Southwest Colorado

Travel Guide

Mesa Verde National Park which includes tranquil scenes and landscape views
Mesa Verde National Park which includes mountains, landscape views and tranquil scenes
Montrose featuring a sunset, landscape views and a gorge or canyon
Montrose featuring landscape views and tranquil scenes
Montrose which includes tranquil scenes

Home to national parks, dramatic wilderness, ancient Indian cliff dwellings and abandoned mining towns, this corner of Colorado has seemingly endless sights to see.

Ski, drive, hike or bike your way through Southwest Colorado’s soaring mountains, snowy slopes and rugged rock formations. Focus on its national parks, charming villages or historic Indian sites, or discover all the attractions that the region has in store.

Ski or snowboard the famous slopes of TellurideOpens in a new window, nestled among the highest concentration of 14,000-foot (4270-meter) peaks in the United States. Explore the charming former Victorian mining town, full of historic sites such as the Sheridan Opera House and the Telluride Historical Museum.

Don’t miss other smaller but equally charming resort towns scattered throughout the region. Because of its location, largely enclosed by steep mountains, Ouray is called the "Switzerland of America." Crested Butte, a former mining town, is now known as "the last great Colorado ski town." Take a steam-powered locomotive along the heritage railway between DurangoOpens in a new window and Silverton, a historic mining town.

Explore the famous Pueblo cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National ParkOpens in a new window. After touring the Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America, learn about Pueblo culture in the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum. See rock carvings along Petroglyph Point Trail and enjoy panoramic views from Sun Point Overlook.

Experience some of the country’s steepest cliffs and oldest rocks in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Hike along the rims or down into the canyon, camp under the stars and look for elk, mule deer and more along the Gunnison River.

Make your way over the fabled Red Mountain Pass between Ouray and Silverton along the Million Dollar Highway. Enjoy breathtaking vistas as you navigate the narrow road’s hairpin turns. Bike or hike along the Colorado Trail, which stretches for 500 miles (805 kilometers) through six national forests and eight major mountain ranges.

Southwest Colorado offers fun in all seasons, but plan accordingly depending on the time of year that you visit. Snow begins falling in early fall and remains on the ground well into spring. Many places in the region are closed or inaccessible during winter. Outdoor activities are highly dependent on the season.

Where to stay in Southwest Colorado

Durango - Purgatory featuring street scenes, night scenes and a city

Historic Downtown Durango

The abundant dining options and stunning river views are top of the list for many visitors to Historic Downtown Durango. A stop by Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad or Animas River Trail might round out your trip.

Historic Downtown Durango
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Downtown Salida

You'll enjoy the bars and riverfront in Downtown Salida. You might want to make time for a stop at Riverside Park or Arkansas River.

Downtown Salida
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Downtown Pagosa Springs

If you're spending some time in Downtown Pagosa Springs, San Juan River and Nathan's Hippy Dip Hot Spring are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Pagosa Springs
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Downtown Crested Butte

While visiting Downtown Crested Butte, you might make a stop by sights like Sea Level Spa and Trail 403.

Downtown Crested Butte
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Columbine Lake

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Columbine Lake and surrounding area, you can visit Purgatory Resort and Lake of the Pines.

Columbine Lake
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San Juan River Village

If you're spending some time in San Juan River Village, San Juan River is a top sight worth visiting.

San Juan River Village
Elevation Hotel & Spa

Elevation Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
500 Gothic Rd, Mount Crested Butte, Crested Butte, CO
The price is €134 per night from 9 Sept to 10 Sept
€134
9 Sept - 10 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Crested Butte. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Perfect Location
"We had a great stay, the location is amazing, and the staff was super friendly. We know they are about to renovate and some of the age was apparent in the shower and the towels, but other than that, we would love to come back once the reno is finished!"

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

Elevation Hotel & Spa
MTN Lodge Ridgway

MTN Lodge Ridgway

3.5 out of 5
373 Palomino Trail, Ridgway, CO
The price is €182 per night from 6 Sept to 7 Sept
€182
6 Sept - 7 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Ridgway. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"I really liked the staff and that it was newly remodeled and clean. The only thing I was dissapointed in was that there was no breakfast to speak of- there were no burritos available at 8-8;30 and all that was available were a few sandwiches and muffins. I had to go the gas station to get something ..."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

MTN Lodge Ridgway
Comfort Inn & Suites Durango

Comfort Inn & Suites Durango

2.5 out of 5
455 S Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €148 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
€148
14 Sept - 15 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Durango. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,006 reviews)
"Need fresh brewed coffee!!!!! Need to get longer shower curtains or lower the shower rod to avoid leaks. Linens could use some fresh scented fabric softener."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

Comfort Inn & Suites Durango
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cedar Creek Lodging & RV Park

Cedar Creek Lodging & RV Park

1 out of 5
126 Rose Ln, Montrose, CO
Stay at this campground in Montrose. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Black Canyon Golf Course and Buckley Park are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (149 reviews)
"We stayed in tiny house 7 and it was a pleasant little home."

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2025

Cedar Creek Lodging & RV Park
Leland House Suites of Durango

Leland House Suites of Durango

4 out of 5
721 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Durango. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (74 reviews)
"The keyless access is so easy and convenient. The owner/management has thought of everything, except the sheets and pillows. The pristine condition of the accommodation lead me to expect cotton sheets and down pillows. Otherwise, everything was great."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Leland House Suites of Durango
Texan Resort

Texan Resort

3.5 out of 5
860 County Road 142 Box 156, Lake City, CO
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in Lake City. Enjoy free WiFi, a picnic area, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Lake City Ski Hill and Super Naturals Food ...
6.8/10 (239 reviews)
realize these are rustic cabins not luxury hotels
"As with many places in Lake City, staff is limited and often filled with seasonal help. Check in was very informal- key was inside cabin that was rented. However, the primary person in charge (Matthew) was reachable and communicable through text and was extremely helpful in my transition from one ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Texan Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do