RIVERSIDE AT RIO GRANDE CLUB is surrounded by nearly 2 million acres of National Forest and a long list of scenic day-trips and excursions. Some year-round favorites include the geothermal pools near the Great Sand Dunes and in Pagosa Springs. Backcountry gems like Wheeler Geologic Area and Natural Arch can be explored any time of year, depending on how you get around.

SOME THINGS HAVE THERE SEASON, like rafting the spring run-off on the Rio Grande River, or taking one of the scenic narrow gauge railroads to view the spectacular fall colors. For thousands of years, the sandhill cranes have spent their Spring Break at the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, creating a spectacle some 20,000 birds strong. These are but a few of the things you won’t want to miss.