Southern Colorado is where towering sand dunes, ancient ruins, and stunning mountain landscapes collide. If you’re looking for adventure, history, and awe-inspiring natural beauty, this part of the state has it all. I was fortunate enough to live in Colorado for a summer and my family and I explored every part of this beautiful state. Here I would like to share what we found to be the best attractions in Southern Colorado.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Imagine standing at the base of the tallest dunes in North America, stretching as far as the eye can see. At Great Sand Dunes National Park, the landscape feels otherworldly, like stepping into a desert dream.
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It’s interesting- as you drive up to the dunes you can see them from afar, and they don’t appear very impressive at first sight. My husband and I both felt this way, and though neither of us said anything, we were afraid we were about to be let down. We were so wrong.
Once you reach the park, the magnificent dunes are not only a sight to behold but also an adventure waiting to happen. There are boards and sleds for rent on a first come first serve basis at the park and I highly recommend doing this. Or, simply wander barefoot on the cool sand in the morning and evening.
For families, Medano Creek, when it’s flowing, offers a perfect spot for kids to splash around while you take in the surreal surroundings. There’s no experience quite like this, where the desert meets alpine forests and mountain views, all in one magical day.
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Mesa Verde National Park
Travel back in time at Mesa Verde National Park, where ancient cliff dwellings tell the story of the Ancestral Pueblo people who called this area home for over 700 years. It’s not just a park, it’s a living museum of history embedded in the rock itself.
Most of the dwellings need to be accessed via private tour through the National Park Service, so you will need to plan ahead if you would like to get up close to the dwellings. We opted to skip the tour on this one, and enjoyed a nice hike through the park with plenty of views of the dwellings. The views as you ascend to the park are spectacular, too.
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Ouray, Colorado
Ouray is the kind of town that feels like a hidden mountain kingdom. Known as the “Switzerland of America,” its charm is undeniable. Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Ouray offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The town’s famous hot springs are the ultimate destination after a day of hiking. The pools are split up, and some are adult only.
For a bit more action, take a stroll to Box Canyon Falls, a thundering waterfall tucked away in a rocky gorge, or hop in a 4×4 to explore the scenic mountain roads that twist and turn through breathtaking landscapes. We did some rugged camping just outside of Ouray and it was absolutely incredible!
Side note: The best donuts I have ever had to this day are from Timberline Deli of Ouray. They are completely homemade and beyond delicious. Highly recommended!
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
There’s a raw, untamed beauty to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park that can leave you breathless. The sheer cliffs of the canyon, carved over millions of years by the relentless Gunnison River, are dramatic and awe-inspiring.
A day trip to the canyon is perfect for those who want to feel completely immersed in nature’s grandeur. Take in the dramatic views from South Rim Drive, where multiple overlooks provide jaw-dropping vistas of the canyon’s dizzying depths. No hiking is required to enjoy this park, although some of the lookouts require a short walk.
Wildlife is abundant here, with chances to spot eagles soaring overhead or mule deer grazing near the forested areas. The sense of isolation and wildness is palpable—you’re not just visiting a canyon, you’re standing on the edge of a world apart.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is highly underrated in my opinion, and definitely worth a visit.
Million Dollar Highway
One of the most thrilling and scenic drives in America is the Million Dollar Highway. Stretching 25 miles between the towns of Silverton and Ouray, this road is not for the faint of heart, but the rewards are nothing short of spectacular. Winding along the edge of the San Juan Mountains, the highway hugs sheer cliffs (sans guardrails!), offering jaw-dropping views of rugged peaks, deep valleys, and cascading waterfalls.
For those brave enough to venture the steep, narrow turns (and who don’t mind the lack of guardrails), the sights along the way are incredible. Pull over at the overlooks to soak in panoramic views of the striking red rocks and the vast wilderness that stretches beyond. In the fall, the entire route is drenched in golden hues as the aspen trees turn, making it an absolute must-do for leaf-peeping enthusiasts.
The Million Dollar Highway deserves a spot on everyone’s bucket list, and I highly urge you to take this route if you’re looking for attractions in Southern Colorado. There is also the famous Silverton Train at the south end of the highway- we did not do this during our time in Colorado so I cannot speak on it personally, but I know it is beloved by many.
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