Things to Do in Southwest Colorado in 2025

Mesa Verde National Park which includes tranquil scenes and landscape views

Mesa Verde National Park showing tranquil scenes, mountains and landscape views

Montrose showing a sunset, landscape views and a gorge or canyon

Montrose featuring landscape views and tranquil scenes

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What to do in Southwest Colorado

Discover the most popular places to visit in Southwest Colorado

Our journey on the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad was one of the best days of our Colorado road trip. With jaw-dropping vistas at every turn, it is one of the most scenic routes in the US. It's a must for every Colorado bucket list!

http://thetradingtravelers.com/traveling-through-time-on-the-narrow-gauge-railroad/

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

4.5/5(367 reviews)

You can browse the exhibits at Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Durango. Stroll along the riverfront or seek out the hiking trails.

Purgatory Ski Area featuring snow, mountains and a luxury hotel or resort

Purgatory Resort

4.5/5(187 reviews)

Ski, sled and snowboard in winter and bike, hike and ride on horseback in summer at this resort in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains.

Telluride Ski Resort

4.5/5(241 reviews)

Telluride, CO is home to the massive Telluride Ski Resort with more than 2000 acres of skiable snow and many more reserved for the fantastic amenities of the ski village. With 93 trails and 18 lifts, the mountain is welcoming to beginners and professionals alike.

This view of Ouray park is taken from the perimeter trail overlooking the city in the early morning. If you take the trail, get a map from the visitors center or online first as it is difficult to find in some spots, but well worth the views.

Ouray Hot Springs Pool

4.5/5(126 reviews)

Enjoy a trip to Ouray Hot Springs Pool and popular activities like hiking in Ouray. Amble around this quaint area's riverfront, or seek out the ski slopes.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort

4.5/5(243 reviews)

Enjoy thrilling year-round activities at this mountain resort tucked into the Colorado Rockies. Here, the value is in the experiences more than the name.

Traveling through Pagosa Springs in an area known as Wolf Creek, there's a lot of amazing sights, like this waterfall hiding behind the trees!

For more info behind the pictures and stories of my pictures, check out my blog at http://www.travelingken.com

Wolf Creek Ski Area

4.5/5(146 reviews)

Set within the breathtaking scenery of a national forest is a ski resort famous for its deep powder skiing, family-friendly activities and après-ski entertainment.

Mt. Princeton

4.5/5(142 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Mt. Princeton and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Nathrop. Wander the riverfront in this relaxing area.

Mesa Verde National Park Entrance

5/5(265 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Mesa Verde National Park Entrance, a lovely green space in Mancos. While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

Vallecito Lake

4.5/5(44 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Vallecito Lake during your travels in Bayfield. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Southwest Colorado

Mount Crested Butte

The captivating mountain views and stunning ski slopes are top of the list for many visitors to Mount Crested Butte. A stop by Snodgrass Trailhead or Red Lady Express Lift might round out your trip.

Durango - Purgatory which includes night scenes, street scenes and a city

Historic Downtown Durango

5/5(31 area reviews)

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.

Pagosa Springs featuring a river or creek and a small town or village

Downtown Pagosa Springs

While visiting Downtown Pagosa Springs, you might make a stop by sights like San Juan River and Nathan's Hippy Dip Hot Spring.

#adaptivereuse in #Salida #colorado #historicpreservation #architecture According to the website about the facility:"The oldest part of the current building dates to 1887 and Salida’s first public lights were illuminated on December 7, 1887... The power plant was extended between 1909 & 1914 & again between 1929 & 1945... it was acquired by Public Service Company of Colorado in 1924. The Salida steam plant was operated only intermittently starting around 1931, reactivated in 1948, placed on standby in 1958, and retired in 1963, after which the structure was used for storage... until 1989 when the plant was converted into a theater." - salidasteamplant.com

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.

San Juan River Village

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

Telluride Ski Area showing signage and a park

Telluride Historic District

The picture-perfect mountain views and popular ski slopes are top of the list for many visitors to Telluride Historic District. A stop by Sheridan Opera House or Telluride Gondola Station might round out your trip.