Sights & Attractions in South Central Colorado

Pikes Peak, one of the most famous of Colorado's Fourteeners, forms the backdrop for Colorado Springs. Farther west, the Arkansas River towns of Buena Vista and Salida are within view of the Fourteeners of the Collegiate Peaks. Farther south, the Rio Grande runs through the flat San Luis Valley which is lined by the Sangre de Cristo range. Cuchara Valley, just north of New Mexico, is framed by the Spanish Peaks.

The meeting of Interstate 25 and U.S. 24 is vital to the life and commerce of Colorado Springs. This crossroads was also significant to the Ute Indians who followed roughly the same trails when they ruled the land for centuries. (That's why the road to the city of Woodland Park is called "Ute Pass.") Today the intersection is vacation junction for travelers headed for high altitude and high adventure, using the Springs as a comfortable base camp. With the Front Range always outlining the West, it's hard to get lost.

The most direct route from Colorado Springs to the state's southern border is Interstate 25, but it's certainly not the most interesting. Instead of wedding yourself to the interstate, consider making one of the following loops. If you want to explore these regions, plan on a couple of days for each loop. In a two- or three-day trip you could start in Cripple Creek and Victor, on the far side of the massive Pikes Peak from Colorado Springs, then visit the Florissant Fossil Beds. Next, head to Buena Vista or Salida and, perhaps, go rafting, hiking, or mountain biking before heading back to Interstate 25 via Pueblo. Another option would be to drive to Cañon City and the Royal Gorge (an easy day trip from Colorado Springs); then, if you're heading south from there, go directly to Pueblo on U.S. 50 before rejoining Interstate 25. If you want an off-the-beaten-path trip, head eastward from Pueblo to visit Bents Fort or the parks near La Junta, and then rejoin Interstate 25 in Trinidad. Another beautiful drive is the Highway of Legends, which travels westward through the lovely Cuchara Valley. Instead of following the route right back to Interstate 25, you could keep going west over La Veta pass and down into the Alamosa area. Overnight in the Alamosa area to visit the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Any of these routes will let you experience a variety of south central Colorado's charms.

About the Parks & Recreation Areas

South central Colorado is chock-full of parks and recreational areas, from the mountains in Pike and the San Isabel national forests to the rolling parks owned by the city of Colorado Springs. Strolling on the more-gentle trails, hiking or mountain biking up and down the mountainsides on old logging trails, or driving to the top of peaks provides a nonending series of incredible settings. Almost every chamber of commerce will have a list of local trails in the near vicinity, so when you're asking for general information about the city, ask for a list of trails, too. The Arkansas River flows through this region, so every spring and summer people come here to raft through a mix of challenging white-water rapids interspersed with smoothly flowing sections. Pike, bass, and trout are plentiful in this region: Popular fishing spots include Spinney Mountain Reservoir (between Florissant and Buena Vista), the Arkansas and South Platte rivers, and Trinidad Lake.

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, 307 W. Sackett Ave., Salida. 719/539-7289) is unique because it follows a linear 150-mi stretch of the Arkansas River, from the mountains near Leadville to Lake Pueblo. The Arkansas River is popular for rafting and kayaking, and fisherman love it for the brown trout. There are six campgrounds along the river.

The Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area (Leadville Ranger District, San Isabel National Forest, 2015 N. Poplar St., Leadville. 719/486-0749), northwest of Buena Vista, includes 14 mountains above 14,000 feet and is known for superb hiking, mountain biking, and climbing.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve (719/378-6300. www.nps.gov/grsa) in the San Luis Valley is perfect for walking up (and sliding down) the dunes, hiking on mountain trails, kite flying, and wildlife viewing.

The Pike National Forest (Forest Service Office, 601 S. Weber, Colorado Springs, 80903. 719/636-1602) encompasses millions of acres of public land that stretch along the Front Range and go deep into the Rockies. Pikes Peak is the best-known 14,000-footer in Pike.

Trinidad Lake State Park (719/846-6951. www.parks.state.co.us), 4 mi west of Trinidad, and

Lake Pueblo State Park (719/561-9320. www.parks.state.co.us), near Pueblo, are watersports and lake fishing destinations in the region.

In Colorado Springs alone there are numerous types of parks, including Bear Creek Canyon, Fountain Creek, Garden of the Gods, and Monument Valley Park. El Paso County Parks and Leisure Services (719/520-6375. adm.elpasoco.com/parks_and_leisure_services) can provide information about facilities in the Colorado Springs/Pikes Peak area. The Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department (719/385-5940) is also handy with outdoors information.

Ring of the Peak (www.ringthepeak.com) is a collection of trails, four-wheel-drive roads, and a few roads that circle Pikes Peak. This is a work in progress, and only a portion of the trail system is complete. Altitudes range between 6,400 and 11,400. Check the Web site for trail access.

Monarch, west of Salida, is the nearest ski area.

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