Gazette, The (Colorado Springs): Old mining region still has plenty that glitters

Imagine a vacation spot that boasts the best of what Colorado offers - whitewater rapids, sand dunes, high valleys - along with reasonably priced accommodations and attractions and lots of family freebies, too. If that sounds like it has the makings of the perfect family vacation, then look no further than the South Central region.

This area stretches north and south from Leadville to the San Luis Valley; Cripple Creek, Caon City and Westcliffe lie to the east and several mountain ranges make up the eastern and western boundaries. Diverse geographic features and an economy that caters to tourists means visitors will have an opportunity for a variety of experiences.

Mining once was an important industry. Leadville, Cripple Creek, Lake City and Creede owe their early existence and survival to the miners who flocked to the mountains searching for their personal fortunes. Visitors can learn about the lives of these early miners and the tools they used at local mine tours and mining museums.

The Arkansas River between Salida and Caon City is a world- famous whitewater rafting and kayak area. Arkansas Headwaters State Park, which extends between Granite and Caon City, is the longest state park in the nation. Fishing is also popular along the Arkansas River.

The South Central region is dominated by mountain views: the San Juans and Collegiate Peaks to the east and Sangre de Cristos to the west.

Visitors can experience abundant wildlife and wilderness opportunities in Rio Grande and San Isabel national forests. The San Luis Valley boasts premier bird-watching opportunities at the Alamosa and Monte Vista National Wildlife refuges and at the San Luis Lakes State Park.

For more

Alamosa Visitors Center, (800) 258-7597, www.alamosa.org

Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce, (719) 395-6612, www.14ernet.com

Caon City Chamber of Commerce, (800) 876-7922, www.canoncitychamber.com

Creede/Mineral County Chamber of Commerce, (800) 327-2102, www.creede.com

Cripple Creek Welcome Center, (877) 858-4653, www.cripplecreek.co.us

Lake City Chamber of Commerce, (800) 569-1874, www.lakecity.net

Leadville Area Chamber of Commerce, (800) 933-3901, www.leadvilleusa.com

Salida Chamber of Commerce, (877) 772-5432, www.salidacolorado.com

San Luis Valley Visitor Center, Monte Vista, (800) 214-1240

Snapshot

CITIES: Alamosa, Buena Vista, Caon City, Creede, Cripple Creek, Fairplay, Lake City, Leadville, Monte Vista, Salida, Westcliffe.

LANDMARKS: Rio Grande and Arkansas rivers, Royal Gorge, San Luis and Wet Mountain valleys, South Park, Mount Elbert (highest peak in Colorado at 14,433 feet), Collegiate Peaks, San Juan and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges, Great Sand Dunes National Monument.

GEOGRAPHY: Mountains, river canyons, large sheltered valleys.

PARKS: Arkansas Headwaters State Park, San Luis Lakes State Park, Mueller State Park, Alamosa and Monte Vista National Wildlife refuges.

ECONOMY: Tourism, farming and ranching, state and federal prisons in Caon City area.

Must see

Great Sand Dunes National Monument

Off U.S. Highway 160 east of Alamosa, (719) 378-2312. Hike and photograph these 700-foot-tall drifts, the tallest in the country. Cost: Adults $3, free for children 16 and under. Annual pass $10.

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

South of U.S. Highway 24 at Florissant, (719) 748-3253. Fossilized tree trunks and many hiking trails. Cost: $2 per person, $4 per family, free for children ages 16 and under.

Royal Gorge

Eight miles west of Caon City on U.S. Highway 50, Canon City, (888) 333-5597. The 1,000-foot-deep Royal Gorge features the world's highest suspension bridge. Drive or walk across the bridge or take an aerial tram ride over the gorge. Cost: $14 adults, $12 children 4- 11.

Cripple Creek casinos

Limited-stakes slots, blackjack tables and poker in a historic setting. (877) 858-4653.

Creede Repertory Theater

124 N. Main St., Creede, (719) 658-2540, www.creederep.com.

Stations of the Cross, San Luis

Trail winds past bronze statues depicting Christ's trial, suffering and crucifixion. Free.

Fort Garland Museum

Fort Garland, (719) 379-3512. Tour this replicated military post. Cost: $3 adults, $2.50 seniors, $1.50 children 6-16, free for children under 6 and for members of the Colorado Historical Society.

Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine

East of Cripple Creek on Colorado Highway 67, (719) 689-2466. Tour of hard-rock mine. Cost: $11 adults, $5 children 11 and under, free for children 2 and under.

Great adventures

WHITE-WATER RAFTING: Arkansas River raft trips, Colorado River Outfitters Association, (303) 280-2554.

TRAIN RIDES: Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, Antonito (888) 286- 2737, www.cumbrestoltec.com. Winding journey in an 1880s steam locomotive between Antonito and Chama, N.M. Adult fares begin at $49.

Royal Gorge Route Railroad, 401 Water St., Caon City, (888) 724- 5748, www.royalgorgeroute.com. Two-hour, 24-mile journey through gorge. Cost: $24.50 for adults, $16.50 for children 3-12.

BIRD WATCHING: Alamosa and Monte Vista National Wildlife refuges and San Luis Lakes State Park.

GHOST TOWNS: More than a dozen ghost towns, mines and mining camps accessible by car, four-wheel drive or on foot. Visit Web site at www.coloradoghosttowns.com to view a tour map.