Colorado Welcome Center- Alamosa

05/29/2025

04/24/2025

― CDOT PROJECT ANNOUNCEMENT ―

Surface treatment project to begin on west side of US 160 Wolf Creek Pass

Travelers will encounter construction through this fall
Southwest Colorado — The Colorado Department of Transportation and contracting partner Elam Construction will begin a surface treatment project on April 29 along US Highway 160, east of Pagosa Springs, from Treasure Falls to the Wolf Creek Pass Summit. The project has an anticipated completion date at the end of October. Motorists are reminded of an additional highway improvement project taking place 20 miles west on US 160 in downtown Pagosa Springs, www.codot.gov/projects/us160pagosasprings.

The Wolf Creek Pass project will improve approximately 9 miles of US 160 from Mile Point 158.5, Treasure Falls, to MP 167.7, at the pass summit. Work will include asphalt paving and overlay, rumble strip installation, striping, guardrail and road sign replacement. Additional work will include rail replacement and deck repairs at the bridge located at MP 159.3 just east of Treasure Falls and a culvert inlet repair at MP 165.8 just west of the pass summit.

“US 160 is the major east-west route for local commuters, tourist traffic and freight across southern Colorado. The major highway, which includes Wolf Creek Pass, provides access from I-25 in Walsenburg, through the San Luis Valley, all the way to the Four Corners,” said CDOT Regional Transportation Director Julie Constan. “Wolf Creek Pass is known for its natural beauty and wilderness, but it can also be a treacherous stretch of road that requires planning and attention to safety. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution due to the steep downhill grades and hairpin curves that can be challenging, especially for commercial big rigs.”

Project Benefits
The new asphalt will add years of life to this stretch of highway, which saw its last significant paving 20 years ago. The resurfacing will provide a smoother road and will add durability by increasing the resistance of ruts and road damage. Other benefits of the project include installation of new guardrail that will be 31 inches high, designed to meet new safety standard requirements. The higher railing will help veering vehicles remain on the road more effectively, making the highway safer for the traveling public. The former standard height of guardrail was 27 inches.

The inlet repair is a continuation of a previous temporary repair completed when a sinkhole formed, causing damage to the existing culvert. Improvement of the culvert will accommodate higher accumulations of rainfall and lower the risks associated with flooding.

Travel Impacts
Daytime work hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Traffic impacts will include:

A speed reduction to 40 mph
The project will maintain two-way traffic, however, motorists will encounter single lane closures and lane shifts
A 12 ft. width restriction is in place for the West Wolf Creek Pass project. Important note: there is a 10 ft. width restriction through the downtown Pagosa Springs project work zone. Plan ahead!
For additional information about the US 160 downtown Pagosa Springs, visit www.codot.gov/projects/us160pagosasprings

Project Contact Information
For additional information, contact the project team.

Project website: www.codot.gov/projects/us160westwolfcreekpassresurfacing
Project information hotline: 970-456-1481
Project email: [email protected]
Commercial Vehicle Information: Trucker Safety-Wolf Creek Pass
Know Before You Go
Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts, anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions before to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:
Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
See scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
Connect with on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube

Download the COtrip App!
The free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!

About CDOT
The Colorado Department of Transportation’s mission is to provide the best multi-modal transportation system that most effectively and safely moves people, goods and information. CDOT maintains more than 23,000 lane miles of highway, more than 3,400 bridges and 35 mountain passes. Our team of employees works tirelessly to reduce the rate and severity of crashes and improve the safety of all modes of transportation. CDOT leverages partnerships with a range of private and public organizations and operates Bustang, an interregional express bus service. Find more details at codot.gov.

04/22/2025

Happy Earth Day from our favorite park!

– People in this region have taken care of the Great Sand Dunes ecosystems for thousands of years.

· As part of their lifeways, Indigenous peoples have traditionally only taken what was needed, being careful not to waste natural resources. For instance, from bison they obtain jerky and pemmican that can last for months; hides for housing, boats, clothing, and shields; horns for cups and portable storage; sinew for cordage, sewing, and arrows; bones for marrow, projectile points, needles, farming implements, and jewelry; and tails for insect swatters.

· Ranchers who settled here preserved the wide-open spaces that we value today.

· When mining threatened the dunes in the 1920s, local chapters of the Women’s PEO, a philanthropic and educational organization, lobbied members of Congress and President Herbert Hoover to protect them. Their efforts were successful when Hoover established a national monument in 1932.

· Even through the 1960s, cars were still permitted on the dunes, threatening rare endemic species, leaving tire tracks, and making an unsafe environment for families. Congress designated the Great Sand Dunes Wilderness in 1976, and the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness in 1993, to protect the dunes and much of the mountain range from development and traffic.

· Plans for massive private groundwater extraction and export emerged in the late 20th century that would have significantly affected the dunes’ natural creek and wetland system. Local citizens again let their voices be heard, and through complex private/public partnerships and a vote of Congress, the small national monument was expanded into a large national park and preserve, protecting the natural hydrological system from tundra to wetlands, and also protecting water for agriculture in the valley.

Today we all share a role in maintaining this unique place for this and future generations. Happy Earth Day!

Photo: NPS/Patrick Myers

Image description: The dunes and snow-capped Mount Herard are reflected in a large wetland at sunset.

04/16/2025

For Immediate Release
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Downtown Parking Locations

Alamosa, CO – The City of Alamosa would like to update residents and visitors regarding ongoing parking adjustments in the downtown area due to the construction of the new SpringHill Suites Hotel. Construction on the former Walsh Hotel property (615 6th Street) began the week of March 3, 2025, and is anticipated to continue for up to 18 months.

The public parking lot at the old Walsh Hotel site, located at the intersection of State Avenue and 6th Street, has been permanently closed for future hotel use. This property was part of a land exchange with the owner of the adjacent (formerly Pink Elephant) parking lot.

Additionally, a portion of the Pink Elephant parking lot, situated at State Avenue and 6th Street, is currently being utilized for construction staging. The remaining portion of the Pink Elephant parking lot remains open for public parking during this phase of construction.

Upon the completion of the hotel construction, the developer will undertake improvements to the Pink Elephant parking lot, including paving, landscaping, and the installation of lighting.

The City of Alamosa understands that these ongoing changes impact downtown parking. To assist residents and visitors, a map detailing alternative public parking options available throughout the downtown area is provided.

The construction of the SpringHill Suites hotel is a significant development for Alamosa, promising economic growth and increased visitor activity in our downtown core. The City appreciates the continued patience and understanding of the community during this process to enhance our city's infrastructure and appeal.

Para Publicación Inmediata
Miércoles 16 de Abril, 2025
Estacionamientos en el Centro de la Ciudad

Alamosa, CO – La Ciudad de Alamosa desea informar a los residentes y visitantes sobre los
ajustes de estacionamiento que se están llevando a cabo en el centro de la ciudad debido a la
construcción del nuevo Hotel SpringHill Suites. La construcción en la antigua propiedad del
Hotel Walsh (615 6th Street) comenzó la semana del 3 de marzo de 2025, y se prevé que
continúe durante un máximo de 18 meses.
El aparcamiento público del antiguo hotel Walsh, situado en la intersección de State Avenue y
6th Street, se ha cerrado definitivamente para un futuro uso hotelero. Esta propiedad formaba
parte de un intercambio de terrenos con el propietario del estacionamiento adyacente (
anteriormente Pink Elephant).
Además, una parte del estacionamiento Pink Elephant, situado en State Avenue y 6th Street, se
utiliza actualmente para las obras. El resto del aparcamiento Pink Elephant permanecerá abierto
al público durante esta fase de construcción.
Una vez finalizada la construcción del hotel, el promotor realizará mejoras en el estacionamiento
del Pink Elephant, que incluirán la pavimentación, el ajardinamiento y la instalación de
iluminación.
La ciudad de Alamosa entiende que estos cambios en curso afectan al estacionamiento en el
centro de la ciudad. Para ayudar a los residentes y visitantes, se proporciona un mapa que detalla
las opciones alternativas de estacionamiento público disponibles en todo el centro de la ciudad.
La construcción del hotel SpringHill Suites es un acontecimiento importante para Alamosa, que
promete crecimiento económico y una mayor actividad de visitantes en el centro de nuestra
ciudad. La ciudad agradece la continua paciencia y comprensión de la comunidad durante este
proceso para mejorar la infraestructura y el atractivo de nuestra ciudad.

04/13/2025

Unsilenced: Indigenous Enslavement in Southern Colorado is an installation by artist at Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center

The installation is on display in one of the original adobe buildings constructed in 1858. It incorporates historic photos of Indigenous captives and images of former Colorado Lieutenant Governor Lafayette Head's 1865 census of enslaved Indigenous people in Conejos and Costilla Counties.

We hope you join us at the exhibition and deepen your understanding of Indigenous enslavement through the eyes of the individuals and descendants who’ve endured the consequences of this tragic history.

04/11/2025

Come take the Stewardship Challenge!

04/11/2025

It's almost here!!!!

04/01/2025

Stay safe and warm today!

🚨Special announcement - Wolf Creek Ski Area is unable to open today, April 1st, due to high winds. WolfCreekSki.com will be updated as conditions change.

03/09/2025

🎿 ❄️

02/25/2025

― CDOT Project Announcement ―
CDOT begins constructing US 160 safety improvements March 3 east of Fort Garland

New wildlife underpasses will reduce vehicle vs. wildlife collisions
Costilla County — The Colorado Department of Transportation, in partnership with Capital Paving and Construction, will begin construction on the US Highway 160 Fort Garland east safety mitigation project on March 3. This project is located in Costilla County with the work zone stretching from Fort Garland eastward for seven miles, Mile Points 258 to 265. Work consists of wildlife safety improvements, acceleration and deceleration lanes, and intersection improvements at US 160 and Trinchera Ranch Road.

Wildlife safety improvements include three wildlife underpasses, deer fencing along both sides of US 160, earthen escape ramps throughout the fenced corridor and deer guards or gates at access points.

“US 160 traverses an important wildlife habitat at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. In particular, elk and mule deer herds cross the highway during their winter and summer migration seasons,” said CDOT Regional Transportation Manager Julie Constan. “This project will improve both wildlife and motorist safety while maintaining and fostering habitat connectivity.”

Wildlife-vehicle collisions make up for approximately 75 percent of crashes along this highway segment. The $13 million project is expected to reduce those collisions by 85 percent.

Additional safety improvements include left and right acceleration and deceleration lanes, as well as intersection improvements, at the Trinchera Ranch Road access point to prevent traffic conflicts and allow for future increases in traffic volume.

The project is expected to last for an 8-month period, over two construction seasons (March 2025 through Summer 2026).


Traffic Impacts
Beginning on March 3, motorists and area residents can expect the following impacts:

Periodic single-lane alternating traffic guided by flagging personnel

Delays up to 15 minutes can be expected

Narrowed lanes, 11-foot width restrictions and reduced shoulder

Reduced speeds in the work zone will be in place

Work will take place during daylight hours, Monday through Friday

Construction schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change

Project Information
For additional information about this project:
Call the project information line at 719-204-4858
Email the project team at: [email protected]
Visit the project website at: www.codot.gov/projects/us160fortgarlandeast

Know Before You Go
Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts, anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
See scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures

Connect with on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.

Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.

Watch for workers. Drive with caution.

Don't change lanes unnecessarily.

Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.

Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
Be patient!