To many Native Americans, Mt. Blanca is sacred ground. At 14,345 feet - the fourth highest peak in Colorado - Mt. Blanca watches over the sunny community that shares its name. Blanca Colorado provides a welcome stop along the Los Caminos Antiguos (The Ancient Roads) Scenic Byway, a driving tour tying together several small towns, old military forts, Colorado's oldest church and plenty of friendly residents.
Blanca sits just west of the preserved Fort Garland, once commanded by famed frontiersman Kit Carson. Today, visitors can explore the fort's adobe buildings and the parade ground. Permanent exhibits focus on black soldiers in the military and the varied careers - including scout, government courier, Indian agent and soldier - of the legendary Kit Carson.
Visitors passing through Blanca on their way to the Great Sand Dunes National Park should head to Zapata Falls, where the Sangre de Cristo snowmelt cleaves area rock. Along the same route, the improbably located Colorado Alligator Farm shouldn't be missed. Scores of alligators loll in thermal spring-fed 87 degree water, the perfect temperature for these reptiles capable of 30 mph sprints. |
