What well-known hillside attraction near San Luis offers a walking path with religious sculptures and a panoramic valley view

KRZA, the only public radio station serving Colorado’s San Luis Valley, kicks off its Spring Fund Drive from April 1 to April 10.

The station urgently seeks community support after federal funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting was first cut in half, then eliminated completely by November 2025.

General Manager Gerald Rodriguez says KRZA has reduced staff and programming to survive, but remains committed to keeping their essential service alive for the valley’s residents, especially the Hispanic community they’ve served since 1985.

Despite KRZA’s historical designation in early 2025, operational costs remain a challenge.

Public media nationwide faces cuts, yet funds raised by the Public Media Company are offering temporary relief.

KRZA delivers local news and weather—including critical emergency information—to residents who often lack internet access, highlighting the station’s vital role.

Residents are encouraged to tune in and support via 88.7 FM to ensure KRZA’s future.

Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado, has earned the 2026-2027 Military Friendly® School designation for the second year in a row, receiving a prestigious "Gold" ranking in the Small Public category.

This recognition reflects Adams State’s strong commitment to supporting veterans, active-duty service members, and their families, fostering a welcoming and inclusive campus atmosphere.

Kenai Douglas, Veterans/Military Affairs Coordinator, highlighted the university’s collaborative approach in providing resources and building a community that helps military-affiliated students thrive in higher education.

Programs like the Veterans Center offer guidance on accessing education benefits, personalized cost analysis, and assistance with the application process.

Through participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program and in-state tuition policies for military members and their dependents, Adams State is making college more affordable and accessible.

This “Gold” Military Friendly® status confirms the university’s excellence in retention, graduation, and ongoing support for military students.

This week’s Community Spotlight highlights La Puente, a San Luis Valley nonprofit based in Alamosa that provides critical support for individuals and families facing difficult times.

Through programs focused on housing assistance, food access, crisis prevention, and family support, La Puente works to help neighbors move toward stability and independence. Their services—including the Food Bank Network, community shelter, and family resource programs—touch lives across the Valley every day.

Organizations like La Puente play a vital role in strengthening our communities, offering help when it’s needed most while building a stronger future for the San Luis Valley.

Tucked along the southern edge of the San Luis Valley, just a few miles north of the New Mexico border, the town of San Luis holds a special place in Colorado history. Established in 1851, it is recognized as the oldest continuously inhabited town in the state—a distinction that gives San Luis a deep and enduring cultural identity.

Unlike many towns that grew during the mining booms, San Luis developed as an agricultural and community-centered settlement. The surrounding landscape—open valley floor framed by distant mountain ranges—reflects the same quiet strength and resilience that has defined the town for generations. Today, visitors will find a community that proudly preserves its heritage while continuing to serve as a hub for southern valley life.

One of San Luis’s most well-known landmarks is the Stations of the Cross, located just outside of town. This striking spiritual site features a walking trail that climbs a mesa overlooking the valley, with a series of sculpted stations leading to a sweeping panoramic view. Whether visiting for reflection, history, or simply the scenery, it’s a place that leaves a lasting impression.

The town itself is home to local shops, small businesses, and community institutions that reflect its rich Hispanic heritage. Traditions run deep here, from local celebrations to the everyday rhythms of life that have remained steady over time. It’s this authenticity that makes San Luis feel less like a stop along the way—and more like a place to truly experience the roots of the San Luis Valley.

For those exploring the valley, San Luis offers a meaningful look into the past while still being very much alive in the present. It’s a reminder that some of Colorado’s most important stories aren’t found in its largest cities, but in the small towns that have stood the test of time.

Q: What is the population of San Luis, Colorado?

A: Approximately 600 residents.

Q: Is San Luis worth visiting?
A: Absolutely. Whether you’re interested in history, scenic views, or experiencing one of Colorado’s most authentic small towns, San Luis offers a quiet but meaningful stop in the valley.

Q: When was San Luis, Colorado founded?

A: San Luis was founded in 1851, making it the oldest town in Colorado.

The Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center has joined the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience, strengthening its commitment to justice and peace by honoring the region’s complex history.

Established in 1858 in the San Luis Valley, the historic fort sits on the ancestral lands of the Ute, Jicarilla Apache, and Navajo peoples.

Visitors explore original adobe buildings and parade grounds, stepping into the daily life of 19th-century soldiers.

Exhibitions like “Unsilenced: Indigenous Enslavement in Southern Colorado” and “Buffalo Soldiers: reVision” spotlight previously unheard stories, encouraging thoughtful engagement with the area’s past.

The museum’s 75th anniversary featured the Artisan’s Harvest Market with performances from local schools and a talk by Southern Ute cultural leader Crystal Rizzo.

The Smithsonian’s “Americans” exhibition, hosted on-site, invited visitors to reflect on Native American imagery and identity in American culture.

Through diverse events and programs, Fort Garland remains a vital center for dialogue and learning in the San Luis Valley.

Stop by the Stations of the Cross Shrine to enjoy breathtaking views of the San Luis Valley and reflect on its significance in local culture and history.

Tucked into the heart of Creede, Kip’s Grill has become a favorite stop for both locals and visitors looking for bold flavors, a lively atmosphere, and a true mountain-town dining experience.

Known for its fresh Baja-style tacos, wild game burgers, loaded nachos, and margaritas, Kip’s Grill offers a casual setting where good food and good company go hand in hand. Whether you’re stopping in after a day of exploring the mountains or meeting up with friends for lunch or dinner, Kip’s has built a reputation as one of Creede’s go-to gathering spots.

The restaurant’s laid-back vibe and welcoming feel add to its appeal, giving diners a place to relax and enjoy a fun, flavorful meal in one of Colorado’s most scenic small towns. It’s the kind of place that fits naturally into the Creede experience—friendly, memorable, and full of character.

For anyone spending time in Creede, Kip’s Grill is well worth a visit for its fresh food, casual atmosphere, and local charm.

A dynamic shift is underway in Colorado’s San Luis Valley, where the Rye Resurgence Project is spearheading a sustainable revolution in agriculture.

Launched in early 2024, this initiative promotes high-alpine rye cultivation, tackling long-standing water shortages and soil decline.

Rye’s hearty nature demands just 12 inches of water—well below what barley or alfalfa need—making it a practical choice as aquifer levels dwindle.

Its deep roots fight erosion and boost soil vitality, perfectly suiting the region’s dry climates.

Already, local farmers have planted 4,500 acres, saving nearly 4,700 acre-feet of water.

Collaborations with local businesses, including distilleries creating rye-based gins, are opening fresh markets and new economic promise.

Forward-thinking farms like Jones Farms Organics and Sol Mountain Farm are leading the way, emphasizing organic, regenerative methods that nourish both land and community.

Supporting groups such as SOIL Sangre de Cristo highlight the valley’s strong commitment to building a resourceful, sustainable future.

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Answer to Trivia Question:

The Stations of the Cross Shrine