Brighten up the Holidays Along Roads Less Traveled in Southern Colorado

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Head to southern Colorado this holiday season to discover fewer crowds, great fun and lots of joy!

Sustainability Activity
Travel Like a Local

There are special places and unique vistas around nearly every Colorado corner. You can help ensure these places exist for generations to come by staying on roads and trails, keeping speeds in check, leaving campsites and picnic spots just as you found them, and following instructional signs while you’re out and about in our state.

Day
1
the royal gorge bridge & park photo
Activity
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is open daily. Marvel at awe-inspiring panoramic views from one of the world's highest suspension bridges and enjoy more…
Insider's Tip
Holidays at Royal Gorge
During the holidays, experience the wonder of the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. All of the attractions (weather permitting) remain open over Thanksgiving, Christmas week, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, offering something exciting for families to do that will satisfy people of all ages.
Lunch
Cafe 1230 at the Royal Gorge Bridge
Ever eaten pizza 1,230 feet above a roaring river and extraordinary gorge? Have a slice at Café 1230, one of the most scenic restaurants in Colorado.
Activity
Go Antiquing in Colorado's Antique Capital

With more than 20 antique stores — and growing — Florence boasts the highest number of antique stores per capita in the state. Stop in to find something perfect for you or someone you know.

Dinner
Florence Brewing Co.
Florence Brewing Co; Exceptional Beer, Hometown Atmosphere. We have become your local hometown hangout, and a destination for those who come here to…
Activity
The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey
The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey has been making its own wines since 2002 and has won over 100 awards and medals in prestigious international wine…
Lodging
Florence Rose Bed & Breakfast
Located 15 minutes from The Royal Gorge Bridge & Train in Florence, the antique capital of Southern Colorado. Come relax in our hot tub gazebo as the…
Day
2
Breakfast
Aspen Leaf Bakery and Cafe
Our mission is to provide fast, friendly and consistent service to the town of Florence and any visitors along the way. We hope to provide delicious…
Activity
Drive the Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway

Once you hit Wetmore, the vistas begin a dramatic change. As you ramble along this drive toward Westcliffe, you enter the San Isabel National Forest, where the peaks of the Sangre de Cristo mountains are noticeably closer.

Lunch
Chappy's Mountain View Bar & Grill
A great downtown Westcliffe restaurant and bar with flame cooked steaks, burgers, chicken, dogs and brat's, served with homemade sides or fresh cut…
Activity
Visit Westcliffe's Art Galleries

Join artists and art enthusiasts from across Colorado and the country in the string of galleries in downtown Westcliffe. In just a short stroll, you’ll discover how much the Wet Mountain Valley’s stunning landscape inspires visiting and local artists.

Dinner
Alpine Lodge & Restaurant
Open year round. Quaint mountain cabins nestled among pines and aspens and bordered by San Isabel National Forest with its famous Rainbow Trail to…
Activity
Get Unfettered Views of Colorado’s Night Skies

Because winter nights last longer and are darker, there are more opportunities for observing the night sky. In 2015, Silver Cliff and Westcliffe were recognized by the International Dark-Sky Association as the ninth International Dark Sky Community in the world, the first in Colorado and with an elevation of almost 7,900 feet — the highest in the world.

Lodging
Courtyard Country Inn
Located in the heart of Westcliffe with free electric car charging stations: rooms open directly to the courtyard where you can sit and relax with…
Day
3
Breakfast
Candy's Coffee
If you're looking for amazing coffee in our tiny town, Candy's is the place to be! More than a coffee shop - Coffee, Tea, Espresso, Gazpacho,…
Activity
Stop at a Holiday Market

Several unique holiday markets fill Spanish Peaks Country’s calendar. Begin at the Museum of Friends, the country’s only counter-culture art museum, where their annual Marketplace of Ideas is sure to fill your basket with one-of-kind gifts. Other holiday markets in December can be found at the Gardner Community Center, the Fox Theater and throughout La Veta, an enclave for Colorado artists.

Lunch
Dog Bar & Grill
Long considered the heart and soul of the Cuchara Valley, Dog Bar & Grill is the place to enjoy lunch on the outdoor deck with your favorite…
Activity
Snowshoe or Backcountry Ski at Cuchara Mountain Park

Offering year-around opportunities for motor-free recreation, Cuchara Mountain Park is an exciting place to get out on your snowshoes or backcountry skis and enjoy a pristine, Colorado mountain experience.

Dinner
Alys' Restaurant
Each evening, we offer a delicious selection from our menu choices of lamb, steak, chicken, seafood or vegetarian complemented with fresh vegetables…
Activity
Crafty Canary Brewery
We are a tiny team of craftswomen with a penchant for crafting quality brews and cocktails in the shadows of the beautiful Huajatollas! Between…
Lodging
The Lofts Downtown
The Lofts Downtown is a home away from home for anyone looking to vacation, recreate, or visit the Walsenburg area.