Colorado: as diverse as it is beautiful
Difficulty
Distance
Recom. Days
Trip type
Colorado Road Trip
Colorado Road Trip
Stop One: Take in the rugged natural beauty of Colorado Springs
Stop One: Take in the rugged natural beauty of Colorado Springs
Located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is known for its lively tourist attractions and rugged natural beauty. Whether you’re into food, hiking, shopping, or bar-hopping, you’ll be able to find plenty to do here for couples, families, or solo travelers alike.
Those who love the outdoors will go wild for the scenery. Colorado Springs is home to rushing rivers and jagged lakes, all explorable on foot, by canoe, or via zipline platforms through the trees.
For those who prefer indoor fun, the city is host to a number of malls, theatres, museums, art galleries, and performance halls.
There’s something for everyone in Colorado Springs.
Visiting
Colorado Springs
1
Recom. Days
71.1 miles
from Denver
1h10min
drive
Visit
Garden of the Gods Park
Hike, bike, or climb some of the most breathtaking rock formations in the area. Admission to the park is free.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
$$
Built into a mountain, this zoo is home to hundreds of species including some endangered. Pricing depends on what day and time you visit.
Pikes Peak
The highest summit of the front range of the Rocky Mountains, the sights from this peak aren’t to be understated.
Eat at
Juniper Valley Ranch
$$
Family-style meals with a homey atmosphere and some of the best fried chicken in the area
Lake Terrace Dining Room
$$$
Sunday brunch here is revered by tourists, locals, and resort guests alike
Shuga's
$$
Sporting an eclectic, globally-inspired menu, the food here matches the decor for its homey but hodge-podge aesthetic
Parking
Colorado Springs Parking
Metered parking abounds in the more central areas. Metered hours are Monday through Saturday, 7 am to 10 pm, and Sunday, 1 pm to 10 pm. All other hours are free to park. Meters charge between $1 and $1.50 per hour, depending on how close to the city center you are.
City Admin Building Parking
$
A good choice for longer stays
2 N Cascade Ave Garage
A well-positioned, well-maintained garage. Rates from $1 to $3
Stay at
Garden of the Gods RV Resort
$$
This RV park sits among Colorado’s historical mountain towns making your RV campground experience ruly memorable. Prices depend on your date of travel
Foot of the Rockies RV Park
Located near downtown Colorado Springs with some of the best views in the area. Prices range from $45 to $55
Pikes Peak RV Park
$$
Snug campground with all the amenities you might need. Prices depend on your date of travel
Stop Two: Take in the giant sand dunes in Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Stop Two: Take in the giant sand dunes in Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in southern Colorado is known for its massive sand dunes and for the seasonal Medano Creek at their base. Its highest dune stands at a towering 755 feet and visitors are invited to climb and explore any part of the 30 square mile dune field.
The park is crisscrossed with trails that lead to wetlands, forests, and alpine lakes including Medano Lake, which hosts trout and tundra wildlife. Whether you fancy a hike or want to try your hand at snowboarding on sand, this national park is well worth a visit.
Entrance to the park starts at $25.
Visiting
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
1
Recom. Days
165 miles
from Colorado Springs
2h33min
drive
Visit
Star Dune
This is the highest dune in the United States. Hiking to the peak is a mission but one that’s well worth the effort
Sandboarding
€€€
This is exactly what it sounds like. Hire a snowboard and take to the sand for a bout of extreme sports in the extreme sun
Ranger Program
Attend a ranger program and get to know the area from an expert. These sessions are free and happen three times a week
Eat at
Oasis Restaurant and Store
€
This is the only place to eat within 25 miles of the park. It’s open April through October
Parking
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Parking
$
There are a number of car parks throughout the park, however, some are only accessible via 4wd. You’re best to visit the visitor center before embarking and carefully checking the road conditions before traveling.
Stay at
Piñon Flats Campground
A National Park Service campground that’s located just one mile north of the visitor center. You’re looking at $20 a night to camp here
Oasis Campground
$$
Located just outside the park entrance, this park has all the amenities you might need. Fees depend on your date of travel
Zapata Falls Campground
Located nearby to the park, this RV park offers primitive camping. Prices start from $11 per night
Stop Three: Indulge your inner history buff in Mesa Verde National Park
Stop Three: Indulge your inner history buff in Mesa Verde National Park
This unique park is well-known for its incredible history and amazing sights. For over 700 years, the Ancestral Pueblo people lived and thrived in the cliffs of Mesa Verde and on the mesas. In the modern-day, the Mesa Verde National Park protects the impressive cultural heritage of 26 tribes and gives visitors to the area great insight into the past.
In this slice of the past, you’re able to tour ancient dwellings, gaze on petroglyphs, and learn more about the area at the local museum. The park is also home to a wide range of wildlife, giving visitors something to spot as they explore the surroundings.
The entrance fee to the park is $20.
Visiting
Mesa Verde National Park
1
Recom. Days
199 miles
from Great Sand Dunes National Park
3h52min
drive
Visit
Cliff Dwelling
$
Attend a ranger-led tour of an Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwelling and experience the past like never before
Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum
$
This museum is an excellent way to learn more about the area. Take in a movie, explore ancient artifacts, and read up on those who used to live in the area
Petroglyph Point Trail
Petroglyph Point Trail is the only way to see petroglyphs in the park
Eat at
Metate Room
$$
Just off the lobby of the Far View Lodge, this comfortable restaurant sports excellent views and a great menu
Far View Terrace Cafe
$
A simple, full-service cafeteria with excellent views
Knife Edge Cafe
$
Located in the Morefield Campground, this simple cafe is famous for its all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast
Parking
Mesa Verde National Park Parking
There is free parking at the visitor center and at the start of each main trail throughout the park
Stay at
Morefield Campground
$$
The park’s only campground, you ought to plan ahead and reserve a spot early if you want to camp here. Pricing depends on your date of travel
Cortez/Mesa Verde KOA
$$
Just 10 minutes drive from the entrance to the park, this RV park is a great choice if you want to basecamp. Pricing depends on your date of travel
Stop Four: Catch a stunning view at Rocky Mountain National Park
Stop Four: Catch a stunning view at Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the United States. It sports 60 mountain peaks over 12,000 feet with its highest, Longs Peak, capping out at over 14,000 feet. As you can imagine, the views from these peaks are well worth the hike to get to them.
The Continental Divide runs north to south through the park and can be crossed either on foot or via the Trail Ridge Road – the highest paved road within the national park system.
There are several ecological zones within the park. The highest zone of the park is the alpine tundra where temperatures drop and wildlife becomes scarce. A little lower sits the subalpine region which is known for its forests and lakes. Finally, the lowest region features lush meadows and copious wildlife.
Whether you’re into hiking or climbing, the Rocky Mountain National Park is rife with adventure and stunning views.
Visiting
Rocky Mountain National Park
1
Recom. Days
415 miles
from Mesa Verde National Park
8 h
drive
Visit
Trail Ridge Road
The highest paved through road in the national park system, this road features dozens of lookouts and is the starting point of many hikes
Forest Canyon Overlook
Stand at 11,716 feet and gaze out over Longs Peak, Stones Peak, Hayden Gorge, and Gorge Lakes
Longs Peak
This hike is extremely strenuous but well worth it for the experience and the views.
Eat at
Trailhead Restaurant
$$
A mountainside eatery with rustic decor and some of the best burgers and steaks in the area
The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern
$$
Featuring live music and outdoor seating, this is a great tavern with an excellent vibe
Bird & Jim
$$
Offers locally sourced meats and casual, rustic dining. Stop in for a glass of hearty wine with your meal
Parking
Rocky Mountain National Park
$
Trailhead parking lots fill up quickly so you’re best to get there early in the day for a spot. There’s also parking at the Alpine Visitor Center and some pull-off stops along Trail Ridge Road.
Stay at
Moraine Park
Striking views of Longs Peak make this primitive campground well worth it for the views. Pricing is between $18 and $26
Aspenglen Campground
Just west of the Fall River Entrance Station in a beautiful pine forest near Fall River. Prices start at $26 per night
Glacier Basin
Primitive camping in a forested setting with excellent views. Pricing starts at $30 per night.
68 miles
from Rocky Mountain National Park
1h34min
drive