Great Sand Dunes & Southern Colorado
Attractions Guide

Then following attractions are listed in order along a recommended route through Southern Colorado, between Mesa Verde National Park / Durango and Colorado Springs. This drive is quite scenic and has several notable attractions along the way, including one of the least known national parks, the Great Sand Dunes National Park.

You can also follow this destination guide in the opposite order if driving west towards Durango / Mesa Verde instead of east towards Colorado Springs through Southern Colorado.

As you make your way up Highway 160 through the southern part of the San Juan National Forest, be sure to pull-off to view the beautiful Treasure Falls, which can be reached with a very short walk from the parking lot. Very close-by you can stop to admire the striking views over the valley you just drove through from the Wolf Creek Pass Overlook. Afterwards continue east to the massive San Luis Valley.

Southern Colorado's Great Sand Dunes National Park, is another highly recommended attraction, featuring a massive sea of giant natural sand dunes set amongst the mountains. Create your own hiking path in the sand while exploring these stunning vast dunes while enjoying the scenery, such as the abundant wildlife and the beautiful Mount Herard which towers above the dunes.

The tallest dune in the national park is known as the High Dune. There's also the Medano Creek on the side of the dunes, a popular location for visitors to cool off and relax while enjoying the stunning scenery.

Zapata Falls

Nearby the Great Sand Dunes you might hike the short 1 mile (1.6 km) round-trip trail up to rocky and beautiful Zapata Falls, which is located just outside the national park.

Bishop Castle

Much further northeast (before Cañon City) is the famous Bishop Castle, an incredible structure which has been built out of stone by one man over many years.

Royal Gorge Bridge

Finally, if you still have time you might consider visiting the Royal Gorge Bridge further north near Cañon City. This very high foot bridge spans a massive rocky canyon of the Arkansas River and features a small adjacent theme park along the canyon rim.