Southern Colorado is a wonderful destination for those seeking a unique and unforgettable trip. With its stunning scenic views, a rich cultural heritage, multiple national parks, and abundant outdoor activities, there is always something to do in Southern Colorado.
Explore ancient Anasazi cliff dwellings. Go on scenic train rides. Hike in the mountain ranges. Take a stroll through historic small towns. Cruise scenic byways. Have amazing wildlife encounters. Ski and snowshoe in winter. Climb a Fourteener.
You will not want to miss out on the many unforgettable experiences Southern Colorado has to offer. Here is our ultimate guide to the best attractions in Southern Colorado.
Also Read: 39 Best Things to do in Colorado
Things to do in Southern Colorado
Southern Colorado has stunning and varied natural beauty.
You will find snow capped peaks, icy blue lakes, giant sand dunes, crystal clear rivers, canyons, and grasslands here.
With plenty of exciting activities, there’s never a dull moment in this area.
Take a scenic hike through the towering San Juan Mountains or explore ancient ruins and historic landmarks.
Test your skills on the world-renowned ski slopes of Durango or go off roading on the Alpine Loop.
Looking for a more laid-back experience?
Soak in natural hot springs. Spend a day browsing the charming boutiques and art galleries that line the streets of quaint mountain towns.
Southern Colorado is the perfect year-round destination for travelers of all ages.
Here are the best things to do in Southern Colorado on your next trip.
Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park is a must visit destination on any Southern Colorado road trip.
Located in Montezuma County, Mesa Verde National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The park is home to over 600 cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Pueblo people. Many of them are in excellently preserved condition.
It provides a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of Native American culture.
The most famous dwelling is Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America.
Visitors can take guided tours to explore these well-preserved sites.
Or wander through the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum to learn more about the park’s vibrant history.
Visitors can tackle the Mesa Verde hiking trails to enjoy breathtaking views of the high desert landscapes.
The park is also popular for camping, bird watching, and stargazing.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Home to the tallest sand dunes in America, Great Sand Dunes National Park is a gem in Southern Colorado.
Located near the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Colorado, the dunes are an incredible sight to behold.
The tallest of the towering sand mountains soar 750 feet high and span over 30 square miles…
…making them some of the most impressive dunes on earth.
Exploring Great Sand Dunes National Park is a great way to get outdoors and immerse yourself in nature.
You can take a hike on the dunes, go sand-boarding.
Explore the nearby Medano Creek with its shallow pools of clear water.
The park is popular for camping, wildlife watching, and stargazing.
Four Corners Monument
The Four Corners Monument is a unique attraction located in the corner of four states – Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah.
At this spot you can stand with one foot in each state – an incredible feat that is only possible at certain locations on earth.
It’s a great way to experience the American Southwest and take some incredible photos.
The monument is surrounded by stunning scenery, including canyons, mesas and peaks of the Colorado Plateau.
There is also a museum nearby where you can learn about the Navajo culture and traditions.
Also Read: Southwest Colorado Road Trip Itinerary
Ouray
If you’re looking for a chance to relax amidst the stunning natural beauty of Southern Colorado, head to Ouray.
Located in the San Juan Mountains, Ouray is a charming mountain town with stunning views of the alpine landscape.
It’s known as the “Switzerland of America”, and rightly so – its streets are lined with 19th-century Victorian homes, crystal-clear streams, and towering mountains in the background.
Ouray is popular for sightseeing, fishing, jeeping, hot springs, and ice climbing.
Ouray Hot Springs is made up of four pools that are filled with naturally heated mineral water.
The hot springs have been used by Native Americans for thousands of years and are the best place to relax and soak in the breathtaking views.
Box Canyon Falls Park is another popular attraction.
The park features a stunning waterfall that plunges into a canyon, and there are several hiking trails leading to the top of the falls.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is an amazing natural wonder.
Located near Montrose, Colorado, it’s one of the deepest gorges in North America with sheer cliffs that drop over 2,700 feet to the bottom.
The canyon walls are made up of ancient rock formations and offer breathtaking views from its scenic overlooks.
The park is popular for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching – you may even spot a bald eagle or black bear.
You can also join ranger-led programs at the visitors center to learn more about the area’s history and natural features.
The Gunnison River runs through the canyon and offers excellent fishing opportunities.
Colorado Springs
Home to Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs is one of the most popular cities in Southern Colorado.
The city boasts an array of attractions for visitors to explore – from historic sites such as Cave of the Winds to thrilling outdoor activities like zipline tours.
The breathtaking scenery includes Pikes Peak, Palmer Park, Red Rock Canyon and the Garden of the Gods.
Take a drive along the scenic Pikes Peak Highway to get amazing views from 14,115 feet above sea level.
Colorado Springs is also known for its vibrant dining and nightlife scene – check out Old Colorado City for some great restaurants and bars.
No visit would be complete without a trip to the Garden of the Gods – an impressive natural wonder with towering red rock formations and breathtaking views.
Durango
The historic town of Durango is located in Southwest Colorado and is a great place to explore the Old West.
The city is home to award-winning restaurants, museums, galleries and boutiques that line its picturesque downtown streets.
Durango is also known for its outdoor activities – from biking trails to kayaking excursions on the Animas River.
Take a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad – a historic coal-fired steam engine that transports you back in time.
Hike to Cascade Falls, an impressive waterfall located in the San Juan National Forest.
Million Dollar Highway
The Million Dollar Highway is one of the most scenic drives in Southern Colorado.
Stretching from Silverton to Ouray, this stretch of road winds through some of Colorado’s most beautiful terrain.
The highway takes you through narrow canyons, past towering peaks and over high mountain passes – offering breathtaking views around every corner.
Along the way you’ll pass through small mountain towns like Silverton and Ouray, where you can stop for a bite to eat or some shopping.
Take your time on the drive and take in the stunning vistas – it’s an experience that will stay with you forever.
Zapata Falls
Just south of Alamosa, Colorado is the beautiful Zapata Falls.
This natural wonder features a stunning waterfall that cascades down from a rock wall into a glacier-carved canyon.
The area around the falls is full of spectacular views and wildlife – including elk, deer, and bighorn sheep.
Zapata Falls is popular for hiking, camping, and photography.
The falls are accessible year-round – though the winter months can bring snow that makes it difficult to reach the area.
Take a hike to explore the beauty of this natural wonder and take in its stunning views.
Alamosa
Alamosa, located in the San Luis Valley, is the perfect place to relax and enjoy some of Colorado’s most beautiful landscapes.
The town has a small-town charm, with historic buildings and plenty of shops, restaurants, and breweries for visitors to explore.
Take a stroll along Main Street and admire the quaint architecture or take a walk around Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge – home to over 200 species of birds.
The Great Sand Dunes National Park is nearby, offering some of the most spectacular views in Southern Colorado.
Alamosa also has an array of outdoor activities for all ages – from kayaking and fishing on the Rio Grande River to horseback riding, mountain biking, and stargazing.
Mount Princeton Hot Springs
Located in the small mountain town of Nathrop, Colorado, Mount Princeton Hot Springs is a great place to relax and soak in natural hot springs.
The resort offers a variety of activities for those looking to get away from it all – including hiking trails, horseback riding, fishing, rafting, and more.
Take a dip in the natural hot springs and relax in their luxurious pools.
You can also enjoy stunning views of the Collegiate Peaks, the Sawatch Range, and Mount Princeton from the resort’s many scenic overlooks.
The resort offers a variety of amenities for visitors to enjoy – including spa services, restaurants, shops, and even a small water park.
Trinidad
Situated in the southern part of Colorado, Trinidad is a small city with plenty to offer.
Take a stroll through downtown Trinidad and explore its charming shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Trinidad History Museum is a great place to learn more about the city’s rich history and its role in the Santa Fe Trail.
Nature lovers will enjoy visiting Trinidad Lake State Park – where you can go fishing, boating, or take a hike among the beautiful scenery.
Trinidad also hosts many festivals throughout the year – from music and art events to rodeos and chili cook-offs.
Cripple Creek
Cripple Creek, nestled on the southern slopes of Pikes Peak, is a historic mining town turned tourist hotspot.
As one of the most prolific gold mining sites of the 19th century, it offers a fascinating glimpse into Colorado’s rich history.
Visitors can explore the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, where a guided tour takes you 1,000 feet underground to experience the life of a miner.
The town’s streets are lined with well-preserved Victorian-era buildings, many of which now house museums, restaurants, and gift shops.
Cripple Creek is also home to a number of casinos for those seeking a bit of gambling excitement.
The Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad offers scenic train rides, giving passengers stunning views of the gold mining district and the majestic Sangre De Cristo Mountains.
For outdoor enthusiasts, there are ample opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing.
Each year, the town hosts the popular Donkey Derby Days, a unique festival that pays homage to the town’s resident herd of donkeys, descendants of the ones used in the mining heyday.
Curecanti National Recreation Area
Curecanti National Recreation Area is one of the most underrated Southern Colorado attractions.
Situated between Gunnison and Montrose, it is home to three reservoirs – the Blue Mesa Reservoir, the Morrow Point Reservoir, and the Crystal Reservoir.
The area offers some of the best fishing in Colorado – with various species such as trout, salmon, walleye, pike, bass and panfish.
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is nearby, offering stunning views and plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and photography.
Curecanti National Recreation Area also offers a variety of recreational activities – from water skiing and boating to rock climbing.
Pagosa Springs
Pagosa Springs, in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, is a great destination for those looking to experience the beauty of Southern Colorado.
Soak in one of the many healing hot springs or take a leisurely stroll around downtown.
The area is full of outdoor activities – from hiking and biking to fishing and river rafting.
The nearby Wolf Creek Ski Area is a great spot for winter sports – with 1,600 acres of terrain and plenty of powder.
Pagosa Springs also offers a variety of cultural activities – from art galleries and museums to music festivals and theater performances.
Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
The iconic Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is a must-see for any Southern Colorado traveler.
Located in Canon City, the bridge spans 1,260 feet across the Arkansas River and is one of the highest suspension bridges in the world.
The park also features a variety of activities – from open-air gondola rides to ziplines and a western-style amusement park.
The Royal Gorge’s incredible views are best seen from its many scenic overlooks, or on the SkyCoaster – an exhilarating ride that sends you soaring through the air at speeds of up to 50 mph.
St. Elmo Ghost Town
Located in the historic Chalk Creek Valley, St. Elmo Ghost Town is a wonderfully preserved mining town from the 19th century.
Take a stroll through its rustic streets and admire its untouched Victorian-era buildings, which have been abandoned since the silver boom of the 1880s.
The area also offers plenty of outdoor activities – from hiking and horseback riding to fishing, camping, and ATV tours.
For those seeking something a bit more adventurous, there is the St. Elmo Zip Line.
This thrilling ride takes you over the remains of the old mines.
Southern Colorado is a treasure trove of natural beauty and rich history.
From the quaint charm of Alamosa, the soothing hot springs of Mount Princeton and Pagosa Springs, to the thrilling heights of the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, the region holds a myriad of experiences for every type of traveler.
Embark on an adventure through Southern Colorado and discover the magic this enchanting region has to offer.
What are your favorite things to do in Southern Colorado? Let us know below.