Mosca, Colorado facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mosca, Colorado
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Mosca and State Highway 17
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 Mosca, Colorado
Location in Colorado
Mosca, Colorado
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Colorado |
| County | Alamosa |
| Elevation | 7,559 ft (2,304 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,072 |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (MST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-6 (MDT) |
| ZIP code |
81146
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| GNIS feature ID | 196391 |
Mosca is a small community in Alamosa County, Colorado, United States. It's not a city with its own government, but a place where people live and work. In 2020, about 1,072 people lived there. The name "Mosca" means "fly" in Spanish. It got its name from a nearby mountain pass, which was named after an old Spanish explorer, Luis de Moscoso Alvarado. Mosca is famous for being very close to the amazing Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.
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Understanding Mosca's Climate
The weather in Mosca changes a lot throughout the year. Summers are usually warm or hot and very dry. Winters are cold and can get very chilly. This type of weather is called a semi-arid climate. It means the area doesn't get much rain or snow.
Fun Places to Visit Near Mosca
Mosca is a great spot for exploring! There are several cool attractions nearby that you might enjoy.
Exploring Great Sand Dunes National Park
The most famous place near Mosca is the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Imagine huge piles of sand that look like giant mountains! You can hike, sandboard, or even sled down these dunes. Inside the park, you can also find the Superintendent's Residence and Indian Grove.
Discovering Unique Animals
If you love animals, you might want to visit the Colorado Gators Reptile Park. It's a special place where you can see alligators and other reptiles.
Searching for UFOs
For those interested in mysteries, the UFO Watchtower is a unique spot. People go there hoping to see unidentified flying objects!
Learning About History
The Trujillo Homesteads offer a look into the past. You can learn about how people lived and farmed in this area long ago.
How Mosca's Economy Works
A big part of Mosca's economy comes from tourism. Many people visit the area because of its closeness to Great Sand Dunes National Park. These visitors help local businesses like hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Education in Mosca
Students in Mosca attend schools that are part of the Sangre de Cristo School District Re-22J. The community has its own schools, including Sangre de Cristo Elementary School for younger students and Sangre de Cristo Undivided High School for older students.
Images for kids
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Mosca and State Highway 17
