Best Places to Visit in Southern Colorado

Are you planning a trip to Southern Colorado and wondering where to go? Look no further! Southern Colorado is full of breathtaking natural beauty, charming towns, and plenty of things to see and do. Here are some of the best places to visit in Southern Colorado, whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is a unique and awe-inspiring destination in Southern Colorado. It’s home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, which rise up to 750 feet above the surrounding landscape. The dunes are a popular spot for sandboarding, sledding, and hiking. Visitors can also explore the park’s other natural features, including wetlands, grasslands, and forests. There are several hiking trails in the park, ranging from easy to challenging, that offer stunning views of the dunes and the surrounding mountains.

Here are some tips for visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve⁚

• The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild. Summers can be very hot, and winters can be very cold and snowy.
• Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as there is little shade in the park.
• Sandboarding and sledding are popular activities in the park, but be sure to rent or bring your own equipment.
• There are several hiking trails in the park, ranging from easy to challenging. Be sure to choose a trail that is appropriate for your fitness level and experience.
• Camping is available in the park, but reservations are required. There are also several campgrounds located outside the park.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Southern Colorado. Its stunning natural beauty and endless opportunities for adventure make it a truly unforgettable place.

Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southwestern Colorado. It’s home to some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America, built by the Ancestral Puebloans over 700 years ago. Visitors can explore these ancient dwellings, learn about the people who built them, and experience the stunning natural beauty of the park.

Here are some tips for visiting Mesa Verde National Park⁚

• The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild. Summers can be very hot, and winters can be very cold and snowy.
• Be sure to purchase a park pass before entering the park. Passes can be purchased at the park entrance station or online.
• There are several ways to explore the cliff dwellings in the park. Visitors can take a ranger-led tour, hike to the dwellings on their own, or take a guided tour with a private company.
• Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as there is little shade in the park.
• There are several hiking trails in the park, ranging from easy to challenging. Be sure to choose a trail that is appropriate for your fitness level and experience.
• Camping is available in the park, but reservations are required. There are also several campgrounds located outside the park.

Mesa Verde National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Southern Colorado. Its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and fascinating cliff dwellings make it a truly unforgettable place.

Crested Butte

Crested Butte is a charming mountain town located in the Elk Mountains of Colorado. It’s a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders in the winter, and for hikers, bikers, and fishermen in the summer. Crested Butte is also home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, with several art galleries, live music venues, and festivals throughout the year.

Here are some tips for visiting Crested Butte⁚

• Crested Butte is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the summer or fall when the weather is mild. Winters can be very cold and snowy, and spring can be wet and muddy.
• Be sure to book your accommodations in advance, especially if you’re visiting during peak season.
• There are several ways to get around Crested Butte. You can walk, bike, take the free shuttle bus, or rent a car.
• Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as there is little shade in the town.
• There are several hiking and biking trails in and around Crested Butte, ranging from easy to challenging. Be sure to choose a trail that is appropriate for your fitness level and experience.
• Crested Butte is home to several excellent restaurants, bars, and shops. Be sure to check out the town’s historic downtown area.

Crested Butte is a great place to visit for anyone looking for a mix of outdoor adventure and small-town charm. Its stunning scenery, friendly locals, and abundance of activities make it a truly special place.

Silverton

Silverton is a historic mining town located in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. It’s a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, as it offers a variety of hiking, biking, fishing, and off-roading trails. Silverton is also home to several historic buildings and museums, making it a great place to learn about the area’s rich mining history.

Here are some tips for visiting Silverton⁚

• Silverton is a small town, so it’s easy to get around on foot or by bike. However, if you’re planning on doing any hiking or off-roading, you’ll need to rent a car.
• Be sure to book your accommodations in advance, especially if you’re visiting during peak season.
• Silverton is located at a high altitude, so be sure to drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous activity if you’re not used to it.
• The weather in Silverton can change quickly, so be sure to pack for all types of weather.
• There are several hiking and biking trails in and around Silverton, ranging from easy to challenging. Be sure to choose a trail that is appropriate for your fitness level and experience.
• Silverton is home to several excellent restaurants, bars, and shops. Be sure to check out the town’s historic downtown area.

Silverton is a great place to visit for anyone looking for a mix of outdoor adventure and historic charm. Its stunning scenery, friendly locals, and abundance of activities make it a truly special place.

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a historic steam-powered train that runs between the towns of Durango and Silverton, Colorado. The train travels through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Rocky Mountains, and it’s a popular tourist attraction for people of all ages. The train offers a variety of different ticket options, including round-trip tickets, one-way tickets, and special event tickets. You can also choose to ride in a variety of different classes, including coach class, first class, and private cars.

Here are some tips for visiting the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad⁚

• Book your tickets in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.
• Arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes before your departure time.
• Be sure to bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery along the way.
• If you’re traveling with children, be sure to bring snacks and drinks for the train ride.
• The train ride is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes each way. Be sure to factor this into your travel plans.
• The train does not operate during the winter months. Be sure to check the train’s website for the most up-to-date information on the operating schedule.

The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a truly unique and unforgettable experience. It’s a great way to see the stunning scenery of the Rocky Mountains and learn about the history of the region. Whether you’re a train enthusiast or just looking for a fun and scenic day trip, the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is definitely worth checking out.

Ouray

Ouray is a small town located in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. It’s known for its beautiful scenery, hot springs, and Victorian architecture. Ouray is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, as it offers a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and rafting. The town is also home to several hot springs pools, which are a great way to relax and rejuvenate after a day of exploring the surrounding mountains.

Here are some tips for visiting Ouray⁚

• Be sure to visit the Ouray Hot Springs Pool. It’s one of the most popular attractions in town, and it’s a great way to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery.
• Take a hike in the San Juan Mountains. There are several trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and be aware of the altitude.
• Visit the Ouray County Museum. The museum has a variety of exhibits on the history of Ouray and the surrounding area.
• Take a drive on the Million Dollar Highway. This scenic highway offers stunning views of the San Juan Mountains.
• Enjoy a meal at one of Ouray’s many restaurants. The town has a variety of dining options to choose from, including fine dining, casual dining, and fast food.

Ouray is a beautiful town with something to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Ouray is the perfect place to visit.