Conejos, or “Rabbit” in Spanish, lies just above the New Mexico border and continues to reflect the culture of Old Mexico. From the riverbank, this town rises above flowing waters from the Conejos River, the largest tributary of the Rio Grande. The river originates deep in the South San Juan Wilderness Area, west of Conejos Colorado. Once a flourishing mining town, today Conejos is a sportsman's wonderland.
Surrounding river tributaries offer outstanding fly-fishing opportunities while nearby, La Jara Reservoir is ideal for an overnight elk hunting trip or a leisurely picnic. Popular areas for summer hiking and winter cross-country skiing are found at the forested Cumbres and La Manga passes just to the west. Roomy guest ranches and comfortable fishing lodges await after a day spent hiking, hunting or fishing near this river town.
While in the area, visit the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railway, the highest and longest narrow gauge railroad in the country. One of the last such railroads still in operation, the locomotive runs from Antonito, Colorado to Chama, New Mexico, crisscrossing the border eleven times. Along the way, the railroad passes Colorado's oldest church as well as Jack Dempsey's birthplace. |
