Colorado Gators Reptile Park is where you’ll find hundreds of alligators basking in the high desert of the San Luis Valley, about 17 miles north of Alamosa near Mosca. Warm geothermal water keeps the ponds comfortable year-round, and today the park is a rescue home for hundreds of reptiles, including alligators, crocodiles, caiman, tortoises and turtles.

The story began in 1977, when Erwin and Lynne Young bought an 80-acre property with a geothermal well that brings up water at about 87 degrees. They started a tilapia farm to raise fish for food, and in 1987 they brought in 100 baby alligators to help dispose of fish that died during processing. The gators drew so much attention from passing travelers that the family opened the farm to the public in 1990. Over the years it grew into a reptile rescue and education center that takes in unwanted reptiles, from rare albino alligators to crocodiles, caiman, tortoises and turtles.

A visit means walking the paths beside ponds and pens full of alligators, from small ones to big bulls, plus crocodiles, caiman, tortoises and turtles that were rescued from homes where they could no longer stay. Keep an eye out for the rare white albino alligators and for Morris, a gator with real Hollywood movie credits. Every visitor gets the chance to pet, hold and take pictures with a small alligator. You can also buy Gator Chow to toss to the hungry crowds, pet and feed the tortoises, feed the fish or even fish for carp to feed to the gators. It’s an easy add-on to a trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park, and a fun, slightly wild stop for families driving through the valley.

Colorado Gators changes to winter hours on Nov. 2, 2026, closing at 4 p.m. instead of 5 p.m. through Feb. 26, 2027. The park is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Check coloradogators.com for current hours and admission before you go.