Smith Reservoir
Smith Reservoir is two miles south of Blanca and holds water for use on the local farms. One of the major reservoirs supplying water to senior water rights, it is also a State Wildlife Area. Camping and fishing are common during the summer months. Mt. Blanca dominates the view to the north of the reservoir.
Rattlesnake Trestle
The old San Luis Southern Railway trestle, locally known as "Rattlesnake Trestle" (for good reason) was listed in 2004 on the National Register of Historic Places and on the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties. The trestle is located near Smith Reservoir and now qualifies for restoration funds.
Flumes
One of the flumes constructed in the early 20th Century to carry water to local farmers can still be seen along Trinchera Creek near Smith Reservoir.
Field of Barley
A newly planted field of barley is irrigated by a central pivot sprinkler system. The area grows barley for the Coors Brewery in Golden Colorado.
Herd of Elk
A herd of over 100 elk was photographed just west of Blanca in February 2003. Elk often come down from the mountains during the winter months. Large herds are not uncommon in the pasturelands of the area. Antelope and Sandhill Cranes can also be seen in local fields.
Fort Garland Museum
Fort Garland Museum is located 4 miles east of Blanca. It is the site of the original fort commanded by Kit Carson. The museum offers tours of the fort, a gift shop, and sponsors many summer events including reenactments of frontier days.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve encompasses the highest sand dunes in North America and the surrounding area. Originally a national monument, Congress approved the purchase of additional acreage and redesignated the area a national park.
More information about the formation of the dunes on the eastern side of the San Luis Valley in southern Colorado and other visitor information can be found at the park's website. The dunes are about 20 miles from Blanca on the west side of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range.
Rio Grande Scenic Railroad
The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad runs a daily passenger train during the summer through Blanca as it goes from Alamosa over the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to La Veta Colorado.