Explore Pagosa
The 84 Ranch guide
Photo: Rocky Mountain Balloon Adventures
Pagosa, from people who live here.
Float over the San Juans at sunrise, soak in the hot springs, chase waterfalls up the pass and ski the most snow in Colorado. Here's where we send our guests, and when to go.
Explore Pagosa · Year-round, weather permitting
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flights
There's no better first look at Pagosa than from a balloon basket at sunrise, with the San Juan Mountains lit up in front of you and the valley still quiet below.
Rocky Mountain Balloon Adventures
3505 W Hwy 160, Pagosa Springs · 970-317-3290Austin and his crew have backed 84 Ranch from the very start, and they're the team we send every guest to. The company has more than 40 years of ballooning experience and over 10,000 flights, and it's rated the top outdoor activity in Pagosa Springs on Tripadvisor.
Our tip: Book early in your trip. If the weather cancels a flight, you'll still have another morning to try.
The flight
Lifts off at sunriseYou'll help inflate the balloon, then rise over the valley with views across four states on a clear morning. Pilots drop low over the lakes and close enough to the treetops to grab a pine cone. Watch for elk, deer, wild turkeys, osprey and bald eagles.
Our tip: Wear layers. It's cold before sunrise and warms up fast once the sun is on you.
After you land
CelebrationEvery flight ends with a champagne toast, a light snack and juice, and a personalized flight certificate.
Our tip: Ages 5 and up are recommended.
Private flights and proposals
For twoThey also fly private balloons and proposal flights, and they sell gift cards.
Our tip: Planning a proposal? Pair it with our Romance Package and the Private Chef's Dinner.
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The Ground Up Tour
Spend the morning in the air and the afternoon on the ground. Our ranch tour runs in the afternoon.
See The Ground Up Tour
Pagosa Hot Springs
Pagosa Springs is named for its hot water. The Ute word pagosah is usually translated as healing or boiling water, and the springs downtown have drawn people for centuries.
The Springs Resort
Downtown, on the San Juan RiverTwo dozen terraced pools along the river, fed by the Mother Spring, which holds the record as the world's deepest geothermal hot spring. Day passes are sold, but they can sell out on busy weekends.
Our tip: Go early on a weekday or after dark. The pools by the river are the quietest.
Overlook Hot Springs
Downtown, on Main StreetIndoor and rooftop soaking tubs in a historic building, with views over town to the river.
Our tip: The rooftop tubs at sunset are the best seat in town.
Healing Waters
DowntownA simple, long-running local favorite with a pool and private bathhouses.
Our tip: The no-frills choice, and the one locals use.
The Hippie Dip
Downtown, on the river across from The Springs ResortThe free way to soak in Pagosa. Hot spring water runs into the San Juan River in the heart of town, and people stack rocks into small pools along the bank where the hot water meets the river.
Our tip: Go when the river is low. Spring runoff washes the pools out. Bring water shoes.
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The Altitude Kit
Hot water and mountain air dry your skin out fast. The Altitude Kit puts the moisture back.
See The Altitude Kit
Waterfalls & Hikes
The San Juans pour off in every direction around Pagosa. These are the falls we send guests to first.
Treasure Falls
US-160, on the way up Wolf Creek PassA tall waterfall a short, steep walk from the parking area. You can stand close enough to feel the spray.
Our tip: Best in May and June, when the snowmelt is running hardest.
Piedra Falls
North of town, at the end of a long gravel roadA short, easy walk along a creek to a falls that drops through a narrow slot.
Our tip: The drive is the long part. A high-clearance vehicle helps.
Fourmile Falls
North of town, Fourmile trailheadA longer hike through aspen and meadows to two big falls in a high basin.
Our tip: Plan for most of a day. Start early to beat afternoon thunderstorms.
Reservoir Hill
Right in townTrails above downtown with views across the valley. Good for a short walk without driving anywhere.
Our tip: Pair it with a soak at the springs below.
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The Ground Up Tour
Walk the ranch's own pastures with a guide and see how we manage land at the other end of the watershed.
See The Ground Up Tour
Wolf Creek
Wolf Creek Ski Area is known for getting more snow than anywhere else in Colorado. It's a family-run mountain with no condo village and no fuss.
Skiing and riding
Top of Wolf Creek Pass, east of PagosaDeep snow, short lift lines and terrain for every level. Lift tickets cost a fraction of the big resorts.
Our tip: Watch the snow report. The day after a storm is the day to go.
Lobo Overlook
Near the top of the passA gravel road climbs to a lookout over the Continental Divide in summer and fall.
Our tip: The fall colors from up here are worth the drive alone.
The Pass itself
US-160One of the great mountain drives in the state, with pull-offs and Treasure Falls on the way.
Our tip: In winter, check road conditions and carry chains or good snow tires.
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Cabin Cookout
After a day on the mountain, come back to a fire and ranch meat on the grill.
See Cabin Cookout
Snowmobiling
Pagosa gets some of the deepest snow in Colorado, and a snowmobile is the fastest way to get out into it.
Guided tours
Wolf Creek Pass and the San Juan National ForestLocal outfitters run guided rides on forest trails and open meadows, from easy scenic loops to deep-powder backcountry days. The guide brings the machines and knows where the snow is good.
Our tip: No experience needed on most scenic tours. Ask about age and size limits for riders and passengers.
What to wear
Dress for a long, cold rideWarm layers, waterproof pants, gloves and goggles. Most tour companies have helmets, and many rent suits and boots.
Our tip: Book ahead on holiday weeks and right after a big storm.
Season
Roughly December to MarchThe season runs as long as there's enough snow on the trails, which some years stretches into spring.
Our tip: Check the forecast. Wind and new snow change everything up high.
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Snowshoe Rental
Want a slower way to see the snow? Grab a pair of snowshoes and explore the ranch.
See Snowshoe Rental
On the Water
The San Juan River runs right through downtown, and there are lakes in every direction.
San Juan River
DowntownTube or raft through town in summer, or walk the Riverwalk that follows it through Pagosa.
Our tip: Local outfitters rent tubes and run trips when the water is right.
Echo Lake
South of town on US-84A state wildlife area on the same highway as the ranch, popular for fishing.
Our tip: Our closest lake. Bring your Colorado fishing license.
Williams Creek Reservoir
North of townA mountain reservoir with fishing, camping and big peaks behind it.
Our tip: Good for a picnic and a slow afternoon.
Navajo Lake
Southwest of PagosaA big reservoir for boating, paddling and fishing.
Our tip: A full day trip. Bring everything you need.
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Cabin Cookout
Come home hungry. A Cabin Cookout has ranch pork and firewood waiting at your cabin.
See Cabin Cookout
Fly Fishing
Pagosa sits where the San Juan, Piedra and Rio Blanco rivers come down out of the mountains, with trout water in every direction.
San Juan River in town
DowntownThe river runs right through Pagosa, and the town stocks bigger trout through the summer. You can fish the stretch behind the hot springs and be back for lunch.
Our tip: Easy water for a first cast. Early mornings and evenings fish best.
Creeks and side rivers
Up the valleys north and east of townThe Piedra, the East and West Forks of the San Juan and smaller creeks hold wild trout in quieter water.
Our tip: Some stretches have special rules, such as flies and lures only. Check before you fish.
High country lakes
On foot or horsebackAlpine lakes in the San Juans hold trout for anyone willing to hike, or ride, to reach them.
Our tip: Go in midsummer, after the snow is off the trails.
Guides and fly shops
In townLocal fly shops sell flies, rent gear and run guided trips, including half-day trips for beginners.
Our tip: Ask at 84 Barn and we'll point you to a shop.
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Cabin Cookout
Come back from the river to a fire and ranch pork at your cabin.
See Cabin Cookout
Horseback Riding
Some of the best country around Pagosa is easiest to see from the saddle, the way people have traveled these mountains for a long time.
Trail rides
San Juan National ForestLocal outfitters lead rides from an hour or two up to a full day, through aspen and pine with big views of the peaks.
Our tip: Most rides have age and weight limits. Ask when you book.
Pack trips
The Weminuche WildernessOvernight trips ride deep into Colorado's largest wilderness area, with the outfitter packing in camp, gear and food.
Our tip: Pair a pack trip with high-lake fishing.
What to wear
Long pants and bootsWear long pants, closed-toe shoes or boots with a heel, and layers. Afternoon storms are common in summer.
Our tip: Ride in the morning when you can.
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The Ranch Hand Experience
Love being around animals? Spend a morning doing real chores alongside our ranch hands.
See The Ranch Hand Experience
Hunting
Every fall, hunters come to Pagosa from all over the country. The mountains around town hold elk, mule deer and black bear.
Big game
National forest around PagosaThe San Juans hold one of Colorado's big elk herds, along with mule deer and black bear. Seasons run from late summer archery through the fall rifle seasons.
Our tip: Season dates change each year. Check Colorado Parks and Wildlife before you plan.
Licenses
Colorado Parks and WildlifeMany big-game licenses are issued through a spring draw, while some are sold over the counter. Hunters born on or after January 1, 1949 need hunter education.
Our tip: Apply early. The draw deadline comes long before the season.
Guided and drop-camp hunts
Local outfittersLicensed outfitters run guided hunts, horseback camps and drop camps in the backcountry.
Our tip: Book a year or more ahead for the best camps.
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Ranch Bites in 84 Barn
After a long day in the timber, skip the cooking and grab dinner at 84 Barn.
See Ranch Bites in 84 Barn
Chimney Rock & History
Chimney Rock National Monument protects the remains of a community built by ancestral Puebloans about a thousand years ago, beneath two stone spires.
Chimney Rock National Monument
West of Pagosa, off CO-151Guided tours climb to the Great House Pueblo on the ridge top. There are special programs for full moons and lunar events.
Our tip: Tours run seasonally and can fill up. Book ahead.
Downtown Pagosa
Main Street and Lewis StreetGalleries, shops and the local history museum, all walkable from the springs.
Our tip: Make an afternoon of it with a soak at the end.
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The Founder's Walk
Hear the newest chapter of Pagosa's story from the man who built 84 Ranch.
See The Founder's Walk
Day Trips
Pagosa is a good base for exploring the Four Corners. These are the trips worth a full day.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Durango, about an hour westA coal-fired steam train through the Animas River canyon to the old mining town of Silverton.
Our tip: Book well ahead in summer and fall.
Durango
About an hour westA bigger mountain town with restaurants, shops and a lively downtown.
Our tip: An easy add-on to the train.
Mesa Verde National Park
About two hours westCliff dwellings built by ancestral Puebloans, some reachable only on ranger-led tours.
Our tip: Make it a long day, or stay the night nearby.
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84 Ranch Pork
On your way out of town, stop by 84 Barn for ranch pork to take home.
See 84 Ranch Pork
Pagosa by Season
Every season in Pagosa has something worth planning a trip around.
Spring
April to JuneWaterfalls at full flow, baby animals on the ranch, and quiet trails.
Our tip: The best time to see the piglets.
Summer
June to AugustRiver floats, hiking, fishing and long evenings by the fire.
Our tip: Book early. This is the busiest season.
Fall
September to OctoberAspens turn gold on Wolf Creek Pass. Hunting season brings hunters from across the country.
Our tip: Fall colors usually peak in late September.
Winter
November to MarchSkiing at Wolf Creek, hot springs in the snow, and dark, clear night skies.
Our tip: Bring chains or good tires for the pass.
Stay at 84 Ranch
The Ranch Hand Experience
Whatever the season, there's work to do on the ranch. Come help.
See The Ranch Hand Experience
Pagosa with Kids
Short walks, warm water and animals. Here's how to keep the whole family happy.
Meet the animals at 84 Ranch
Right herePigs, goats and a crew happy to answer every question.
Our tip: The Ground Up Tour is open to all ages.
Treasure Falls
US-160A short walk with a big payoff and plenty of spray.
Our tip: Hold little hands near the falls.
The Riverwalk
DowntownA flat walk along the San Juan with spots to throw rocks and dip toes.
Our tip: Easy to combine with ice cream downtown.
Hot springs
DowntownMost pools welcome kids during family hours.
Our tip: Check each pool's age rules before you go.
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The Ground Up Tour
The Ground Up Tour is the easiest way for kids to meet the pigs and goats.
See The Ground Up Tour