VALLEY — In 2002 a Congressional act designated the Old Spanish Trail (OST) as a National Historic Trail. Woolen textiles, woven in northern New Mexico were traded for strong California mules and horses. The route is very close to a morning tour planned for August 19, beginning at the New Mexico/Colorado border and visiting many historic and unique sites in southern Colorado.

Assumption 1: The East Fork of the North Branch of the OST followed this path headed to Cochetopa Pass west of Saguache.

The Spanish/Mexican culture extended to this area and continues it as well or better than most segments of the trail: A “somewhat modern” area that is more traditional than most communities and landscapes on the OST routes. Mexican tradition continues strong here, despite a new school and wealthy landowners. There is strong interest among low-income residents who treasure their heritage.

Assumption 2: This area can offer traditional animals, plants, religion, sincerity, and resistance to what some call progress. History is evident here in commerce, farming and ranching methods, evidence of religious traditions, sense of New Mexican methods in agriculture, and museum, churches, and other traditions. Local skills, practices, and interpretation offer clear senses of the past in the late 1840s to 1850s. A number of books and reports can be made available at bookstands. And traditional activities, personal encounters with local residents and programs can likewise enrich the sense of the past.

The Old Spanish Trail field trip seeks intelligent comments and wisdom. How can the Old Spanish Trail Association (OSTA) present some of its stories here, while emphasizing the history and sense of the past as related to the OST? It is thought by many that this special and beautiful place will be one of the favorites and most genuine of the entire trail (approximately 2,400 miles round trip). 

The tour starts in Costilla New Mexico Plaza (on the CO/NM state line).  This is a place with a big annual art festival--amateurs and professionals every early fall. Its creek is one of the several that come down from the Sangre de Cristos. The group will go a few miles east and then northward (the route indicated by Congress for the OST) encountering various crops and other photo opportunities (two locations). Several of the ranches are working with Churro sheep, but they may be grazing high up. Participants may be able to do a little exploring into the Sangre de Cristo low slopes, where they can get a glimpse of the remaining rural communities and irrigation techniques. Then participants will see the last functioning commons in the USA (probably), shared by local farmers on a strict schedule. 

Participants will go into town (San Luis), passing diverse churches on the way. One farmer invites tour participants to go 1.5 miles out of town to see his techniques. In town, tour participants will look at a thing or two, then choose lunch from the three restaurants (or sack lunch).  The group may see the still-renovating museum, which has a treasure trove of good information and exhibits. 

Next, participants will hike up the Stations of the Cross, sculpted by Huberto Maestas, on a beautiful uphill walk and much more. At the top is a spectacular view of the Sangre de Cristos and much of the San Luis Valley. For those unable to walk, there is a way by car, but it misses much of the art - a small version of this is in the Vatican collection. From here, participants will see what the clock says and offer alternatives for their return home.

If going back south (on asphalt), folks may see wild horses along the way. They are quite positive that they have the right-of-way. If time is not of the essence, folks can go north to the base of Mount Blanca, where they may be moved by its splendor—four tribes consider it sacred. Kit Carson was top soldier at Fort Garland here. North of there are some splendid hot springs. In Alamosa are some very nice motels and restaurants. Participants can also go to New Mexico by cutting west across the lower San Luis Valley, say hello to a famous boxer, then aim for Española and Santa Fe. 

There is no charge except for gas and meals. Those who prefer an overnight stay in San Luis have two choices: a convent near the church or a nice looking tucked-away big motel (many tours come to the community). Several other motels and a great steak house are in Fort

Garland--16 miles north with a state museum.

ARRIVAL: by 9:55 a.m. on August 19

If coming from New Mexico, take highway 522 to Costilla, turn right and hitch up to the Plaza’s parking arrangements. If coming from Colorado, take highway 159 then a left turn off 522 into town and find the same Plaza

Questions? Contact Doug Knudson, 89 Fir Drive, South Fork 81154

[email protected]   719-873-5239

A good read: Chapter 14 of Tom Wolf’s  Colorado’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

OST takes participants near to 21 of Colorado’s Top Wonders

On 3 Old Spanish Trail branches

San Pedro Mesa (aka Wild Horse Mesa)

Culebra Peak, the most southerly of our nation’s 14,000’ peaks

The town and country of San Luis—first in Colorado in many things

Mount Blanca and neighboring peaks

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Reserve

Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge (and neighbors)

Wheeler Geological Area (distant)

Conejos River Valley (side trip)

Chimney Rock National Monument

Mesa Verde National Park

Navajo State Park (on Southern Ute Reservation)

Cochetopa Pass and Continental Divide crossing

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Carefully Restored Trading Post (Delta)

Gunnison Gorge Wilderness (Delta area)

Grand Mesa National Forest (near Grand Junction)

Colorado National Monument

Bookcliff Views

Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Park

Canyon of the Ancients National Monuments

Hovenweep National Monument

These features were selected as outstanding by Colorado’s tourism promoters.

Old Spanish Trail Association La Vereda del Norte Chapter appreciates interest in the Old Spanish Trail (1829-1848), which has provided a series of scenic wonders for many years.