Discover Saguache County

Saguache County can be explored through specific travel interests: historic homes and silver-mining history sit alongside climbing and hiking opportunities, as well as designated cycling routes. Details on distances, elevation gain and types of use help distinguish between different plans. A walking trail about half a mile long to geological formations is different from a designated trail network or a bikepacking tour designed to take several days.

Compare cycling routes by distance and format

The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route covers 62 miles and 4,004 feet of elevation gain on the Saguache–Del Norte section. The Great Divide Overland North Route offers a different scale: it is 155 miles long, designed as a multi-day bikepacking tour, and has a maximum grade of 12.5 percent. The route passes through Sargents to Villa Grove in Saguache County. Along the way, you can camp or stay in cabins.

For planning, you can distinguish the details by route length and tour format: the Saguache–Del Norte section lists its length and elevation gain; the longer Overland North Route is explicitly designed to take several days and also lists its maximum grade and overnight accommodation options. Check route conditions before setting out. If you plan to stay overnight along the way, check the options for your specific dates.

Climbing, hiking and scenery

Penitente Canyon is an internationally recognized climbing area with more than 300 sport climbing routes. The south-facing routes can be climbed year-round; conditions on site may vary. The area also has more than 20 miles of trails open to mountain biking and hiking. Those choosing the area for climbing will find a specific indication of scale and seasonality. For hikers and mountain bikers, the designated trails are the relevant guide. Trout fishing is also possible in La Garita Creek. Regulations and conditions may vary; check the applicable rules before fishing.

The Black Canyon Wilderness Study Area is located in Saguache County and offers hiking opportunities. Access and conditions on site may vary, so check them for your specific trip. A walking trail about half a mile long leads from the end of the road to the geological formations at Wheeler Geological Area. There, volcanic ash has eroded into an unusually bizarre landscape. Check road conditions before setting out.

Homes, museum and local history

The Hazard House is a restored home dating from 1913. It showcases the lifestyle and furnishings of wealthy Saguache families in the 1920s and 1930s. If you plan to visit, check the current visitor arrangements, as these may change.

The Saguache County Museum is housed in a building whose sections were built more than 125 years ago. The building served, among other things, as a school, a temporary courthouse and a home for jailers. The museum also includes a stucco-fronted adobe jail built in 1908. The history of the building thus reflects several uses, while the adobe jail adds a separate historic structure.

Bonanza was founded in the fall of 1880, after rich silver ore was discovered in the mountains north of Saguache and west of Villa Grove. The discovery of silver ore and the founding of Bonanza are thus part of the same local history. The Shumei’s Crestone Center has a different kind of cultural significance: it is considered a sacred pilgrimage site.

More ideas for planning

For a drive through Saguache County, the Mystic Adventure driving audio tour is available through the TravelStorys app. As the platform or availability may change, check current access before planning your tour.

Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa has hot springs with natural mineral water. If you plan to visit, check the current visitor options in advance. Since 2010, a free annual community event featuring a seed exchange and educational activities has been held there. Dates and arrangements may change, so check the latest information if you plan to include the event in your itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Villa Grove, Saguache, Adams, Elbert County, Archuleta, Gunnison County, Lincoln County, Montrose County.

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