Pagosa Springs Colorado sits in the Southwest corner of Colorado just 60 miles east of Durango and 35 miles north of the New Mexico border. Incorporated in 1891, the town serves as the county seat of Archuleta county. Lying on the western slope of the Continental Divide, the official altitude is 7126ft above sea level.
Lying in the foothills of the San Juan Mountains provides for great hiking, biking, cross country skiing downhill skiing, fishing and other outdoor activities. Majestic mountain views of the Weminuche and San Juan Mountains offer a great backdrop to the town. The Ute native American tribe lands are to the south and house a casino, if interested. Native American structures and monuments are popular visitor attractions such as Mesa Verde and Chimney Rock National Monument which are great day trips from Pagosa Springs.
The population of Pagosa Springs Colorado is roughly 1800 full-time residents. The county of Archuleta’s population is 14,000 as of 2019. Sitting at an elevation of 7,000 to 7.500 feet about sea level, the area will take time for someone to acclimate if coming from sea level.
Plenty of things to do in Pagosa Springs
Trying to find things to do in Pagosa Springs? As previously mentioned, lots of outdoor activities in the region. Day trips from Pagosa Springs allow you to get out of town to see some fascinating towns and sites. Want to try something unique? Horse Drawn Sleigh rides and Dog Sled rides are great family fun.
Food options are plentiful with some great local restaurants offering Mexican food, Burgers, Pub Food and more. In addition, many restaurants offer breakfast to start the day off right. Coffee shops offering good coffee and tea drinks are scattered around town for a needed pick-me up.
Horseback riding in the San Juan Mountains can be a truly unforgettable experience. The rugged beauty of the mountains, with their towering peaks and alpine meadows, is a stunning backdrop for a horseback ride. The trails through the San Juans are varied and offer something for riders of all skill levels, from gentle, scenic rides through the forests to challenging treks up steep, rocky trails. Whether you’re an experienced rider looking for a new adventure or a beginner looking to try horseback riding for the first time, the San Juan Mountains are a great place to explore on horseback. Just be sure to bring plenty of water and be prepared for the possibility of inclement weather, as the mountain climate can change quickly.
The Williams Reservoir near Pagosa Springs, Colorado is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy the beauty of the San Juan Mountains. Located just a short drive from town, the reservoir is a great spot for fishing, boating, and picnicking. The surrounding area is also great for hiking and birdwatching, with a network of trails winding through the forest and along the shoreline. In the summer months, the reservoir is a popular spot for camping and swimming. With its beautiful setting and abundance of outdoor activities, the Williams Reservoir is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the Pagosa Springs area.
Pagosa Hot Springs
“Pah-Gosah”, meaning “healing waters” in the native Ute language, is home to the world’s deepest geothermal hot springs. Popular with tourists and locals alike, the minerals in the hot springs can rejuvenate your body after a day of adventure. The Hot Springs in the Pagosa Springs area are a must attraction for any visitor.
Pagosa Climate
Sunshine averages 300 days a year, making Pagosa Springs Colorado a prime destination for spring, summer, fall and winter enthusiasts.
Average temperatures by month is provided by Wikipedia.
Climate data for Pagosa Springs, CO (2000-2015 normals) Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Average high °F (°C) 37.9
(3.3)42.6
(5.9)49.2
(9.6)59.2
(15.1)68.3
(20.2)78.3
(25.7)83.1
(28.4)80.7
(27.1)74.3
(23.5)63.7
(17.6)49.7
(9.8)39.6
(4.2)60.6
(15.9)Average low °F (°C) 1.4
(−17.0)7.0
(−13.9)15.9
(−8.9)23.9
(−4.5)30.2
(−1.0)36.3
(2.4)45.2
(7.3)44.6
(7.0)36.6
(2.6)26.3
(−3.2)15.4
(−9.2)5.0
(−15.0)24.0
(−4.4)Average precipitation inches (mm) 1.97
(50)1.42
(36)1.60
(41)1.36
(35)1.20
(30)0.95
(24)1.88
(48)2.52
(64)1.85
(47)2.29
(58)1.39
(35)1.78
(45)20.22
(514)Average snowfall inches (cm) 26.4
(67)18.9
(48)15.1
(38)5.5
(14)0.9
(2.3)0
(0)0
(0)0
(0)0.1
(0.25)3.2
(8.1)10.0
(25)21.2
(54)101.5
(258)
Wolf Creek Ski Tails
During the winter, Skiing is a big draw to the area. The Wolf Creek Ski Area is a 20 minute drive from town and receives some of the largest amounts of snow in Colorado. The following map provides a view of the different lifts and trails on the mountain.
