Platoro is a tiny, remote village surrounded by the Rio Grande National Forest. It’s located about two hours south of South Fork, two hours east of Pagosa Springs, and two hours southwest of Monte Vista, in what some would call the middle of nowhere.
Located in Conejos County at elevation 9,870 feet of elevation, the unincorporated community was a forming mining camp. There was a Platoro Post Office, which operated from 1888 to 1919. The town got its name from the Spanish language, “plata” and “oro” which meant “silver and gold”. There is a reservoir a few miles west of town, which attracts adventurers in the summer.
There are a few seasonal lodging in town, open during the summer and early fall. You’ll find some general stores and cafes among them. After late October the town pretty much goes into hibernation until the next late spring.
Main Attractions
Platoro Reservoir – Damed in 1951, the reservoir provides exceptional fishing opportunities close to town. You can also fish on the Conejos River, which flows in and out of the reservoir.
Accommodations
Read about the Top 4 Cool Hotels in Del Norte.
Hotels and lodging:
- Gold Pan Acres – Open Memorial Day to late October, weather pending, Gold Pan Acres offers 5 cabin rentals built in 2009. They also have an RV Park with full hookups and 28 total campsites.
- Platoro Valley Lodge – Features twelve fully-furnished one or two room cabins, with bathrooms.
- Sky Line Lodge – Built in 1945, this lodge and twenty cabins are located near 10,000 feet in what’s left of the former bustling mining village. All the cabins have fully furnished kitchens.
Activities near Platoro
Federal Lands:
- Platoro Reservoir (4mi)
Towns:
- Alamosa (53mi)
- Del Norte (47mi)
- La Garita (61mi)
- Monte Vista (46mi)
- Pagosa Springs (43mi)
- South Fork (42mi)
