South Central Colorado

Travel Guide

Great Sand Dunes National Park which includes hiking or walking, desert views and tranquil scenes
Del Norte which includes signage
South Central Colorado which includes tranquil scenes
South Central Colorado which includes 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 fountain, outdoor art and a park

Central Colorado Springs

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

Central Colorado Springs
Downtown Colorado Springs showing signage and a statue or sculpture

Downtown Colorado Springs

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

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
Glen Eyrie Castle which includes 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 Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum.

Northeast Colorado Springs
El Pomar Carriage Museum featuring 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 featuring 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
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 S$142 per night from 4 May to 5 May
S$142
includes taxes & fees
4 May - 5 May
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! (3,391 reviews)
"I had a great time!"

Reviewed on 19 Apr, 2025

The Academy Hotel Colorado Springs
Quality Inn and Suites Garden of the Gods
Quality Inn and Suites Garden of the Gods
2.5 out of 5
555 W Garden Of Gods Rd, Colorado Springs, CO
The price is S$85 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
S$85
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Colorado Springs. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,235 reviews)
"This is a simple but good hotel."

Reviewed on 18 Apr, 2025

Quality Inn and Suites Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods Resort and Club
Garden of the Gods Resort and Club
4 out of 5
3320 Mesa Rd, Colorado Springs, CO
The price is S$397 per night from 24 Apr to 25 Apr
S$397
includes taxes & fees
24 Apr - 25 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Colorado Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,003 reviews)
"Loved all the walkable options and the ability to stay on the resort for all of our mini vacation needs. The views were amazing and staff was on top of everything to make sure it was an enjoyable stay. The spa services were well worth it and a great experience too."

Reviewed on 18 Apr, 2025

Garden of the Gods Resort and Club
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.
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! (217 reviews)
"Everything was perfect! Beds were comfortable. Kitchen has everything you need. Clean, beautifully decorated. Nice people. Easy check-in and check-out. Love the indoor outdoor fireplace. Had coffee on the patio in the morning with the local deer. Community firepit is a great addition. Very peaceful. ..."

Reviewed on 16 Mar, 2025

Royal Gorge Cabins
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (121 reviews)
"The Rustic Rook Resort is a fabulous new addition to the Yurt/Bin wave of alternative to hotel stays. It is just a few miles from the Great Sand Dunes National Park that is simply awe inspiring and has fabulous sledding on the Dunes for the entire family. Excellent dining is about 20 minutes away ..."

Reviewed on 3 Mar, 2025

Rustic Rook Resort Great Sand Dunes
Casitas en Pueblo
Casitas en Pueblo
4 out of 5
904 E 5th St, Pueblo, CO
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Pueblo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Comanche National Grassland and Sangre de ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (20 reviews)
"The property itself is beautiful and well kept. I was pleasantly surprised at the cleanliness and open space. The location is on a rougher side of Pueblo with a lot of transients and run down homes. However, the property is fenced in and I felt very safe . It was a great price in a spot really close ..."

Reviewed on 17 Jan, 2025

Casitas en Pueblo
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.

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