City Profile

Elevation:7,105'
Population: 1,591
Average Midsummer Temperature: 80 degrees

Wild mountain lupine

Pagosa Springs is "A Paradise for all Seasons." It continues to be a rapidly growing community in a beautiful setting east of Durango and west of Wolf Creek Ski Area. It is the gateway to Colorado's largest wilderness area -- the Weminuche Wilderness with 492,418 acres of stunning scenery. The Anasazi Indian ruins of the Chimney Rock Archaeological Area are 17 miles west of Pagosa Springs, and the fire lookout tower at Chimney Rock offers a panoramic view of the San Juan Mountains.

The town derives its name from the Ute Indian name "Pagosah" which roughly translated means "healing" or "boiling waters." The Utes discovered the healing powers of the hot springs and Pagosa Springs still welcomes travelers looking to soak in the mineral water. The San Juan River courses through town and offers kayaking, rafting and fishing opportunities.

Pagosa Springs is the gateway to interesting points south in New Mexico - such as the Jicarilla ("hickuh reé-yuh") Apache headquarters in Dulce and the Cumbres & Toltec Railroad in Chama.

Summer Events

Colorfest in late September features a hot air balloon rally

Pagosa Springs Area Chamber of Commerce
970-264-2360

First weekend in August –Archuleta County Fair and Taste of Pagosa

End of September – Colorfest, includes a hot air balloon rally, mountain bike race, community picnic and music

Labor Day Weekend – Four Corners Folk Festival is a music festival featuring two days of music by regional, national and international acts, plus arts & crafts, food & much more

Fun things to do

Relaxing in the hot springs

Fred Harman Art Museum - 2569 W. Hwy 160, at the Piedra Rd. traffic light, (970)731-5785. www.harmanartmuseum.com  Original Fred Harman oil paintings, Red Ryder and Little Beaver comic strips, movie and western memorabilia. 4th of July weekend rodeo at Pagosa Springs Fairgrounds. Monday - Friday 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday 12:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Pagosa Springs Golf Club: For a memorable golfing experience, try this 27-hole championship course 3˝ miles west of Pagosa Springs. Situated in a beautiful setting, this course is challenging and entertaining. For information, green fees and tee times call 970-731-4755. (No tee times are available more than 12 days in advance.)

The Springs is an outdoor mineral water pool with 15 soaking pools terracing the banks of the San Juan River and hot mineral water ranging from 83° to 114°. (The Great Pagosa is considered the largest and deepest hot spring in the world.) There is a bath house and other amenities. For hours, rates and other information call 970-264-2284. Also check out The Spa at Pagosa Springs (800-832-5523).