Southwest Colorado, CO
Travel Guide
![Mesa Verde National Park which includes tranquil scenes and landscape views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/226000/226183-Western-Slope.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
![Mesa Verde National Park showing tranquil scenes, mountains and landscape views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/226000/226186-Western-Slope.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
![Montrose showing a sunset, landscape views and a gorge or canyon](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/226000/226188-Western-Slope.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
![Montrose featuring landscape views and tranquil scenes](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/226000/226190-Western-Slope.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
![Montrose which includes tranquil scenes](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/226000/226192-Western-Slope.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
Visit Southwest Colorado
Where to stay in Southwest Colorado
![Durango - Purgatory which includes night scenes, street scenes and a city](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/59000/59987-Durango-Purgatory-And-Vicinity.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
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.
![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Columbine Lake
While Columbine Lake might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Purgatory Resort and Lake of the Pines.
![#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](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/84fe9ece78b7efa7350e46d996468c8f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Downtown Salida
You'll enjoy the bars and riverfront in Downtown Salida. You might want to make time for a stop at Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Visitor Center or SteamPlant Theater and Event Center.
![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
San Juan River Village
If you're spending some time in San Juan River Village, San Juan River is a top sight worth visiting.
![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Skyland
While Skyland might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Lake Grant and Slate River.
![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Timber Ridge
While Timber Ridge isn't home to many top sights, The Peaks and Mountain Village Gondola Station are some notable places to visit nearby.
![Leland House Suites of Durango](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/102000000/101560000/101555700/101555660/d2fee956_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on 8 February 2025
![Ice House Suites and Condominiums](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/8000000/7840000/7837000/7836912/c8a20207_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on 1 February 2025
![Hotel Columbia](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1120000/1110100/1110062/1b632d19_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on 2 February 2025
Check Southwest Colorado hotel availability
Popular places to visit
![Purgatory Ski Area featuring snow, mountains and a luxury hotel or resort](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/147000/147680-Purgatory-Mountain-Resort.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Purgatory Resort
Hit the slopes at Purgatory Resort, a top ski area in Durango. Discover the mountain views while you're in the area.
![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](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/0080d4bd05eda58a7dd4af9c0de20e02.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Wolf Creek Ski Area
Hit the slopes in Pagosa Springs with a visit to Wolf Creek Ski Area. Wander the riverfront or discover the area's mountain views.
![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/](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/a56b9ef693e5c91e1e747f28848238f1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
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.
![Telluride Ski Resort which includes a small town or village, snow and snow skiing](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/147000/147389-Telluride-Ski-Area.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Telluride Ski Resort
Hit the slopes in Telluride with a visit to Telluride Ski Resort. Discover the mountain views in this quaint area, or enjoy its hiking trails.
![Crested Butte Mountain Resort showing mountains, a small town or village and snow](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/134000/134873-Crested-Butte-Mountain-Resort.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Crested Butte Mountain Resort
Hit the slopes in Crested Butte with a visit to Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area, or enjoy its hiking trails.
![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.](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/2ac997af0a58b3c65fd5c5e52b7d39ae.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Ouray Hot Springs Pool
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.