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
Activities near Blanca
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 Railroad (20mi)
State Wildlife Areas:
- Russell Lakes SWA (67mi)
- San Luis Lakes SWA (28mi)
- Smith Reservoir SWA (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)
Latest in Blanca
Camping near Alamosa, Sand Dunes, and the San Luis Valley
The San Luis Valley is one of Colorado’s most unique places to camp, from its UFO…
Camping near Alamosa, Sand Dunes, and the San Luis ValleyRead More
View more Blanca articles
