Your Guide to Rodeo Season in the San Luis Valley

There are few traditions more deeply woven into the fabric of the San Luis Valley than rodeo.

Long before tourism became an economic driver and before many of today's communities had even paved their main streets, ranchers and cowboys across the Valley were gathering to test their skills, celebrate their heritage, and enjoy a little friendly competition. More than a century later, rodeo remains one of the defining traditions of summer in southern Colorado.

Whether you're a lifelong fan who knows the difference between a saddle bronc ride and a bareback ride, or someone who simply enjoys the excitement of a summer evening under the arena lights, there are plenty of opportunities to experience rodeo season across the Valley this summer.

Alamosa Round-Up Rodeo

June 20 & June 25–27

The summer rodeo season begins in Alamosa with one of the Valley's biggest annual celebrations.

The Alamosa Round-Up opens on June 20 with the always-popular Demolition Derby, featuring stock cars, mini cars, ATV and motocross barrel races, and the crowd-favorite grocery race. The action returns on June 25 with Mutton Bustin' and a local barrel race before two nights of Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association competition on June 26 and 27.

The weekend also includes a downtown block party following Friday night's rodeo, Cowboy Church on Saturday morning, and a Justin Lawrence concert following Saturday evening's performance.

Ski-Hi Stampede

July 9–12 • Monte Vista

No discussion of rodeo season in the San Luis Valley would be complete without the Ski-Hi Stampede.

Founded in 1919, Ski-Hi is recognized as Colorado's oldest continuous professional rodeo and remains one of the premier rodeo events in the Rocky Mountain region. Every July, Monte Vista becomes the center of rodeo activity as competitors and spectators arrive from across the West.

For many Valley families, Ski-Hi isn't simply an event — it's a tradition that spans generations. From the grand entry to the final bull ride, the Stampede remains one of the signature celebrations of the Valley's western heritage.

Manassa Pioneer Days

July 16–18

Just days after Ski-Hi concludes, rodeo fans can head south to Conejos County for Manassa Pioneer Days.

One of Colorado's oldest community celebrations, Pioneer Days combines rodeo, horse racing, parades, family activities, live entertainment, and a demolition derby into a weekend that celebrates the history and culture of the region.

While the rodeo remains a centerpiece of the event, Pioneer Days is perhaps best known for its small-town atmosphere and strong sense of community. It is the kind of celebration where neighbors meet neighbors, families gather, and visitors quickly feel welcome.

Creede Chute-Out Rodeo

June 17, June 24, July 4, July 15, July 22 & July 29 Finals

High in the San Juan Mountains, the Creede Chute-Out Rodeo offers one of the most unique rodeo experiences anywhere in Colorado.

Produced by Burris & Sons Bucking Bulls of Mosca, the six-performance series takes place at the Mineral County Fairgrounds and combines rodeo action with live music, food vendors, a beer garden, and family entertainment. Pre-party activities begin at 4:30 p.m. with the rodeo starting at 6:30 p.m. each evening. The series concludes with a finals performance on July 29.

Set against the backdrop of the surrounding San Juan Mountains, the Chute-Out has become a summer tradition for both locals and visitors. Many people make a full day of it, exploring Creede's historic downtown before heading to the rodeo grounds for an evening of western entertainment.

A Summer of Western Tradition

What makes rodeo season in the San Luis Valley special isn't simply the competition

It's the connection to the region's agricultural roots, the generations of families who continue to participate, and the sense of community that fills the grandstands each summer. Rodeo remains one of the few events that brings together longtime ranching families, newcomers, tourists, and lifelong Valley residents in a shared celebration of western heritage.

From the Alamosa Round-Up in June to the Chute-Out performances in Creede, followed by the Ski-Hi Stampede and Manassa Pioneer Days in July, rodeo fans can find western action somewhere in the Valley for much of the summer.

So dust off your boots, grab a funnel cake, and find a seat in the grandstands. Rodeo season has arrived in the San Luis Valley.