What is there to see between Denver and Durango?

Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedJul 14, 2022

How long is the drive from Denver to Durango?

The direct drive from Denver to Durango is 382 mi (614 km), and should have a drive time of 7 hrs 21 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Denver to Durango, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Colorado Springs, Pagosa Springs, Cripple Creek, and Manitou Springs and top places to visit like Cherry Creek State Park and Outlets at Castle Rock, or the ever-popular Paint Mines Interpretive Park.

34 stops

Cities / Attractions

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Top cities between Denver and Durango

The top cities between Denver and Durango are Colorado Springs, Pagosa Springs, Cripple Creek, and Manitou Springs. Colorado Springs is the most popular city on the route — it's 1 hour from Denver and 6 hours from Durango.

1

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, at an elevation of 6,035 ft., is a city in Colorado at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains. It lies near glacier-carved Pikes Peak, a landmark in Pike National Forest with hiking trails and a cog railway leading to its 14,114-ft. summit. The city's Garden of the Gods park features iconic red-sandstone formations and mountain views.

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Passing through Colorado Springs, you’ll spot NORAD (a top secret military facility inside a mountain ) near Pikes Peak. Instead of the straight shot to NM, what better way to pass the miles than to see one of Colorado’s most treasured national parks?. The Great Sand Dunes, North America’s tallest sand dunes, are true wonders to behold. Rising north of 750 feet, with the Sangre de Cristo Range as the backdrop, these dunes are simply phenomenal, especially at dusk.

Partially, because the roads to Buena Vista, the Rio Grande National Forest pass and the Pikes Peak Highway towards Colorado Springs, are often closed due to unfavourable weather conditions, but partially because we didn’t actually have the time to complete the loop as it’s described in this post on our Colorado road trip. Buena Vista Colorado. Photo by David via Flickr CC

Dinner and Exploring in Downtown Colorado Springs You Might Also Like: Dehydration & Deities // An Afternoon At Garden of the Gods

Most popular city on this route

3 minutes off the main route, 14% of way to Durango

2

Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs is a resort city in Colorado, just outside Colorado Springs. It’s known for its mineral springs and mountain landscapes, dominated by soaring Pikes Peak. The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are a group of reassembled ancient cliff structures. Hundreds of steps lead up a steep slope on the Manitou Incline Trail. Manitou Avenue is home to art galleries and specialty boutiques.

10% as popular as Colorado Springs

11 minutes off the main route, 15% of way to Durango

3

Cripple Creek

Cripple Creek is the Statutory City that is the county seat of Teller County, Colorado, United States. The city population was 1,189 at the 2010 United States Census. Cripple Creek is a former gold mining camp located 44 miles southwest of Colorado Springs near the base of Pikes Peak.

6% as popular as Colorado Springs

50 minutes off the main route, 25% of way to Durango

4

Pagosa Springs

Pagosa Springs is a town in southwest Colorado known for its hot springs. It’s surrounded by the rugged San Juan Mountains and vast areas of national forest. The San Juan River, with its abundant trout, runs through town. To the northeast, Wolf Creek Ski Area offers downhill runs and cross-country trails. Southwest, Chimney Rock National Monument features the ruins of ancient Ancestral Puebloan dwellings.

7% as popular as Colorado Springs

1 minute off the main route, 81% of way to Durango

Best stops along Denver to Durango drive

The top stops along the way from Denver to Durango (with short detours) are Pikes Peak, United States Air Force Academy, and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Other popular stops include Treasure Falls, Gold Mine Tours Inc ., and Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center.

1

Paint Mines Interpretive Park

Unique open space with distinctive color variations & rock formations plus 4 miles of trails.

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I went early to avoid the crowds and glad I did. It’s a very interesting area with lots to explore. When coming from the parking lot, you don’t see the coloring on the rock/clay formations but keep walking! The pinks and yellows are gorgeous. There are other hikes around the area with a definite marked trail system. Given I was still adjusting to the elevation in Colorado, I didn’t make it the entire loop. It’s free exploring and definitely worth the visit.

Interesting place - nice easy hiking around a historical and geologically interesting location. Soft, multi-colored rock layers have been eroded into interesting shapes, and small canyons have been used by indigenous peoples as a source for coloring, used in pottery. Location is really off the beaten path (seems like it is in Kansas), but is right next to a huge wind turbine farm - strange juxtaposition of modern technology with the past. Well maintained, has (primitive) bathrooms. Looong drive on county roads from the North if you follow Google maps. Better to come across on Rt 86 before hitting the long dirt county roads.

Beautiful landscape. Colorful formations that built up millions of years ago. Named "Paint Mines" as native Americans were using the colors as paint by mixing them with oils. Good for open walk but be prepared as it gets windy on the trails.

4.7(1814)

4.5(162)

29950 Paint Mine Rd, Calhan, CO 80808, USA

2

Cherry Creek State Park

Large park around a reservoir with camping, water sports & many other outdoor leisure activities.

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There is no better way to enjoy Colorado than by exploring the outdoors!. There are many state parks in and near Denver that are worth checking out. Take your paddleboard to Cherry Creek State Park, go rock climbing at Eldorado Canyon, or check out the hiking trails in Golden Gate Canyon.

A beautiful state park in Denver. Especially beautiful in the fall when the trees are changing. The walking/cycling trails are really relaxing to take, and the beach is nice. The lake is cool as well, and is a good place for paddle-boarding and sailing. I’ve never camped here but the campgrounds look nice, especially for cookout style camping. Forsure a great little spot to try out if you live in Denver or are just visiting

This park is GREAT. Boating, camping, fishing, Bbqs and just a great little place nestled away. I paid $11 for a car to get a day pass and it was an all day thing. Taking photos and just taking it all in. Great place to bring the dogs or/and the kids.

10/31/21 - it was cold. Nice place, around the city. It has a lot of entrance. Almost all trees leaves are gone. Great place to fish, walk, bike, etc…..mostly during summer even swimming. Right now it’s quiet, you will mainly bird sounds. Pelicans and seagulls are together in one area.

4.6(7348)

4.5(466)

4201 S Parker Rd, Aurora, CO 80014, USA

3

Outlets at Castle Rock

Shopping mall

Shopping

Outlet mall

Busy, modern outlet mall featuring a variety of popular stores, along with a food court.

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This is our go to shopping location for black Friday every year. You'll definitely end up buying something for sure. The parking is almost full here during that period but you will still manage to find a spot. It has all the shops you like and I think it's definitely worth driving all the way south of Denver to get here.

Pancake Breakfast with Santa was so much fun. The decorations were great. Santa and Mrs Claus were great, though they needed a throne or some kind of seat.

We've always good experiences here. Yes some of the stores have great deals and some not so much. Don't blame the mall for that though. The mall itself is great. They do events and stuff for the holidays. They handled covid well. Kid friendly.

4.5(5291)

4.0(341)

5050 Factory Shops Blvd #437, Castle Rock, CO 80108, USA

4

Chatfield State Park

State park

Nature & Parks

Park

Biking, hiking, camping & boating with scenic views of the foothills & Platte River Valley.

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Very beautiful state park. You are able to stay 2 weeks in a 28 day period. We stayed twice for two weeks each. Both sites were very nice. We enjoyed the nice bike trails around the entire reservoir. There are plenty of places around the park to picnic. There are several beaches. We saw deer regularly. We did hear howling at night. One night we suspect a mountain lion got on top of the camper, we heard it jump up there and walk around, and the next morning we found a bloody mess on the roof. We did not see any during the day and there were no actual problems with wildlife during our stays. I would just recommend being safe by keeping clean and food contained. All and all we had beautiful experiences here. The view of mountains in the background is amazing. There are plenty of places to shop and eat fairly close to the park.

Beautiful !!! The mountains and the lake were gorgeous!! The Host was so friendly too! Loved Loved all the trails to walk and the Trailer parking was spaced out very well !! I didn't get to fish, but looked great!! Many attractions nearby also.

All the years I've lived in Denver and Chatfield has been 10 minutes from my house.. I never knew how much fun the camping there would be. What I love about it is you get that camping feel but you're still so close to the city. Very clean campsites super friendly staff. Lots of trails to walk on lots of water to play in. Just a super fun time. Definitely be coming back.

4.5(5219)

4.5(299)

11500 N Roxborough Park Rd, Littleton, CO 80125, USA

5

Roxborough State Park

Geological site with wildlife, hiking trails overlooking red-rock formations & a visitor's center.

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Roxborough State Park is one of the best state parks in Colorado in my opinion. The red rocks really make this park special and you have a completely different experience depending on which season you hit the park. The lights and shadows interplaying with the rocks are amazing to see in person. The Willow Creek Loop is my favorite trail here and you get amazing views on the loop. I highly recommend doing this park after a fresh snow because the contrast of the snow against the red rocks is epic. This is also one of my favorite places to shoot in the fall but no matter when you go you will love this park!

The Roxborough State Park is incredible - lots of trail options, short and long, easy and difficult. The views of the rock formations and Denver in the background get better the higher you go. The gates open at 7AM - I got there early and was almost the only one on the trails. It does get busy quickly, though. A park pass is required, but it can be purchased at the entrance. It's going to be my new go-to park for hiking and trail running.

Wonderful little park to visit on sunny days. If you plan on arriving in the summer. Plan on arriving early to ensure you don’t have to wait to get into the park with its limited capacity. There is a bathroom on the grounds but it’s a traditional outdoor bathroom so don’t expect a 5 star hotel. Well worth the walk and the view of you get a chance to visit!

4.8(1951)

4.5(396)

4751 Roxborough Dr, Littleton, CO 80125, USA

6

United States Air Force Academy

University

Sights & Landmarks

Founded in 1954, this famed facility provides training to U.S. Air Force cadets & features exhibits.

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Located just to the northwest of Colorado Springs is the United States Air Force Academy. Despite being one of the most important and prestigious facilities of its kind in the States, it is one of the city’s main tourist attractions, with over a million people visiting it each year. On the massive military base, visitors can explore various parts of the complex, such as the Cadet Chapel and Honor Court, watching out all the time for the daring manoeuvres being pulled off at breakneck speeds overhead.

Located just north of Colorado Springs, the United States Air Force Academy is where pilots and other hopefuls receive their training for the USAF. While some buildings aren’t open to tourists, there are plenty of others that you can tour to learn more about the institution and the history of flight in general. For example, did you know that there’s a 250-seat theater located in the visitor’s center that shows films about the academy?

An extensive campus dotted with academy, Falcon Stadium, chapel and Arnold hall and a museum that honours Air Force Personnel, the United States Air Force Academy can be visited through a guided tour. The guided tour walks you through various programs like the Chapel, the Arnold Hall facility which exhibits military and Academy collectibles and a dining area and auditorium of official events.

Get mesmerized with the fine façade of the cadet chapel of this air force academy. This institute trains prospective pilots for the national air force, hence consider yourself lucky if you get to see their training sessions or some of the spectacular fighter planes on the spot. Enter through the north gate and roam around the vast place witnessing the famous Falcon Stadium and Honor Court.

If you're looking for things to do just north of Colorado Springs, head over to the United States Air Force Academy. This military staple is open daily to tourists. There, you can enjoy self-guided tours along with exhibits designed to teach viewers about the military academy and how it works to prepare the men and women of the United States Air Force.

Outside the edge of Colorado Springs lies the United States Air Force Academy. The academy offers tours to visitors, with stops at Falcon Stadium, a planetarium and the famous Cadet Chapel. The academy’s Barry Goldwater Visitor Center features exhibits about cadet life and a film about the U.S.

A quick stop by the Visitor Center will give you the lay of the land. Don’t miss Falcon Stadium, the Honor Court, the Planetarium, and especially the Cadet Chapel. COVID-19 Status: The installation is currently closed to visitors through at least July 29, 2021.

Experience the history and get a taste of cadet life with a tour of the official Air Force Academy, where cadets are developed into leaders for our Air Force and nation.

This national landmark military institution is open to casual visitors. Drive through the grounds. Visit the architecturally remarkable interdenominational chapel.

The Barry Goldwater Air Force Academy Visitor Center serves as the gateway to the United States Air Force Academy for hundreds of thousands of tourists

The academy, which set up camp in 1954, is one of the most popular attractions in Colorado. Highlights include the futuristic design,…

If the Academy is open for tours, it’s an impressive place for kids to see and learn about the university.

What an impressive place! Not just the beauty and the organization of it, but the respect for the academy and the respect for the service is present. The size of the grounds is immense, and we only stayed on the roads, not having time to go on any of the walking paths. Even though the chapel is currently closed, we still learned a lot through the visitor's center, and the video they showed was informative as well. Would have loved to have had more time here.

Beautiful place and inspiring. The cadet chapel is very nice. It’s a MUST visit place if you are in Colorado Springs area. Highly recommend it!

The price is right. It's a top-level education at zero cost. There are, of course, some strings attached.

4.5(277)

4.5(2744)

Air Force Academy, CO, USA

7

Devil's Head Lookout

Nature & Parks

Hiking Trails

Rocky summit with a fire-spotting tower overlooking Pike National Forest & surrounding peaks.

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Had my first cry on this hike because the views were just overwhelming. Makes you feel less significant in the grand scheme.

Amazing views for such a close and relatively easy hike.(our 4 year old hiked the whole way with no issues) Pine lined trails offer quiet shaded experience. Large Jurassic size rock formations reveal breathtaking panoramic views. Towards the top of the trail be sure to visit "Zinn Overlook" to the left before your final journey to the base of the fire tower stairs. There is a beautiful green meadow lined with trees, rock formation and wild flowers garnishing the peaceful open space.

The trail is good. It'll get really busy this summer and on weekends. Remember to take your trash home and stay on the trail. You can get some good views from the top.

4.8(527)

4.5(97)

S Rampart Range Rd, Sedalia, CO 80135, USA

8

The Broadmoor Seven Falls

Hiking area

Nature & Parks

Park focused on scenic waterfalls & geologic monuments that also has a historic gravesite.

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Bring Fido to bask in the majesty of Seven Falls, a magnificent series of waterfalls located in a 1,400-foot-wall box canyon, and then explore everything else the new Seven Falls has to offer. From delectable new dining options—including the exquisite new 1859—gift shops, walking and hiking trails, the optional Broadmoor Soaring Adventure—a thrilling exploration above Seven Falls, following rope bridges, a via ferrata and culminating in a rappel—and so much more to come. Next to the Falls, a 224-step stairway leads to a system of trails that will take you onto Inspiration Point with a breath-taking view of Colorado Springs and the great plains beyond.

Known as the “Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado,” Broadmoor Seven Falls is a magnificent series of waterfalls that will satisfy the most discerning of view seekers. Rising 1,250 feet between the towering Pillars of Hercules, it’s easy to understand why Seven Falls was the only waterfall in Colorado to earn a spot on National Geographic’s list of International Waterfalls. Go behind the falls to be enveloped in cliffs and cascading water or climb 224 challenging steps alongside the falls and you’ll be rewarded with stunning vistas of valleys, rock formations, and golden prairies.

One of the classiest hotels in Colorado Springs, Broadmoor is a AAA Five-Diamond and Forbes Five-Star resort with a range of distinctive amenities and impeccable services. Since 1918, the hotel has offered an unmatched range of accommodation from rooms and suites to cottages and cabins. Guests will be able to partake in outdoor activities such as horseback riding, fly fishing, and waterfall treks in the adventurous surroundings, while more relaxing opportunities include a swimming pool, playing a round of golf or a game of tennis, or indulging in rejuvenating spa services.

If you decide to see BroadmoorSeven Falls, you’ll be looking at the only Colorado waterfall to ever make National Geographic’s list of international wonders. This waterfall challenges you to take 224 steps up the crashing water. The falls drop 180 feet and pools in seven different areas all within a 1,250-foot-wall box canyon set between two rocks called the “Pillars of Hercules.” If you make it to the top, you’ll find even more hiking trails and streams that feed into the falls.

Culminating with the only waterfall in Colorado to be featured on National Geographic’s list of International Waterfalls, Seven Falls is a family-friendly Colorado Springs hike that you shouldn’t miss. The trail to Seven Falls follows a .8-mile paved trail owned by the Broadmoor Resort, which purchased the property back in 2013 following severe flooding damage that washed out much of the original trail. Because this hike is privately owned, there is an access fee involved.

After we finished our adventures in the Royal Gorge area, the plan was to head towards the Broadmoor Seven Falls. This is a gorgeous waterfall that cascades down 181 feet in seven steps, crashing on the rocks that shape its path. There are 224 steps on the side of the waterfall that lead to the top where amazing views and additional hiking trails await. After we climbed up and down a whole bunch of stairs, we were exhausted and starving.

Also called the “Broadmoor Seven Falls,” these gorgeous waterfalls are one of the biggest points of interest in Colorado Springs. Like their name suggests, there are seven of them, and they tumble from their rocky, mountainous peaks like a picturesque postcard. Many people choose to hike the surrounding areas of the falls; they’re quite beautiful, offering blue skies, fresh air, sunshine and an abundance of wildlife.

Another easy-to-access waterfall in Colorado Springs that you should not miss is the famous Seven Falls. The one-mile Trail to Inspiration Point along this collection of seven cascading falls opened in 1883 and has been dubbed “the grandest mile of scenery in Colorado”. Today, this trail is on the property of The Broadmoor so you’ll have to pay an admission fee to climb the 224 steps to the top.

Broadmoor Seven Falls is a collection of seven different cascading waterfalls along South Cheyenne Creek in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Seven Falls is the only Colorado waterfall to earn a spot on National Geographic’s coveted list of International Waterfalls. There are a number of fun and exciting adventures for groups of friends, families, and solo-travelers to enjoy at Seven Falls.

Set on South Cheyenne Creek, this stunning set of seven cascading waterfalls is one of the coolest things to see in Colorado Springs. Running along a 1,250-foot-high box canyon in the Pikes Peak watershed, The Broadmoor Seven Falls features a 181-foot drop of water. The Pillars of Hercules – majestic rock formations rising over 900 above the canyon floor – tower on each side.

A massive sprawling building from 1918, with acres of manicured gardens, and trails to stroll. Head there early in the evening for a drink and bite to eat, then wonder around the magnificent property. Situated within the Broadmoor, the Golden Bee is a gastropub with delicious food, drink and nightly ragtime piano at 7:30pm and a sing along starting at 9:30pm.

Located at a whooping height of 181 feet, Broadmoor Seven Falls is undoubtedly considered to be one of the captivating places in Colorado Springs. Nestled in a natural box shaped canyon, couples can take some breathtaking photos in front of the waterfall cascading down in seven steps. Enjoy a memorable photoshoot among the serenity of the waterfall.

The Broadmoor Seven Falls is the only Colorado waterfall included on National Geographic’s list of international wonders. Take 224 steps up a magnificent series of waterfalls located in a 1,250-foot-wall box canyon. These steps lead to hiking trails and the banks of the glistening streams that feed the 181-foot drop of falling water at the falls.

While you’re on property at the Broadmoor Hotel, grab tickets to see this stunning waterfall series cascading into South Cheyenne Cañon. Definitely get several shots of the waterfalls while you’re there, and then head off to one of the many hiking trails, the zip line course, or Restaurant 1858 for beautiful plated (and delicious) meals.

If you’re craving an adventure, take the shuttle over to Seven Falls, a majestic waterfall that cascades 181 feet down the head of a box canyon between two geological monuments named “The Pillars of Hercules”. Climb the 224 steps up to the top and enjoy amazing views of the golden plains and the sheer mountain faces beyond.

A very pretty and picturesque place to visit, the sparkling Seven Falls lies just to the southwest of the city center. Made up of seven stunning sections, the incredible waterfall cascades down a craggy cliff in the South Cheyenne Canyon. Towering to a height of 55 meters, it makes for a spellbinding sight.

Waterfalls2850 South Cheyenne Canyon Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906MoreLess Info. Known as the 'Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado', Seven Falls is a series of seven waterfalls located in South Cheyenne Canyon. On either side of the box canyon are the Pillars of Hercules which are narrow steep cliffs.

Owned and operated by the historic Broadmoor, Seven Falls is the only waterfall in Colorado to make National Geographic’s list of international waterfalls. This unique series of waterfalls is situated in a 1,250-foot-wall box canyon. Seven Falls is particularly easy to get to.

1045 Lower Gold Camp RdColorado Springs, CO 80905(855) 923-7272. Opened in the late 19th century, this towering cascade is absolutely one of the most striking natural attractions in Colorado Springs.

Now, 244 stairs with a toddler on your back is no easy feat. But the views are worth your effort. And, I was also so proud of Jimmie.

The Grandest Mile of Scenery” is but the entryway to seven cascading mountain waterfalls at Seven Falls in Colorado Springs.

This was a cool experience m. I booked a ticket with my mom and her fiancé! We took a trolley to the actual site and it was a beautiful experience! There is a trolley once you get there to take you up to the views or you can walk (we chose to walk). Then there are elevators to get up. It’s definitely more of a sight seeing thing than it is a hike! Well worth the time and money spent!

Great place to get back to nature! Beautiful waterfall! Ticket is $17. Drove up to the main parking lot then took a shuttle to the 7 fall location, they have a ticket booth onsite. 15 mins walk up to main water falls and 224 stairs up to the major hike trail! Great sightseeing spot.

Just beautiful and breath taking… Awe inspiring… I could just saying poetic things about this experience! If you are in the area it’s a must see. It wasn’t high on my bucket list the day I visited because I didn’t understand what I was going to see. I wholesomely can say I wish it was the place I spent the most time that day at. The views are breath taking. The park is clean and orderly and the staff attending the park were incredibly nice and you could tell they really cared about the park. The water falls were fun to see. The stairs I’d you climb up can be scary to take caution before attempting it! Other than that! Just enjoy cause if you’re anything of a nature lover this place will fill you up with Joy. They also have shuttles for those who may need those services to enjoy the park as well! The park fee I believe is $16.50 plus any additional options. Check their website for more details as weather changes etc. Have fun!

4.4(4718)

4.0(1599)

1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80905, USA

9

Cave of the Winds Mountain Park

Water & Amusement Parks

Amusement park

Theme park

This historic cave has several tour options, including spelunking, plus a zip line & ropes course.

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An incredible place to visit and explore, the Cave of the Winds can be found just to the west of Colorado Springs in a mountain park of the same name. Formed over millennia, its captivating caverns are full of spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, with remarkable rock formations also on show. Since being discovered in 1880, its colossal chambers, caves and chasms have been a popular tourist attraction, and terrific tours can take you through its sensational subterranean world.

As the name suggests, the highlight of Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is the expansive cave, and no visit to the park is complete without a tour of the vast cave system. Most visitors choose the Discovery Tour, an approximately 45-minute guided walk that wanders through 15 rooms. For a more adventurous option, consider embarking on the 90-minute Haunted Lantern Tour, which treats guests to nearly a mile of cave exploration and countless folklore and ghost stories.

Once you reach Colorado Springs, head for the Cave of the Winds. According to the Colorado Springs Visitor Center, "The Jicarilla Apaches, who lived in the Pikes Peak region around 1000 AD, passed on legends of a cave where the Great Spirit of the Wind resided", this cave is speculated to be the very same cave!. This particular cave has had guided tours since 1881. Take the Discovery Tour (a 45-minute tour) or the Lantern Tour (a 90-minute tour).

Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is a cave system and adventure/thrill park that is located in Manitou Springs, Colorado. This family-friendly attraction offers varying levels of cave tours, such as the hour-long Discovery Tour, the 90-minute Lantern Tour, and 2.5-hour Caving 101 expedition. This park provides the perfect location for entertaining the family for the entire day, especially those traveling with children.

Tour some underground caverns for a close-up look at stalactites and stalagmites. 📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 685-5444 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily, Winter; 9 am – 6 pm daily, Summer | Tours: from $26, adults, $17 ages 4-12, free under 4 | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator. Cave of the Winds has one of the highest show caves in the U.S., which was discovered in 1881.

Set on the rim of a craggy canyon is this developed cavern concessionaire. You’ll forgive the cheesy entry and elevator music because here are the stalactites and stalagmites of your dreams. Most opt for the 45-minute Discovery Tour, but the Lantern Tour goes twice as deep, gets twice as dark and lasts twice as long.

Stunning scenery, fascinating cave tours, and a park packed with fun activities make for a perfect family-friendly experience. Discovered in 1881, these caves are actually millions of years old – just waiting to be explored. Take your pick of adventures at Cave of the Winds Mountain Park.

From the history buffs to the outdoor enthusiasts…there is something for everyone. Start planning your trip now so you can see for yourself why this city is the perfect family vacation destination!. Happy and SAFE Travels!

Once you’ve gone up, it’s time to go down…into Cave of the Winds Mountain Park. Register in advance for one of three cave tours. You’ll learn about the cave’s history and its stalactites and stalagmites.

Once you leave the beautiful canyon vistas and enter the chambers of the vast cave system, the tour will boast geological wonders and unique-to-Colorado history.

The view from the top of the mountain was absolutely beautiful. There are a number of observation spots for you to take in the view. The souvenir shop was fantastic with such a favorite of gems, cups, clothing, carvings, etc. The tour guide was very well educated and the customer service was a compliment to the field of hospitality. The tour is for all ages and can be completely fairly easily. There are some tighter spaces so I do not suggest wearing a backpack.

This place was awesome! I really enjoyed the cave tour. It's a really cool place to go to. We had a baby and adults; some areas in the cave are a bit low, so you have to watch your head. The activities are pretty cool. Be ready for an adventure for sure. Everyone in our group had a great time. Very informative tour. I've lived in Colorado practically all my life, and it was my first time visiting. I highly recommend getting out to see it. also has such fresh air.

Super cool cave tour. I did the regular (non-lantern) tour. You explore quite a bit but it's definitely a beginner tour. Flooring is level, smooth, and clean. Nothing to worry about with getting your shoes dirty. Couple ladders you need to climb so if you can't climb a ladder for some reason I wouldn't recommend going. Saw people of all sizes on the tour and everyone made it thru the low height spaces. I definitely want to come back and do the haunted lantern tour!

4.7(10158)

4.5(2910)

100 Cave of the Winds Rd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829, USA

10

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Prominent mountainside conservation park with 700-plus animals & the world's largest giraffe herd.

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Offering an authentic Rocky Mountain experience, the Cheyenne Mountain resort has over 300 guest rooms for visitors to choose from, many of which offer extraordinary mountain vistas. The resort is perfect for rejuvenation and relaxation and guests can spend their time exploring the 200 acres of scenic beauty that surrounds them. Other things to do on the property include getting pampered at the Alluvia Spa and Wellness Center, playing a round of golf on the 18-hole Pete Dye course, playing a game of tennis in one of the 17 indoor/ outdoor courts, working out at the fitness center, or taking a dip in one of the five indoor/outdoor swimming pools.

Ranked among the best zoos in the country by USA Today and America's only mountain zoo, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo spans 140 acres and features more than 750 animals across varied terrain, as well as fun Mountaineer Sky Ride over the Rocky Mountain goats and grizzly bears. You don’t need to be a child to enjoy a zoo—not to mention the award-winning Cheyenne Mountain Zoo!. Located only ten minutes from our resort, this unique zoo experience guarantees genuine animal interactions.

Home to everything from alligators and Amur tigers to lions, leopards and orangutans, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo makes for a fun and family-friendly day out. Set just to the southwest of the city on the slopes of Cheyenne Mountain, it has the distinction of being the highest zoo in the States, lying at an altitude of 2,046 meters. Since first opening in 1926, it has expanded, and is regularly ranked among the best zoos in the nation.

Lions and tigers and bears (oh my!) … not to mention elephants, giraffes, and more … Encounter all these critters at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Ranked one of the best zoos in the country, this family-friendly zoo is one of the must-see Colorado Springs tourist attractions. The only mountain zoo in the United States, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is home to hundreds of animals, including a number of endangered species.

America’s exclusive and only mountain zoo that nurtures the largest Giraffe herds in the world, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is also home to plenty of diverse animals in around 200+ species. The huge alpine forests serve as a habitat to over 800 animals including monkeys, hippos, tigers, snow leopards and bears. The encounter Africa exhibit within the zoo which serves as a new home to African el...Read more

Located more than 6,700 feet above sea level, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is the “highest” zoo in the United States, and it’s one of the only ones in the world to be built into a mountain. It’s home to hundreds of animals, including several endangered species, and it’s a registered nonprofit organization dedicated to conservation and wildlife preservation. What does this mean for you as a visitor?

Voted Trip Advisor’s® #5 Zoo in the Nation and one of the best zoos in the world, Cheyenne Mountain is sure to thrill any animal enthusiast. Have an up-close-and-personal encounter as you hand-feed a giraffe, watch African Elephants splash around in a lagoon or fly over the zoo in your own personal chairlift- overlooking the city. Even enjoy a brew or glass of wine at Rocky Mountain Barbecue Co.

Situated at an elevation of nearly 6,800 feet, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is recognized as America’s highest zoo in relation to sea level. This sprawling zoological park is located southwest of downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado. The zoo is home to a variety of fish, mammals, plants, reptiles, amphibians, and birds for visitors to explore and learn about.

Recently named the 4th Best Zoo in North America by USA Today, this zoo is the highest in the nation, at 6,714 feet above sea level. Along with exhibits of Asian, African, Australian and Rocky Mountain animals, “America’s Mountain Zoo” offers special experiences with meeting and feeding animals, connecting with keepers, and much more.

Located 6,714 feet above sea level, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers guests the ability to experience and explore over 30 species of endangered animals. It's important to note that this isn't your average zoo. At Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, you can feed giraffes by hand and even explore the area in an open-air chairlift ride.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a unique attraction located in beautiful Cheyenne Canyon. It has one-of-a-kind exhibits that allow you to get up close and personal with the animals. You can hand-feed lettuce to one of the largest reticulated giraffe herds in the world, walk next to wallabies, and listen to lions roar.

Location: 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is located near downtown Colorado Springs and is officially the highest zoo in America in terms of elevation. There are more than 750 animals that live there including a few different endangered species.

Hand-feed the famous giraffe herd at America’s mountain zoo, consistently ranked a top-ten zoo in the U.S. Explore its natural mountainside setting and get closer than ever to rare, endangered and native animals. Waddle alongside penguins and visit hippos at Water’s Edge: Africa.

We like going to zoos and have been to many around the world. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is names the 4th best zoo in North America. And if you are traveling to Colorado Springs with kids, this is one stop you won’t want to miss.

Kids and family members who love animals should definitely visit this local zoo. At Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, there are over eight-hundred species of animals. This unique zoo also has the highest elevation of any zoo in America.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has a number of free trade and repurposed gifts whose proceeds go back to Kenya and Sri Lanka; like giraffes made out of recycled saris and journals made from elephant poop.

4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo RdColorado Springs, CO 80906(719) 633-9925. Established originally in 1926, this 40-acre zoological park is the perfect pit stop for families.

Hand feed the giraffes, hop with the wallabies, sing with the budgies, and enjoy hundreds of animals at America’s ONLY mountain zoo.

Another great spot to find a good view of the city is the local zoo, built high above Colorado Springs. Photo Credit: Brandi Korte.

I have to admit I wasn’t all that excited to visit Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. I figured this zoo would be the same as any other zoo.

This zoo is so good! If you're local I would definitely recommend a membership as it's a much better deal. We come every couple weeks and the kids are never bored. It's a bit of a hike in places so wear comfy shoes and I always bring my stroller for the younger kids and to pile our stuff on. Feeding the giraffes is always a highlight. Parking is free and they have a few options for eating but we always pack a lunch. Will definitely be returning often!

COZY AND UNIQUE LITTLE ZOO! LOVE GIRAFFES? MUST SEE! The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a little out of the way but well worth it. I've been to tons of zoos but this one was unique in its location and a far more relaxing experience than some of the larger zoos in the states. If you love Giraffes, this is a must stop. There are eateries on site with amazing views from decks and a one-of-a-kind view from the gandola lift up and down the mountain.

The thing that sets the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo apart from other zoos is the number of ways you can get up close and interact with the animals. Most animals have feeding experiences (giraffes, tigers, elephants, goats, chickens, birds) that are reasonably priced compared to similar experiences at other zoos. There are also multiple ways to interact with the environment as you make your way around (two interactive plays areas, beavers dens, caves, large sculptures to climb). It felt like equal parts modern art gallery and zoo in places and made for a great immersive experience. Many of the animals were active while we were there and staff went out of their way to interact with guests and answer questions about the animals. The only underwhelming exhibit, IMO, was the reptile and bird house. It had more of a pet store vibe looking at the snakes. For how well designed the rest of the exhibits are, I felt like they could do more in there. If you want to buy food they offer a decent selection of standard zoo food (burgers, pizza, hot dogs, ice cream), although prepare to pay zoo prices. I appreciated that they sold specialty coffee drinks at the Cozy Goat that were decent. We went at lunch time, and while it was hectic and busy, the line moved quickly. Be prepared to walk! Lots of incline walking because the zoo is in the side of the mountain. I loved the unique views this provided and the extra exercise, but for those not able to walk far, they offer a shuttle around for $3/day. The ski lift wasn't operating when we went, but looks fun! There's also a carousel to ride for a fee.

4.8(17180)

4.5(4298)

4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, USA

11

Pikes Peak

Mountain peak

Outdoor Activities

14,115-ft. pink granite peak featuring hiking trails with stunning views, climbing & campgrounds.

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According to the Colorado Springs Visitor Center, "The Jicarilla Apaches, who lived in the Pikes Peak region around 1000 AD, passed on legends of a cave where the Great Spirit of the Wind resided", this cave is speculated to be the very same cave!. This particular cave has had guided tours since 1881. Take the Discovery Tour (a 45-minute tour) or the Lantern Tour (a 90-minute tour). Tours leave every 15-30 minutes (depending on the tour) and since they close at 9pm, the last tour leaves at 8:30pm.

Pikes Peak (14,110ft) may not be the tallest of Colorado's 54 14ers, but it's certainly the most famous. The Ute originally called it the Mountain of the Sun, an apt description for this majestic peak, which crowns the southern Front Range. Rising 7400ft straight up from the plains, over half a million visitors climb it every year.

Explore Pike’s Peak, be it by driving up, hiking up, or taking a Cog Train to view the beautiful vistas from above. Visit Garden of the Gods, home to crazy red sandstone rock formations that are as much as 300 million years old, or spend the day at the North Cheyenne Canon Park, known for its diverse plant and animal life.

If you want to see the view from the top of Pikes Peak, which Katharine Bates described in "America the Beautiful," head up this 14,115-foot…

Day 3: Visit Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, then Drive to Estes Park Start Early in Garden of the Gods

Hiked up through Barr trail and drove back from the top. Thanks to my friend who came up in his car to pick us up. Hard and enjoyable hike with beautiful views along the way. Views from the top were stunning! Would love to travel in the train next time. Our drive down was really fantastic with lot of great stops to enjoy the nature and views!

I’m terrified of heights and I had to drive along those narrow roads with those steep drop offs but I’d do it again to see that view. It really makes you appreciate nature and just how vast the Rocky Mountains are. My photos couldn’t do it justice but just go and see it. If you’re considering it just go do it. Also try the Pikes Peak doughnuts at the cafeteria and check out the gift shop!

Wow!! Is the best way to describe this experience. The drive up takes about an hour and it is best to go slow and steady especially around the turns. The view driving up is beautiful but once you get to the top, WOW it is just amazing. It was cold when we went but the experience is so worth it, just dress appropriately. Also don't forget to stop along the way up because there are some really beautiful places to see and take photos. 😊

4.8(3407)

4.5(6197)

12

Historic Arkansas Riverwalk

Recreation center

Outdoor Activities

Riverfront promenade with family-oriented activities & events including boat rides & concerts.

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It's more than a 1.3 mile loop on a 32 acres urban waterfront. The walkway was completed in October 2000, in which the Arkansas River was returned to its historic location in downtown Pueblo. It was diverted from downtown in 1921 after the devastating flood that destroyed Pueblo. It's a beautiful walk along the river and amongst many historic buildings

When family or friends come see us we take them down by Arkansas river and Pueblo loves it. Most taking the grandkids down their around 5-6pm they can see the wild animals

We were here in the morning and there were only a few other people walking around. It was February so the water was drained and there were no boats going. We still had a really good time. The kids loved all the different statues.

4.6(3394)

4.5(536)

101 N Union Ave, Pueblo, CO 81003, USA

13

Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center

Wildlife refuge

Nature & Parks

Nonprofit sanctuary for wolves & wild canines offering guided tours & conservation programs.

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Brought my daughter and my 2 grandsons (7 & 10 years old) to learn about the wolves. The tour and educational information is well worth their prices. I can not speak highly enough about the people working here who interacted with us. They are very well informed, personable, and genuinely care for these wonderful animals. I would do this tour again when we come back to Colorado. Next time I’m hoping to do the VIP.

It was okay, not good, not bad - it would have been great if we weren't going for a toddler... not a toddler experience! The website made it seem like they only had tours on certain days and since they list business hours straight through the day, we assumed that you could just walk around on your own if it wasn't a tour / Wildlife encounter time. So just for anyone else wondering, even if you do pay, you cannot walk around without being on a guided tour beyond the 2 front fences and the check-in building. The gal at the check-in desk said they did have room for us on the tour if we wanted to join, and it would have been $25 (per adult) for each of us and $15 (per child) for our 2 year old child. Our 2 (almost 3) year old just wouldn't have had the patience for or really care to take a tour (and I'm sure the guides and everyone else on the tour appreciated not having a 2 year old talk through the entire tour asking 8 million questions over and over about the animals and running around)... he just wanted to go see the animals from a distance, like the National Wildlife Refuge. And I'm pretty sure all the tours go inside the enclosures, which he is also not ready for and could not behave safely - they do say on their site tours are not recommended for anyone below the age of 5, and I'd agree with their recommendation; however, I didn't realize that basically meant do not visit if you are under the age of 5 since it's only meant to be a tour guided facility - nothing you can pay an admission to just view from behind the fenced areas. Our son did get to see a couple foxes that were in the 2 front fences in the entry way, and the gift shop had a really nice variety of products though, so if it's on the way, you could go just for that if you have a toddler or baby... but know it's a quick trip and you won't see much of anything. We won't go back until we have a child old enough to do the tour safely and who would want to actually understand and care about the tour to make it worth the time and $ for us.. and to respect everyone else trying to listen to the tour, but we would like to come back when that time comes.

One of the most amazing experiences I’ve had, it’s a must see for sure. I received such crucial information on the importance of saving these beautiful creatures. Our tour guide was one of the best I’ve had on any tour. She had so much information for us but shared in the most fun way. The wolves were beautiful, endearing and when they howled! Wow. You have to go!

4.8(1999)

4.5(463)

4729 Twin Rocks Rd, Divide, CO 80814, USA

14

Pueblo Zoo

More than 400 animals, plus hands-on exhibits & a feeding area in a historic, year-round park.

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I’ve been coming here for about 24 years, never had a bad experience. But I wanted to shout out the people upfront in the gift shop and admission office. Diana and her associate (I didn’t catch her name. She had a long ponytail ) but they were both so extremely nice and they really made our visit; the best it’s ever been. They handled us with extreme respect and customer service. And treated us like a long time friend of the zoo. And again, I will be back next time. To my home zoo.

We love our Zoo! My daughter just turned 1, and she loves coming here all the time. Being a zoo member has made our trips affordable, I highly recommend supporting them and becoming a zoo member ❤️

Quiet, beautiful, little zoo. Loved that there weren't throngs of people crowding up the place!! Very easily accessed all animals. Staff was very informative!

4.3(2557)

4.0(182)

3455 Nuckolls Ave, Pueblo, CO 81005, USA

15

Gold Mine Tours Inc .

Former gold mine features group tours of its subterranean facility, plus tram rides & exhibits.

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An absolutely amazing experience to be able to go down 1000ft into the earth! The tour guides are extremely knowledgeable on all that is mining and will happily answer any questions that you may have. It was a fun adventure and it was so cool how the guides gave us demonstrations on the mining equipment. I Highly recommend this tour.

Best tour ever!!! Sara was our tour guide and she is amazing! Fun, knowledgeable, and knows everything about the mine. We are definitely going back with our kids next time. Thank you so much Sara and all other staff that was there!

Highly recommend to anyone in the area! Definitely one of the coolest interactive tours that I have ever been to! The tour guide was awesome! He was very funny & informative. He gave lots of time for questions and educational information on the history of mining. Going down the mine shaft was a bit scary for me just because of the confined area on the way down but it opens up once in the tunnels. It is safe and honestly well worth the money! 10 out of 10 would go back

4.8(1180)

5.0(715)

9388 CO-67, Cripple Creek, CO 80813, USA

16

Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad

Entertainment

Tours

Scenic Railroads

4.0(334)

520 E Carr Ave, Cripple Creek, CO 80813, USA

17

Phantom Canyon Rd

Sights & Landmarks

Scenic Drives

4.5(200)

18

Museum of Friends

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This place is AMAZING. The first floor features traveling exhibits which are switched out every few months. The upper floor features a permanent collection and it is mind-blowingly amazing. It felt like I was swimming in art. Artists that I have heard of before, and many artists that I have never heard of before. A little local art, and a lot of New York art. You get a little taste of the Colorado communes from the '60s. Loads of fabulous printwork. Sculpture, pencil drawings, ink drawings, mixed media, collage, oils on canvas and other substrates, acrylics, photography, watercolor, even broken glass. There's also one whole room devoted to Hawaii and Pacific island art and craft, and stepping foot into this room felt like I was catapulted into another world. I can't believe that this quality, variety, and sheer volume of art is right here in downtown Walsenburg! Absolutely worth your while. You can book a tour through their website. Please be sure to make a monetary donation.

This is a delightful local museum with a lot of eclectic art. They also run a children's art program, where the kids get to paint planter boxes to put out in front of the museum. There's also a nice colorful mural across the road in the park. The tour was very informative and surprisingly they even have an entire room devoted to native Hawaiian art! We enjoyed visiting very much. As far as the guy complaining about the elevator...well, it's a very small elevator with a CLEARLY posted sign stating that the maximum allowed is 8 people or 1400 pounds. With how big Americans are...well, just saying if you overloaded the elevator and got stuck, that's your fault. Chances are by doing that you cost the museum quite a lot of money in repairs.

I found Maria and Brendt warm engaging and inspiring. The MOF is a Radiant Cactus Flower in the Desert. Their selfless dedication to integrating world renowned art and providing transitional opportunities for community service to local residents adds a whole new dimension to how art affects a community. Everyone passing through Walsenburg should stop and visit MOF and be prepared to take the time to immerse your mind and soul to absorb the incredible art. The expansive and open exhibit lends itself to just stand and concentrate on the artist's vision and also drink in the the amount of patience and love manifested in each piece. Brendt and Maria are a treasure trove of knowledge and are selfless in their dedication to bringing art to the desert and supporting the Walsenburg community. Your visit and donation to MOF will ensure Maria's and Brendt's legacy lives on.

4.5(45)

5.0(83)

109 E 6th St, Walsenburg, CO 81089, USA

19

Trinidad Lake State Park

State park

Nature & Parks

Park

Scenic state park with 800-acre lake offering fishing, hiking, camping & summertime family programs.

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Great place, looks like the roadway has been recently re paved, electric hookups work fantastic. Clean and well maintained. Has Archery Range 🎯, unusual feature. We will come back again

This is a wonderful place in SE Colorado. The lake is low and we were unsuccessful fishing. However, the campground was beautiful and we had great views of fishers peak. There is water available at the entrance and the sites are large but the campground is a little tight.

We stop here on our way northwest after a 10 hour drive. 4th visit I think. 25% occupied; were there on weekdays. Coin operated shower! Family bathrooms so we can shower together. Beautiful fishing lake. Sites in the upper 40s have great lake views.

4.5(1114)

4.5(155)

32610 Colorado 12, Trinidad, CO 81082, USA

20

Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center

Visitor center

Nature & Parks

Facility offering exhibits & a short film about the park, plus a bookstore, snacks & souvenirs.

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This place just doesn’t make sense. It’s incredibly beautiful and a wonderful place to camp! It has great meadows, mountains and of course huge sand dunes. This park is absolutely worth the adventure. The pictures DO NOT DO THIS PLACE JUSTICE. Definitely going back.

This is a hidden gem. It seems like nearly no one knows that there is a national park in the middle of the Colorado mountains that has miles and miles of sand dunes. Yes it feels like and looks like you are in the middle of the Sahara desert but you are in the mountains of Colorado! It is truly eerie that there are 700 foot sand dunes that you can climb and literally walk for miles in sand dunes in the middle of the Colorado mountains. But be prepared for a tough hike up towards the top, the 2 mile hike feels like four since you are walking in sand. Yes it is a bit off the beaten path but definitely worth the trip. Truly a must visit, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

When we went the visitor center was only the gift shop. All of the exhibits and theater were closed, due to Covid, so we weren’t able to have the full experience. You can buy your souvenirs here. NOTE: they do NOT sell or rent sleds or boards here. If you are planning to sled or board, you must buy or rent beforehand. I’d like to go back sometime to experience the rest the visitor center had to offer:

4.7(1774)

4.5(703)

11999 CO-150, Mosca, CO 81146, USA

21

Zapata Falls

30-ft. waterfall reachable by a brief crevasse hike wading through water & over slippery rocks.

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Easy drive up, even for a 2WD. Great views of the Crestones and Dunes!. Bathrooms are at the trailhead. Easy hike to the "cave" entrance. Microspikes are definitely recommended for going into the cave in the winter. Gorgeous ice formations on every wall! The frozen falls were amazing, with water flowing behind the clear ice.. Really cool to watch! Definitely worth the trip!!

Absolute must stop and make the hike out to the falls. It was an easy hike (very rocky). In late April the falls we’re still mostly frozen but made the walk out a bit easier. SO beautiful!!!

Very nice short hike. We really enjoyed the scenery here. They were working on the road when went there so the drive up wasn't as smooth as it could be.

4.7(183)

4.5(387)

22

Sand Dunes Recreation

Public swimming pool

Nature & Parks

Outdoor pool for year-round use, with a water slide, volleyball, basketball & more, plus a hot tub.

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We travel with our RV from Fort Collins (about 5 hours) to visit this pool. We’ve visited 3 times in the past 4 years for Spring Break. The views are so pretty! The staff is really friendly. The campgrounds are kept neat, and the restrooms are clean and well stocked. The pool is great! When we visited, the temperature ranged from just above freezing in the morning to the 50s at the peak of the day. The water temperature varies depending on how close you are to where it fills, but there isn’t a cold spot in the pool. There’s a baby pool for the little ones, and the big pool goes from 3ft to a deep end with diving boards. The ladies showers were completely clean. There’s free air to fill your inflatables for the pool. The kids love the snack/gift shop, and you can rent water toys if you don’t bring your own. The grille has a great variety of really yummy foods.

We stayed three nights in our pop up camper here while exploring Great Sand Dunes National Park. Nice facilities for camping, clean restrooms and laundry facilities. They also have a well stocked gift shop and boards for the dunes you can rent on site. The hot spring fed pools were a great way to relax after a morning of exploring the Dunes. The Greenhouse was great if you want a little quieter atmosphere (21+) out of the wind. Awesome atmosphere with all the plants, plus the food and drinks at both pool side areas were tasty. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area!

The Green House is the BEST! We had the most fun and relaxing day here. It’s an adults-only enclosed area with 5 pools/tubs of varying temperatures of natural hot springs water. The hottest tub was around 111* and is called “coffin”. Then, you can cool off in the other various pools. We went in the middle of the winter, and spent all day here. They have a restaurant and a bar with a lot of variety in food and drink. On the grounds they also have a family friendly outdoor pool, snack bar, gift shop and golf simulators. It’s welcoming to tourists and locals alike. I hope to go back again someday!

4.7(1374)

4.5(185)

1991 Co Rd 63, Hooper, CO 81136, USA

23

Colorado Gators Reptile Park

Wildlife park on a fish farm with albino alligators, crocs & snakes, plus gator-wrestling lessons.

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You would think the only good gator parks in the US would be in Florida, but not the case at all! Our family visited a great Gator park in Florida two years ago and had a blast, BUT, this park here in our home state of Colorado DEFINITELY measured up, and was actually MORE interactive than the one we visited in Florida. We stopped by this park on our way home from our Spring Break vacation in Pagosa Springs. My kids were fascinated and thrilled by the opportunity to hold a variety of snakes, feed tortoises, and take a picture with a baby alligator. Of course, there were PLENTY of adult size gators of all sizes and ages that we got to see and even feed as well. The bucket of food for the gators is only a couple of dollars, but you can get one for free by bringing in a coupon found in a brochure at nearby hotels. The staff knows what they are talking about and went ABOVE and BEYOND to make sure our family had a truly interactive and enjoyable experience! As a child of the 90's it was a major thrill for me to see the famous gator featured in Happy Gilmore. His name is Morris, and he has his OWN large enclosure where he can roam freely and enjoy his retirement from decades in film and TV industry. Again, a GREAT EXPERIENCE!

This place was SO COOL! I am in total disbelief that such an interesting and unusual place exists in the mountains or Colorado. You get a VERY up close and personal experience at the park. The staff is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic - they really went above and beyond to make sure my questions were answered. The alligators are gigantic. There are tons of turtles roaming around freely, a few exotic birds, and tons of snakes and lizards (don’t worry, those are behind glass). The whole thing is really jaw dropping! I’m so glad I got to mark this place off my bucket list, but I’ll be back. Amazing!

We loved this place! We were greeted by such friendly tortoises who loved the lettuce and the petting. Then to the snakes, monitors, etc, then over to the tilapia tanks where we tossed our handful of feed and watched them resembling more like piranha in the feeding. Then over to the alligators, crocodiles and more. I highly encourage all to go and support this wonderful venture. Review written by the writer of Last of the Knowers.

4.7(1741)

4.0(248)

9162 Ln 9 N, Mosca, CO 81146, USA

24

Rio Grande Scenic Railroad

Rail museum

Tours

Scenic Railroads

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This is one of the best train rides you’ll ever get! I rode from Alamosa to La Veta and return. The staff was very friendly and down to earth, and there was enough food on the train to stuff us silly. For the last hour of the trip we picked up a violinist which topped off our day tremendously! The scenery was awesome, with the exception of the recent wildfires taking out most of the fall foliage, but the great train ride makes up for this! I highly recommend this ride to anyone wanting to truly experience passenger rail the way it was meant to be.

The wine train ride was super fun. Our guide was very sweet and knowledgeable and you could tell he loved his job. The food was delicious. I have it 4 stars because the day of the event we received an email saying wine would not be served on the train. We did get some before and after but we missed it on the train. Would have been nice to have a glass while listening to the beautiful musician play in the New Orleans car. Otherwise beautiful event.

Great day of beer tasting, food and music. Beautiful scenery. Well managed event. The trip up the mountain seemed a little too long.

4.6(354)

4.0(229)

610 State Ave, Alamosa, CO 81101, USA

25

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

Railroad company

Tours

Scenic Railroads

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Did the Antonito Express Half-Day Trip. The train ride was great. Rode in the open car for half the ride. A crew member gives a tour along the route. The scenery is great. You get great views of the mountains, hills, and valleys along the way. It can get windy and a little cold climbing the mountains, so you might want to bring a jacket. The half-day trip only has snacks and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. You might want to bring your own food and drinks. Definitely worth the price.

Lovely fall train ride. A bit pricey considering there was no hot lunch as advertised. Seems there was a kitchen fire just a few days before we went. The did brown bag lunches, turkey sandwich, chips, apple, and some sort of cookie thing. Drink choices were mediocre lemonade and water. The train left the station late on the way out. Our return trip was very slow as the engine seemed to be having an issue. We even had to stop partway back because the engine was over heating. The scenery was exquisite though. I'd go again some day.

This was a great day trip! We stayed in the general/main cabin and it was a nice experience! Very scenic and the guides/volunteers have a lot of great information! The lunch was a big cafeteria style lunch (nothing to write home about, but wasn’t terrible either). The train does turn around at the top so you get to see both sides for the different views on your trip!

4.7(408)

5.0(439)

5234 US Hwy 285, Antonito, CO 81120, USA

26

Bachelor Rd

Sights & Landmarks

Historic Sites

Geologic Formations

4.5(183)

27

Treasure Falls

National forest waterfall reaching 105-ft. accessed via 2 hiking trails from a parking lot.

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Really nice falls and just a short hike. But you can see it from the parking lot as well. But it's well worth the short hike.

Treasure Falls is literally a drive up waterfall. It plunges 105-feet and is a one-mile round trip hike up to the falls, from the parking lot. The trail is steep and often muddy. The parking lot is generous, but often full. If you just want to view the falls its a quick visit. Otherwise plan on at least an hour to hike, depending on the trail conditions and one's skill. Wear appropriate footwear. It's located right on Hwy. 160, about 15 miles East of Pagosa Springs. the parking pullout is on the right. I loved being able to see the falls from the parking lot.

Awesome frozen waterfall off the side of the road. Don’t recommend following the “path” right up the middle. Stay on the actual path. A little icy and recommend spikes.

4.8(181)

4.5(903)

28

Piedra Falls

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Short walk to an absolutely incredible view. 0.5 mile each way, some of the trail is tough due to large boulders and there is one section that is very narrow. When you get to the falls you can get some amazing views and cool off by doing your feet in the water!

Amazing hike. Very slippery when snow falls but the rocks and scenery is amazing. The water falls viciously and is very loud and calming

Really nice waterfall. Drive was long but nice. Mostly gravel roads, but they were good. Beautiful hike, almost wish it was longer than 1/2 mile to the falls. Got there early and no one was there so got to enjoy the waterfall all to myself. Felt like there was no one around for miles. Facebook: ZenAdventures Instagram: AdventuresZen

4.7(54)

4.5(144)

29

Chimney Rock National Monument

Archaeological site

Sights & Landmarks

Sprawling site with ruins of 200 structures from a native Pueblo settlement dating back 1,000 years.

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Very remarkable spot. We were guided by an awesome guide and learned a ton of history about the site. The visitors center improvements are coming along nicely as well and this will be an even more lovely monument very soon.

A great place of historical importance as many writers in the first half of ninteenth century have mentioned about this Chimney Rock in their travel diary during their westward expedition. However, there are signboards warning about abundance of rattle snakes. That says about the lack of maintenance of this place. Moreover, I went there to on Sunday (27 Dec 2021) at 2-30 and the museum was closed. That's the reason I have given 3 stars to this place despite the historical importance of this place.

I'm very happy I made this stop while I was on my way to another point of interest. I learned some very cool information about this place and it was a moderately hard hike that leads you to the Chimney Rock Monument. The views at the top are breathtaking! All the staff was friendly and very informative. Really enjoyed this experience.

4.4(367)

4.5(312)

3179 CO-151, Chimney Rock, CO 81121, USA

30

US-550

Sights & Landmarks

Scenic Drives

Scenic interstate road known as the "Million Dollar Highway" for 1 challenging 12-mile stretch.

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Ouray is also the northern end of the Million Dollar Highway, the awesome stretch of U.S. 550 that climbs over Red Mountain Pass (arguably…

5.0(568)

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