South Central Colorado Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Great Sand Dunes National Park which includes hiking or walking, tranquil scenes and desert views
Del Norte showing signage
South Central Colorado showing tranquil scenes
South Central Colorado showing desert views
South Central Colorado

Discover natural diversity ranging from the arid Great Sand Dunes National ParkOpens in a new window to the rushing Rio Grande River in this spectacular region of Colorado.

Between snowcapped mountains and high desert plains, whitewater rapids and natural hot springs, South Central Colorado has it all. Grab your outdoor gear and explore its many natural wonders.

Use Colorado SpringsOpens in a new window, the second-largest city in the state, as a jumping-off point to explore the region. Take tours of the United States Olympic Training Center and the US Air Force AcademyOpens in a new window. Visit the city’s many cultural institutions, such as the May Natural History Museum and the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum. Just outside the city, wander through Garden of the GodsOpens in a new window, a collection of dramatic red sandstone formations.

More of the great outdoors awaits in the region’s many nationally designated wildernesses. In Pike National Forest drive or hike to the top of the famous Pikes PeakOpens in a new window and enjoy stunning panoramic views. Explore the alpine valleys, high deserts and mountain slopes of Rio Grande National Forest. In San Isabel National Forest, find 19 of the state's 53 fourteeners, or mountain peaks over 14,000 feet (4,270 m) high. Mount Elbert, the highest point in the state, sits within the forest.

Explore the otherworldly undulating landscape of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. The sandy dunes, the largest of which rises 750 feet (229 meters) into the sky, stretch for miles.

Traverse the rushing Arkansas River across the Royal Gorge Bridge, one of the world’s highest suspension bridges. Cross it by foot to peek down into one of the state’s deepest canyons, known as the Grand Canyon of the Arkansas.

Discover many small towns dotted throughout South Central Colorado. In Cripple Creek, learn about the town’s rich mining history. Use Cañon City as a home base to go whitewater rafting and rock climbing along the Arkansas River. Explore the museums and fairgrounds of Pueblo.

Explore South Central Colorado any time of year. Take scenic routes along the Highway of Legends Scenic Byway, which snakes over soaring mountain forests. For a unique sightseeing experience, take a daytrip on the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad or the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad.

Where to stay in South Central Colorado

Colorado Springs which includes a garden, outdoor art and a fountain

Central Colorado Springs

If you're spending some time in Central Colorado Springs, U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center and Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Central Colorado Springs
Downtown Colorado Springs which includes signage and a statue or sculpture

Downtown Colorado Springs

Downtown Colorado Springs is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Pikes Peak Center and Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum while you're in town.

Downtown Colorado Springs
El Pomar Carriage Museum which includes interior views

Broadmoor

If you're spending some time in Broadmoor, Broadmoor Golf Club and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo are top sights worth seeing.

Broadmoor
El Pomar Carriage Museum which includes interior views

Southwest Colorado Springs

If you're spending some time in Southwest Colorado Springs, Broadmoor Golf Club and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo are top sights worth seeing.

Southwest Colorado Springs
Glen Eyrie Castle featuring heritage architecture, château or palace and a park

West Colorado Springs

While visiting West Colorado Springs, you might make a stop by sights like Garden of the Gods and Glen Eyrie Castle.

West Colorado Springs
Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum

Northeast Colorado Springs

While visiting Northeast Colorado Springs, you might make a stop by sights like Colorado Springs House of Bounce and Pulpit Rock Park.

Northeast Colorado Springs
Spark by Hilton Colorado Springs I 25 Central

Spark by Hilton Colorado Springs I 25 Central

2.5 out of 5
7245 Commerce Center Dr, Colorado Springs, CO
The price is AU$114 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
AU$114
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Colorado Springs. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Fantastic Service"

Reviewed on 15 Aug. 2025

Spark by Hilton Colorado Springs I 25 Central
The Academy Hotel Colorado Springs

The Academy Hotel Colorado Springs

3.5 out of 5
8110 N Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO
The price is AU$197 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
AU$197
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Colorado Springs. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,472 reviews)
"Everything was perfect except the beds need flipped. I slept on one side of the bed as the mattress was broken down on one side"

Reviewed on 17 Aug. 2025

The Academy Hotel Colorado Springs
Hotel Polaris

Hotel Polaris

4.5 out of 5
8989 N Gate Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO
The price is AU$314 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$314
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Colorado Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Western Museum of Mining and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (344 reviews)
"Wonderful new property outside the gates of USAFA. Everyone so kind and friendly. Place was very comfortable."

Reviewed on 17 Aug. 2025

Hotel Polaris
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Rustic Rook Resort Great Sand Dunes

Rustic Rook Resort Great Sand Dunes

2 out of 5
13254 Lane 5 N, Mosca, CO
Stay at this campground in Mosca. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and a picnic area. Popular attractions San Luis State Wildlife Area and Colorado ...
9/10 Wonderful! (142 reviews)
"Very comfortable bed; Fantastic view of Great Sand Dunes Np and mountains; Amazing night view of sky and stars"

Reviewed on 10 Aug. 2025

Rustic Rook Resort Great Sand Dunes
Royal Gorge Cabins

Royal Gorge Cabins

3.5 out of 5
45054 West US Hwy 50, Canon City, CO
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in Canon City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Royal Gorge Bridge and Tunnel Drive are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (235 reviews)
"Highly recommend this property for your stay near Canon City. The cabins were great. Easy to visit Royal Gorge, outdoor activities and a quick 10-12 minutes to Canon City. The gas log fireplace, kitchen, bbq grill…all nice!"

Reviewed on 13 Aug. 2025

Royal Gorge Cabins
Grandview Cabins & RV Resort

Grandview Cabins & RV Resort

3 out of 5
0613 Highway 149, South Fork, CO
Stay at this 3-star cabin in South Fork. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (207 reviews)
Very clean rustic cabin
"Wonderful hosts, cabin with much charm, rustic, very clean Great time"

Reviewed on 8 Aug. 2025

Grandview Cabins & RV Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near South Central Colorado