Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pagosa Springs?
Pagosa Springs is an outdoor-lover’s paradise nestled at more than 7,000 feet in altitude in southwest Colorado’s rugged San Juan Mountains. With spectacular fall colors, snow-covered peaks, Chimney Rock National Monument, incredible hunting, amazing wildlife, clean air and 2.8 million acres of National Forest, Pagosa offers countless opportunities to soak up the scenery in every season.
What is it like at altitude?
Regardless of your level of physical fitness, acute mountain sickness can strike anyone not acclimated to Pagosa’s 7,000-foot elevation. To stay well during your visit and to get the most out of your time in Pagosa Springs, it is recommended that visitors follow a few pieces of altitude advice:
• Drink three to four quarts of water per day.
• Avoid overexertion, caffeine and alcohol for the first few days.
• Take a day or two to acclimate before venturing to higher-elevation destinations.
• Seek medical attention if persistent headache, fatigue, poor coordination or shortness of breath occur.
Is there a medical facility?
Pagosa Springs Medical Center includes a critical-access hospital located at 95 S. Pagosa Blvd. The emergency room is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Phone (970) 731-3700. Dial 911 for emergency services.
There are multiple clinics in the community offering a variety of services.
Important phone numbers:
EMERGENCIES DIAL “911”
(ambulance, EMT, fire, police)
For non-emergency ambulance, fire, EMT, police, dial (970) 731-2160
Archuleta County Dispatch (970) 731-2160
Archuleta County Commissioners (970) 264-8300
Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office (970) 264-8430
Archuleta School District 50 Joint (970) 264-2228
Colorado State Patrol Headquarters (303) 239-4501
Colorado State Patrol District 5 (719) 589-2503
Emergency Medical Services (970) 731-2160
La Plata Electric Association (970) 247-5786
Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation (970) 731-2691
Pagosa Fire Protection District (970) 731-4191
Pagosa Springs Police (970) 264-4151, ext. 228
Pagosa Springs Post Office (970) 264-5440
Pagosa Springs Town Hall (970) 264-4151
The Pagosa Springs SUN (970) 264-2100
Senior Center (970) 264-2167
Black Hills Energy (800) 563-0012
Southern Ute Indian Tribe (970) 563-0100
Stevens Field Airport, Manager (970) 731-3060
Stevens Field FBO (970) 731-2127
Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library (970) 264-2209
Rise Above Violence (970) 264-9075
Who can I contact for info?
To get started exploring Pagosa Springs, check out www.ExplorePagosa.com for information on lodging, restaurants, recreational activities and more. Potential visitors can also call the Visitor Center’s vacation line at (866) 438-4917. Archuleta County news and events can be found in The Pagosa Springs SUN, the community’s weekly newspaper, with weekday online updates at www.PagosaSUN.com.
What is the weather like?
In a word, the weather in Pagosa Springs is beautiful. Archuleta County is located just 28 miles north of the New Mexico border and along the western slope of the Continental Divide. The combination of high desert plateau and dramatic Rocky Mountains to the north and east creates an unusual microclimate. Because of this, Pagosa Springs has it all, with warm, pleasant summers, long autumns with gorgeous colors and plenty of dry, powdery snow. On average, Pagosa residents enjoy 300 days of sun each year, as well as four distinct and uniquely beautiful seasons. With low wind and warm sunshine, residents can enjoy a variety of year-round recreational activities.
Average Days of Sunshine: 300 per year
Annual Precipitation: 20.87 inches/year
Annual Snowfall: 107 inches/year
Average Monthly Temperatures:
January — High 38.2°F, Low 2.3°F
February — High 43.6°F, Low 9.2°F
March — High 50.1°F, Low 17.8°F
April — High 58.7°F, Low 23.7°F
May — High 67.8°F, Low 31.0°F
June — High 78.0°F, Low 37.2°F
July — High 82.6°F, Low 45.0°F
August — High 80.2°F, Low 44.8°F
September — High 73.5°F, Low 36.8°F
Oct. — High 63.2°F, Low 26.5°F
Nov. — High 48.6°F, Low 15.7°F
Dec. — High 39.9°F, Low 5.6°F