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Historic Downtown Monte Vista Walking Tour
Take in the unique native stone architecture of Monte Vista's Downtown Historic District, designated on the National Register of Historic Places, and explore some of the town's cultural gems. A walking tour brochure is available to guide your visit. The district encompasses eleven structures along First Street (US Hwy. 160), which are built of locally quarried lava stone (rhyolite) or locally kilned brick. Two museums and eight additionally designated historic structures on Adams and Jefferson Streets and on First Avenue highlight the local culture.
Monte Vista is home to the Ski-Hi Stampede, Colorado's oldest pro-rodeo (est. 1818).
US Hwy 160 (First Ave.) in historic commercial district
Monte Vista, CO 81144
Monte Vista, CO 81144
(719) 852-0660 ; (719) 852-2731
Hours of Operation
Outdoor self-guided walking tour
Directions
Downtown Monte Vista is located 17 miles west of Alamosa and 14 miles east of Del Norte on US Hwy 160.
The Monte Vista Downtown Historic District Walking Tour booklet is available at the San Luis Valley Information Center and Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce located near the west edge of the historic downtown on First Ave./US Hwy 160.
Visitor Services
Parking
Restrooms
Gift Shop
Snack Bar / Restaurant
Visitor Information
ADA Accessibility
Designations
National Register District
National Register Individual Listing
State Register of Historic Places
Travel Tips
The Monte Vista History Center and the Transportation of the West Museum are open M-F, 2-5 PM, (719) 852-4396; or by appt. (719) 852-2518/852-2490.
In 2008, the Rio Grand Scenic Railroad will return regular passenger train service between Alamosa and Monte Vista after a hiatus of over 50 years. Contact 877-726-RAIL for the schedule.
Ski-Hi Stampede is held on the last weekend in July at the Ski-Hi Park Arena and Grounds. The four-day event includes three rodeo performances, three street parades, one concert, four days of carnival. and three nightly dances. More than 12,000 people attend. Call (719) 852-2055 for event details.
Other attractions in Monte Vista include the Veteran's Center at Homelake and the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, which is famous for its birding and sandhill crane migrations in March and Sept. See separate site listings on this website for more information.
Entrance Fees
Free
