Exploring the Enchantment of the UFO Watchtower
Adventure Destination

Exploring the Enchantment of the UFO Watchtower

Visit UFO Watchtower in Colorado's San Luis Valley for stargazing and UFO hunting. Accessible via drive-in, this year-round adventure spot offers unique charm and panoramic mountain views near the remote landscape.

Stargazing5.0/10Moderate
Photo Gallery

Category

Stargazing

Typical Duration

2-4 hours

Difficulty

Moderate

About This Adventure Destination

The UFO Watchtower in the San Luis Valley, near Center, Colorado, enchants visitors with its blend of extraterrestrial intrigue and natural beauty. This whimsical spot in the high desert is renowned for its 'UFO garden,' a curious array of found objects displayed in artistic formations, creating a quirky Martian landscape. Beyond its eye-catching art, the Watchtower offers unfiltered views of the night sky, making it a beloved site for stargazing and UFO hunts. The San Luis Valley is known for unusual aerial phenomena, bolstered by local legends of extraterrestrial encounters.

Visitors can enjoy the panoramic views of the distant Sangre de Cristo Mountains, offering a backdrop against the seemingly boundless desert. The area holds a mystical allure, attracting those interested in both astronomy and folklore. It's a haven for free spirits and curious travelers alike, seeking out unconventional adventures and new stories.

The Watchtower stands as a testament to the curiosity and creativity of the locals, where folklore and reality intertwine. Its whimsical charm and unique location make it a stand-out destination in Colorado's expansive landscapes.

Editorial Assessment

While not naturally occurring, the UFO Watchtower offers a unique experience combining art, folklore, and stargazing. Its rating reflects its cultural curiosity rather than iconic natural formation.

Exploring the Enchantment of the UFO Watchtower

Adventure Guide to Exploring the Enchantment of the UFO Watchtower

1

Experience Exploring the Enchantment of the UFO Watchtower

  • Special Features:

    Visit UFO Watchtower in Colorado's San Luis Valley for stargazing and UFO hunting. Accessible via drive-in, this year-round adventure spot offers unique charm and panoramic mountain views near the remote landscape.

  • Visitor Tips:

    Best time to visit is during Year-Round. Bring adequate water, appropriate outdoor gear, and camera.

  • Directions:

    CO-17, Center, CO 81125, USA

2

Exploring Near Alamosa, Colorado

  • Local Insights:

    Offers direct access to top trails, protected natural reserves, and picturesque viewpoints across Alamosa, Colorado.

  • Visitor Tips:

    Check local regulations, trail conditions, and weather before heading out.

3

Photography and Wildlife

  • Special Highlights:

    Capture panoramic sunrise and sunset views across the surrounding mountain terrain.

  • Visitor Tips:

    Arrive in early morning or late afternoon for the softest lighting and quieter trails.

Reviews

P
P Bin the last week

Spooky 👻

L
Lisseth Garciain the last week

Cool spot to visit and camp. As beginner campers we had to move along and stay at a hotel after encountering heavy winds, rain and hail. It was an otherworldly experience! Had a blast.

X
Xavier Guardadoa week ago

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

S
sylvie vimont3 weeks ago

incredible place.

L
Lady Jaye4 weeks ago

U.F.O. Watchtower is super cool. Judy is amazing. We stumbled across it passing by on our way home from a weeding. We were waiting CO from IL. We lived in Co for 18 years and didn’t realize this little gem was hiding here in plane sight. Definitely check it out.

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Adventure Destinations

View All Destinations →
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve9.114.5 mi
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Explore the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, home to the tallest dunes in North America. Activities include sandboarding, hiking, and exploring Medano Creek. Perfect for adventure seekers, this park offers stunning views in a unique desert setting.

View Details →
Wildlife and Wonder at Russell Lakes State Wildlife Area7.517.4 mi
Russell Lakes State Wildlife Area

Wildlife and Wonder at Russell Lakes State Wildlife Area

Explore the Russell Lakes State Wildlife Area near Saguache, Colorado. Ideal for bird watching and nature walks, it's known for the seasonal migrations of waterfowl and serene fishing spots. Best visited in spring and fall, though it's quiet year-round, offering a tranquil experience amid its unique ecosystems.

View Details →
Crestone's Majestic Backdrop8.517.6 mi
Crestone

Crestone's Majestic Backdrop

Explore Crestone's stunning backdrop in Southern Colorado. Known for spiritual centers and hiking trails, enjoy the dramatic views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

View Details →
Nearby Adventures

Bookable Experiences

Plugged-In Convenience at Stonewall Gap: 30/50A Shopping Bag Site #415.6 mi
Stonewall Gap, Colorado

Plugged-In Convenience at Stonewall Gap: 30/50A Shopping Bag Site #4

A compact, full-hookup site in Stonewall Gap that pairs sewage, water and electric services with a 30-foot length limit—this guide distills what to expect.

15.6 miView Trips & Details →
Steep Ice and Mixed Technique: Precision on Durango’s Frozen Ribs16.8 mi
Durango, Colorado

Steep Ice and Mixed Technique: Precision on Durango’s Frozen Ribs

A four-hour, private-group climbing course by Colorado Climbing Company that teaches energy-saving techniques for steep ice and moving between ice and rock.

16.8 miView Trips & Details →
Crestone’s Layers: A Walking Tour Through Settlers, Spiritual Communities and Mining Myth17.6 mi
Crestone, Colorado

Crestone’s Layers: A Walking Tour Through Settlers, Spiritual Communities and Mining Myth

A concise, guided 45–60 minute walk through Crestone uncovering early-settler history, spiritual communities, mining roots and local folklore.

17.6 miView Trips & Details →
Thirteen Nights in Lake City: Nine Intimate Cabins at Pleasant View Resort26.4 mi
Lake City, Colorado

Thirteen Nights in Lake City: Nine Intimate Cabins at Pleasant View Resort

A practical guide to Pleasant View Resort’s nine two‑bedroom cabins in Lake City — layouts, occupancy limits, check‑in rules and house policies you need to plan a multi‑night retreat.

26.4 miView Trips & Details →
Cabin Calm: A Small-Group Retreat at Pleasant View Resort26.9 mi
Lake City, Colorado

Cabin Calm: A Small-Group Retreat at Pleasant View Resort

A compact guide to the operator-run, two-bedroom cabin rentals in Lake City—what the units include, who fits, and the booking and house rules you need to know.

26.9 miView Trips & Details →
Eleven Nights at Pleasant View Resort: Nine Two‑Bedroom Cabins for Slow Stays in Lake City28.2 mi
Lake City, Colorado

Eleven Nights at Pleasant View Resort: Nine Two‑Bedroom Cabins for Slow Stays in Lake City

Nine two‑bedroom cabins, each with a kitchen, living area and one bath, available with a five‑night minimum; this guide compiles the practical essentials for booking and staying.

28.2 miView Trips & Details →