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 Pioneers Museum.

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
El Pomar Carriage Museum featuring interior views

Broadmoor

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

Broadmoor
El Pomar Carriage Museum featuring interior views

Southwest Colorado Springs

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

Southwest 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 Pulpit Rock Park are top sights worth seeing.

Northeast 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 P5,626 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
P5,626
P6,200 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
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 breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,329 reviews)
"Great location and clean rooms"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Quality Inn and Suites Garden of the Gods
The Academy Hotel Colorado Springs
The Academy Hotel Colorado Springs
3.5 out of 5
8110 N Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P7,092 per night from Jul 30 to Jul 31
P7,092
P7,816 total
Jul 30 - Jul 31
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! (3,523 reviews)
"I loved the fireplace, pool and fitness center, it was unique but classy and I miss it already, we hope to be back, the staff were amazing and kind!"

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

The Academy Hotel 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 P4,289 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
P4,289
P4,726 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
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! (1,008 reviews)
"Great breakfast buffet"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Spark by Hilton Colorado Springs I 25 Central
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (130 reviews)
Cozy camping adventure
"Very friendly staff. Great views. Fun community activities such as bonfires and making s'mores."

Reviewed on Jun 13, 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! (226 reviews)
"Cute, cozy little cabin that was super clean. Very comfortable beds and pillows. On our patio we sat by the fire watching two dear right in front of us. We played bags with a beautiful Mountain View in the background. Restaurant across the way was amazing! We listened to some live music as the sunset ..."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Royal Gorge Cabins
Tiny House! Hot Tub! Pikes Peak & AC
Tiny House! Hot Tub! Pikes Peak & AC
3.5 out of 5
19253 U.S. 24, #13A, Woodland Park, CO
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in Woodland Park. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Team Telecycle and Rocky Mountain Dinosaur ...
Tiny House! Hot Tub! Pikes Peak & AC
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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