ALAMOSA – The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area, in collaboration with Colorado’s two other National Heritage Areas, has created a new tour highlighting Colorado’s rich culture and heritage.

The Cache la Poudre River, South Park, and Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Areas have worked diligently with the Colorado Tourism Office on a coordinated tourism effort that showcases the importance and accessibility of these unique areas. A new website (coheritagejourney.com) includes a map that connects travelers to all three areas while providing information on recreational and educational opportunities available in each area.

Sangre de Cristo offers historical and culturally immersive experiences through train rides, outdoor excursions, summer festivals, and cultural events. In Sangre de Cristo folks can sand board down the highest dunes in the country, fish in the pristine rivers, spend the day on a train riding the narrow gauge railroad, or take a drive on Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic Byway. For the artfully minded, come experience a new type of art scene with a mural tour. While the spiritually inclined can take a tour of the old mission churches.

South Park showcases education through recreational themes, interpretive exhibits, and heritage trails. In South Park folks can enjoy nature along alpine hiking trails, have an immersive experience on a dude ranch, or take in the art scene at several galleries.

Cache la Poudre River highlights how local industry can play a role in National Heritage Areas through railroads, ranching, and beer. In Cache la Poudre folks can enjoy nature on a walking or biking tour, or take in the sights on a driving tour.

Cultural heritage tourism can provide visitors with a more authentic experience. Revitalized main streets allow visitors the opportunity to enjoy the ambiance of historical settings. Whereas, cultural preservation on historic buildings allows visitors and residents alike a glimpse into life as it was during the building’s construction. Visit the new website (coheritagejourney.com) to discover some of Colorado’s hidden treasures and plan your next vacation as a heritage tour through colorful Colorado.

For more information, please contact:

Kathleen Benedict, executive director Poudre Heritage Alliance 970-295-4851 [email protected]

Victoria Martinez, executive director Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area 719-580-4070 [email protected]

Andrew Spencer, executive director South Park National Heritage Area 719-836-4298 [email protected]