For a trip into history, few parts of the American Southwest can top southern Colorado's San Luis Valley, a 125-mile (200-kilometer) stretch of the Rockies front range defined by the high mountains of the Sangre de Cristos to the east and the San Juans to the west.

Overview
At altitudes above 7,000 feet (2,130 meters), the San Luis Valley is technically a high desert, but the surface is underlain by shallow aquifers that in places form lakes, marshlands, and warm springs. By the late 19th century, much of the land was cultivated, crossed by irrigation canals and wagon roads. The valley's scattered wetlands are home to eagles, waders, and waterfowl. The arrival of thousands of sandhill cranes, migrating between New Mexico and southern Idaho, is celebrated in early March by the Monte Vista Crane Festival (www.cranefest.com). Los Caminos Antiguos—a network of ancient trails that live on as modern paved highways—allow you to follow in the footsteps of Apaches and Utes, Spanish missionaries, and Western explorers such as Zebulon Pike and Kit Carson, settlers, Buffalo Soldiers, miners, and railroaders. For a sampling of Los Caminos Antiguos, follow the 140-mile (225-kilometer) semicircle from Alamosa in the north, eastward to Fort Garland, then southwest to Cumbres Pass near the Colorado-New Mexico border.

Start in Alamosa
Alamosa, a town of 9,000, is home to Adams State College—and plenty of local flavor. The school's Luther Bean Museum offers an introduction to the region's multicultural history, with artifacts that include Navajo weavings and Pueblo pottery. On Main Street, browse the Firedworks Gallery (608 Main St.; www.firedworks.com) for regional art, ranging from photography to Native American pottery and handmade jewelry. For local cuisine, stop by El Charro Café (421 Sixth St.) for green chile specialties, and Calvillo's (400 Main St.) for chiles rellenos served with an agua fresca (fruit drink).

Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge
From Main Street, drive north across the Rio Grande to the Alamosa Ranch, which offers wildlife viewing along the banks of the river. To see the area's rich birdlife, go 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) east on U.S. 160, then 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) south on El Rancho Lane to the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge. This 11,000-acre (4,450-hectare) wetland is a seasonal home to waders such as the American avocet and white-faced ibis, as well as songbirds, deer, and coyotes.