South Central Colorado - Nature's Landscape Masterpiece

South Central Colorado stretches from Colorado Springs and the San Isabel National Forest in the north to Alamosa and the Great Sand Dunes National Reserve in the south. Here you will discover a dramatic, unspoilt landscape of mountains, lakes, canyons and rivers %u2026 and some wonderful frontier towns in which to base yourself for an amazing summer or winter vacation. Here are the some of the highest elevations in the US, soaring peaks, national parks, great skiing and enough outdoor activities and adventure to satisfy the most intrepid visitor!

Let's look at three destinations where you could rent a cabin or villa in the south central region. Colorado Springs is of course the biggest city in the area, directly under Pikes Peak. The Front Range makes a very scenic backdrop and the city itself is over a mile above sea level. When you think of the Rocky Mountains, think of Colorado Springs. It's a thriving city of under half a million people and grew up in frontier times as a centre of the gold rush. It became famous because of its healthy air and water and saw an early form of 'health tourism' in the early 1900s. It still retains much Victorian grandeur, particularly on its main street. Now, due to its dry climate,hot summers and over 100 centimetres of snow in the winter, tourists come for the great outdoors and winter sports.

Pikes Peak standards tall and proud above the city, a snowy, granite mountain that rises 4,302 metres into the sky. It is one of the most famous mountains in the USA and is a climber's dream. The Barr's Trail leads to the top and, each year, people walk, mountain bike and even run to the top (though the latter is only recommended for the fittest individuals!). There is even a marathon that ends at the summit. If you prefer to take things at a slightly slower pace, hop aboard the Manitou and Pike's Peak Railway which chugs its way to the top. You can even drive up, taking the very scenic Pikes Peak Highway which is considered one of the best drives in the USA, leaving from Cascade and climbing for just under twenty miles.

Cascade itself is a wonderful place to stay. This is a foothills settlement and suburb of Colorado Springs. It was of course named for the beautiful waterfalls which are near to the small town and is the perfect base for an exploration of the area whether on foot, by bike or car. The Pikes Peak Highway starts and ends here. Also worth exploring from Cascade is the Garden of the Gods park, which is open and free of charge to the public. Here, the landscape and geology is jaw-dropping, rivalling Bryce Canyon. Climbers take on the hoodoos which look like soaring chimney stacks made from pink sandstone. Hogbacks are ancient beds of sandstone, thrust vertically by the powerful forces of the earth. A particular attraction is the Balancing Rock, perched precariously over the road. The entire setting is almost unearthly, certainly unforgettable.

To the west of south central is the pretty mountain retreat of Monarch, also known in the past as Garfield. If you want to truly escape from other tourists, this is the place to stay! It is high in the hills at over 10,000 feet and is home to just a few thousand. Monarch mountain is a ski resort primarily, with over three hundred and fifty inches of pure powder snow every year. You can also ride the gondola to over 12,000 feet, learn to ski or take a snowcat tour.