OFF THE BEATEN PATH
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Unearthing Colorado's Natural Hidden Gems
BY ANNETTE BROOKS
Colorado’s natural wonders extend beyond the well-trodden paths of most vacationers. These lesser known spots invite lingering rather than rushing. They encourage visitors to listen to the wind, observe the light on stone, and feel the quiet pulse of the landscape. Far from crowded trails, they leave a lasting impression of wonder and renewal.
PAINT MINES INTERPRETIVE PARK
Located east of Colorado Springs, the plains transition into a remarkable landscape of striped badlands and the 750-acre Paint Mines Interpretive Park. Eroded clay formations reveal swirling bands of pink, yellow, and white, created by mineral-rich deposits shaped by erosion. A network of trails, totaling about four miles, winds through hoodoos and dramatic ridges, where sunlight casts changing shadows across the colorful terrain. The wind carries echoes of history through the silent canyons where these pigments once played a role in Native American ceremonies. Parks.Elpasoco.com/parks-and-recreation/
paint-mines-interpretive-park
BLACK CANYON
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison forms a dramatic chasm that plunges to the river below. Steeper and narrower than many Western canyons, its sheer, shadowed walls drop as much as 2,700 feet. The South Rim Road provides access to overlooks like Painted Wall, where vivid pink pegmatite veins slice across dark gneiss like frozen lightning. Trails such as Warner Point lead to sunset views where the depths turn inky, and stars appear overhead — a place of profound scale and quiet power. NPS.Gov/blca
GREAT SAND DUNES
Did you know that southern Colorado hosts North America’s tallest sand dunes — reaching up to 750 feet? Spanning about 30 square miles within a larger national park and preserve, the landscape is dramatically set against the snow-capped peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Sandboarding and sand sledding provide an adrenaline rush for thrill-seekers. Rent equipment from nearby outfitters in Alamosa or Mosca, Colorado. Seasonal Medano Creek offers a refreshing twist at the dune base. Fed by mountain snowmelt, it flows across the sand in late spring and early summer, creating a natural “beach” where families splash, tube, and chase surge flows — small waves that roll downstream. NPS.Gov/grsa
HOT SPRINGS
Strawberry Park Hot Springs may not be Colorado's best-kept secret due to its proximity to Steamboat Springs, but it's worth mentioning. Nestled along a forested creek, pools averaging around 101–104°F, fed by natural hot springs, cascade into stone-lined terraces, blending hot and cold waters. Steam rises through aspen groves as visitors soak in the mineral-rich pools. Check the website for admission fees. StrawberryHotSprings.com
ZAPATA FALLS
Hidden behind a narrow rock opening at the base of Great Sand Dunes National Park, this approximately 30-foot waterfall is reached by a brief, splashy scramble through a shallow stream — an experience that’s both fun and cooling. Known for its dramatic surroundings and frozen formations in winter, it combines a sense of adventure with sweeping views of the nearby dunes. Since reaching it involves walking through the creek, waterproof shoes are a wise choice. During the summer, the shaded canyon offers a cool escape from the dry, sunbaked valley below.
Unique Manmade Attractions
UFO Watchtower
In the remote San Luis Valley (not far from Great Sand Dunes National Park, along Highway 17) lies an unusual 10-foot observation platform and campground established in 2000 by Judy Messoline. Initially started as a bit of a joke linked to the area’s reputed UFO activity, it has evolved into a full roadside attraction with a geodesic dome, and small. TheOriginalUFOWatchtower.com
Tiny Town & Railroad
This charming miniature village in Morrison dates back to 1915. Originally created by George Turner for his daughter, it features over 100 kid-sized buildings replicating historic Colorado landmarks, homes, and scenes. It includes a working miniature train that circles the park on a short ride, along with a playground.
Bishop Castle
A quirky, hand-built marvel known as Bishop Castle lies in the San Isabel National Forest. Since 1969, Jim Bishop has been constructing this towering stone structure largely by hand. Spiraling towers rise to roughly 160 feet, adorned with wrought-iron dragons and stained-glass accents that gleam in the light. Visitors climb winding staircases to balconies offering sweeping views of pine-covered hills.
