The illustrious Great Sand Dunes National Park is probably the most obvious treasure in Colorado’s San Luis Valley. But take the entire 88-mile drive down the valley’s centerline on Highway 17, and this valley will reveal many Americana treasures and characters who are equally striking. From North to South, tattered homemade signs lead you from the religious mecca of Crestone, to Jay Young’s Gator Farm and Judy Messoline’s UFO Watchtower, and eventually to the valley’s most Southern gem— Cano’s Castle.