Top 5 Southern Colorado Vacation Destinations

Written by Ben Sack, 08.10.2016

Thereā€™s plenty to do south of Denver on your Colorado vacation. Whether youā€™re into mountain biking, hiking, history, sight-seeing, or soaking in a hot springs pool, you can find a destination in Southern Colorado (especially near Colorado Springs) that will help you relax, recharge, and reinvigorate. CaƱon City and Colorado Springs make the perfect jumping-off points for many of these beautiful, historic western locations. Before or after your rafting trip, try some of these great destinations to enhance your Colorado vacation!

Brown’s Canyon National Monument

Brownā€™s Canyon National Monument – Itā€™s one of Coloradoā€™s newest national monuments, and also one of itā€™s most beautiful. A pristine, natural canyon, Brownā€™s Canyon offers visitors the opportunity to hike, raft, or camp in the headwaters of the Arkansas River. Towering ponderosa pine trees and monolithic boulders greet you along this amazing stretch of white water. We may be biased, but we think the best way to see it is by raft.Ā There isĀ alsoĀ fantastic camping along the river at various locations. Brownsā€™ Canyon is also close to the small town of Nathrop, which offers a number of hot-springs resorts that are perfect for relaxing after a day of adventuring, including Antero Hot Springs Cabins, Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort, and Cottonwood Hot Springs.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

colorado vacation, colorado springs, colorado Great Sand Dunes National Park- A few hours south from CaƱon City will take you to this fascinating and inspiring park. Towering sand dunes as far as the eye can see offer hours of entertainment as you explore the rolling hills, flowing creek (visit in May or June for the best chance to see flowing water), and the visitorā€™s center. Kids can even earn their Junior Rangers badge! The park has a campground and is a perfect place to get away from the lights, hustle, and bustle of everyday life. That’s what your Colorado Vacation is all about, right? Additional overnight accommodations are located nearby.

They Royal Gorge Park

Tcolorado vacation, colorado springs, coloradohe Royal Gorge Bridge & Park – Just a few minutes away from Echo Canyon River Expeditions office, youā€™ll find Coloradoā€™s Natural Wonder – the Royal Gorge. In 1929, the Royal Gorge Bridge was built across the gorge and still stands as one of the worldā€™s greatest engineering feats. Buy tickets online or as a rafting package to save a few dollars. The newly rebuilt attractions and visitor’s centerĀ enhance your experience of this amazing chasm and expansive view of the Wet Mountain range. There are also trails, located just before the gates of the park at the rest area, that allow visitors to walk or bike a few miles along the rim of the Gorge.Ā 

Pikes Peak

colorado vacation, colorado springs, coloradoPikes Peak – ā€œAmericaā€™s Mountainā€ is one of the most iconic and beautiful vacation destinations in the West. Rising over 14,000 (making it one of Coloradoā€™s many 14-erā€™s) feet, Pikes Peak has inspired Americans, including Katharine Lee Bates – who wrote ā€œAmerica the Beautifulā€ after summiting, for generations. There are a number of ways to enjoy it on your Colorado vacation, including by bicycle (ask us about our exciting mountain biking / rafting packages!) Or ride the historic Cog Railway to the top, where a new visitorā€™s center is being planned. Our tip: try the donuts – theyā€™re amazing!Ā colorado vacation, colorado springs, colorado

Cripple Creek, CO

Cripple Creek / Victor – If youā€™re a history buff, a wild west fanatic, or a fan of quintessential Colorado scenery, youā€™ll love the towns of Cripple Creek and Victor. Both towns offer a number of easy and fun hikes (we love the Vindicator Valley Trail) that showcase the areaā€™s rich mining history. Visit the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine for a unique trip through 1,000 feet of rock and into a real mine. There are also a number of enchanting local hotels that warrant a nightā€™s stay (or two!) on your authentic Colorado vacation.
The Royal Gorge Region offers plenty to do for everyone in your family. Any Colorado vacation isn’t complete without a healthy dose of adventure, relaxation, and excitement! The Colorado Springs / CaƱon City area can offer all of this and more!

 

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About the Author

Ben Sack is the General Manager of Echo Canyon River Expeditions, Colorado's largest white water rafting outfitter. He's also a raft guide, a photographer, and he loves exploring Colorado and beyond with his wife and two boys.
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