Top 5 Reasons to Visit the San Luis Valley
Year-Round Adventure
Spring 2026 in Colorado feels different this season. Snow totals have been much lighter than usual, especially in the high country. Luckily Colorado offers a huge variety of epic destinations that can be enjoyed year-round. So its always an ideal moment to load up a heated campervan, head south, and explore the longest alpine valley in the world. San Luis Valley stretches an impressive 122 miles starting from the headwaters of the Rio Grande. From massive sand dunes to trout streams, alpine lakes, wildlife spectacles, hot springs, waterfalls and more, this route delivers something special at every turn.
Camping in a heated van makes this trip possible year-round. In our Titus fleet we offer a smaller Adventure Van (Sleeps and seats 2) or a larger Glamper Van (Sleeps and seats 4), all of our vans are heated. Whether you choose free dispersed sites on BLM and National Forest land or paid campgrounds with services, we include specific recommendations and GPS points so you can plan with confidence, or leave your itinerary open and know there are plenty of options. We also offer complete route planning with our Custom Trips, or join one of ourGuided Trips if you prefer a group setting and a bit more support on the trail.
Now, without further ado here are the top 5 reasons to visit the San Luis Valley:
1. THE Sand Dunes
The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is open year-round, and the nature center has a perfect view of the dunes which sit just west of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
The park is home to the tallest dune in North America and is a Gold Tier designated International DarkSky Park.
Camping Choices
Piñon Flats Campground is the official park campground with toilets, water spigots, and a fire ring at most campsites. It operates seasonally and is open April through October. Sites often fill up as early as January, so plan ahead or use an app like Campnab to be alerted of cancellations.
Medano Pass Primitive Road offers free dispersed campsites inside the Preserve with great dune and mountain views. This route is only for high clearance 4WD vehicles and involves sandy and rough sections.
Zapata Falls Campground (GPS 37.62857 N, -105.59513 W) is a low cost paid campground on BLM land about 10 miles south of the dunes. It has picnic tables, fire rings, and sites that can accommodate rigs up to 50 feet long. Follow the trailhead for less than half a mile to get to the creek, if you want to get to Zapata Falls you’ll need water shoes and be prepared to hike up the creek into the canyon.
Free BLM dispersed sites along Lake Como Road / Mount Blanca Road (GPS ~37.52189 N, -105.60170 W) are lower elevation dispersed camps that can be reached by most vehicles.
Road and Access Notes
Medano Pass Primitive Road is not suitable for low clearance vehicles or rainy conditions.
Lake Como Road starts easy and becomes rougher the higher you go, but many sites just off the first mile are accessible to campervans.
Camping Tip
Whenever you are dispersed camping, be sure your campsite is at least 100 feet from water and on existing openings. Always Practice Leave No Trace.
2. Sandhill Crane Migration
Every March tens of thousands of sandhill cranes pour into the San Luis Valley. This is one of the most dramatic wildlife migrations in the West and well worth timing your visit for early in the month. The cranes, ducks, and geese are free to view and can be observed typically between February - April. However, March 6-8, 2026 will be the annual Monte Vista Crane Festival. This event features educational talks, guided bird walks, bird watching buses, photography classes, art classes and a huge Craft and Nature Fair.
Camping Options
BLM Highway 150 Dispersed Camping Area (GPS 37.56775 N, -105.60082 W) offers free camping very close to the park entrance with mountain views and minimal traffic. Bring water and know that there are no facilities.
San Luis Lakes SWA offers first come first served sites but require a pre-purchased $43 Colorado wildlife annual access pass, or hunting or fishing license.
Access Notes
The entrance roads to BLM sites use unpaved roads. In spring conditions are generally dry but can be rough in sections. Go slow, and check tire pressure.
Camping Tip
Sunrise near the cranes is magical. If you are camping along Hwy 150, you can roll out of bed, pour your coffee, and walk to your viewing spot.
3. Heated Pools and Hot Springs
image from Colorado.com
After dune hikes and crane views, treat yourself to hot springs and comfortable campgrounds nearby.
Paid Campgrounds & RV Parks
Sand Dunes Recreation offers campsites, a naturally heated pool as well as a separate adults-only Greenhouse.
Great Dunes Oasis near the dunes offers full hookups and a dump station right on Hwy 150. It opens seasonally April - October and is great if you want water, sewer, and a more classic campground feel.
Private campgrounds near Salida and Buena Vista include riverside campgrounds, RV parks, and developed sites with access to restaurants and supplies.
Hot Springs Nearby
You can stay at a campground near Mount Princeton Hot Springs and enjoy a dip into the mineral pools, or grab a campsite (starting at $70/night) at Cottonwood Hot Springs.
Camping Note
Paid campgrounds offer amenities like potable water and bathrooms if you need a break from self-contained camping.
image from SkiMonarch.com
4. Ski Stop at Monarch
Even in a lighter snow year, Monarch Mountain often offers solid skiing, snowboarding, and a tubing park.
Camping Around Monarch
BLM and Forest Service dispersed camping exists along forest roads north of the dunes and approaching the Monarch area. These tend to require higher clearance, especially where spring runoff has created uneven surfaces. We have a full list of campsites on our ski camping guide map.
Seasonal Road Conditions
Spring conditions vary from year to year. Road surfaces near Monarch and surrounding forests can shift with changing weather. If there has been rain, count on soft spots and mud. High clearance is ideal.
5. Salida and Buena Vista
Salida and Buena Vista are outdoor hubs with both dispersed sites in the surrounding BLM land and developed campgrounds.
The area offers tons to do from ziplining at Colorado’s largest aerial park, or casting into the pristine Gold Medal Waters of the Arkansas River (check-in with the guides over at ArkAnglers for fishing map and conditions), or take a dogsled tour with Alpine Adventures.
Free Dispersed Camping Near Salida and BV
Salida BLM Land Camping (GPS 38.50677 N, -105.98052 W) offers free dispersed camping on public land east of the town.
Around BV, areas like Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area and other forest roads have multiple dispersed pull-outs for self-contained camping.
Town Campgrounds
Find well maintained paid campgrounds closer to town, river access, and local breweries. These are excellent for regrouping and enjoying sunset views without worrying about backcountry access.
Access and Season Notes
Dispersed roads near Salida and BV are generally graded dirt but can get rutted after spring rains. If you have a standard vehicle, scout conditions before committing to deeper roads.
ALPINE LAKES
Roam deeper into the Pike-San Isabel National Forest to find these breathtaking alpine lakes:
Pass Creek Lake (near Poncha Springs)
Ptarmigan Lake (near Cottonwood Pass)
Kroenke Lake (in the Collegiate Peaks)
Willis Lake (near Twin Lakes)
Want to keep exploring? Head west to the White River National Forest for more alpine lakes:
Lost Man Lake (near Independence Pass)
Independence Lake (South of Lost Man Lake, at the headwaters of Roaring Fork River)
Linkins Lake (also near Independence Pass)
Maroon Lake (at the entrance to the Maroon Bells–Snowmass Wilderness)
Sample 6 Day Itinerary With Camping Included
Day 1
Arrive near the San Luis Valley. Set up camp at BLM Hwy 150 dispersed site and watch sunset over the valley.
Day 2
Visit the sandhill cranes at dawn. Explore Great Sand Dunes by afternoon. Stay at Zapata Falls Campground.
Day 3
If you have 4WD, head up Medano Pass Primitive Road and camp at dispersed sites along the route. Otherwise use your campervan and stay near dunes.
Day 4
Drive north toward Mount Princeton Hot Springs. Check into a paid campground or RV park and soak in the springs that evening.
Day 5
Spend a half day skiing at Monarch Mountain or exploring nearby alpine roads. Camp in dispersed forest spots or a paid campground near Salida or BV.
Day 6
Slow morning in Salida or Buena Vista. Head home with coffee, local lunches, and memories.
Final Camping Tips
Bring plenty of water to dispersed sites as no potable water is provided.
Most BLM dispersed areas allow up to 14 days of stay.
Road conditions vary seasonally and conditions can change quickly. If you see muddy or slippery roads, turn around rather than risk getting stuck.
Check local ranger stations for current road and fire restrictions.
Bring a fully packed and ready-to-roll Campervan or Overlanding 4×4s from Titus Adventures to enjoy everything the San Luis Valley area has to offer.
Ready to Explore?
This season feels different in Colorado, and that only opens the door for bold itineraries filled with wildlife experiences, winter and spring camping, hot springs relaxation, and big open skies. Pack your bag, plan your stops, and enjoy a spring road trip that will become a lifelong memory.
