Mosca

Mosca (Spanish for fly) is an unincorporated community and a U.S. Post Office in Alamosa County, Colorado, United States. Mosca's population is 1,072 as of the 2020 census.It was named for the nearby Mosca Pass, which was named for the Spanish explorer, Luis de Moscoso Alvarado.The Mosca Post Office has the ZIP Code 81146. It is best known for its proximity to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

History

The town was originally called Streator, after the town in Illinois where many of the settlers came from. Mosca, Colorado, is a small unincorporated community in Alamosa County, named after the nearby Mosca Pass. The pass itself was named in honor of the Spanish explorer Luis de Moscoso Alvarado. The town’s history is closely tied to agriculture and its strategic location in the San Luis Valley. Mosca was established as a farming community and has remained largely agricultural throughout its history. The town’s proximity to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve has also made it a notable spot for tourism. In recent years, Mosca has become known for its unique attractions, such as the Colorado Gators Reptile Park and the UFO Watchtower. Despite its small size, Mosca continues to draw visitors due to its natural beauty and interesting local sites.

Geography

Mosca is located at 37°38′52″N 105°52′27″W (37.647675,-105.874043). The elevation of Mosca is 7,559 feet.

Comment

While Mosca is geographically very close to the Great Sand Dunes, it is equally well know for a less than flashy Colorado Gators Reptile Park. Who knew 'gators' wouldn't flourish in an arid landscape.