Southern Colorado Road Trip 2024

This post contains affiliate links. This just means if you click on a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Don’t Miss This Stunning Road Trip thru Southern Colorado in 2024

Unparalleled San Juan mountain views, jaw-dropping waterfalls and drives, three national parks, geothermal soaking and swimming, star-studded camping, free gondolas, whitewater rafting, hiking, canyoning, climbing, biking, wildlife, mining ghost towns, local burgers and brews, wildflower capital, 4X4 trails … need I say more? 

When planning a southwest Colorado summer road trip in 2024, this one doles out adrenaline rushes for all ages when it comes to outdoor adventure.

SW Colorado

Southwest Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

Starting from Colorado Springs*, we spent nine days looping our way around on a summer road trip loaded with fun outdoorsy things to do in southwest Colorado.

Our stops included:

Coming from Denver? Head south through Colorado Springs and kick off your road trip with an exhilarating zip line experience through Soaring Adventure’s Fins Course Scenic Zipline Tour. Use promo code “COHIKES” for 10% OFF the best ziplines in Colorado Springs.

Voted #10 as TripAdvisor’s 2021 Travelers’ Choice: Top Overall Experiences in the WORLD. 

Have more time? Add on Rocky Mountain National Park for a couple of days at the beginning or the end of the loop and easily turn this into a two week Colorado national park road trip.

Grab your swimsuit, hiking shoes, and sunglasses for the following trip to Colorado that makes for one amazing family summer vacation. 

Southern Colorado attractions include the Great Sand Dunes

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Why go?  Rising up to 750 feet from the floor of the San Luis Valley on the western edge of the Sangre de Cristo Range in Colorado, Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. One of the best national parks for family vacation, the Great Sand Dunes are surrounded by mountains, many of them famous fourteeners, and this park offers seven life zones to explore. 

Fun things to do in SW Colorado includes sand sledding

What to do?  One of favorite things to do in southern Colorado is to hit these famous dunes for sand sledding or sand boarding. Rent made-just-for-sand boards ($20 each) at the Oasis Store just before you enter the park. If there in early summer, play and cool off in Medano Creek after sledding, then head to the Zapata Falls Trailhead for a wet, adventurous 1/2 mile hike to a powerful canyon falls. In the summer, aim for a week-day visit to avoid crowds in this popular park.

Where to stay? Rent a secluded cabin just a few minutes from Great Sand Dunes, for an easy one night’s stay.

Since we planned this trip on the fly, we scored a walk-in campsite at Zapata Falls Campground (no reservations / first-come, first-serve). Take the rough, windy, bumpy ride up 3.6 miles and turn right once you see the Zapata Falls trailhead parking lot.

For you vacation planners, reserve a campsite at Pinon Flats campground up to six months in advance. Melody’s family will tell you all about camping at the Great Sand Dunes, under star studded skies.

Did you know that the Great Sand Dunes are a designated Dark Sky international destination?

RELATED READING: Alpine Lake Hikes in Westcliffe — A Dark Sky Destination in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, just a hop over from the Great Sand Dunes

Pagosa Springs

Why go? Hot springs are served up resort style alongside the San Juan River in the middle of downtown Pagosa Springs. Soak your weary bones after sand-sledding and enjoy the views. 

What to do? Hop between the hot tubs offered at various temperatures making it so everyone can find one to their liking. Step into the natural hot springs nestled in the San Juan River banks, at your own risk of course. Big and little kids can play in the larger pool, where you can also enjoy a movie at dusk. Don’t miss the Adult Terrace, complete with massaging water features, a quieter setting, and the best views at sunrise and sunset.

Where to stay? Soak your bones while staying at the Springs Resort and Spa. Worth the splurge since you’ll have total access to the hot springs the day you check in as well as the day you check out, giving you two days at the hot springs with one night’s stay. 

Southwestern Colorado is a great place for a train ride

Durango

Why go? Besides skiing the San Juan mountains in the winter, this wild west town offers a great scenic pit stop before heading to Mesa Verde National Park, another fabulous place to visit in southern Colorado.

What to do? Whitewater rafting takes off from Santa Rita Park, Purgatory ski resort offers alpine sliding in the summer. Visit the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum and ride the train to Silverton for a time you’ll never forget! Also, Mesa Verde National Park is only about 35 minutes away.

TOP PICK for 2024: The historic Trimble Hot Springs is now the Durango Hot Spring Resort and Spa. Redesigned with 32 hot spring pools, including 13 ADA-accessible pools, space for serene privacy, and space for families and gatherings. HUGE upgrades were made over the past four years, creating an oasis for wellness that welcomes everyone to experience this special resource.

One side of this southern Colorado hot springs resort is dedicated to families, with an ADA-accessible swimming pool and 19 family-friendly mineral pools, including ‘creek style’ pools, and a cold plunge. 

Tucked away in the pines is the private, adults-only section with thirteen hot spring pools, a second cold plunge, five private Ofuro tubs, and a full-service spa.

Live music every Tuesday and Thursday from 6–9 p.m., March through October.

Where to stay? For a historic treat, stay at the General Palmer Hotel. Victorian style decor mixed with modern amenities, this hotel is right in the middle of town center.

Learn more: Family Friendly Activities in Durango

Mesa Verde National Park

Why go? Mind-blowing ancient cliff dwellings that lend insight into how Ancient Puebloans were mastermind architectures. Ranger-led tours in Mesa Verde National Park provoke excellent questions about how they lived leading up to the year 1300. 

What to do? Cliff Palace and Balcony House are the five star stops in Mesa Verde for kids and adults alike. Ideally, plan to stop the night before at the new Visitor’s Center at the park entrance to buy your tickets — a mere $5 per person — for both the Cliff Palace and Balcony House tours (one hour each) the next day. We lucked out with a shaded 1:30 pm Cliff Palace tour, followed by a 3:30 pm shaded Balcony House tour. 

Allow 6-7 hours to experience Mesa Verde in full, making time for stops along the Mesa Top loop and the Cliff Palace Loop. If you just can’t get enough of ancient cliff dwellings,  plan a second day for touring Long House on the Whetherill Mesa loop.

Where to stay? We stayed two nights in the Best Western in nearby Cortez, just 12 minutes away, mostly for proximity, laundry facilities, free hot breakfast, and the City Market grocery store just across the street. Treat yourself to the city park’s public pool after touring the cliff dwellings and delicious take-out dinner from Thai Cortez.

For sleeping inside Mesa Verde National Park, camp at Morefield Campground or stay in the Far View Lodge - open seasonally April through October. 

Absolutely make plans to see Cliff Palace and Balcony House and more in Mesa Verde.

Be sure to ride this free gondola in southwest Colorado

Telluride

Why go?  First, the scenic drive from Cortez to Telluride along CO-145 North is stunning. So stunning, you’ll be planning future week-long summer vacations somewhere along Dolores River. 

The key to seeing Telluride in the San Juan mountains is via the free gondola from Mountain Village. Biking and hiking in the summer, plus fantastic skiing and snow-boarding in the winter makes Telluride a year-round international destination.

What to do? Park at the Free Gondola Parking Lot in Mountain Village. Hop on the gondola up the mountain, take a short hike about, then hop back on a second gondola descending into Telluride. Jaw-dropping views all around. Walk about town and stop for amazing burgers and brews at Smuggler’s Union Restaurant and Brewery. If you’re into mountain biking downhill, bring your bike along on the gondola for an exhilarating ride down the mountain.

Where to stay? We enjoyed Telluride as a day trip before moving on towards Ouray. We’re dreaming of renting a vacation home in Telluride next time around so we can fully explore the area on bike or foot.

Related: Lots of great hikes around nearby Ouray

Wildlowers are one of the biggest attractions in SW Colorado

Ridgway

Why go?  You can’t miss Ridgway on your way from Telluride to Ouray. Sitting at nearly 7,000 feet along the Uncompaghre River, Ridgway is the Gateway to the San Juan Mountains. Ridgway State Park is a popular recreation area for families.

What to do?  Rent a jeep and drive the Last Dollar Road from Rockin’ K Jeep Rental for unbelievable mountain views and photo ops. Camping, boating, hiking, and fishing opportunities abound at Ridgway State Park, plus you’re just minutes from Ouray. Stop at Cafe al a Mode for some good ole’ local ice cream flavors. 

PRO TIP: Bring your inflatable paddle board along. The best lake for stand up paddleboarding around here is Ridgway State Park Reservoir. Easy to access and plenty of room on this lake. Or head over to Crystal Lake or Silverjack Reservoir. 

Where to stay? Ridgway State Park offers 258 campsites for RVs, trailers, campers and motor homes, 25 walk-in tent sites for a more remote experience, and three yurts. Reserve campsites in Ridgway.

We took our Isle Paddleboards everywhere on our southern Colorado road trip

Ouray

Why go?  Jagged, dramatic peaks surround Ouray, dubbing it Switzerland of America in the San Juan Mountains.

No southern Colorado vacation is complete without a stop in Ouray.

Sitting in a box canyon, Ouray offers relaxation and heart-thumping adventures with a hearty nod to the Old West.

Tour old mining ghost towns, hike to waterfalls, and soak in Ouray hot springs. Stay for a couple of days or park yourself here for a week because the possibilities are endless.

What to do? Rent a jeep or take a tour with Switzerland of America and climb up to 13,114 feet at Imogene Pass for a 360 view. Yankee Basin is a hit for 4x4s, as is Animas Forks — an old ghost town at over 11,000 feet. Hike the Baby Bathtubs Trail or take a short hike to Box Canyon Falls right from town. 

Muster the courage to drive the Million Dollar Highway from Ouray to Silverton for one of the most hair-raising mountain passes in all of southwest Colorado. 

Related: Million Dollar Highway and Ouray Hikes

Ouray hot springs PIC

Dive into the Ouray Hot Springs Swimming Pool for an afternoon of family fun and relaxation where there are 3 pools ranging from 80 to 105 degree, plus lap lanes, a Wibit obstacle course and slides (both open in the summer). Large shallow areas for toddlers and an adult terrace too! 

Where to stay? We laid our heads in Amphitheatre Campground* where the peace and views never got old. Camping too intense for you?  Try these cute homes and cabins in Ouray. 

*Sleeping in tents under a starry sky is dreamy with the right sleeping gear. Here’s how our family of six rests easy at night with comfy, easy-to-set-up tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads for families. 

RELATED: 12 Campgrounds We Love in Colorado

Add Black Canyon of the Gunnison to your southwest Colorado road trip

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Why go? Peer over the canyon rim and look down as far as 2,700 feet - you just might spy experienced climbers scaling the walls or paddlers and kayakers commandeering the Class V rapids of the Gunnison River snaking through the park. You can easily check off this national park in a half day.

What to do? For families, this park is best seen from the Visitor’s Center, mini-hikes to lookouts, and down at the East Portal of the Gunnison River. Coming from Montrose, enter the main part of Black Canyon of the Gunnison and visit the only Visitor’s Center along the South Rim. 

Then, take in the canyon views from Gunnison Point, Pulpit Rock Overlook, Devil’s Lookout, Chasm View, Painted Wall View, and the easy-going Cedar Point and Warner Point nature trails. Top this park off by driving down the East Portal Road for a family picnic by the Gunnison River. 

Where to stay? The Inn at Tomichi Village in nearby Gunnison (62 miles) looks great for families. We opted to drive a bit further up to Crested Butte for the night. 

link to other national park posts?

Pic of tanya Tessa crested butte hikes OR better CB hike pic

Top of West Maroon Pass near Crested Butte

Crested Butte

Why go?  Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is home to endless alpine adventure. 

Also one of the best vacation spots in Colorado, this mountain town’s super cute main street lined with brightly painted stores and restaurants is tough to beat.

What to do? Mountain biking, hiking, and fishing are popular outdoor adventures in this challenging, rugged terrain. Add in canoeing and paddleboarding at Lake Irwin or floating on Meridian Lake, plus gorgeous camping spots all around. 

Brush up on your hiking tips for Colorado before you hit the trail.

Where to stay? Known for great last-minute deals and fantastic junior suites, Elevation Spa and Resort sits right on the mountain — ideal for skiers and downhill mountain bikers alike.

Did you know? Crested Butte is just 28 miles north of Gunnison, and about 2 hours from Buena Vista via the gorgeous Monarch Pass. Or add just five minutes to your drive and choose the stunning, yet lesser-known, Cottonwood Pass and top the Continental Divide along the way!

Buena Vista

Why go? The small, rejuvenated mountain town of Buena Vista offers all kinds of outdoor recreation year-round. 

Our favorite when it comes to best vacation spots in Colorado, unwind and refuel at numerous food trucks, main street shops. Plus Louie’s Ice Cream shop will keep you supplied and fed during your Colorado summer vacations.

What to do? Hike, fish, climb, bike, raft, and more along the Arkansas River and within the Collegiate Mountain Range. Head to Mount Princeton Hot Springs for a good soak beneath the mountains or under a star-studded sky. 

Buena Vista is your starting point for family outdoor adventure. If you haven’t been white-water rafting, Noah’s Ark offers some of the best through Brown’s Canyon. 

Looking for a great paddleboarding spot? Head up to Cottonwood Lake or Chalk Lake.

Where to stay? Just one overnight stay at nearby Mount Princeton Hot Springs is a double-whammy treat for all ages. Two days of soaking in the hot springs and playing in the warm pools surrounded by mountains — for the price of one overnight stay. 

Buena Vista is a great place to stop on a southern Colorado road trip

Here’s our go-to gear for Colorado Hiking Trails in 2024:

RELATED: Beginners Hiking Tips and Daypack Essentials

Conclusion

Surprisingly, we just might like southwest Colorado the best when it comes to exploring our home state. Hot springs, waterfalls, jagged mountains, and ancient cliff-dwellings mixed with sand-sledding, hiking, biking, climbing, off-roading, canyoning, rafting, fishing, and more make for fantastic, adrenaline pumping memories with your entire family.

Southwest Colorado provides one fantastic family summer vacation, and while we couldn’t unearth very square inch we’d hoped to cover, we know we’ll go again. Next time, we’ll be sure to carve out time for driving the Million Dollar Highway from Ouray to Silverton. The sweet Colorado mountain town of Ouray, dubbed “Little Switzerland,” was a personal favorite and we’ll be headed back soon.

Related Reading: Escape to the Rocky Mountains to one of these 13 destinations on the Ultimate Colorado Family Vacation — Summer 2025.

Southern Colorado attractions

colorado road tripsTanya Raedeke