[Looking west on Main Street/Highway 160 in Blanca, CO. Photo: Jeffrey Beall] Situated at 7,756 feet, Blanca is a tiny community along Highway 160 in South Central Colorado. The Statutory Town had a population of only 385 in 2010.
Located in Costilla County, Blanca was founded in 1908 via a land lottery in the San Luis Valley. The following year in 1909 it was incorporated. It was called Blanca after the nearby Blanca Peak.
There is a small historic downtown located on Highway 160 with a few businesses operating. Stop by the Red Rocks General Store for provisions including liquor, polish sausages and other Eastern European fare. It opened in 1995 and has since grown a popular following.
Accommodations
Things To Do near Blanca, CO
Federal Lands:
- Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge (19mi)
- Great Sand Dunes National Park (25mi)
- Great Sand Dunes Wilderness
- Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge (37mi)
- Rio Grande National Forest
- Sangre de Cristo Wilderness
Hot Springs:
- Joyful Journey Hot Springs (68mi)
- Sand Dunes Pool (42mi)
- Splashland Hot Springs (20mi)
- Valley View Hot Springs (76mi)
Landmarks:
- Cano’s Castle (49mi)
- Shrine of Stations of Cross (20mi)
- UFO Watchtower (41mi)
Railroads:
- Cumbres & Toltec Railroad (50mi)
- Rio Grande Scenic (20mi)
State Wildlife Areas:
- Russell Lakes State Wildlife Area (67mi)
- San Luis State Wildlife Area (28mi)
- Smith Reservoir State Wildlife Area (5mi)
Towns:
- Alamosa (20mi)
- Antonito (49mi)
- Bountiful (38mi)
- Capulin (42mi)
- Chama (24mi)
- Conejos (48mi)
- Fort Garland (4mi)
- La Jara (35mi)
- La Veta (39mi)
- Manassa (45mi)
- Monte Vista (37mi)
- Romeo (42mi)
- San Luis (20mi)
- Sanford (39mi)
Waterfalls:
- Zapata Falls (20mi)
Wildlife:
- Colorado Gators Reptile Park (36mi)
