PAGOSA SPRINGS COLORADO

Countless centuries ago, the inhabitants of the Four Corners area of southern Colorado discovered a mineral-rich hot springs on the banks of the San Juan River. During the 1870's a U.S. government fort, Fort Lewis, was established near the site of the springs, and shortly thereafter, a town called Pagosa Springs began growing up along the banks of the San Juan River.

The modern resort town of Pagosa Springs is nestled in a wide mountain valley, surrounded by pine-covered hills, rolling grassy meadows, and blue mountain lakes, and bordered on two sides by the dramatic peaks of the San Juan Mountains. Pagosa Springs offers a mountain paradise to visitors and residents alike.

Today, Archuleta County, with Pagosa Springs as its county seat, is one of the fastest-growing counties in the U.S. and one of the major tourism and recreation centers of the Four Corners area. Among the area's main attractions are a 27-hole championship golf course, a ski area known for "the most snow in Colorado," abundant fishing, rafting, and boating opportunities, excellent elk and deer habitat, two museums, a wildlife park, close proximity to noted archeological sites, hiking trails, and much more.