (at dusk only)

by llmlwm

Good hiking / walking shoes. Clothing - always keep a jacket close by. If you don't like the weather here....it will change in 5 minutes so stick around! Mosquito repellant - these varments love me...but luckily only come out at dusk! Camera with a zoom lense - waterfalls and mountains galore! Forest Service campgrounds ($8 per evening) are the cheapest. No amenities except pump your own water and outhouses (clean!).

Visitor for 17 years - Local for under 1 year

by llmlwm

"Visitor versus Resident"

We vacationed in Pagosa Springs area for many years. We have stayed in hotels and also in Forest Service campgrounds. The scenery is breath taking and the local residents were always warm and friendly. The area is never short of local and year around activities.
There is a quaint downtown shopping area which sits across from the San Juan River. The most noticeable tourist / local attraction is the natural hot springs. There are several Spa areas where you can soak in the natural hot mineral springs. The odor (that of boiled eggs) of the hot springs probably causes many who are simply passing through town to wonder "What is that?!" The main Spa is great local entertainment to watch "soakers" in the winter from the river area. As the spa dwellers rise from the hot water, the steam rolls off their bodies. (Great entertainment for our 5 & 7 year old boys!)
If you are looking for a great place to hike, bike, walk, horseback ride with wonderful mountain views and scenery in a small town with friendly locals....Pagosa Springs is a great place to visit....and live!