We chose Pagosa Springs for our family vacation this year. We wanted to go to Colorado and normally we visit Summit County or Estes Park. In recent years, the pine beetle problem in those places has been an issue for us. We looked at vrbo for options in south central and south western Colorado. Durango prices were too high for us, but rates were good in Pagosa Springs.

We rented vrbo/114118, a three bedroom/two bath home with the golf course in the back yard and Lake Pagosa in the front yard. The location was central to everything that we wanted to visit while in the area, with room for our family (including three teenagers) to spread out. We had hot air balloons in back of the home some mornings over the golf course.

We bought family week-long passes for the Hot Springs and went each day to soak in the tubs scattered along the river bank. The Springs Resort and Spa has done a beautiful job with landscaping and this was a favorite activity. An assortment of tubs with temperatures 92- 113 degrees and a view of the river are hard to beat, especially in the evening.

We visited Chimney Rock, a San Juan National Forest Archaeological Area and had a fascinating tour with volunteer guide Wayne Logan, who is a walking encyclopedia of history, and an enthusiastic guide.

We walked to a couple of impressive water falls, Piedra Falls and Treasure Falls, both quite beautiful and easy to access.

We went on our best white water raft trip ever with Pagosa Outside Adventures. They have reasonable rates that include splash gear. Our guides, Matt & Ryan, were professional, intelligent, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and both had a real heart for the river. These are the people to book your outdoor activities with while visiting Pagosa Springs, ask for Tobi, the owner.

Our daughters took a beautiful horseback ride with Wolf Creek Outfitters. The proprietor, Hank, runs various rides in season from one-hour to full day, and also coordinates hunting pack trips, and guided fishing trips. His operation is top quality and he takes excellent care of his horses and mules. Colton was the guide for our girls and they enjoyed riding with this soft-spoken cowboy as much as anything on the trip.

We also visited Mesa Verde National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Do not miss seeing these natural wonders, they are amazing places.

We enjoyed attending the Pagosa Folk and Blue Grass Festival. This town seems to have something going on all of the time. What struck us most were the continuous views of the rugged San Juan Mountains throughout the Pagosa Springs area. This small mountain town is a perfect place to get away, relax, and enjoy nature.

We went to Pagosa for our honeymoon in September, 2008. The weather was perfect and the area was beautiful!! The leaves starting to change made for a great bike ride one day. The people were very friendly as well.
We spent one afternoon/evening at The Springs soaking in their hot springs. It was nice, but very expensive for a soak in water. It did help with the sore muscles though.
There were lots of great places to eat. Bear Creek Saloon & Grill was our favorite. Another one we enjoyed was Buffalo Inn(which is on the west side of town). They had GREAT green chili, but skip that place for a steak.
We enjoyed our trip greatly. One thing we wish we would have known was that the town closes down early. There was one bar that was open after 10 or 11pm, Pagosa Bar and we don't recommend it. My husband is a bartender, so our lifestyle runs late at night normally. It was nice to be back in our room and sleeping early for a change.

Pagosa Springs a beautiful mountain town and is everything you would expect from one. From the beautiful hiking trails, lakes and outdoor activities to the wonderful little downtown setting. Me and my son travel up there every summer, and at times during the winter. While there we ate at serval restaurants, and I had the pleasure of experiencing the night life there :). Lots of karaoke at Bear Creek! While there, I urge you to check out the numerous hiking trails throughout Pagosa Springs including Treasure Falls with a picturesque waterfall falling hundreds of feet. This year instead of staying in the one of the hotels in Pagosa we opted to try a vacation rental. When researching all the options I found that Sunetha Property Management was the most cost efficient choice while looking up packages. I got a 2 bedroom condo in town for 5 nights and received a night for free; while also getting passes to the Pagosa Hot Springs and discounts on a round of golf! The Condo was beautiful and centrally located for easy access to downtown shopping and restaurants. I highly reccomend this beautiful town and the hospitality we received from Sunetha was unforgettable. Overall our vacation was a dream come true. To my 6 year old son who enjoys hiking, fishing, and searching for the early morning deer, to myself who enjoys sitting out on the porch with a bottle of wine looking at the beautiful mountain range in the distance; there is something in Pagosa Springs for everyone.

Awesome views, great hot springs, however be prepared for the altitude!
We got there on a Friday and asked some locals where there was live music. That night we went there and had a great time drinking, singing and dancing. The next day we could barely move!! Then we found out you really need to give yourself a couple of days to adjust before doing any strenuous activities.
My wife was sick for 3 days!
Once we got adjusted, we had a great time. Rented a Harley in Durango and rode up to Silverton and back. It's amazing how clear the air is there and how far you can see.