Sangre De Cristo National Heritage Area

Located in the San Luis Valley of south central Colorado, the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area is 3,000 square miles of heritage, history and breathtaking landscapes. It is home to Colorado’s first Hispano, agricultural and railroad communities. With over 11,000 years of documented human inhabitation, this is where Colorado began.

What is a National Heritage Area?

Heritage areas present opportunities for residents and visitors to recognize and celebrate a region’s cultural and natural assets.

A heritage area is both a place and a concept. Physically, heritage areas are regions with concentrations of significant natural, scenic, cultural, historic and recreational resources. Most of the properties in a heritage area are in private ownership and will remain in private ownership. Heritage areas are places known for their unique culture and identity, as well as for being good places to live and visit.

As a concept, heritage areas are partnerships where residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations, education institutions, local governments and state and federal agencies collaborate to create more livable and economically sustainable regions.

We are a member of the Alliance of National Heritage Areas (ANHA). The alliance works collectively to protect and promote the people and the places that tell America’s stories.

We are a membership organization of congressionally designated National Heritage Areas (NHAs) and partner/affiliated organizations promoting the professionalism and benefits of the program through education and advocacy.

Together, we facilitate and celebrate partnerships that improve our effectiveness and impact.

Our goals: