Established April 5th, 1851, San Luis is Colorado’s oldest, continuously inhabited town. The small rural community is located in south-central Colorado at 7,979 feet of elevation.
It’s the most populated town and the county seat of Costilla County. The statutory town was originally called San Luis de la Culebra and in 2020 it had a population of 665. Much of the surrounding area is used for agriculture, and it is a great cultural spot to visit if you’re in Alamosa.
History
The town was established by Hispanic settlers from the Taos Valley. They founded a few different villages on the Rio Culebra in the San Luis Valley. A church was built in the central village known as La Plaza Medio in 1851. In honor of its patron saint, it was renamed San Luis de la Culebra.
San Luis has strong cultural ties to Spain, and it is evident in the traditional celebrations they host around the holidays. Even the architecture and layout of the town are similar to that of historic Hispanic towns. It is notable for being the longest inhabited town in all of Colorado and proudly shows off its heritage.
Main Attractions
Shrine of the Stations of the Cross – The San Luis Shrine sits above a mesa in the center of town. There are 15 Stations of the Cross that depict the final hours of Jesus Christ’s life on the dirt trail up to the San Luis Shrine.
San Luis Community Park – A great outside space for the community to gather. There are multiple covered picnic spaces, barbecue grills, and a colorful playground for the kids.
Recreation
Camping –
- The Sanchez Stabilization Park allows primitive camping on the property and is located about 7 minutes west via CO-159.
- Rito Seco Park is at the end of Juarez Road (heading toward the mountains) and has a small campground with no water or toilets. A creek runs through the grounds and it is perfect for tent camping.
Fishing – The Sanchez Reservoir State Wildlife Area is 8 miles south of town and offers warm water fishing. Visitors must have a fishing permit to enter the SWA.
Hiking – Rito Seco is slowly expanding its trail network and if you’re feeling adventurous there are already a few unnamed trails to wander.
Accommodations
The SanLuis Inn – There is only one place to stay in town, The SanLuis Inn Motel. It’s a no-frills motel with clean rooms, free WiFi, and friendly service for any traveler.
Consider staying at one of Alamosa’s top hotels, located 40 miles northwest. Or opt for Antonito’s best hotels, about 40 miles due southwest.
Even closer are Fort Garland’s top hotels, a mere 16-mile drive north on CO-159.
Special Events
Jul – San Luis 10k – A great way to get some movement in while enjoying the company of your neighbors. This is a 10k race throughout the town with several refreshment stations for runners.
Jul – Santa Ana y Santiago Fiesta – Hosted by local churches, this is the largest event in town each year and draws current and past residents of San Luis to celebrate the town’s heritage.
Oct – Trunk or Treat – A safe trick-or-treating space for the families of San Luis. Come out to the Town Hall parking lot on Halloween night with a decorated car to hand out candy.
Dec – Manito Christmas – A unique, multi-day traditional celebration that is commonly found in Hispanic villages throughout southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. Multiple bonfires are lit during the ceremony and there is special singing from the children of the town.
Activities near San Luis
Federal Lands:
- Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge (36mi)
- Great Sand Dunes National Park (45mi)
- Great Sand Dunes Wilderness
- Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge (58mi)
- Rio Grande National Forest
- Sangre de Cristo Wilderness
Hot Springs:
- Joyful Journey Hot Springs (88mi)
- Sand Dunes Pool (62mi)
- Splashland Hot Springs (41mi)
- Valley View Hot Springs (97mi)
Landmarks:
- Cano’s Castle (38mi)
- Shrine of Stations of Cross
- UFO Watchtower (62mi)
Railroads:
- Cumbres & Toltec Railroad (39mi)
- Rio Grande Scenic (40mi)
State Wildlife Areas:
- Russell Lakes SWA (87mi)
- San Luis Lakes SWA (48mi)
- Sanchez Reservoir SWA (8mi)
- Smith Reservoir SWA (18mi)
Towns:
- Alamosa (40mi)
- Antonito (38mi)
- Blanca (20mi)
- Bountiful (35mi)
- Capulin (48mi)
- Chama (4mi)
- Conejos (38mi)
- Fort Garland (16mi)
- La Jara (37mi)
- La Veta (50mi)
- Manassa (29mi)
- Monte Vista (58mi)
- Romeo (31mi)
- Sanford (30mi)
Waterfalls:
- Zapata Falls (40mi)
Wildlife:
- Colorado Gators Reptile Park (56mi)
Visit the town’s official website.