South Central Colorado

Travel Guide

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

Central Colorado Springs

While visiting Central Colorado Springs, you might make a stop by sights like U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center and Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center.

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

Downtown Colorado Springs

Travelers come to Downtown Colorado Springs for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Pikes Peak Center and Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum while you're in town.

Downtown Colorado Springs
Glen Eyrie Castle featuring a garden, heritage architecture and chateau or palace

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

If you're spending some time in Northeast Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs House of Bounce and Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Northeast Colorado Springs
El Pomar Carriage Museum featuring interior views

Broadmoor

While visiting Broadmoor, you might make a stop by sights like Broadmoor Golf Club and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

Broadmoor
El Pomar Carriage Museum featuring interior views

Southwest Colorado Springs

While visiting Southwest Colorado Springs, you might make a stop by sights like Broadmoor Golf Club and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

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 P5,566 per night from 4 May to 5 May
P5,566
P6,134 total
includes taxes & fees
May 4 - May 5
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! (3,386 reviews)
"We really enjoyed our stay! The buffet was nice and the staff was good. We especially loved Mike who helped with the breakfast buffet. She was warm and welcoming! She gave great hugs too! She reminded us of our grandmothers generation-such a home vibe! We had some awesome dinner waiters too! Beautiful ..."

Reviewed on Apr 18, 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 P3,328 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
P3,328
P3,667 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 28 - Apr 29
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! (1,233 reviews)
"It was good hotel"

Reviewed on Apr 18, 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 P12,882 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
P12,882
P17,177 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 27 - Apr 28
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! (1,002 reviews)
"This is a gorgeous property with jaw-dropping views of the Garden of the Gods. Every staff person we interacted with was welcoming and kind. The restaurant was top notch with excellent service. We will return!"

Reviewed on Apr 18, 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 Mar 16, 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 Mar 3, 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! (22 reviews)
Great Hostess!
"Sam, the property hostess was top notch!"

Reviewed on Apr 13, 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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