Public schools offer multitude of reasons for living in Pagosa
Archuleta School District
For families with children who are interested in moving to Pagosa Springs, there are a multitude of reasons, many of them found in our schools.
In Pagosa Country, education is about building strong, positive relationships, ensuring quality academics prepare students for their future, and maximizing the unique opportunities that southwest Colorado offers.
The community and its families trust the school district to provide real-world, relevant learning experiences that prepare students for college and careers of the 21st century. Our students have extensive academic options including Advanced Placement and multiple Career and Technical Education pathways, as well as many co-curricular activities to address interests and needs.
The district was created in 1950 and consists of four campuses, one shared school and one district-authorized charter school: Pagosa Springs Elementary School (kindergarten through fourth grades); Pagosa Springs Middle School (fifth through eighth grades), Pagosa Springs High School (ninth through 12th grades) and San Juan Mountain School (ninth through 12th grades). Pagosa Family School is a district shared-school elective program for homeschool and private school students serving students in grades K-8. In addition, Pagosa Peak Open School is a district-authorized charter school serving grades K-8 in the school year 2021-2022.
The motto at Pagosa Springs Elementary School (PSES) is “Care Reigns Here” and the staff believes that creating respectful and caring relationships is the foundation for learning. From this foundation, kids engage in learning a rigorous curriculum including core subjects plus music, art, fitness, advisory, P.E., STEM and Spanish. PSES places an emphasis on whole child education and offers educational opportunities for all students to grow in individual ways. PSES ensures that all children are introduced to the concepts of entrepreneurial, personal, professional, academic and civic duty.
Pagosa Springs Middle School takes great pride in offering a dynamic, well-rounded educational experience. Its mission is to empower students to navigate the future through learning and problem-solving. The highly trained and caring staff engages students in relevant and dynamic ways to meet and exceed the Colorado Academic Standards. PSMS embraces the community values and the spectacular location of Pagosa Springs in the academic pursuits. PSMS often ventures outside the classroom to learn and explore. Student health and wellness is a top priority. As a three-time Healthy School Champion, the middle school has been recognized for having a well-developed, systemic approach to embedding best practices at all grade levels.
Pagosa Springs High School’s mission is to prepare students to succeed after high school by building community, inspiring contribution, challenging growth and embracing diversity. PSHS looks to build on post-secondary objectives by offering advanced placement (AP), concurrent enrollment, and career technical education pathways. PSHS has engaging and popular courses in building trades, culinary arts, woodworking, computer sciences, business and outdoor careers, among others.
All Archuleta schools support socio-emotional growth through an advisory or homeroom program. The advisory programs’ age-appropriate, research-based curriculum is provided to support students and to build strong relationships.
In the fall of 2016, Archuleta School District, in partnership with a variety of home and private school groups, began Pagosa Family School. This unique opportunity provides elective classes such as Spanish, art, drumline, choir and an exploratory class consisting of science, music and drama to homeschool and private-school students during the regular school day as well as extra-curricular offerings. This program provides a rich opportunity for students to embody the motto of “Learning Together.”
On the playing field, Pagosa Springs is a 3A school, and is consistently competitive at the state level in a number of team sports. The Future Business Leaders of America, Skills USA, Speech and Debate, and FFA organizations consistently produce top finishers in state competition and multiple Destination Imagination teams have qualified for Global Finals.
PSHS also takes great pride in the arts. The high school offers a wide variety of music programs including traditional band and choir as well as guitar and the Americana Project, which is a beginning songwriting course. Students can also enroll in a drama class in addition to after-school drama productions.
Head Start, Wings and Seeds of Learning work hand in hand with the district through the Colorado Preschool Program, which also offers assistance to at-risk preschool students. The district provides bus services to the majority of the district’s students.
For centuries, the waters in Pagosa Springs have drawn visitors who wish to take advantage of the healing qualities of the world’s deepest natural hot spring.
Prior to the arrival of Hispanic and Anglo settlers, members of various tribes of Native Americans came to heal and refresh themselves in the local waters. Historians report that Native Americans preferred to coat themselves with mud mixed with the mineral water rather than soaking directly in the pools. The rationale was simple: at 144 degrees Fahrenheit, undiluted spring water is far too hot for a pleasurable soak.
Although early Hispanic and Anglo settlers took advantage of the hot springs from time to time, the healing properties of the waters remained largely a local secret. Eventually, however, word was passed regarding the “magical properties” of The Great Pagosa Hot Spring and travelers sought out the medicinal qualities of the water. Since then, visitors from all over the world come to seek out a healing experience that had once been known only to the local inhabitants.
Experience the ‘magic’
Local spin has it that the Ute term, “Pagosa,” describes the mystical qualities of the legendary Great Pagosa Hot Spring, repeating the apocryphal tale that the phrase translates as “Healing Waters.”
Alas, the truth might be much more hackneyed, but no less descriptive: local historian John Motter writes that, “According to the dictionary prepared under the auspices of and with the help of Southern Utes in Ignacio, Pagosa comes from two Ute words meaning ‘stinking water.’”
Certainly, there is an unmistakable aroma accompanying the springs, but are they really also healing waters? You can judge for yourself, but abundant testimonials say, “yes.”
And while Native Americans visited the geothermally heated waters, certain the Great Spirit had endowed the bubbling cauldron with superhuman virtues, reverence for the “Healing Waters” has not abated with passage of time. In recent years, The Great Pagosa Hot Spring has attracted more visitors than ever before. And why not? It is a unique experience, providing comfort and relaxation unmatched anywhere.
Making it all possible is The Great Pagosa Hot Spring, that bubbling fountain of natural mineral water and the world’s deepest hot spring.
How can we make the claim of “the world’s deepest hot spring?” Because the Guinness Book of World Records says so! A judge from the New York office of the Guinness Book of World Records visited Pagosa Springs to verify measurements on The Great Pagosa Hot Spring made by Durango-based hydrologist John Casey.
How deep is it? We wish we could say. So far, attempts to plumb the depths of the spring have defied the best efforts to find out. When Casey dropped a 1,002-foot long plumb line into the “mother spring,” it didn’t hit the bottom; instead, the plumb line ran out. So now, the official measurement is 1,002 feet and, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, that’s the deepest hot spring in the world.
Prior to that, however, the depth of the spring had been measured using a 2,500-foot plumb line. The same thing happened: before the plumb line reached the bottom of the spring, the line ran out.
So, the mystery remains unsolved. Deeper still, however, is the mystery of our water’s ability to soothe, heal and relax even the most harried soul. Visit the site of the spring and experience it for yourself. Take the opportunity to avail yourself of Pagosa’s healing waters, its mystery, its spirit-rejuvenating properties and, yes — its magic.
In making your transition from another state to Colorado or from another Colorado county, we would like to help in making the registration of your vehicle as easy as possible.
Colorado law requires you to register your vehicles, trailers, motor homes, heavy equipment, etc. within 60 days of becoming a Colorado resident. Unfortunately, the law does not allow you to keep your out-of-state plates until they expire.
If you are currently a Colorado resident and are just moving here, you may call the Archuleta County Clerk’s office and they will help you change your registration address so you will receive a renewal notice from Archuleta County when your plates expire. You can also utilize our online services to make any changes at www.mydmv.colorado.gov.
Some of the most obvious reasons that, by law, constitute becoming a resident are: obtaining a Colorado driver’s license, registering to vote, enrolling children into school or becoming employed. If you are retired and consider this your legal place of residence and intend to file your federal income tax with a Pagosa Springs address as your legal address, you need Colorado plates.
To obtain Colorado license plates, you will need:
1. A current registration or title from the state you are coming from.
2. Proof of Insurance.
3. A vehicle identification verification. This is done Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-11 a.m. It will cost $20 cash or check. Parking is located behind the courthouse. You can also go to the Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday or Thursday, 8 a.m. to noon, located at 85 Harman Park Drive.
4. An acceptable form of ID.
Vehicle registration in Colorado is based on the year, weight and taxable value of the vehicle, when new. The taxable value is then depreciated according to the age of the vehicle. The office is located at 449 San Juan St., in the east side of the courthouse.
The nearest place to obtain a Colorado driver’s license is Durango, approximately 60 miles west of Pagosa Springs. The DMV is located at 329 S. Camino del Rio. You may contact their office at (970) 247-4591.
Please visit www.archuletacounty.org for more information. For any questions you may have, call (970) 264-8350.
Voter registration
You may register to vote or change your address online by visiting govotecolorado.org or sos.state.co.us and following the directions for Election & Voting. Should you have questions, please call (970) 264-8331 or (970) 264-8350.
Pagosa Springs has the privilege of enjoying four distinct seasons, each one playing host to myriad activities. Participating in outdoor activities is like being a kid in a candy store, with appealing options no matter the season. Groups like the San Juan Outdoor Club and Gray Wolves offer activities all year long in a group setting. Face a challenging hike up Pagosa Peak or head out on a hut-to-hut excursion with like-minded enthusiasts and capitalize on the over 3 million acres of national forest and wilderness areas surrounding Pagosa.
When the days begin to warm up, resident activities exemplify the phrase “spring fever.” Walking around town or taking a quick trip up Reservoir Hill on your lunch hour gets everyone in the mood for summer. As the snow begins to melt and the river rises, kayak and rafting enthusiasts hit the river. The San Juan River boasts several developed water features downtown. There is also improved fishing access and ongoing habitat improvements along the river through town. Fish are plentiful in Pagosa waters, with species including catfish, bass, pike and a variety of trout. Hikes in the lower elevations, perhaps around the Piedra River Trail, are a great way to break in the season and relish the beauty of the first signs of spring. Usually by April cyclists abound, enjoying moderate rides together to get in shape for the season. Spring also brings out birding enthusiasts who tag and identify which species have returned to beautiful Pagosa.
Summer brings out the athlete in us all with warm days, cool nights and typically excellent weather conditions. Summer is perfect for just about every sport, especially hiking, mountain and road biking, and running. Summer also means motorcycle rides, offroading and camping in gorgeous locations. Pagosa Springs boasts a wonderful 27-hole golf course, two 18-hole disc golf courses located on Reservoir Hill and at Cloman Community Park and one nine-hole disc golf course in Aspen Springs. Boaters enjoy cruising on Navajo Lake, which spans the Colorado and New Mexico border. Horse enthusiasts head to the Western Heritage Event Center to compete in team roping and rodeo events.
Many of the activities of summer continue into the fall. Athletes get to enjoy the stunning hues of changing leaves as they add another layer of clothing in the evenings. The temperate weather mixed with the gorgeous colors is just another incentive to get out and enjoy the outdoors.
Winter is just as active as the other seasons. For the alpine skier, Wolf Creek Ski Area is just 24 miles away and is known for its radical powder days. The volunteer Nordic Club has developed and grooms an extensive system of trails for classic and skate skiing. Snowed-over hiking trails become excellent snowshoeing trails in the winter. If you feel the need for speed, the Wolf Creek Trailblazers snowmobile club is out and about enjoying the hundreds of miles in the backcountry. Consider ice skating or checking out the plethora of sledding hills in the area.
Pagosa has outdoor activities to enjoy all year long! It is no wonder that so many people choose to live in this stunning mountain town overflowing with natural wonders for individuals of all ages and abilities. Explore on your own or join up with one of the many organizations that will happily show you the ropes and introduce you to the wonders of Pagosa’s outdoors.
If you have a camera and are inclined to trek through the extensive wilderness that composes the greater portion of Pagosa Country, be prepared for the chance to snap the shot of a lifetime.
In a region that ranges from 6,000 to 13,000 feet in elevation, the 1.8-million-acre San Juan National Forest not only hosts a complex diversity of climate zones, ecological niches and microenvironments, but also is home to a vast array of wildlife that call these diverse habitats home. As the country climbs in elevation from the south and east to the mountains north and west, that diversity becomes apparent as high-desert plateau gently transitions into alpine forest, then dramatically ascends beyond the tree line to alpine tundra. While many species of wildlife prefer to inhabit a specific ecological zone, others travel throughout Pagosa Country, seeking resources and habitat wherever they can find them.
Coyotes, foxes, cougars and black bears may roam the region at almost any elevation and are a common sight (and sometimes a nuisance) for residents. A special, but not uncommon, sight is the symbol of our country — the American Bald Eagle — soaring majestically above meadows, lakes or rivers at all elevations. Snapping a photo of one of these birds perched atop a ponderosa pine is a rare treat.
In the lower reaches, short-horned lizards, eastern fence lizards, western rattlesnakes and ringtail cats share sandy sage flats, arid rocky slopes, deep canyons and sandstone mesas with jackrabbits, prairie dogs, elk and mule deer. Piñon jays, turkey vultures, red-tailed hawks and golden eagles commonly grace the sun-drenched skies above the high-desert plateau.
In the high country, observers may see bighorn sheep, snowshoe hares, ptarmigan or a rare Canada lynx. Although normally a denizen of high-country meadows, willow flats, forests and lakes north of Pagosa Springs, it is not unusual for the Shiras moose to be seen at most elevations. The largest member of the deer family, these solitary individuals occasionally wander the streets and outskirts of town.
While the encroachment of civilization on some of the region’s wilderness has decreased the numbers of several species in the area, many other species are thriving and even increasing in numbers, including foxes and coyotes, mule deer, bears, magpies, crows and ravens, golden and bald eagles, wild turkeys and vultures. While mountain lions are normally solitary and secretive, reported sightings have become frequent, particularly between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. Residents are cautioned not to feed local wildlife, especially as prey species can attract lions into residential areas. Food should never be left out to attract bears.
In the spring and early summer, infrequent hikers and wildlife watchers will invariably stumble upon a newborn fawn or elk calf. Baby birds, rabbits, foxes and squirrels may appear quite approachable, yet mother is almost certainly nearby. As long as a potential predator lurks about, she’ll not return to feed or coddle her young. Therefore, it is always best to back away and leave little ones as they’re found. Survival in the wild is challenging enough without avoidable human interference.
In a bountiful area as rich and diverse as Pagosa Country, vigilant observers will enjoy an array of wildlife matched by few places on earth. The adventurous outdoors person traveling the canyons, mesas and forests early or late, moving in silence and employing a pair of good field glasses, is almost guaranteed to be rewarded with the sight of wildlife in their natural habitat — and the experience of a lifetime.
Please note that wildlife should not be harassed, captured, domesticated or fed. Intentional or inadvertent feeding is the major cause of most wildlife problems. Under Colorado law, intentionally feeding big game animals is illegal. The prohibition applies to deer, elk, pronghorn, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, mountain lions and bears.
For more information about the best hiking trails for wildlife watching in the San Juan National Forest and surrounding wilderness areas, visit the U.S. Forest Service website at www.fs.usda.gov/sanjuan/ or stop by the Pagosa Ranger Station at 180 Pagosa St.
For information about Colorado’s wildlife and hunting and fishing licenses, go to Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s website at cpw.state.co.us.
Moving to a new town with your pets can be an exciting adventure with many new discoveries. It can also be a bit stressful for you and your pets leaving behind the familiar. For peace of mind, plan ahead for your pet’s safety during the move. There are many Internet sources of good information on how to safely move your pets, as well as great tips on how to help your dogs or cats acclimate to their new home.
Before you move, make sure that your pets are healthy and up to date on their vaccinations. If you are moving from out of state with dogs or cats, Colorado requires that you have a Certificate of Veterinarian Inspection (CVI) that is no more than 30 days old. If your cat or dog is three months or older, they must also have had a rabies vaccination within the preceding 12 months. For livestock and other animal requirements, visit the Colorado Department of Agriculture website (colorado.gov/ag).
Part of moving involves gathering all your important personal documents. Make sure you do the same for your pets. Have all of their health and vaccination records on hand so that when you choose a local veterinarian you can provide your new vet with your pets’ medical histories.
Losing a pet can be nerve-wracking. The Humane Society of Pagosa Springs (HSPS) operates the only animal shelter in the area, located at 465 Cloman Blvd. The shelter is open seven days a week. A call to the animal shelter at (970) 731-4771 should be one of your first steps in finding a lost pet. HSPS is also an administrator for the Lost/Found Pets Pagosa Springs Colorado Area Facebook page. This Facebook page is visited regularly by a lot of community members and has helped reunite many lost pets with the owners over the past several years.
The HSPS website (humanesociety.biz) hosts detailed information on what to do if you and your pet become separated. Check the website’s “Lost and Found” page for a list of useful suggestions. The website also has information on adoptions, low-cost spay/neuter voucher programs and other community services.
To aid in finding a lost pet, make sure that your pet always wears a secure collar with a sturdy identification tag attached. The ID tag should contain your name and contact information, including information on rabies vaccination. If you are moving, make sure the tag has your current cell phone number. Secondly, have a microchip inserted in your pet. This aids identification if your pet’s collar is lost or removed. The HSPS animal shelter scans every incoming pet for a microchip. Make sure you have registered your pet’s chip with the manufacturer, and update your microchip contact information with your new address and relevant phone numbers right before you move. If your pet does not have a microchip or a collar ID tag, the HSPS shelter can provide both at a reasonable cost.
Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County do not require licensing for dogs or cats at this time. You are, however, required to have a current rabies vaccination for your pets. While the Town of Pagosa Springs does have a leash law, Archuleta County does not. You are required to have your dog under control at all times, whether by leash or verbal command. If you want to exercise and play with your dog in a safe, controlled environment, there is a fenced community-accessible dog park at the HSPS animal shelter.
If you are purchasing property in Pagosa Country, make sure you check for additional pet regulations or restrictions in the covenants of your property owners association. Keep in mind, too, that regardless of where you live, some homeowner insurance policies have certain dog breed exclusions, so check your insurance policy for pet restrictions.
Pets are important members of our community, and Pagosa Springs is one of the most animal-friendly places that you will find in all of Colorado.
“To support seniors in living healthy, vibrant and independent lives” is the purpose of the Pagosa Springs Senior Center.
The Senior Center has an array of activities and services for the young at heart, along with supportive services for those in need of more assistance. The center schedules various outings and games for fellowship and fun.
The center offers delicious lunches, including a fabulous salad bar, Monday through Friday. Weekly menus are printed in The Pagosa Springs SUN newspaper. Seniors interested in dining at the center can make reservations by calling 264-2167. Home-delivered meals are available to qualifying home-bound individuals.
Flu shot clinics are offered in the fall as well as free screenings through the San Juan Basin Health Department twice a month, free blood pressure checks weekly, and a wellness clinic once a month.
The center also collaborates with Mountain Express to provide bus transportation for attending lunches, going to the post office, pharmacy, grocery store and other necessary errands. Arranging transportation can be completed by contacting Mountain Express at 264-2250.
Additionally, the San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging offers a wide range of supportive informational and referral services. Services include Medicare counseling, legal assistance and Alzheimer’s support programs, to name a few. Their telephone number is 264-0502.
For more information about the Pagosa Springs Senior Center and the San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging, visit their offices, located in the Ross Aragon Community Center at 451 Hot Springs Blvd. Call 264-2167, or go online to www.psseniors.org. Staying active and engaged in Pagosa Springs is easy with organizations like the Senior Center.
Pagosa Springs and the outdoors go hand-in-hand; in fact, being able to enjoy the outdoors year-round is one of the benefits of living in this mountain paradise. There are a number of groups that are passionate about their sport and are willing to share their enthusiasm.
The San Juan Outdoor Club is devoted to providing outdoor activities such as backpacking, hiking, canoeing, cross-country skiing, fishing, cycling, etc. The club also performs community services. The club’s primary goal is to get outdoors and have fun together. The organization is open to families and individuals. For more information on member application and fees, visit their website at sanjuanoutdoorclub.org.
The Gray Wolves Ski Club is more than just a senior ski club; it’s a group of skiers and outdoor enthusiasts who are interested in socializing, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, hiking, golf, etc. The club started in 1984 to promote skiing, other outdoor sports and fellowship through organized activities for people 50 years of age or older.
Regular ski days are held during the winter months to promote fellowship, with discounts for members. The Gray Wolves hold various functions throughout the year, such as potlucks and gatherings. For more information, visit their website at graywolfskiclub.com.
The Pagosa Nordic Club strives to enhance winter recreational opportunities by maintaining and grooming winter trails for cross-country and skate skiing and snowshoeing enjoyment for all ability levels. Throughout the winter months, the club holds free moonrise/sunset ski socials at various groomed trails. You can find out more about this group at pagosanordic.com.
The Wolf Creek Trailblazers Snowmobile Club grooms forest service trails for use by snowmobilers, cross-country skiers and snowshoers. The purpose of the club is to have a great time riding snowmobiles while operating an active trail-grooming effort.
The Pagosa Trail Riders is an ATV club with members who love to ride the trails and roads of southwest Colorado. Along with promoting education of responsible ATV/OHV use, they work with the forest service, BLM and other user groups to maintain trails for everyone’s outdoor pleasure. Visit their website at pagosatrailriders.com.
The Pagosa Area Trails Council is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to planning, building and maintaining trails and trail-related facilities around Pagosa Springs. They also work with the Southwest Youth Corps and other organizations to accomplish their tasks of trail maintenance and improvement of trail use and accessibility.
The Weminuche Audubon Society programs provide opportunities for visitors and residents to explore our local environment through bird walks, nature and science presentations, and collaborations with other outdoor and nature-based organizations. They have ongoing monitoring projects, monthly meetings and field trips. Visit their website at weminucheaudubon.org.
