<h3 style="text-align: center;"><b>Welcome to “The Bermuda Triangle of the West.”</b></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img data-attachment-id="5401" data-permalink="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/2019/10/17/ufo-watchtower-hwy-17-at-hooper/download-31/" data-orig-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/download-1.jpe" data-orig-size="310,163" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{";aperture";:";0";,";credit";:";";,";camera";:";";,";caption";:";";,";created_timestamp";:";0";,";copyright";:";";,";focal_length";:";0";,";iso";:";0";,";shutter_speed";:";0";,";title";:";";,";orientation";:";1";}" data-image-title="download" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/download-1.jpe" data-large-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/download-1.jpe" class="wp-image-5401 aligncenter" src="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/download-1.jpe" alt="metal watchtower with platform on top" width="423" height="222" /></p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>The San Luis Valley boasts more UFO sightings than anywhere else in the country, and the area&#8217;s UFO Watchtower records sightings nearing the hundreds. As a result, it receives anywhere from 2,000- 5,000 visitors each year.</strong></em></h4>
<p style="text-align: justify;">To get to the UFO Watchtower from I-285, watch for Hwy 112 near Center. Turn left <img data-attachment-id="5400" data-permalink="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/2019/10/17/ufo-watchtower-hwy-17-at-hooper/aliens-at-play/" data-orig-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/d8e80719-e909-446a-be62-600317ec0a39_d.jpg" data-orig-size="280,180" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{";aperture";:";8";,";credit";:";unknown";,";camera";:";Canon EOS 20D";,";caption";:";Aliens at Play";,";created_timestamp";:";1360148377";,";copyright";:";(C) Jonathan Thorne. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 License.";,";focal_length";:";50";,";iso";:";200";,";shutter_speed";:";0.0008";,";title";:";Aliens at Play";,";orientation";:";1";}" data-image-title="" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/d8e80719-e909-446a-be62-600317ec0a39_d.jpg" data-large-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/d8e80719-e909-446a-be62-600317ec0a39_d.jpg" class=" wp-image-5400 alignright" src="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/d8e80719-e909-446a-be62-600317ec0a39_d.jpg" alt="aliens at play sign near watchtower with mountains in background" width="190" height="122" />heading east for about 16 miles. At Hwy 17, make another left hand turn going north for 3 miles. Turn right into the parking lot, but don&#8217;t go over 10 mph! They are serious&#8230;</p>
<p><img data-attachment-id="5393" data-permalink="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/2019/10/17/ufo-watchtower-hwy-17-at-hooper/dsc01242-2/" data-orig-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC01242-2.jpg" data-orig-size="5747,3831" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{";aperture";:";11";,";credit";:";";,";camera";:";ILCE-7M2";,";caption";:";";,";created_timestamp";:";1564138448";,";copyright";:";";,";focal_length";:";28";,";iso";:";100";,";shutter_speed";:";0.00625";,";title";:";";,";orientation";:";1";}" data-image-title="DSC01242 (2)" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC01242-2-300x200.jpg" data-large-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC01242-2-1024x683.jpg" class="wp-image-5393 alignleft" src="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC01242-2.jpg" alt="man standing in area filled with memorabilia" width="283" height="188" />Thanks to owner, Judy Messoline, you&#8217;ll find camping spots, picnic tables, outdoor restrooms, a gift shop, and who knows what else might appear! Since 2000, Judy has been capitalizing on the land that she owns, but that gets used by UFO Spotters, Extraterrestrial Enthusiasts and UFOlogists. She has also built a &#8216;watchtower&#8217; that features a rock garden and healing garden, buffered by two “energy vortexes.” Here visitors can leave offerings, which include everything from children&#8217;s toys and garden tools, to shoes and Bibles. You&#8217;ll find the gardens guarded by statues of aliens.</p>
<p> ;</p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><img data-attachment-id="5399" data-permalink="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/2019/10/17/ufo-watchtower-hwy-17-at-hooper/dsc01262-2/" data-orig-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC01262-2.jpg" data-orig-size="2560,1707" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{";aperture";:";4.5";,";credit";:";";,";camera";:";ILCE-7M2";,";caption";:";";,";created_timestamp";:";1564139181";,";copyright";:";";,";focal_length";:";28";,";iso";:";100";,";shutter_speed";:";0.00625";,";title";:";";,";orientation";:";1";}" data-image-title="DSC01262 (2)" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC01262-2.jpg" data-large-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC01262-2.jpg" class=" wp-image-5399 alignright" src="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC01262-2.jpg" alt="gift shop with alien souvenirs" width="174" height="116" /> <img data-attachment-id="5394" data-permalink="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/2019/10/17/ufo-watchtower-hwy-17-at-hooper/dsc01243-2/" data-orig-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC01243-2.jpg" data-orig-size="2560,1707" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{";aperture";:";11";,";credit";:";";,";camera";:";ILCE-7M2";,";caption";:";";,";created_timestamp";:";1564138469";,";copyright";:";";,";focal_length";:";70";,";iso";:";100";,";shutter_speed";:";0.005";,";title";:";";,";orientation";:";1";}" data-image-title="DSC01243 (2)" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC01243-2.jpg" data-large-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC01243-2.jpg" class="wp-image-5394 alignleft" src="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC01243-2-300x200.jpg" alt="2 alien statues under UFO craft" width="176" height="117" /> <img data-attachment-id="5396" data-permalink="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/2019/10/17/ufo-watchtower-hwy-17-at-hooper/dsc01248-2/" data-orig-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC01248-2.jpg" data-orig-size="1707,2560" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{";aperture";:";11";,";credit";:";";,";camera";:";ILCE-7M2";,";caption";:";";,";created_timestamp";:";1564138673";,";copyright";:";";,";focal_length";:";66";,";iso";:";100";,";shutter_speed";:";0.00625";,";title";:";";,";orientation";:";1";}" data-image-title="DSC01248 (2)" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC01248-2.jpg" data-large-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC01248-2.jpg" class="wp-image-5396 alignleft" src="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC01248-2-200x300.jpg" alt="alien statue covered in memorabilia" width="157" height="236" /> <img data-attachment-id="5398" data-permalink="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/2019/10/17/ufo-watchtower-hwy-17-at-hooper/dsc01253-2/" data-orig-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC01253-2.jpg" data-orig-size="2560,1707" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{";aperture";:";11";,";credit";:";";,";camera";:";ILCE-7M2";,";caption";:";";,";created_timestamp";:";1564138959";,";copyright";:";";,";focal_length";:";33";,";iso";:";100";,";shutter_speed";:";0.005";,";title";:";";,";orientation";:";1";}" data-image-title="DSC01253 (2)" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC01253-2.jpg" data-large-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC01253-2.jpg" class="wp-image-5398 alignleft" src="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC01253-2-300x200.jpg" alt="dome shaped igloo covered in white tiles" width="188" height="125" /> <img data-attachment-id="5395" data-permalink="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/2019/10/17/ufo-watchtower-hwy-17-at-hooper/dsc01247-2/" data-orig-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC01247-2.jpg" data-orig-size="3879,5819" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{";aperture";:";11";,";credit";:";";,";camera";:";ILCE-7M2";,";caption";:";";,";created_timestamp";:";1564138588";,";copyright";:";";,";focal_length";:";41";,";iso";:";100";,";shutter_speed";:";0.00625";,";title";:";";,";orientation";:";1";}" data-image-title="DSC01247 (2)" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC01247-2-200x300.jpg" data-large-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC01247-2-683x1024.jpg" class="wp-image-5395 alignleft" src="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC01247-2-200x300.jpg" alt="alien statue covered in memorabilia" width="129" height="194" /><span style="color: var(--color-text);">There is much to be learned at the gift shop, if you want UFO information. There&#8217;s always someone there to answer questions, give sighting reports or details of extraterrestrial activity. You may also purchase one of Messoline&#8217;s books, or take home a souvenir alien hat. </span><span style="color: var(--color-text);"> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Perhaps the most impressive sight of all, however, is the beautiful desert landscape. The San Luis Valley contains the largest aquifer in the country as<img data-attachment-id="5410" data-permalink="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/2019/10/17/ufo-watchtower-hwy-17-at-hooper/c459b37ec73578e9ef56e31d06b7015a/" data-orig-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/c459b37ec73578e9ef56e31d06b7015a.jpg" data-orig-size="2045,712" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{";aperture";:";0";,";credit";:";";,";camera";:";";,";caption";:";";,";created_timestamp";:";0";,";copyright";:";";,";focal_length";:";0";,";iso";:";0";,";shutter_speed";:";0";,";title";:";";,";orientation";:";1";}" data-image-title="c459b37ec73578e9ef56e31d06b7015a" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/c459b37ec73578e9ef56e31d06b7015a.jpg" data-large-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/c459b37ec73578e9ef56e31d06b7015a.jpg" class="wp-image-5410 alignright" src="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/c459b37ec73578e9ef56e31d06b7015a.jpg" alt="night sky with stars over mountains" width="407" height="141" /> well as the largest basin. This valley is beautiful by day, and even more impressive at night. The night skies are dark purple and filled with bright twinkling stars. They&#8217;ll take your breath away, UFOs or not.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><img data-attachment-id="5392" data-permalink="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/2019/10/17/ufo-watchtower-hwy-17-at-hooper/dsc01240-2/" data-orig-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC01240-2.jpg" data-orig-size="1707,2560" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{";aperture";:";10";,";credit";:";";,";camera";:";ILCE-7M2";,";caption";:";";,";created_timestamp";:";1564138049";,";copyright";:";";,";focal_length";:";40";,";iso";:";100";,";shutter_speed";:";0.01";,";title";:";";,";orientation";:";1";}" data-image-title="DSC01240 (2)" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC01240-2.jpg" data-large-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC01240-2.jpg" class=" wp-image-5392 alignleft" src="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC01240-2.jpg" alt="statue of Yetti carved out of wood" width="275" height="412" /></em></strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>“We are not </em></strong><strong><em>responsible for </em></strong><strong><em>abduction,” they will tell<img data-attachment-id="5397" data-permalink="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/2019/10/17/ufo-watchtower-hwy-17-at-hooper/dsc01252-2/" data-orig-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC01252-2.jpg" data-orig-size="1639,2560" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{";aperture";:";11";,";credit";:";";,";camera";:";ILCE-7M2";,";caption";:";";,";created_timestamp";:";1564138934";,";copyright";:";";,";focal_length";:";33";,";iso";:";100";,";shutter_speed";:";0.004";,";title";:";";,";orientation";:";1";}" data-image-title="DSC01252 (2)" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC01252-2.jpg" data-large-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC01252-2.jpg" class=" wp-image-5397 alignright" src="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC01252-2.jpg" alt="woman poking head through alien photo-op board" width="271" height="423" /> you upon visiting, so beware&#8230;</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">********</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">While you are at the gift shop, can pick up discount tickets to the Colorado Gators Reptile Park. If you&#8217;re going straight there, it&#8217;s only 6 miles straight south on Hwy 17.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>To use the &#8220;20 min in Colorado&#8221; Category, read <a href="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/2017/08/13/introduction-to-20-min-in-colorado" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">HERE</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>FOR THE HOMEPAGE OF THIS WEBSITE CLICK: <a href="https://wordpress.com/posts/roadtripsandtinytrailers.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">HERE</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">(remember to subscribe and leave a comment. </span></strong></em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>I&#8217;d love to hear from you!)<a href="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/2017/08/13/introduction-to-20-min-in-colorado"><img data-attachment-id="5423" data-permalink="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/2019/10/17/ufo-watchtower-hwy-17-at-hooper/op12frazieralien2-1080x708/" data-orig-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/OP12FRAZIERalien2-1080x708.jpg" data-orig-size="1080,708" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{";aperture";:";0";,";credit";:";";,";camera";:";";,";caption";:";";,";created_timestamp";:";0";,";copyright";:";";,";focal_length";:";0";,";iso";:";0";,";shutter_speed";:";0";,";title";:";";,";orientation";:";0";}" data-image-title="OP12FRAZIERalien2-1080&;#215;708" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/OP12FRAZIERalien2-1080x708.jpg" data-large-file="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/OP12FRAZIERalien2-1080x708.jpg" class="wp-image-5423 alignright" src="https://roadtripsandtinytrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/OP12FRAZIERalien2-1080x708.jpg" alt="OP12FRAZIERalien2-1080x708.jpg" width="262" height="171" /></a></strong></em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><strong> HOW TO </strong><strong>NAVIGATE THIS WEBSITE CLICK <a href="https://wp.me/p90zcI-Qd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HERE</a></strong></p>
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