Thursday 30 May 2013

Fun in the water in Pagosa Springs

Pagosa Springs, Colorado, is a great destination for a family vacation.  Families mean kids, and Mom and Dad often want to know what there is to do to keep the kids happy and occupied here.  So following are my suggestions of some water activities that kids will enjoy.

Swimming is great fun for kids of all ages.  In downtown Pagosa Springs, there are two outdoor swimming pools open year round, which are heated by geothermal water.  One is the Healing Waters Resort and Spa and the other is simply known as The Springs Resort.  Both of these facilities also have either a soaking tub or pools, which Mom and Dad will enjoy.  At both places, professional massage services are available.  The whole family will come away relaxed after spending time in the soothing mineral warm water.  Relatively new in Pagosa Springs is a third soaking option known as the Overlook.  The Overlook does not have a swimming pool, but it does have both indoor and outdoor (on the roof of the building) soaking pools.  There are also massage services offered here.

If indoor swimming is your preference, the property owners' association of the Wyndham Resort on the west side of town runs a beautiful facility called the Recreation Center which has an indoor pool.  If you are renting a vacation home or condo located within the resort property, this facility is available to you at the same rates charged to a property owner and is located close to the condo area.  At the Recreation Center, you will find an indoor lap pool, children's pool, hot tub, exercise equipment, racquetball, basketball and volleyball courts.  You can find rates and more information at their website, plpoa.com.

One of the treasures of Pagosa Springs is the San Juan River, which runs through the center of town.  In late spring and early summer when snow melt causes the river to run high and fast, kayakers and rafters play in the river and enjoy the beautiful scenery as they float the river south of town.  Commercial outfitters offer raft trips that the whole family will enjoy.  In mid summer when the river flows more gently through town and the water temperature rises above icemelt(!), the river is the site of family fun.  Young children under the watchful eyes of parents can play in the water and sand at the river's edge.  Older children and adults float the river on tubes, which are available for rent at shops in town near the river.  Two city parks which border the river provide picnic tables, play equipment and bathrooms.  A day at the river can be a memorable and inexpensive part of your family vacation.

Tuesday 23 April 2013

Pagosa- A nature lovers dream location


Welcome to nature's playground. Where the tranquility of nature collides with the exhilaration of extreme sports. Surrounded by more than 1 million acres of natural forest to play in, the adventures never cease. With over 300 days of sunshine, it's almost always nice enough to enjoy the day, no matter the season.
In the Spring, the snow melt fills the rivers and the rafts come out. In the Summer,hikers, mountain bikers, and fishermen enjoy pleasant temperatures and refreshing mountain breezes. In addition, the Pagosa Quality Fishing Project will be stocking more than 9,000 trout into the San Juan River this summer! View more details.
Families can pitch up their tents at hundreds of campgrounds or hike into backcountry camp sites. Pagosa's 27-hole championship golf course opens its doors to thousands of visitors. If you enjoy history, Chimney Rock Archaelogical Area offers ancient Pueblo indian structures and kivas to explore! In the Fall, not only can you continue hiking through golden aspen forests but hunters gear up for trophy elk, mule deer and turkey. Then, comes winter...
With the most snow in Colorado, our ski season is the longest and skiers and snowboarders alike enjoy the deep powder of Wolf Creek Ski Area. The San Juan National Forest allows for thousands of cross country, telemark or snowmobiling adventures.