Blanca Colorado Surrounding Area

Smith Reservoir is two miles south of Blanca. One of the major reservoirs supplying water to senior water rights, it is also a State Wildlife Area. Camping and fishing are common during the summer months.

The old San Luis Southern Railway trestle, locally known as "Rattlesnake Trestle" (for good reason) was listed in 2004 on the National Register of Historic Places and on the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties. The trestle is located near Smith Reservoir and now qualifies for restoration funds.

One of the flumes constructed in the early 20th Century to carry water to local farmers can still be seen along Trinchera Creek near Smith Reservoir.

A newly planted field of barley is irrigated by a central pivot sprinkler system. The area grows barley for the Coors Brewery in Golden Colorado.

A herd of over 100 elk was photographed just west of Blanca in February 2003. Elk often come down from the mountains during the winter months. Large herds are not uncommon in the pasturelands of the area. Antelope and Sandhill Cranes can also be seen in local fields.

Fort Garland Museum is located 4 miles east of Blanca. It is the site of the original fort commanded by Kit Carson. The museum offers tours of the fort, a gift shop, and sponsors many summer events including reenactments of frontier days.

The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve lies just 20 miles from Blanca on the west side of the Sangre de Cirsto Range.

The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad runs a daily passenger train during the summer through Blanca as it goes from Alamosa over the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to La Veta Colorado.

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Town of Blanca Colorado

Surrounding Area