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Posts may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases and collect a small commission at no cost to you. This helps my blog to keep going. Thank you! For more info, read my disclosure policy.

My Grandparents Located Here After Getting Married

Pagosa Springs, Colorado is a small town about an hour east of Durango, Colorado. My grandparents moved to a ranch in Pagosa when they were married and raised cattle, chickens and several horses to ride.

My dad was in the Air Force, but I would always visit them every summer. I would ride all day long through pathways on their ranch. I would help gather the eggs and watch Grandma chop the heads off of the chickens, and help pluck the feathers off them in order to prepare them to eat.

It was like taking a biology class, as you would see the gizzard and heart, that usually ended up in the gravy, nothing was ever wasted! She made great fried chicken, but I did not want to try the gravy!

She also milked the cows, which I could not get the hang of, and she would put it in huge jars with cheesecloth over it, as the cream would rise to the top.

The Rocky Mountains realize – nay, exceed – the dream of my childhood. It is magnificent, and the air is life-giving.

Isabella Bird

Over 3 Million Acres Of Wilderness and National Forest

The town is about 8 miles in on the highway. My aunt and uncle owned a liquor store there and Grandma worked at a diner that was next door in her later years.

When driving you will see the beautiful San Juan Mountains, over 3 million acres of wilderness and national forest, and the San Juan River that flows through town with great trout fishing and continuous running rapids.

You will notice something that smells like rotten eggs, which are the numerous hot springs throughout the town that are considered “healing waters”.

To the northeast, you can drive up Wolf Creek Pass to the ski area that offers downhill runs and cross-country trails. Southwest, you have the Chimney Rock National Monument.

Camping, Hiking, Backpacking, Horseback Riding, Boating, Hot Air Balloon Rides, Rock Climbing, Golf

The elevation is over 7000 feet, population of around 2000 in 2017. 4th of July there is a big parade through town and then a rodeo you can attend afterward.

When I was about 11 years old I was able to ride one of my cousin’s horses in the parade. That was an exciting thing to do at that age! You can also float down the rapids on the river as it goes through town.

Camping, hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, hot air balloon rides, golf, jeeps, boating, rock climbing, and beautiful scenic drives. There are gorgeous homes to rent throughout the Pagosa area but drive carefully as deer are everywhere.

Of course, skiing in the Colorado mountains is enjoyed by many. You are able to ski and snowboard where the snow is great and far away from crowds and lift lines, an experience you would never forget!

Several Brewing Companies, Many Great Restaurants, Food Trucks

When visiting you will find a wide selection of food to suit any appetite. You’ll find a variety of food trucks at the east side market.

If brewery food and craft beer are what you desire, you’ll find two Riff Raff Brewing Company locations downtown and the award-winning beers of Pagosa Brewing Company uptown.

If you want a more elegant dining experience, you’ll want to stop in at the Alley House Grille. These are just a few of the many great restaurants in town.

For more information on this beautiful vacation destination with a small-town vibe visit Pagosa Springs Colorado Refreshingly Authentic.

Make Your Next Vacation In “God’s Country”

My grandfather passed away in the mid-60s’, so my grandmother bought a little house with acreage along the river in town. She kept herself busy with yard work, her horse, dog, hobbies, and friends.

The last time my sisters and I were in Pagosa was in 2011 when we had a family reunion, pictured above. We stayed in one of the homes I mentioned above, and when we got there we found two deer laying in the property across the road from us. I wish we had taken a picture, but it was at night. They are such beautiful animals!

Closing Thoughts

If you are thinking of someplace with beautiful scenery year-round then Pagosa is the place to go, and you won’t be disappointed. Once people discover Pagosa Springs, they fall in love with it, and look forward to returning!

Grandpa, Grandma, and my parents are buried up on the hill in the cemetery where they can look over this place we call “God’s Country”!

Along with clean air and the evergreen scent, this place is infectious!

If you found this post helpful, please scroll down to the comment section and leave a comment, and share with family and friends and on social media.

Here is another post you might find interesting: Growing Up In Duluth, Minnesota During Grade School

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See you soon, Denise

Posts may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases and collect a small commission at no cost to you. This helps my blog to keep going. Thank you! For more info, read my disclosure policy.