a gorgeous photo of ouray, one of the best attractions in southern colorado
Ouray, Colorado

Southern Colorado has an incredible variety of landscapes including towering sand dunes, ancient ruins, and stunning mountain landscapes. If you’re looking for adventure, history, and stunning natural beauty, this part of the state has it all.

I was fortunate enough to live in Colorado for an entire summer and my family and I explored every part of this beautiful state. This article covers what we found to be the best attractions in Southern Colorado!

Map of Southern Colorado


great sand dunes national park

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. 

Itโ€™s interesting- as you drive up to the dunes you can see them from afar, and they donโ€™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 itโ€™s flowing, offers a perfect spot for kids to splash around while you take in the surreal surroundings. Thereโ€™s no experience quite like this, where the desert meets alpine forests and mountain views, all in one magical day.

hubby at the bottom of great sand dunes
Hunter and Cooper in the distance at Great Sand Dunes National Park
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mesa verde national park in southern colorado
The dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park

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. Itโ€™s not just a park, itโ€™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. 

mountain views from the drive into mesa verde national park
Incredible views from the drive into Mesa Verde National Park

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    bird's eve view of the town of Ouray in southern colorado
    Ouray, Colorado

    Ouray, Colorado

    Ouray is the kind of town that feels like a hidden mountain kingdom. Known as the โ€œSwitzerland of America,โ€ its charm is undeniable. Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Ouray offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The townโ€™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!

    For a complete guide to camping with kids, check out this article Camping with Kids Checklist: Must-Have Outdoor Camping Gear for Kids.

    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!

    cooper and i at the hot springs with a mountain in the background
    Coop and I in the hot spring pool in Ouray.


    canyon view from black canyon of the gunnison national park

    Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

    Thereโ€™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 natureโ€™s grandeur. Take in the dramatic views from South Rim Drive, where multiple overlooks provide jaw-dropping vistas of the canyonโ€™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 palpableโ€”youโ€™re not just visiting a canyon, youโ€™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.

    ashlyn in the canyon at black canyon of the gunnison
    This was the perfect park to visit while pregnant with my second child!
    mountain views from the million dollar highway in southern colorado
    Views from the Million Dollar Highway

    Million Dollar Highway

    One of the most thrilling and scenic drives in America is the Million Dollar Highway, also known as the San Juan Scenic Byway. 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 donโ€™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 everyoneโ€™s bucket list, and I highly urge you to take this route if youโ€™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.

    photo of the million dollar highway showing no guard rails and how steep the fall is
    This is how many portions of the road are- no guardrails and minimal shoulder!

    Discover More Attractions in Southern Colorado by Using Me as Your Travel Advisor!

    Planning a trip to Southern Colorado? As a travel advisor whoโ€™s deeply familiar with these destinations, I can help you plan the perfect adventure. 

    I’ll get you the best deal on accommodations, secure you perks like complimentary room upgrades and spa credit, and will help you craft the perfect itinerary tailored to your wants and needs. Best of all, this comes at no cost to you!

    For more information about booking travel with me, see my Services page

    For more National Park inspiration, check out these articles

    5 Best National Parks to Visit With Kids

    8 Most Beautiful National Parks in the US

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