Known in its early days as the “Queen City of the San Luis Valley,” which valley town once had a population of nearly 2,500 people and was even considered as a possible location for the Colorado state capital?

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY

The San Luis Valley Beat Is Off to a Strong Start

When we launched The San Luis Valley Beat, the goal was simple: create a place where people across the San Luis Valley can share what’s happening in our communities.

In just a short time, the response has been incredible.

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Draftsman Beer Company is set to open soon at 215 Adams Street in downtown Monte Vista, bringing the community its first dedicated craft brewery.

Owned and operated by Ryan Martz, a San Luis Valley local, the brewery will combine his technical background and award-winning brewing skills.

Martz, a Certified Beer Judge and Certified Cicerone, previously designed equipment for rail and defense industries before turning his focus to craft beer.

The new location features an inviting courtyard with picnic tables and outdoor space, complemented by a modern metal building likely to house the main brewery and taproom.

Visitors can expect rotating craft beers on tap, weekly food trucks, and the option to bring in food from neighboring restaurants.

If plans stay on track, Monte Vista’s new brewery will serve as a vibrant gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.

Small Business Spotlight

Colorado Grille and Tap House

If you’ve looked over the menu at Colorado Grille and Tap House lately, you may have noticed something interesting. Several dishes featuring classic southern Colorado ingredients—potatoes, green chile, and hearty comfort food—have started appearing on the menu.

With locations in both Alamosa and Del Norte, Colorado Grille and Tap House has become a favorite gathering place for locals across the San Luis Valley. The restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere, a full bar with rotating taps, and a menu that blends familiar American favorites with flavors that reflect the region.

Dishes built around green chile, savory meats, and hearty portions feel right at home in the Valley, where those ingredients have long been staples of local kitchens and ranch tables.

Whether you're meeting friends for dinner, stopping in for lunch, or just enjoying a drink after a long day, Colorado Grille and Tap House continues to be a welcoming place to gather in the Valley.

Locations:

• Alamosa, Colorado
• Del Norte, Colorado
  
  More Information: Visit their website or social media pages for current hours, menu items, and events.

The 4-H program in the San Luis Valley stands as a vital source of hands-on learning, leadership, and tradition for local youth.

Coordinated by Colorado State University Extension, 4-H invites kids ages 8–18 to grow practical skills and confidence, whether they're participating in livestock shows, gardening, robotics, or cooking.

Younger children get their start through the Cloverbud program, keeping the tradition strong from an early age.

Clubs meet across the Valley, guided by dedicated mentors who offer support, teach responsibility, and encourage teamwork.

The San Luis Valley 4-H Endowment ensures future generations have access by funding projects, scholarships, and workshops while breaking down financial barriers.

For many local families, 4-H is a multi-generational commitment that fosters leadership, community service, and lifelong success for youth throughout the region.

FREE Spay & Neuter Clinic – San Luis Valley

Date: March 20–22, 2026

Time: Registration 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM (or until full)

Location: Humane Colorado – San Luis Valley Animal Center, 701 Airport Rd, Alamosa, CO

Admission: Free (First come, first served)

Humane Colorado’s San Luis Valley Animal Center is hosting a free three-day spay and neuter clinic for dogs and cats belonging to San Luis Valley residents only. Registration begins at 7:30 AM each day and continues until the clinic reaches capacity.

Pet owners should expect long wait times and may need to remain in their vehicles while waiting, so early arrival is recommended to secure a spot.

Pets must be at least 2 months old and weigh 2 pounds or more, with no maximum weight limit. Cats must arrive secured in a carrier with a usable door, and only one cat per carrier is allowed. Pets brought in traps will have their ears tipped to indicate sterilization.

Each surgery includes free vaccines and a microchip, and pets will be ready for pickup later the same day. Owners are encouraged to bring previous veterinary records if their pet has already received vaccinations.

Moffat, Colorado: The Valley Town That Almost Became Colorado’s Capital

Tucked along the northern edge of the San Luis Valley lies the small town of Moffat, Colorado. Today it is a quiet community of just over one hundred residents, but in the late 1800s Moffat was one of the most important towns in the valley and a hub of activity for ranchers, miners, and travelers moving through southern Colorado.

Moffat was founded around 1890 by the San Luis Town and Improvement Company and was named after David H. Moffat, a prominent Colorado banker and railroad developer who played a major role in expanding rail transportation throughout the state. The arrival of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad helped transform the town into a shipping point for cattle, agricultural products, and supplies headed to nearby mining districts such as Bonanza and Crestone.

During its early years Moffat grew rapidly. Businesses, churches, and schools sprang up to serve the surrounding ranching country, and livestock from across the northern San Luis Valley passed through the town’s rail yards. At its peak, Moffat reportedly had a population of around 2,500 residents and was often referred to as the “Queen City of the San Luis Valley.”

Because of its prosperity and central location in the valley, Moffat was even mentioned in early discussions about where Colorado’s state capital might be located. While Denver ultimately secured the honor due to its larger population and economic influence, the fact that Moffat was considered at all reflects how important the community once was in southern Colorado.

One reminder of that early era still stands today. The First Baptist Church of Moffat, built in 1911, remains one of the town’s historic landmarks and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Like many small Western towns, Moffat’s fortunes changed as transportation patterns shifted in the early twentieth century. As rail traffic declined and commerce moved toward larger regional centers, the town’s population gradually decreased. What remains today is a quiet rural community surrounded by wide-open valley landscapes and a strong connection to its ranching heritage.

Though small in size today, Moffat’s story is a reminder that many of the San Luis Valley’s towns once played a much larger role in shaping the region’s history. From bustling railroad stop to peaceful agricultural community, Moffat remains an enduring part of the valley’s past and present.

Q: What is the population of Moffat, Colorado?

A: Approximately 116 people.

Q: What attractions are there in Moffat, Colorado?

A: Some attractions in Moffat include Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa and the Sangre de Cristo mountain range.

Q: Is Moffat, Colorado considered a rural area?

A: Yes, Moffat is a rural community located in the San Luis Valley of Colorado.

Chokurei Ranch, just outside Moffat, is home to one of the San Luis Valley’s most unique ranches, raising Tibetan yaks on about 2,500 acres of high desert.

This distinctive herd, currently around 300 strong, grazes the wide-open landscape, with new calves expected soon.

The ranch continues its quiet tradition, selling yak meat locally, often through word-of-mouth within the community.

Yak meat has become a sought-after delicacy in the valley, celebrated for its leanness and rich flavor — often described as somewhere between beef and bison.

Many in the area may not realize such a ranch operates here, maintaining a slice of the Himalayas in southern Colorado.

The quiet presence of Chokurei Ranch is a reminder that hidden gems still exist across the San Luis Valley’s vast, open spaces.

Don't forget to explore the beautiful surrounding nature in Moffat, Colorado by going on a hike or picnic in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains!

Pivot Public House has quickly become one of those spots. With a modern pub-style atmosphere, a welcoming bar, and comfortable seating, it offers a relaxed place for locals to meet friends, enjoy a meal, or unwind after a long day.

During a recent visit we tried several items from the menu including the Tataki Ahi Tuna, the flavorful French Onion Sliders, and a basket of their crispy Pivot Fries. The food was well prepared, nicely presented, and exactly what you hope to find when you're looking for a casual night out.

Restaurants like Pivot Public House help give Monte Vista something every small town benefits from — a place where people can gather, share a good meal, and spend time together without leaving the Valley.

The San Luis Valley Regional Airport in Alamosa is stepping into the spotlight as a center for local engagement under new manager Sirah Masters.

Its first event, Art at Altitude, launches in partnership with the Adams State Visual Arts Department, turning the terminal into a vibrant student art gallery.

The public can join the opening reception on March 24, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m., showcasing the region’s creative energy.

An Aviation Day on April 17, in collaboration with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the San Luis Valley, offers area youth hands-on flight opportunities and storytelling, aiming to spark a passion for aviation careers.

Backed by the Alamosa County Board of Commissioners, a consulting partnership will also explore airport-area development to support long-term growth and sustainability.

In embracing art and community-driven events, the airport is rapidly becoming a vibrant, cultural gathering place for Alamosa.

Yak Green Chile Stew

Few ingredients say San Luis Valley cooking quite like potatoes and green chile. This hearty yak green chile stew brings together lean yak chuck, roasted chile flavor, and Valley-style comfort in one pot. Below are two easy ways to make it — a traditional stovetop version and a quicker Instant Pot version.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs yak chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1/2 large onion (about 5 to 6 oz), diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can Ro-Tel (10 oz)
• 4–5 roasted chiles or 1/2 to 3/4 cup canned green chiles
• 4 cups beef broth for stovetop or 3 1/2 cups beef broth for Instant Pot
• 1 1/2 to 2 lbs potatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon Mexican oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
•  
• Stovetop Method

1. Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat.
2. Brown the yak in batches, then remove and set aside.
3. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
4. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring well.
5. Return the yak to the pot.
6. Add the Ro-Tel, canned green chile, beef broth, cumin, and Mexican oregano.
7. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover loosely, and cook for about 1 1/2 hours, or until the yak begins to get tender.
8. Add the diced potatoes and continue simmering for 20 to 25 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Optional: Stir in 1 tablespoon butter just before serving for a richer broth.

Serve hot with warm flour tortillas or crusty bread.

Instant Pot Method

1. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté and add the oil.
2. Brown the yak in batches, then remove and set aside.
3. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring well.
5. Return the yak to the pot.
6. Add the Ro-Tel, canned green chile, 3 1/2 cups beef broth, cumin, and Mexican oregano. Stir well.
7. Seal the lid and cook on High Pressure for 30 minutes.
8. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release the rest.
9. Add the diced potatoes and stir.
10. Seal the lid again and cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes, then quick release.
11. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
12. If you would like a thicker broth, turn the Instant Pot back to Sauté for 5 to 10 minutes and simmer uncovered before serving.

Serving idea: This stew is especially good with warm tortillas, a little shredded cheese, or a spoonful of extra green chile on top.

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Moffat, Colorado.