UFO Watchtower, Sangre De Cristo Mountains Travel Guide

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Experience the unusual at the UFO Watchtower in Center, Colorado. Stargazing, alien encounters, and quirky roadside fun in the San Luis Valley.

The UFO Watchtower, located in the San Luis Valley, offers visitors a unique experience centered around extraterrestrial phenomena. Founded by Judy Messoline in 2000, the site features an observation tower, a quirky garden filled with offerings, and a gift shop stocked with alien-themed merchandise. It's a place where believers and curious travelers alike can gather to share stories and scan the skies.

A brief summary to UFO Watchtower

CO-17, Center, Colorado, 81125, US
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Monday 10 am-5 pm
Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Sunday 10 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring UFO Watchtower.

Bring cash, as the main ticket office may be closed, and you might need it for admission or souvenirs.
Consider camping overnight to experience the dark skies and increase your chances of spotting a UFO.
Leave a trinket or offering in the garden for good luck or to enhance your energy and karma.
Visit during clear weather for the best visibility from the observation tower.

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Getting There

Driving

The UFO Watchtower is located on CO-17, north of Hooper, Colorado. From Center, CO, head north on CO-17 for approximately 10 miles. The Watchtower will be on your left, marked by a handmade sign with a green alien. There is parking available on site. Be aware that CO-17 is a rural highway, so drive carefully and watch for wildlife. Parking is generally free. However, during peak season, a parking fee of $5 per car may be charged.

Discover more about UFO Watchtower

The UFO Watchtower, a roadside attraction in the San Luis Valley near Center, Colorado, provides a quirky and unique experience for those interested in UFOs and the paranormal. Founded in 2000 by Judy Messoline, a cattle rancher seeking an alternative income, the Watchtower has become a haven for UFO enthusiasts and curious travelers.The main feature is a 10-foot-high observation platform that provides a 360-degree view of the expansive San Luis Valley. The valley itself is known for its high elevation (7,600 feet) and minimal light pollution, making it an ideal location for stargazing and, of course, UFO spotting. Many visitors claim to have witnessed unexplained aerial phenomena from this vantage point.Below the platform, visitors can explore a unique 'healing garden' or 'energy vortex'. This area is filled with a collection of trinkets and offerings left by visitors hoping to attract positive energy or extraterrestrial attention. Items range from everyday objects like keys and toys to more unusual offerings. The garden also features alien sculptures and other quirky decorations.The UFO Watchtower also includes a gift shop housed in a dome-shaped structure. Here, visitors can purchase alien-themed souvenirs, t-shirts, and other memorabilia. Camping is available on the property for those who wish to spend the night under the stars and increase their chances of a close encounter. The site has basic facilities such as picnic tables, fire rings and porta potties.The UFO Watchtower provides a safe and welcoming environment for people to share their experiences and beliefs about UFOs and extraterrestrial life. Whether you're a true believer or simply curious, the UFO Watchtower offers a memorable and offbeat experience in the heart of the San Luis Valley.