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Dallas To Colorado Road Trip: The Ultimate Guide

Dallas to Colorado road trip is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA . The 817 miles of Dallas to Colorado drive takes around 13 hours and 15 mins without stops.

This article includes 15 tips that turn your Dallas to Colorado drive into an unforgettable journey. So if you’re looking for the best hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on the road trip from Dallas to Colorado, take your coffee and keep reading!

Table of Contents

5 Best Hotels On The Road Trip From Dallas To Colorado

On the Dallas to Colorado road trip, you may want to stay at some points. Here are the top five hotels on the Dallas – Colorado route!

1. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Wichita Falls – Msu Area

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Wichita Falls – Msu Area is one of the best hotels; you can stay on the Dallas to Colorado road trip. Driving from Dallas to La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Wichita Falls – Msu Area might take around 2 hours and 12 mins .

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Wichita Falls – Msu Area is a great pit-stop on our Dallas to Colorado road trip. This hotel offers all the modern amenities you need for a comfortable stay. The design of the hotel is aesthetically pleasing and its location is convenient for exploring the city. Guests can make use of the state-of-the-art gym and swimming pool and enjoy a hearty breakfast. The staff was friendly and helpful throughout our stay. I would highly recommend La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Wichita Falls – Msu Area as a great place to stay on your road trip.

Check the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Wichita Falls – Msu Area, one of the best hotels in Wichita Falls, Texas, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.

2. Embassy Suites by Hilton Amarillo Downtown

Another top hotel where you can choose the stay on the road trip to Colorado from Dallas is Embassy Suites by Hilton Amarillo Downtown. Located in Amarillo, Texas, the hotel is 364 miles away from Dallas, and it would take 5 hours and 30 mins to drive.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Amarillo Downtown was a great stop on our Dallas to Colorado road trip. The hotel is conveniently located near the Amarillo Civic Center and Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, perfect for exploring the local area. We stayed in a studio suite and really enjoyed the spacious living area and fully stocked wet bar. We especially appreciated the refrigerator, microwave, and coffee machine – perfect for a late night snack or an early-morning pick-me-up. The staff was friendly and helpful throughout our stay. All in all, Embassy Suites by Hilton Amarillo Downtown provided a comfortable and convenient stop on our journey.

If you want to learn more about the Embassy Suites by Hilton Amarillo Downtown, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com .

3. Raton Pass Motor Inn

Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to the Raton Pass Motor Inn. Raton Pass Motor Inn is located in Raton, New Mexico, and it’s 575 miles away from Dallas. You can arrive there with 8 hours and 47 mins of non-stop driving.

Raton Pass Motor Inn is a great place to stay on a road trip from Dallas to Colorado. It’s 15 individually themed rooms and fun retro vibe make it a unique experience. All rooms are ground level, so you can park right in front of your door. And the views of the mountains and mesas make for a stunning backdrop. The continental breakfast provided is a real treat and the dinner recommendations were great. We stayed in the Sombrero room and were impressed with the colorful Mexican decor, cozy bed, and quiet furnace. Everything was in great condition, and it felt like a home away from home. The museum-like lobby was a great place to enjoy the continental breakfast. Raton Pass Motor Inn is a great option for a Dallas to Colorado road trip.

Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Raton Pass Motor Inn, for more information.

4. Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn & Suites

If you are taking the road trip from Dallas to Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colorado is must have a place you should visit. Plus, Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn & Suites is one of the best hotels in town. The hotel is 731 miles from Dallas, and it would take 11 hours to drive.

Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn & Suites in Colorado Springs, Colorado is an excellent choice for a break on your Dallas to Colorado road trip. The hotel has all the modern amenities you would expect such as a fitness room to keep up your workout routine while you’re on the road. The staff is friendly and accommodating, and the rooms are spacious and spotless. The hotel is conveniently located close to many attractions in Colorado Springs, making it easy to explore the area. All in all, Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn & Suites is an excellent choice for a stop on your road trip, offering great amenities and a convenient location.

If you need more info about the price and availability of Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn & Suites, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.

5. The Oxford Hotel

Our next hotel is The Oxford Hotel, Denver, Colorado. It will take 11 hours and 58 mins of car ride o reach this hotel from Dallas.

The Oxford Hotel in Denver, Colorado is a great place to stop on your road trip from Dallas to Colorado. It is the first of downtown Denver hotels, opened in 1891 and located in the ever-so-popular neighborhood of LoDo. Our room was cozy, spotlessly clean, and had plenty of room to move around. The staff was friendly and attentive, ready to provide any assistance. The Cruise Bar was an amazing place for cocktails, and the bar tender Sarah was really helpful. Breakfast was limited but delicious and nutritious. The housekeeping was faultless. So if you’re looking for a place to rest during your travels, The Oxford Hotel is an excellent choice.

Check the The Oxford Hotel on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of The Oxford Hotel for reviews, prices, and availability.

In this part, we explained five hotels you can stay at on the road trip from Dallas to Colorado. You can pick one of them that suits your taste. Don’t forget to share your experience by commenting on this post. It will help people who will take Dallas to Colorado route.

Now, it’s time to discover the best restaurants from Dallas to Colorado. We have five restaurant recommendations worth your attention.

5 Best Restaurants On The Dallas To Colorado Road Trip

If dining is a pleasure, some restaurants will please you on your Dallas to Colorado road trip. This section lists five restaurants to dine at on the road trip from Dallas to Colorado. Stay hungry and enjoy!

1. Backporch Drafthouse, Wichita Falls

We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on Dallas to Colorado road trip with Backporch Drafthouse, Wichita Falls. Backporch Drafthouse, Wichita Falls is located in Wichita Falls, Texas , and is 143 miles from Dallas. It would take 2 hours of driving.

Backporch Drafthouse, Wichita Falls is the ideal spot for a road-trip pit stop! With generous portion sizes and reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent place to grab a bite while you’re on the go. The selection of beers is comprehensive, and the food is delectable. It’s easy to see why this is a popular spot for locals and road-trippers alike. All in all, it’s a great spot to break up the long drive from Dallas to Colorado – and you won’t be disappointed with the quality of the food or the atmosphere.

For more information about Backporch Drafthouse, Wichita Falls, you can visit the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of Backporch Drafthouse, Wichita Falls.

2. Coyote Bluff Cafe

Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to Colorado from Dallas is Coyote Bluff Cafe. Located in Amarillo, Texas, Coyote Bluff Cafe is 361 miles from Dallas and would take 5 hours and 26 mins of driving.

Coyote Bluff Cafe in Amarillo, Texas is a great spot to stop for lunch on a road trip from Dallas to Colorado. It has a unique, rustic atmosphere, and the burgers are cooked to perfection. The menu offers a variety of options, there’s something for everyone! I was pleasantly surprised by the homemade chips and salsa. The service was friendly and the prices were very reasonable. Coyote Bluff Cafe was a great place to take a break from our long drive. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a place to eat on their road trip.

If you want to learn more about Coyote Bluff Cafe, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .

3. Bruno’s Pizza & Wings, Raton

Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is Bruno’s Pizza & Wings, Raton. It will take 8 hours and 47 mins of car drive to take 574 miles from Dallas to Bruno’s Pizza & Wings, Raton, Raton, New Mexico.

Bruno’s Pizza & Wings in Raton, New Mexico was a great stop on our drive from Dallas to Colorado! We had an amazing experience; the staff was friendly and the service was fast. We ordered the sausage, onion, and pepper pizza and the New Mexican pizza. Both were cooked perfectly with fresh dough and delicious toppings. We also had fried pickles, hot wings, and a garden salad with homemade salad dressing. The salad was of excellent quality and the dressing added a delicious flavor. We were pleased to find that the restaurant was clean and the food was great. All in all, it was a wonderful stop and we highly recommend it for anyone on the road from Dallas to Colorado.

You can check Bruno’s Pizza & Wings, Raton, on TripAdvisor or Google Maps for more information.

4. The Melting Pot, Colorado

The Melting Pot, Colorado deserves to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The Melting Pot, Colorado in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is a great stop on your Dallas to Colorado road trip. The fondue restaurant offers a delicious selection of creamy cheese fondue and savory entrée courses including marinated chicken, steak, and seafood. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available with fresh bread and desserts from the local Coquette Bistro and Bakery. The homemade salads come with homemade dressings, and the dessert menu features mouth-watering chocolate fondue. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, making it a great destination for a romantic evening or a fun night out with friends. The staff is friendly and attentive, making every visit a pleasant experience. So, if you’re looking for a unique and delicious dining experience, The Melting Pot, Colorado is an excellent choice.

The Melting Pot, Colorado is 788 miles from Dallas, and it would take 11 hours and 52 mins of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about The Melting Pot, Colorado, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .

5. Corinne Restaurant

If you enjoy dining, Corinne Restaurant, would be an excellent choice in Denver, Colorado. It’s 793 miles from Dallas and would take 11 hours and 59 mins of car driving.

Corinne Restaurant in Denver, Colorado was an excellent dining experience. The service was top-notch and the decor was beautiful, with seating, tables, and lighting that all combined to create a special ambiance. The portions were generous and the food was delicious. I started with the beet salad and it was excellent. For my main, I had the truffle bucatini that was light and buttery. My partner had the filet mignon and he said it was the best he’s ever had. We both enjoyed our meals and would definitely recommend Corinne Restaurant for any special occasion. It’s a great place to stop on a Dallas to Colorado road trip.

If you want to learn more about the Corinne Restaurant you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .

This section lists our five restaurant recommendations for your road trip from Dallas to Colorado. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 817 miles journey into a feast of taste. Of course, you can choose a suitable restaurant from the list according to your preference. Remember, like you, people planning a Colorado road trip need your opinion. Therefore, we kindly ask you to share your experience with us in the comment field at the end of the blog post.

In the next section, we list the destinations worth seeing along the route from Dallas to Colorado. Keep reading.

5 Places To Visit On The Dallas To Colorado Drive

A unique experience awaits you in Colorado. However, there are also some unique destinations like Wichita Falls, Texas on your road trip. We want to explain the top five destinations we recommend on the Colorado route.

1. River Bend Nature Center

River Bend Nature Center will be the first destination we recommend you to stop by on your Dallas to Colorado road trip. Located in Wichita Falls, Texas, River Bend Nature Center is 142 miles away from Dallas, and it would take 2 hours to drive.

River Bend Nature Center in Wichita Falls, Texas is a great place to visit on a Dallas to Colorado road trip. It provides a unique opportunity to observe the local wildlife in their natural habitat. The 20-acre environmental education area is mainly focused on butterflies and turtles, but also offers a variety of other animals, such as fish and birds. In addition to wildlife observation, the nature center also offers a variety of educational programs and activities like bird watching, hiking, and camping. The center is well maintained and has a friendly staff that is always willing to help out. Whether you are looking for a relaxing nature experience or an educational adventure, River Bend Nature Center is a great place to stop on your road trip.

If you want to learn more about the River Bend Nature Center, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website .

2. Cadillac Ranch

Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, Texas is one of the destinations we recommend you to stop by on the Dallas to Colorado route. It’s 372 miles from Dallas, and it’ll take about 5 hours and 37 mins of driving.

Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas is an interesting roadside attraction that’s definitely worth a visit. It was created by Stanley Marsh III, a millionaire from Amarillo, and features ten classic Cadillacs from the “Golden Age” of the American automobile. These cars have been buried nose-first in the ground and brightly decorated with graffiti. It’s a unique sight to behold and makes for an enjoyable stop along a Dallas to Colorado road trip. Be sure to take some photos and appreciate this creative piece of art.

If you want to learn more about Cadillac Ranch, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website .

3. Sugarite Canyon State Park

One of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Dallas to Colorado is Raton, New Mexico. And if you visit Raton, New Mexico, we suggest you visit Sugarite Canyon State Park. You can arrive at Sugarite Canyon State Park after 8 hours and 49 mins of driving.

Sugarite Canyon State Park in Raton, New Mexico is a great stop along the Dallas to Colorado road trip. It offers a unique insight into the coal mining history of the area, with the concrete foundations of the former mines still standing. There are plenty of hiking trails to explore, with stunning views around every corner. The campground is a great place to spend the night, with plenty of space and amenities. I took a hike near the visitor center, and the scenery was breathtaking. Afterward, I drove 10 minutes to Lake Maloya, which is a great spot for fishing, even though swimming is not allowed. All in all, Sugarite Canyon State Park is a great place to visit and an ideal spot to take a break on the Dallas to Colorado road trip.

You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of Sugarite Canyon State Park for more information.

4. Garden of the Gods

Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado on the Dallas to Colorado road trip. Garden of the Gods is 729 miles from Dallas, and you can arrive there after the 11 hours of drive.

Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado is an incredible place to visit while on a road trip from Dallas to Colorado. The breathtaking geological formations and spectacular views of Pikes Peak are something you won’t want to miss. Rock climbing and nature trails offer plenty of activities to enjoy, while the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center provides plenty of educational opportunities. The stunning landscape is something that will stay with you long after you leave. Whether you’re looking for a few hours and of exploration or an entire day of adventure, Garden of the Gods is an ideal spot on the drive from Dallas to Colorado.

In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of Garden of the Gods before going there.

5. Denver Botanic Gardens

Located in Denver, Colorado, Denver Botanic Gardens ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the road trip from Dallas to Colorado. You must take 11 hours and 58 mins of driving to arrive at Denver Botanic Gardens.

Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street is a must-see on any road trip from Dallas to Colorado. Spanning more than 24 acres, this botanic garden offers a wide range of plants and collections from around the world, including local and tropical varieties. The gardens are breathtaking and well-maintained with plenty of water features, lily pads, and wildlife. The cactus house is a great spot to explore and see some of the more unusual plants. The price is reasonable and parking is free, making it a great stop on your drive. All in all, Denver Botanic Gardens is a great place to take a break and relax while you explore the world of plants.

If you want to learn more about Denver Botanic Gardens, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website .

FAQ of the Road Trip From Dallas to Colorado

Here we are answering the frequently asked questions about the Dallas to Colorado drive.

How Long Is The Road Trip From Dallas To Colorado?

• With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the Dallas to Colorado road trip takes approximately 13 hours and 15 mins to drive. The driving distance between Dallas to Colorado is 817 miles.
• If you want to make the Dallas to Colorado road trip by bike , the time you spend on the road will be 2 days 21 hours .
• If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the Dallas-Colorado route, then you will have to walk for 11 days 7 hours .

Where Do You Stop On Driving From Dallas To Colorado?

There are many beautiful pit stops along the way to Colorado. You can visit Wichita Falls, Texas; Amarillo, Texas; Raton, New Mexico; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Denver, Colorado; ; ; ; ; on the road. Here we list five places to visit for you. For more information about the best places on the Dallas to Colorado journey, you can check the 5 Best Places To Visit On The Dallas To Colorado Road Trip.

• River Bend Nature Center: 142 miles / 2 hours to drive from Dallas | 678 miles / 11 hours and 14 mins of driving to Colorado.
• Cadillac Ranch: 372 miles / 5 hours and 37 mins to drive from Dallas | 449 miles / 7 hours and 42 mins of driving to Colorado.
• Sugarite Canyon State Park: 575 miles / 8 hours and 49 mins to drive from Dallas | 249 miles / 4 hours and 39 mins of driving to Colorado.
• Garden of the Gods: 729 miles / 11 hours to drive from Dallas | 96.1 miles / 2 hours and 27 mins of driving to Colorado.
• Denver Botanic Gardens: 790 miles / 11 hours and 58 mins to drive from Dallas | 68.8 miles / 1 hour and 40 mins of driving to Colorado.

Where Should You Stay On The Road Trip From Dallas To Colorado?

There are many excellent hotels during your road trip from Dallas to Colorado. We have selected five hotels for you. These hotels are listed below. Remember, you can find detailed information about these hotels in the 5 Best Hotels On The Road Trip To Colorado From Dallas section.

• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Wichita Falls – Msu Area: 144 miles / 2 hours and 12 mins to drive from Dallas | 682 miles / 11 hours and 20 mins of driving to Colorado.
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Amarillo Downtown: 364 miles / 5 hours and 30 mins to drive from Dallas | 458 miles / 7 hours and 50 mins of driving to Colorado.
• Raton Pass Motor Inn: 575 miles / 8 hours and 47 mins to drive from Dallas | 243 miles / 4 hours and 31 mins of driving to Colorado.
• Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn & Suites: 731 miles / 11 hours to drive from Dallas | 116 miles / 2 hours and 16 mins of driving to Colorado.
• The Oxford Hotel: 793 miles / 11 hours and 58 mins to drive from Dallas | 67.8 miles / 1 hour and 38 mins of driving to Colorado.

Where To Eat Between Dallas to Colorado?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your Dallas to Colorado drive, you can consider the five restaurants we have chosen. In addition, you can read detailed information about the restaurants in the section titled 5 Best Restaurants On The Dallas To Colorado Road Trip .

• Backporch Drafthouse, Wichita Falls: 143 miles / 2 hours to drive from Dallas | 678 miles / 11 hours and 17 mins of driving to Colorado.
• Coyote Bluff Cafe: 361 miles / 5 hours and 26 mins to drive from Dallas | 457 miles / 7 hours and 52 mins of driving to Colorado.
• Bruno’s Pizza & Wings, Raton: 574 miles / 8 hours and 47 mins to drive from Dallas | 243 miles / 4 hours and 33 mins of driving to Colorado.
• The Melting Pot, Colorado: 788 miles / 11 hours and 52 mins to drive from Dallas | 61.9 miles / 1 hour and 31 mins of driving to Colorado.
• Corinne Restaurant: 793 miles / 11 hours and 59 mins to drive from Dallas | 67.9 miles / 1 hour and 40 mins of driving to Colorado.

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from Dallas to Colorado. We have listed five hotels, five restaurants, and five places to visit on the Dallas to Colorado drive. We have also given you detailed information about each place so that you can make an informed choice about where to stay, eat, and what to see. We hope this guide has helped make your road trip from Dallas to Colorado as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever taken the Dallas to Colorado road trip? So, it would be perfect if you shared your experience with other travelers who want to have the same experience. You can share your thoughts about the road trip from Dallas to Colorado and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.

Video: Colorado Road Trip – Best Places to Visit

In this video you can find out best places to visit in Colorado. We suggest you to check these suggestions before planning your road trip.

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• Long Road Trips from Dallas
• Trips From Dallas

Epic Road Trip Itinerary from Texas to Colorado

Explore Colorado Springs amazing outdoors.  Hit the slopes at Breckenridge Ski Resort. Discover stunning Colorado’s must-sees and hidden gems along the way!

Why Colorado?

Colorado is an incredible State to explore year-round. Think snow in the winter and mild-weather in the summer – does someone else fell like escaping the heat during the excruciating Texas summers?

Colorado’s landscaping is stunning. A jaw-dropping scenery that will leave you breathless curve after curve. It is a travel destination that, if is still not, should be in your bucket list for sure!

I took a road trip from Dallas to Colorado last Spring Break. As one of the objectives of the trip was snowboarding, the route I choose was the one that takes you to the Ski Resorts near Denver through Colorado Springs. 

Breckenridge Ski Resort was my final destination. But of course, I took advantage to explore as many stops along the way as I could : ) And many of them were way above my expectations – it didn’t expect to find such stunning places within a driving distance from Dallas!

Here I share with you my favorite places to visit between Dallas, Colorado Springs and Breckenridge. The suggested itinerary bellow is not the one I took. But an improved version with only the places I loved the most. The route I would take if I ever did this trip again. 

How many days do I need for this road trip?

This road trip is perfect to be taken whenever you have at least one full week off (2 weekends + 1 week). I would consider roughly 4 days on the road exploring the stops mentioned in this post, 2 to 3 days in Colorado Springs and 2 to 3 days in Breckenridge. 

But you can adjust and adapt it to best suit your needs. Or even do it partially. 

Colorado Springs has enough amazing attractions to justify a road trip by itself, so if skiing is not a priority skip the Denver-Breckenridge stretch of this trip.

And skiing in Breckenridge is also reason enough to hit the road! If this is your top 1 priority, reduce the time spent in Colorado Springs to a single day – Garden of Gods and Pikes Peak are the must-sees there in this case. 

So, dig in! Explore the ideas bellow, make your own itinerary and embark on an epic road trip to be remembered years to come.

PART 1: Dallas to Trinidad, Colorado

Trinidad was my first destination in this road trip. I used this city only for lodging to recharge my batteries for the next day.

The 9-hour drive was a bit of a stretch, I admit. But I did take my time and made a lot of stops along the way to rest, refresh, stretch my legs and enjoy the journey, so it was not bad at all. 

And driving all the way to Trinidad left me pretty close to the places I wanted to visit the following day.

Alternative: take a break in Amarillo Instead.

Another very good possibility for lodging is spending the first night is Amarillo, about 5h 30m from Dallas (roughly the midpoint of the trip). The only reason why I didn’t do that was because I had already been to Amarillo twice – all roads take you to Amarillo lol. But you haven’t been there yet, go for it!

In this case, spare half a day to visit the main attractions in Amarillo – Historic Route 66, Cadillac Ranch and Big Texan Steak House – and half a day to hike the iconic Lighthouse Trail at the nearby Palo Duro Canyon.  Find here details on how to explore Amarillo and Palo Duro Canyon (destination # 1) .

Things to do and see between Dallas and Trinidad, Colorado

No matter where you decide to stay, these are the stops I recommend between Dallas and Trinidad

1. Amarillo

(5h 20m from Dallas)

Leave Dallas early in the morning and stop by the Big Texan Steak Ranch for lunch. It is always special. Although it can be sometimes a little chaotic – it’s a well-known touristic destination – food is good, they have affordable lunch specials and all the times I went there I could witness some lost soul trying their 72 oz challenge – it is fun! 

If you want to explore Amarillo further, check here t hings to do in Amarillo (destination # 1) . Top things to do include the iconic Cadillac Ranch and Historic Route 66.

2. US 87 Scenic Route and Capulin Volcano National Monument

(2h 50m from Amarillo)

From Amarillo take Hwy 87 towards Raton, NM. It is a more scenic old mountain country route and takes you through Capulin Volcano. 

You can see the volcano from the road and take a slight detour to get there. It used to be possible to drive up Capulin Volcano National Monument and then walk into the volcano crater, but the road is currently closed for repairs and is expected to reopen in 2020. Check here the current status before taking the detour.

Drive then into Colorado towards Trinidad through Raton Pass. Trinidad is about 50 minutes away from Capulin Volcano.

3. Trinidad

(0h 50m from Capulin Volcano)

Spend the night in Trinidad, Colorado, to gather some energy for the following day.  This is what I did and, as I was short on time, I unfortunately I didn’t get to explore around. 

But if you have some extra days or energy left, a stroll through downtown Trinidad and its Victorian architecture and hiking Simpson’s Rest are the items I have on my bucket list for a future visit. Find here some more ideas  on what to do in Trinidad. 

PART 2: Trinidad to Colorado Springs

Plan to spend the day on the road exploring amazing spots between Trinidad and Colorado Springs.  If you are departing from Amarillo instead, make sure to come through US 87 scenic drive.

Things to do and see between Trinidad and Colorado Springs

This stretch of the trip is simply amazing. The attractions you’ll find bellow are not to be missed:

1. Highway of Legends

If you enjoy slow paced road trips and scenic roads, take the road less traveled in your way to the next stop.

Instead of taking I-25 towards the Bishop Castle, drive through the scenic Highway of Legends , bordering the Spanish Peaks. 

To do so, put the town of Stonewall as your destination in the GPS (and from there add the Bishop Castle as the final destination). It will take you through Hwy 12 and the towns of Stonewall, Cuchara and La Veta. For a detailed map with recommended stops along the way, click here.

Beware that this route adds 1h 30m to your trip (excluding the eventual stops along the way). So, skip it if you are on a tight schedule or if driving around is just not your thing.

2. Bishop Castle and Lake Isabel Forest

(1h 20m from Trinidad through I-25/ 2h 40m through the Highway of Legends

From Trinidad head to Bishop Castle , an unique structure built stone by stone by one man. 

It is an interesting stop in your way to the Royal Gorge Bridge Park and  takes you there through Lake Isabel Forest. It’s a more scenic drive than the route on Interstate 25, through Pueblo, and adds only about 15-20 minutes to your trip. 

3. Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

(1h 20m from Bishop Castle)

The Royal Gorge Bridge is a must stop in Colorado. Don’t skip it under any circumstances! It is the tallest Suspension Bridge in America. It crosses over a canyon and the views are breathtaking.

Cross the Royal Gorge Bridge walking and riding the gondola are awe-inspiring adventures. Park admission includes unlimited gondola rides and there are also extra activities – such as the zipline and SkyCoaster – to be considered by the brave of heart.

4. Skyline Drive

(0h 20m from Royal Gorge Bridge Park)

Ready for some more adrenaline? Head to nearby Skyline Drive and take the scariest drive of your life. 

It is a one-way very narrow road with cliffs on both sides. It has 2.6 miles, no turning backs – you got to be sure you want to do it – and gives you amazing panoramic views of its surroundings.

Be careful, drive slowly, follow the signs and you should be good – I’m here to tell the story, so chances are you’ll survive too. Go if you love adventures and exploring unique places – this is a true Colorado hidden gem and a one of a kind road! Stay away if you are afraid of heights though. 

Afterwards hit the road and drive about one hour to reach your destination for the night and upcoming days, Colorado Springs.

PART 3: Colorado Springs

(1h 00m from Skyline Drive)

How many days in Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs is the ultimate outdoors’ lover paradise. It offers enough amazing things to do to keep you awed and entertained for quite a while. Plan to spend at least 2 to 3 days there to cover all the must-see places bellow.

Where to stay in Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs is sort of a large city surrounded by nature.

For lodging, try to stay in the neighboring Manitou Springs, a charming mountain town right by most of the nature spots recommended in this post. Or at Old Colorado City, a lively historic district not far from Manitou Springs.

Things to do In Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs offers tons of incredible things to do. The following attractions are the must-visit places in the city surroundings.

If you don’t have enough time to cover them all and need to make choices, my personal faves in Colorado Springs are the Garden of Gods and Pikes Peak Drive. 

1. Garden of Gods

If you only have time to do one thing in Colorado Springs, visit the Garden of Gods . Don’t miss it.

The Garden of Gods is a jaw-dropping designated National Natural Landmark. The landscaping is magical, with Colorado’s iconic red rocks contrasting with the mountains in the background. And, if you are lucky, with some snow during winter. And it is surprisingly a free attraction!

It’s a place to just stroll around – think paved trails – hike or climbing (proper gear and permit required for climbing).

For a leisure walk, take the Central Garden Trail, a 1.5-mile easy trail, wheelchair accessible, that takes you through the main rock formations. If you love a challenge, take the Garden of the Gods Loop Trail, a 3.7-mile trail circling all Garden of Gods formations. Check here other trail options .

2. Pikes Peak

Drive up Pikes Peak .  The drive is breathtaking and takes you to the top of Pikes Peak, the highest summit in the southern portion of the Rocky Mountains. The views are stunning.

Pikes Peak is opened year-round, weather permitting (check conditions before heading there). Pikes Peak Highway takes you to the summit. In high season – May through September – a shuttle is offered from mile 16 due to limited parking at the top.

There used to be a Railway going up Pikes Peak, currently not operating. It is expected to get back on track on 2020 – fingers crossed!

3. Manitou Incline Trail

Are you up for a challenge? Are you (really really) fit? Climb up Manitou Incline , right by Pikes Peak.

An old cable car track with 2,744 steps and a 2000 feet elevation gain, Manitou Incline is a 1-mile extreme trail which attracts advanced hikers from all over the country. 

To hike it, make sure to adjust to the high altitude of Colorado Springs first. And bring plenty of water and energy snacks. Beware that there is a “false summit” at the intersection with Barr Trail, about 300 steps before the real one! 

The trail is free and open to the public. There is a free parking and free shuttle departing from 10 Old Mans Trail.

4. Cave of the Winds

Go underground and embark on a cave tour at Cave of the Winds . 

There are 3 tours to choose from ranging from 45 minutes to 2 hours. The most basic tour – Discovery Tour – is family friendly, lasts about one hour and take you through 15 cave chambers. For more adrenaline, some mud and crawling, take the Lantern Tour or Cave 101.

The Cave of the Winds also offers climbing, a zip line and a virtual reality theater. 

5. Seven Falls

Beautiful place nestled in a canyon, with 7 waterfalls and a steep staircase with 224 steps. Walk it up and have gorgeous views from the falls ( play the video here ).

There is also an elevator to go up to the overlooking area in case you don’t want to or can’t climb up the stairs. The Broadmoor Seven Falls also offers a restaurant on-site, if you plan to eat there make reservations in advance specially during high season. Broadmoor Seven Falls also offers hiking trails and a zip-line. 

Parking is free and far from the attraction. There is a free shuttle that takes you to the base of the waterfalls from there.

6. Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs is a tiny and lovely town by the Rocky Mountains foothills. It’s very close to most of the places suggested in this article and can be your prefect hub to explore the area.

Whether you decide to stay in Manitou Springs or not, make sure to spare sometime to wander through the town. 

Take a leisure walk through Manitou Springs shops and galleries. Visit the Miramont Castle and Museum and maybe have lunch – or a Victorian Tea – at the Queen’s Parlour Tearoom on site. Have fondue at the charming Mona Lisa Fondue Restaurant . Or a bite and wine at the fun Swirl . For a beer – or even dinner – try Manitou Brewing Co.

The nearby Manitou Cliff Dwellings , a one-of-a-kind museum of Native American culture with relocated Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, is another interesting thing to do in Manitou Springs. 

7. Old Colorado City

Old Colorado City is a designated National Historic District full of shops, art galleries and restaurants. Also located close to the outdoor attractions of Colorado Springs, is another good option for lodging.

It is also a foodie’s paradise, with excellent no-chain dining options. For amazing pies, try Pizzeria Rustica . If you like Mediterranean food, you’ll love Jake and Telly’s Greek Taverna . Or go for something different and taste Ethiopian food at  Uchenna Ethiopian Restaurant .

PART 4: Breckenridge

(2h 00m from Colorado Springs)

From Colorado Springs, head to Breckenridge, a charming old-mining town at the base of the Rocky Mountains. 

You have two options to get there from Colorado Springs: through the mountains or through the Denver. The route through the mountains is more scenic. The one that goes through Denver allows a quick stop at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater , an outdoor concert venue with an amazing natural backdrop and trails. 

I would suggest you take both, one in your way to Breckenridge and one in your way back.

Things to do in Breckenridge

Year-round enjoy the historic and lively Main Street. Take in the upscale vibe and jaw-dropping mountainous background. Stroll through Victorian buildings, shops, galleries and eateries. Walk it up and down or use the free trolley .

Taste local crafted-beer and spirits Breckenridge Brewery , Après Handcrafted Libations and Breckenridge Distillery’s downtown tasting room. 

For dinner, try the Twist , Relish and Hearthstone , all top-rated restaurants offering amazing mountains views. 

Check next the best things to to in winter and summertime in Breckenridge:

Winter in Breckenridge, CO

In wintertime, Breckenridge it is the skier’s paradise:  it is home to the world-class Breckenridge Ski Resort , accessible from Breckenridge through a free gondola. If you love skiing or snowboard, this is your place.

For a free and fun family activity in Breckenridge, go sledding at Carter Park (bring your own sled). At the nearby Frisco Adventure Park , try snowtubing.

Another winter activities in and around Breckenridge include snowshoeing, snowmobile and dog sledding.

Summer in Breckenridge, CO

During summer, hiking, mountain biking and water sports are popular things to do in Breckenridge. 

Hike McCullough Gulch Trail , one of the most popular hiking trails with lakes and waterfalls along the way. For easy family friends hike leaving right from downtown Breckenridge, try Carter Park, Burro Trail and Sawmill Trail .

Rent a stand-up paddle board and head to Maggie Pond, at the end of the Blue River, to cruise it with the majestic mountains as your backdrop. Embark on a white water rafting adventure.

From late June to early September, hop on the free gondola and head to Epic Discover , a seasonal adventure park offering everything from zip lines to alpine slides.

A road trip to Colorado is a bucket list style trip you should take at least once in your lifetime. The state’s landscaping is superb, making the journey as jaw-dropping as the destinations themselves.

It is the perfect destination year-round and you can take it from Dallas whenever you have 1+ week available.

The itinerary detailed in this post has Colorado Springs and Breckenridge as final destinations. You can do it all or adjust according to your needs – and even skip the last part and make it a road trip between Dallas and Colorado Springs.

In your way between Dallas and Colorado Springs, enjoy amazing stops along the way: Amarillo, Capulin Volcano, Highway of Legends, Bishop Castle, Royal Gorge Bridge and Skyline Drive.

In Colorado Springs, make sure to explore the Garden of Gods, Pikes Peak, Manitou Incline, Cave of the Winds, Seven Falls, Manitou Springs and Old Colorado City.

In Breckenridge, enjoy snow activities such as skiing, snowboarding, sledding, snowshoeing and dog sledding in the winter. And outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and water sports during summer.

I hope the ideas you’ll find in this post help you to make the most of your trip from Dallas to Colorado!

Now go, make your plans and remember to get back here to share your experience. 

Have you ever done this route before? Are you planning to do it soon? What are your thoughts about this road trip itinerary? Please leave a comment bellow! 

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Texas to Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

Grab your road trip partner and furry best friend, gas up the car, and get ready to hit the road! During this 5-day Texas to Colorado Road Trip, you will experience epic hikes, otherworldly landscapes, and unique dog-friendly attractions! You will surely be hooked on all Colorado has to offer , and find yourself planning many more Texas to Colorado Road Trips in the near future!

Note:: Although you could begin this road trip from alternative points, this particular road trip begins in Dallas, TX, and ends in Colorado Springs, CO. There is a bit of flexibility to switch days around and/or extend the trip.

This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you.  There are  only products included that I truly love. I APPRECIATE your support!

P.S.!!! If you love this itinerary, be sure to download this FREE printable copy. You can plan your perfect road trip and adjust accordingly!

Table of Contents

What if I do not live in Dallas? Where else could I start from?

The first stop on this trip is in Amarillo, TX so you could fly directly to the Rick Husband Amarillo International Aiport .

If looking for a cheaper flight, you could fly to…

• Dallas Love Field

Or reverse your trip and start in…

• Denver International Aiport
• Colorado Springs Airport

Keep Reading: : Things to do on a Dallas, TX STAYCATION

When should I plan this Texas to Colorado Road Trip?

Although most will agree that winter is a pretty risky time to plan a road trip through Colorado, it turned out to work perfectly for us.

We did have to adjust some of our plans (switch some days around) due to snow, but with a flexible schedule a winter road trip can be magical!

Average Temperatures Palo Duro State Park:

• Winter (Dec-Feb): 57/28
• Spring (March-May): 77/45
• Summer (June-August): 95/67
• Fall (Sept-Nov.): 77/50

Most rain: May and June

Average Temperatures Great Sand Dunes National Park :

• Winter (Dec-Feb): 37/14
• Spring (March-May): 59/31
• Summer (June-August): 81/51
• Fall (Sept-Nov.): 62/34
• Most rain: July and August
• Snow ?: 37 inches per year with March being the snowiest

Average Temperatures Colorado Springs:

• Winter (Dec-Feb): 43/18
• Spring (March-May): 65/34
• Summer (June-August): 83/55
• Fall (Sept-Nov.): 63/36
• Most Rain: July and August
• Snow?: 57.3 inches per year

Texas to Colorado Road Trip Quick Itinerary

• Day 1: Dallas —->Palo Duro Canyon State Park
• Day 2: Palo Duro—->Garden of the Gods
• Day 3: Manitou Incline and Manitou Cliff Dwellings
• Day 4: Colorado Springs—->Royal Gorge Park and Tunnel Hike
• Day 5: Great Sand Dunes National Park

Highlights: Rock Lighthouse, 3,000 stairs, dog-friendly gondola, and sand -duning!

Follow along on Instagram for more adventures!

Texas to Colorado Road Trip Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: dallas to palo duro canyon state park.

Driving Time: 5 hours 56 minutes (382 miles)

After driving for 5+ hours with NOTHING but flat lands around you, you will be pleasantly surprised when you arrive at the second largest canyon in the United States. YES, it’s in Texas… 🙂

Palo Duro Canyon State Park is home to 16 different hiking trails ranging from 0.5 miles-9+miles. If you prefer to just take a scenic drive, there are over 16 miles of paved roads that will take you down and around the canyon.

If you only have time for one hike, I recommend hiking the Lighthouse Trail . This is a 6+ mile moderate hike to the magnificent rock lighthouse (pictured above).

After your hike, be sure to check out Cadillac Ranch and grab a steak from The Big Texan Steakhouse.

Tip:: if you can finish a 72 oz steak, you get it for FREE?!? We struggled to finish a 32 oz… together….so if you accomplish this, please tell me about it 🙂

Palo Duro State Park Quick Facts:

• Physical Address: 11450 Park Road 5 Canyon, TX 79015
• Hours: 7:30 am-6:00 p.m (7:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays)
• Camping: 100+ campsites and glamping!
• Other: The park hosts outdoor summer musicals Tuesdays-Sundays at the Pioneer Amphitheater

Other Dog-friendly Stays in Amarillo :

• Country Inn and Suites
• Best Western (our pick!)
• La Quinta Inn and Suites

Day 2: Amarillo to Garden Of the Gods

Driving time: 5 hours and 38 min (365 miles)

After your 5 hour drive, you can spend the last few hours of daylight exploring Garden of the Gods. Garden of the Gods is a FREE park with unique rock features and 1,300 acres to explore.

While exploring you can hike, rock climb, rent a bike, take a segway tour, or join a guided informational hike. The best part about the park is that it is completely dog-friendly.

Insider Tip: The main trails near the Visitor’s Center can get extremely busy. If you are looking for a quieter trail, park at the Trading Post and hop on a trail from there. You will still get great views of the park, but away from some of the crowds. Here is a map to help!

Garden of the Gods Quick Facts:

• Physical Address: 1805 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
• Nature Center Hours: Mon-Thurs: 9am-3pm, Fri-Sun: 9am-5pm
• Events: Guided Walks, crafts, 5ks, and more!

Dog-friendly stays in Colorado Springs (for nights 2 and 3)

• Drury Inn & Suites (35 dollar pet fee per night)
• Eagle Fire Lodge and Cabins (15 dollar pet fee per night)
• Staybridge Suites (20 dollar pet fee per night)- Our pick!

Day 3: Manitou Springs

Driving time: 10 minutes (3 miles)

Stop 1: Manitou Incline

If you hate your legs and not be able to breathe, then the Manitou Incline is the hike for you!

Okay… maybe that was a bit dramatic.

BUT it is important that you are prepared for a tough hike. You will be walking up 2,763 stairs with a 1,992-foot elevation gain.

Where to park? We parked in the Barr Trail Parking Lot and received a parking ticket. I now know that you are supposed to park in Hiawatha Gardens lot (shuttle available) or the Iron Springs Chateau lot.

Do I need reservations to hike the Manitou Incline? Yes…but it’s free! You can do so here and then just show the attendant the proof. Reservations open up 7 days in advance.

Are dogs allowed? I am usually a biiiiggg-time rule follower. But, we did take Thor along on the stairs (there was not an attendant at the bottom). We knew he would be able to make it as it was cold out, we had a lot of water for him, and there were not many people on the trail.

I would NOT recommend bringing your dog when it is even remotely hot out or if they have any type of joint issues. REMEMBER you signed up for the hike, your dog did not.

Please remember to bring A LOT of water and go slow.

Alternate dog-friendly route: If you still want the famous picture at the top of the stairs, you can take the Barr trail to the top. This is an 8-mile round trip trail that goes up to the top of the stairs (it’s the trail that most people take on the way down).

The way down: We did see several people turning right around and taking the stairs down, but you can also take the Barr Trail down (recommended). It’s a beautiful decline, but can be tough on your knees.

Manitou Incline Quick Facts

• Length : 4.5 (1 mile up, 3.5 miles down)
• Elevation Gain: 1,992 feet
• Hours: 6 a.m.-6 p.m., April-October, and 6 a.m.-2:30 p.m., November-March.
• Reservation? Yes, see above.

Stop 2: Manitou Cliff Dwellings

Driving time : 9 minutes (2.6 miles)

The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are a super unique dog-friendly attraction. The perfect break after your climb. They are comprised of relocated Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings that you are able to tour and learn more about.

Your pups are allowed inside the homes, gift shop, and museum! It’s not very often you find a pet-friendly indoor museum!

Manitou Cliff Dwellings Quick Facts:

• Physical Address: 10 Cliff Dwellings Rd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
• Cost: Adults ($12.00 + tax) Children ($7.50+ tax)
• Hours: May, June, July & August 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. March, April, September & October 9 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. November 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. December, January & February 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. (7 days a week)

Personal Reaction: Honestly, the cliff dwellings were cool to see…BUT if you are short on time and want to fit something else in, it would not be the end of the world. We were only here for about a half-hour before moving on to the next activity.

Alternative Plan (or extra if time allots) : Drive to the top of Pike’s Peak—

Day 4: Colorado Springs to Alamosa, CO

After exploring all that Colorado Springs has to offer, this Texas to Colorado Road Trip takes you towards the Great Sand Dunes National Park….with a couple of pit stops along the way!

Stop 1: Tunnel Drive Trail – Canon City, CO

Driving Time: 55 minutes (47 miles)

Okay…we found this hike completely on accident. We typed in “Royal Gorge” into our GPS (instead of Royal Gorge Park)…and it took us to this empty trailhead parking lot.

We thought we better try it out since we were already there….AND it was the PERFECT UNIQUE hike!

An easy 3.8-mile trail (there and back) featuring 3 tunnels, epic overlooks (a railroad and river), and other unique rocks and plants.

Tip: The tunnels are pretty early on in the hike if you are looking for an even quicker hike. There are also bathrooms and doggy bags available at the bottom of the trail.

Stop 2: Royal Gorge Park – Canon City, CO

Driving Time: 21 minutes (12 miles)

After your hike, your next pit stop will be at Royal Gorge Park (the original destination). Here you can walk across the highest suspension bridge in the U.S., ride the gondola across the gorge (with your pup!) and try out the zipline or sky-flyer.

The dog-friendly gondola caught my attention right away! Look closely at the picture above and you can see the little tiny gondola!

Insider tip: You can get on the gondola from both sides of the gorge. I recommend walking across the bridge first, then up to the gondola as the line was much shorter than riding the gondola first.

Royal Gorge Bridge Quick Facts:

• Physical Address: 4218 County Road 3A, Cañon City, CO 81212
• Hours: Bridge only 8am-10am- Rides and Attractions- 10 am- (4-7pm Depending on Season )
• Cost: Bridge, Gondola, theater, and playland: $23/adult, $18/child, 5 and under free. Additional cost for rides.
• Other things to do: Zipline, sky coaster, theater, playland

After exploring the park, head towards Alamosa (2 hours 31 minutes) where you will spend the night before heading towards Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Other Dog-friendly stays in Alamosa, CO

• Comfort Inn (20 dollar pet fee)- Our pick!
• Best Western (20 dollar pet fee)
• See camping options below!

Side note about Alamosa: Alamosa does have an abnormally high crime rate. It is something I noticed/looked up while we were already there. SO just keep this in mind when booking a hotel 🙂

Driving time: 38 minutes (34 miles)

If you weren’t already blown away by the 2nd largest canyon, a dog-friendly gondola, or 3,000 stairs…Great Sand Dunes will likely do the trick. Located directly in the MIDDLE OF NOWHERE you will find miles and miles of HUGE sand dunes.

What to do at Great Sand Dunes National Park?

Great Sand Dunes National Park offers 30+ miles of sand Dunes up to 700 ft high! Here, you can slide the dunes, hike freely, stargaze, horseback ride , backpack and MORE!

In the summertime, the Medona Creek will be flowing, making it the perfect place to splash around and cool off.

Where to rent a sandboard?

Although there are no rental shops inside of the park, there are several to choose from on your way in. Be sure to call ahead and do a bit of research as some do not rent in the winter or when it is too cold.

Find Sandboard Rental information here!

Insider tip: : Due to not being able to rent a sandboard on Thanksgiving, we made a quick pit stop at the Walmart in Alamosa before heading to the park. We picked up a snow sled to try out.

It worked out great on the dunes with snow, but not on the sand…sooo if there is snow on the dunes a sled is a great purchase!

Things to do near Great Sand Dunes National Park

Once again, this National Park is 45 minutes from the nearest town and 2+ hours from big cities. We did not find a lot of things to do near by, but the park is amazing enough to take up all your time!

If you do have a bit of extra time…

• Hike to Zapata Falls – We did not do this hike, but we did read that it requires a long bumpy dirt road to the trailhead and wading through water to get to the falls.

Where to stay near Great Sand Dunes National Park?

As stated previously… this national park is truly in the middle of nowhere. The closest town is Alamosa which is about a 45-minute drive. We stayed at Comfort Inn and Suites as it was dog-friendly and offered a hot grab-and-go breakfast (if you know me at all, you know I LOVE continental breakfast).

Camping Near Great Sand Dunes:

Pinon Flats Campground: Open April-October, Reservations are open six months in advance/$20 per night

See more campgrounds nearby here!

Great Sand Dunes National Park Quick Facts:

• Physical Address: (Visitor Center) 11999 State Highway 150 Mosca, CO 81146
• Hours: The park is open 24/7, Visitor Center Hours: Fall, Winter, Spring (Labor Day until Memorial Day Weekend): 9:00-4:30 daily Summer (Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend): 8:30-5:00 daily- Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas
• Hiking Trails: No designated trails, you are free to explore the 30+ miles of Dunes!
• Other things to do: Stargaze, splash in the creek (summertime), sandboard, hike the nearby Zapata Falls

What to pack on this Texas to Colorado Road Trip:

I won’t bore you with a complete packing list in this Texas to Colorado itinerary post, but if interested in my complete (and printable) packing list, check out The Ultimate Road Trip Planning Guide.

In the meantime, here are my 5 (+) essential items that I take with me on every trip!

• Keens – –My favorite brand of hiking shoes. For this trip, I wore the boots (due to winter), but typically I LOVE the sandals .
• Waterpack – —this lesson was learned early in my hiking days. ALWAYS bring more water than you think you will need. This pack is a perfect size, extremely affordable (under 40 dollars!!), and super comfy. It is also proving to be very durable as well!
• Doggy Boots and collapsible water and food dishes- Okay doggy boots may not be essential for everyone, BUT Thor’s paws get cut up hiking without them so they allow us to hike for much longer!
• Travel first aid kit—-I always make sure to bring along a mini first-aid kit on any adventure. It’s better to be safe than sorry! This particular kit attaches to any bag and has all the essential supplies for minor injuries.
• SNACKS—If you know me at all, you know I will not be caught without snacks. I hate to admit it, but I am the queen bee of hangry. Sooo, I always have a protein bar or fruit bar with me…in case of an emergency of course 🙂

Dallas to Colorado Springs Road Trip Recap!

If you LOVED this itinerary, be sure to download this FREE PRINTABLE copy for your own personal use. There is room to add to it, change attractions around, and add your own stops! 11 pages to plan your perfect road trip!

Save for later!

Make sure to follow along in more of Thor’s adventures and road trips on Instagram!

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Ultimate Texas to Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

For those living in Texas, Colorado is one of the most popular road trip destinations.

One of the best reasons for this is that Colorado is a year-round destination.

Live in Texas? Looking for local getaways, state parks, hidden gems, and weekend destinations in Texas? Check out our brand new local travel site Enchanting Texas ! From dinosaur tracks in Texas to charming beach towns, plan your next Texas vacation with us!

Whether you plan to enjoy the mountain air in the summer, see the beautiful aspen leaves change color in fall, or want to go skiing in the winter, Colorado offers the ultimate family vacation for everyone. 

Colorado has a dramatic mountain scenery and offers a change from the flat grasslands and arid desert landscape of Texas.

The drive to Colorado has many spectacular attractions and natural areas and is prefect for families as well as couples.

Also Read: Texas to California Road Trip Planner

We have driven the distance from Houston to Colorado road trip several times and have found a variety of attractions to break the 15+ hours of Houston to Denver driving time.

While we have driven from Houston, we have made this trip planner pretty flexible. You can also use this itinerary to plan a Austin to Denver drive or Dallas to Colorado road trip.

The route is really interesting: you will be passing through the Texas Panhandle and then Southern Colorado.

You will come across a couple of Route 66 attractions near Amarillo.

One thing you can bet on: Texas is really huge and you will drive through the state for a really long time! 

How far is Colorado from Texas?

Before planning the trip, you need to know how far is Texas from Colorado.

Houston to Colorado drive time, if you are planning to go all the way to Denver, is about 16 hours.

How many miles from Denver Colorado to Houston Texas is ~1050 miles.

San Antonio to Denver drive time is slightly more than 14 hours and the route is about 930 miles long.

Dallas to Denver drive time is 12 hours. How many miles from Denver to Dallas? The trip is about 795 miles long.

The distance from Fort Worth tx to Denver co is 11 hrs 30 mins and 768 miles.

Austin to Denver road trip is also a little under 14 hours while the Austin to Colorado trip distance is about 950 miles.

Considering the vast distances, we recommend at least 4 days to a week for this vacation.

Anything over 5 days is perfect for the Houston to Denver drive, keeping time to enjoy all the attractions in between.

Fun Fact – Did you know that measuring distances in hours is a totally Texas thing?

Essential Stops on Texas to Colorado Road Trip

Plan the best road trip using our Texas to Colorado road trip planner .

In this trip planner, we focus on a trip around Denver, Colorado Springs, and the Rocky Mountains.

Most of the roadside attractions are on the drive from Dallas to Denver so you can customize and use this itinerary, whether you are starting from Houston, Austin , or San Antonio.

You can also cover half of them on the Colorado to Texas return trip, to break the journey in interesting parts.

Or you can see them all while going and make the Denver to Houston drive back in a single day without stops.

In case you want to visit southwestern Colorado or northwestern part of the state, then use this planner together with our Colorado Road Trip Planner .

We have mentioned essential stops on your road trip as well as recommendations on things to do, where to eat, and places to stay in this guide. 

Yes, we know your final destination is Colorado!

But just in case you are driving from the south or west Texas and are looking for a great pitstop, then you can’t go wrong with Dallas!

The city has everything: intriguing history, art and culture, and foodie destinations! 

It is a great stop on the Colorado Texas road trip planner.

Start your visit at the iconic Sixth Floor Museum at the Dealey Plaza.

It was here that JFK was murdered and the museum pays homage to his legacy and the events that led to the tragic incident.

Also Read: Best Things to do in Dallas, Texas

Then visit the Dallas Museum of Art or Perot Museum of Nature Science, depending on whether you love the old masters or dinosaurs! 

See a panoramic view of Dallas from the Reunion Tower.

Visit the Dallas Farmers Market for some quick bites or sample some barbecue if you are hungry for more.

See the fantastic season displays at the Dallas Arboretum or enjoy the tranquil views of White Rock Lake. 

Enjoy your time in the city before you begin the drive across the Texas Panhandle. 

Or if you are beginning the trip in Dallas, then drive straight to the Panhandle and start the trip there.

Colorado is definitely one of the best driving vacation from Dallas and you are sure to have a great time.

Optional: Fort Worth

If you have the time, then explore Fort Worth in addition to Dallas.

This metro area has a host of impressive cultural attractions.

You can visit the Kimbell Art Museum or the Modern Art Museum or the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, depending on your interest.

If you like being outdoors, take a walk through the Botanical Gardens, which are the oldest in Texas. 

The most popular attraction in the city is, however, the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District.

It celebrates the history and tradition of Texas’s livestock and cattle industry.

Here you can watch a mock shootout, ride a mechanical bull, drink in a saloon, and dance a two-step.

We can never get enough of the stockyards and their unique vibe! 

Optional: Grapevine

If you are doing the Texas Colorado road trip in the winter or during the holiday season, then you should definitely stop in Grapevine.

Known as the Christmas Capital of Texas, Grapevine has enough holiday spirit to make everyone happy! 

If your kids love trains, then take a ride on the Polar Express.

Operated by the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, this holiday train takes kids to see Santa Claus and the North Pole.

Take a stroll on historic Main Street and see the holiday lights.  

Wichita Falls

Located on the banks of the Wichita River, Wichita Falls is a great pitstop on this road trip.

There are many fun, interesting, and fascinating things to do here.

You can visit cultural attractions and go antiquing in the town. 

You can visit the Museum of North Texas history and see a collection of historic artifacts including cowboy boots, hats, and rodeo items in Wichita Fall.

Also, you should visit Lucy Park to see the actual Wichita Falls waterfall.

The Wichita Falls Railroad Museum is a great place to take the kids.  

The real fun of this trip starts on the Amarillo TX to Denver CO route.

Visitors often ask, does Route 66 go through Colorado. It doesn’t but it does go through the Texas Panhandle!

Amarillo is one of the essential stops on the Texas section of Historic Route 66 and has many Route 66 themed attractions.

It has an entire Route 66 Historic District which is a must-visit. 

Amarillo is also almost midway between the destinations and hence, is perfect place to take a break.

The distance from Amarillo tx to Denver co is 6 hrs 40 mins and 435 miles.

Amarillo is the symbolic Old West.

Located in the Texan desert, Amarillo has cultural attractions, historic downtown, outdoor activities, restaurants, cafes, and art galleries.

There are lots of things to do in Amarillo for all types of visitors. 

Visit the Big Texan Steak Ranch Hotel and accept their steak challenge!

See the Route 66 memorial and many murals on the walls.

Take a photo with the Cadillacs at Cadillac Ranch (see below).

See a show at the Amarillo Opera or symphony or Lone Star Ballet. 

Take the kids to the Don Harrington Discovery Center or the Zoo. Stroll through the Botanical Gardens.

See skeletons and historic artifacts at the Amarillo Historical Museum.

Visit the Cowboy and Cowgirls of the West Museum. 

There are honestly so many things to do in Amarillo that we definitely recommend stopping here for 2 to 3 days on your Colorado trip. 

Cadillac Ranch

Cadillac Ranch is one of the most iconic Route 66 attractions and a great pit stop on Houston Colorado trip .

Located just a short distance away from downtown Amarillo, this unique attraction features ten Cadillacs half-buried in the ground.  

The cars are covered with spray paint and you can see fantastic art on each and every part of the cars, including their interior.

Cadillac Ranch is a must stop while in the Texas Panhandle.

On a visit, you will meet several other Route 66 trippers who have come to see the iconic ranch. 

Visitors can get spray paint and leave their own artistic vision on the cars.

You will see names, symbols, patterns, and more etched by other visitors. 

Optional: Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Located near Amarillo, Texas, Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a must-visit when you are in the Texas Panhandle.

Palo Duro Canyon is known as the Grand Canyon of Texas and it is very impressive.

It is the second-largest canyon in the country. 

The small town of Canyon is the gateway to the state park. 

The best way to explore the Palo Duro Canyon is on a scenic drive through the park.

The route dips low into the canyon before rising again towards the rim.

On the route, you will have stunning views of the weathered rock layers and steep canyon walls.

You can also spot wildlife and hike inside the park. 

Some of the interesting geological formations to spot inside the canyon include hoodoos and canyons.

The Lighthouse rock formation is an iconic feature of the park.

Also must visit is the Visitor Center.

Here you can spot fossils of prehistoric animals found inside the park as well as learn about the indigenous people that lived in the area many years ago. 

Optional: Caprock Canyons State Park

Caprock Canyons State Park is located about 100 miles or 2 hours to the southeast of Amarillo and is a great place to visit if you have the time.

You can see the Texas bison herd as well as enjoy the stunning landscape of this remote state park.

After Amarillo, you can drive straight to Colorado Springs via US-87 N but we recommend the Mother Road aka Route 66!

You will pass through Adrian, the ghost town of Glenrio, and part of New Mexico Route 66 before crossing the border to Colorado.

Optional: Adrian 

Adrian, Texas is the midpoint of Route 66.

To reach Adrian, you will need to take a detour and drive along Route 66 for an hour or so but the reward is worth it! 

This small west Texas town is most famous for its Midpoint Cafe.

This cafe was the inspiration for Flo’s V8 Cafe in the famous Disney / Pixar movie Cars.

In addition to being a restaurant, the cafe also serves as a souvenir shop. 

Adrian also has many other attractions, most of them are located on the Historic Main Street.

See the Giles Hotel, one of the earliest hotels on Route 66, as well as three vintage gas stations. 

The midpoint of Route 66 signs in Adrian are worth the trip itself! These are some of the best photo ops on Route 66. 

Optional: Glenrio

Glenrio, once a booming town of Route 66, is one of the most famous ghost towns on the Mother Road today.

It is located juts across the border in New Mexico and is a great place to wander through.

On its dusty Main Street, you will see a collection of abandoned buildings – a motel, post office, and a diner.

Not a single soul lives in Glenrio today – and it is fascinating to see the abandoned relic.

Optional: Capulin Volcano National Monument

A very exceptional and unique detour on Houston Texas to Colorado trip.

If you have the time, definitely squeeze in a visit to Capulin Volcano National Monument, located about 3 hours away from Santa Fe in New Mexico.

Here you can actually explore an extinct cinder cone volcano! 

Located in northeastern New Mexico’s Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field, Capulin Volcano National Monument is a unique geological wonder.

You can drive up to the rim of its crater and even hike down into its mouth.

You can learn more about the area’s history and geology at the Visitor Center. 

The symmetrical cinder cone of the volcano rises above the surrounding plains.

From the top, you have stunning views of the panoramic field.

On a clear day, you can see areas of 5 states including Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, and even Kansas!  

Other things to do at Capulin Volcano National Monument include seeing wildlife, hiking into lava tubes, and stay gazing. 

Optional: Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park is a wonder in this part of the country.

It is as far removed from the Texas Grasslands or Colorado’s mountain ranges as it can be!

Here you will find an endless sea of sand dunes stretching in every direction.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and its gateway town of Alamosa are a destination in their own right. 

Inside the national park, you will find some of the tallest dunes in the country.

Star Dune, at 750 feet, easily towers above all others.

One of the best attractions in the park is to go sand sledding or sandboarding down the dunes.

You can rent the boards in Alamosa prior to your visit.

In spring, a creek flows through the park and provides some splashing fun for everyone. 

After a trip to the park, you can also enjoy the hot springs in Alamosa at Splashland, a popular family friendly resort.

Colorado Springs

Your next stop while on your way to Denver from Texas, should be Colorado Springs.

This is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Colorado and very popular with tourists.

The city of Colorado Spring is located on the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains, adjacent to Pikes National Forest. 

Colorado Springs is most famous for the Garden of the Gods park.

Here you can see stunning red sandstone formations.

Garden of the Gods is really photogenic and best enjoyed through the scenic drive and hiking. 

The other most popular attraction in Colorado Springs is Pikes Peak.

Located 12 miles from downtown, this is a famous fourteener peak and the views from the top are breathtaking.

You can either drive to the top or take the charming cog railway to the top. 

Between these two attractions, you will find the charming mountain town of Manitou Springs.

Visit the cliff dwellings or enjoy the art galleries and boutiques in downtown.

We recommend spending a minimum of 2 to 3 days in Colorado Springs to fully enjoy the area and its amazing attractions. 

You can’t really visit Colorado without spending some time in Denver.

The distance from Denver to Texas is really worth it for all the attractions the city has to offer.

Popularly known as the Mile High City, Denver is vibrant and full of culture.

It is a culinary destination and also has several places of interest for art lovers. 

We recommend starting your visit at the Colorado State Capitol.

Take a free tour of this beautiful building and see the famous view of Denver from up above the Capitol.

Then visit the nearby Denver Art Museum and appreciate a staggering collection of art pieces including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media artwork. 

Other popular attractions in Denver include the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Denver Botanic Gardens, 16th Street Mall, Union Station, and Larimer Square.

For more information on things to do in Denver, read our post on Denver Travel Guide . 

The charming mountain town of Estes Park is the gateway to Colorado’s famous Rocky Mountain National Park and should definitely be on your trip itinerary.

The park entrance is located just a few miles away and in the town, you can rent all kinds of outdoor gear including snowshoes and ATVs. 

There are many historical buildings, museums, and art galleries in this charming town.

You will also find an abundance of shopping boutiques selling everything from Colorado themed sweatshirts to cowboy boots and hats.

Take a walk along the riverwalk and discover beautiful sculptures. 

For such a small town, Estes Park has a great variety of eateries and restaurants.

You can visit steakhouses and try an elk steak – a Colorado favorite!

Enter the candy and fudge stores to sample a variety of snacks such as popcorn, truffles, fudge, saltwater taffy, and more. 

There are also several things to do in Estes Park in the winter , read them here.

After spending your day in town, rest for an exciting day of adventure in the national park. 

Rocky Mountains National Park

Rocky Mountains National Park in Colorado is one of our favorite national parks in the country.

The park is famous for its dramatic scenery, abundant wildlife, scenic drives, and outdoor recreation including hiking trails.

The best way to explore this beautiful park is by driving the many spectacular scenic drives inside the park.

These drives are beautiful year-round: from summer wildflowers to golden-colored aspens to snowy mountain peaks, you are sure to find something enchanting irrespective of when you go. 

Drive the Bear Lake Road to go deeper inside the park towards beautiful Bear Lake and to see enchanting views of the Continental Divide.

Take the short and easy Bear Lake hiking trail which is just 0.6 miles long and takes you around the lake.

Fall River Road is excellent to see the gigantic boulders in the Alluvial Fan area.

The aptly named Trail Ridge Road crosses the Continental Divide and offers majestic views.

It connects Estes Park to the western gateway of the Rockies, Grand Lake.

In the winter, the national park is a beautiful snowy wonderland with frozen lakes and sparkling trees.

The icy mountain scenery in winter is breathtaking and such a welcome break from Texas’s grasslands, making this one of our favorite times to visit. 

Optional: Fort Collins

Consider a trip to Fort Collins, located just 1 hr 20 mins north of Denver.

This is the craft beer capital of the state and home to numerous breweries.

It is an amazing place to visit for beer lovers.

It also has many other charming attractions such as the Old Town Historic District, Horsetooth Mountain hiking area, and the Lory State Park.

Colorado to Texas Road Trip Drive

After seeing Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, you can either head back via the Denver to Dallas drive or continue to explore even more of Colorful Colorado using our Colorado Road Trip Itinerary .

Our detailed itinerary will take you to places such as Colorado National Monument, Crested Butte, and Mesa Verde National Park.

It will give all the information on hot springs including Pagosa Springs and Glenwood Springs.

You can use it to visit beautiful Buena Vista or plan a trip around San Juan Scenic Byway connecting Telluride, Durango, Silverton, and Ouray.

You can also head to Colorado Springs before driving back to Texas, if you haven’t seen it on your way to Denver.

The Denver to Colorado Springs drive time is 1 hr 15 mins or a little over 70 miles.

Or head for the ski towns of Breckenridge or Vail before making the drive to Texas if you are visiting in the winter.

Here’s a little information about these attractions.

Optional: Colorado Springs

As we mentioned before, Colorado Springs is located at the base of Rocky Mountains.

It has stunning mountain scenery and unique geological formations which attract visitors.

Pikes Peak, a fourteener located in the Pike National Forest, is a major attraction in Colorado Springs.

You can take a charming cog railway up to the top of the peak – this is a favorite with families.

Another popular attraction is the Garden of the Gods park.

Here you will find stunning red rock formations and plenty of hiking and biking trails as well as scenic drives.

After seeing Colorado Springs, you can head back directly to Amarillo via the Boise City, Texas route.

The distance from Colorado Springs to Amarillo, Texas is 360 miles while the time from Amarillo to Colorado Springs is 6 hours.

Optional: Breckenridge

Breckenridge has its origins as a booming mining town in the Rockies.

It has tons of Gold Rush history and Victorian-era buildings, which you can see in the Breckenridge National Historic District.

Walk along the mountain towns Main Street and you will find charming pastel-colored buildings.

Most of these are now home to spas, art galleries, boutique stores, cafes, restaurants, and bookstores. 

While everyone knows about Breckenridge’s winter attractions, including skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, the town is equally fun in the summer and fall.

You can go hiking, camping, on scenic drives.

Breckenridge also has plenty of water activities including white water rafting, kayaking, fishing, etc.

Frisco which is just half an hour away from Breckenridge is also a great town to check out while in the area. 

Optional: Vail

Vail, Colorado, has the reputation of being one of the top ski resorts in the country.

Vail is very European, big, and exquisite.

Unfortunately, it has the reputation of being one of the most expensive ski resorts in the country; however, visiting Vail is a must for ski lovers. 

Few people know that Vail is inspired by Bavarian mountain villages in South Germany.

Here you can find Austrian chalet-style architecture, restaurants serving Bavarian cuisine, and special events like Oktoberfest.

We recommend taking a stroll in Vail and enjoying the food even if you are not skiing here.

Try eating the bratwurst or pork schnitzel.

Wash it down with German beer and try apple strudel for dessert. 

Other snow activities in Vail include snowmobiling, snow tubing, sledding, snowshoeing, and building a snowman!

If you happen to visit in the summer or fall, hike to one of the area’s waterfalls or take a scenic drive in the mountains.

Indoor activities include shopping, spa massages, fancy meals, and more. 

Vail is definitely worth the detour on your Texas Colorado road trip. 

Other Texas Colorado Road Trip Ideas

We have several recommendations to plan alternative Colorado road trips from Texas.

A great option is to explore the Rockies in the northwestern part of the state.

Enjoy skiing in winter at Steamboat Springs or hike the beautiful Hanging Lake trail in Glenwood Canyon in the summer.

Or take the kids to Dinosaur National Monument near the border with Utah.

Discover the majestic beasts that roamed here and take a ranger led hike to discover fossil and bones.

In the Dinosaur Quarry Exhibit Hall, you can see over 1500 fossils still embedded in stone!

If you don’t want to drive all the way north to Denver, then consider a trip around southwestern Colorado and Four Corners National Monument.

See the cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde, enjoy the San Juan Mountain landscape, ride the Durango Silverton railroad, and see the amazing archeological sites in Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.

Then visit the Four Corners Monument and head back to Texas.

Or you can extend your trip from Four Corners to Monument Valley in Utah and Arizona or even to the Grand Canyon!

Then drive across the border to California and see Yosemite, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

The options are really limitless!

Things to remember while planning the trip

If you are driving in winter, make sure to prep your car for the snow.

There is a lot of wildlife in Colorado including deer, elk, and mountain goats which comes out on the roads.

Be careful while driving, especially at night.

While coming back, remember to follow the speed limits which are lower in Texas.

We have frequently seen people being pulled over for speeding as soon as they cross the border.

Also, Colorado might have legalized weed but it’s not legal in Texas and is a punishable offense.

There is no doubt – Best way to travel to Colorado from Texas is really on an amazing road trip!

It will be one of your most memorable road trips and if you have kids, they will enjoy seeing the variety of geological landscapes and features.

We hope you liked our post on Texas to Colorado road trip planner.

Do you know of any other attractions on the road? Or any fantastic eateries that we should visit the next time we make this trip?

Let us know in the comments!

17 Best Places to Stop on Texas to Colorado road trip

Looking to plan a Texas to Colorado road trip this year?

This epic road trip is full of amazing attractions, incredible stops, and once in a lifetime views.

Here is a detailed itinerary to plan your Texas to Colorado trip.

Where to begin the Texas road trip to Colorado?

Houston, Texas makes an excellent place to begin this amazing road trip.

If you’re visiting the city, take some time to check it out.

The Bayou City is full of great activities, restaurants, museums, and historical sites.

Space Center Houston is one of the best places to visit while in Houston; other popular attractions include the Houston Zoo, the Museum of Fine Arts, and Downtown Aquarium.

Read: Best Things to do in Houston

The distance from Denver to Houston is a little over 1000 miles.

San Antonio

San Antonio is also a great starting point for this road trip.

Spend some time on the Riverwalk before you drive north towards the Texas panhandle.

Be sure to visit the Alamo and other historic Missions in San Antonio, Texas if you haven’t been before!

Read: Best Things to do in San Antonio

The Dallas Fort Worth Metro area is located in North Texas.

If living in this area, then the Texas Colorado and Texas Oklahoma are the two most popular road trip destinations!

North Texas folks can look to a much shorter road trip as the distance between Dallas and Denver is under 800 miles, compared to the over 1000 miles drive from Houston.

Read: Best Things to do in Dallas

Austin is the place to be for Live Music and amazing food!

Take a drive down South Congress and eat yourself into a coma.

Enjoy the stunning beauty of Hamilton Pool Preserve in nearby Dripping Springs before embarking on this epic road trip.

Read: Best Things to do in Austin

Best Time to Plan Texas to Colorado road trip itinerary

The beauty of this road trip is that it can be done year around.

If planning a summer trip, spend less time in West Texas and the Texas Panhandle to escae the heat.

In spring and fall, the weather is pretty pleasant all along the route.

Plan a winter road trip to enjoy the ski resorts in Colorado and have some snow fun with the family!

How many days to plan for Texas to Colorado road trip

In this Texas Colorado road trip planner, we suggest at least a week to fully enjoy the many attractions.

10 days to 2 weeks is a great time to visit multiple destinations in Colorado.

You can also plan a shorter road trip if you are driving straight to Colorado without stopping in Texas and New Mexico.

Also Read: Houston to Las Vegas Drive

Best Places to stop on Texas to Colorado road trip

Whichever city you begin the road trip, you will be heading north towards Route 66 in the Texas Panhandle.

Your first stop!

Amarillo is a great place to stop on the Texas to Colorado drive.

Popular Amarillo attractions include the Historic Route 66 district, RV Museum, the Big Texan Steak Ranch, and Cadillac Ranch.

Just north of Amarillo, check out the impressive Palo Duro Canyon State Park if you have the time!

Cadillac Ranch

Highlight of your trip!

Cadillac Ranch , located in the Texas panhandle near Amarillo, is an essential stop on Historic Route 66.

The Cadillac Ranch is made up of vintage Cadillacs buried nose down in a field.

Driving along Historic Route 66, you can easily see this colorful graffiti out near the highway!

Palo Duro Canyon

Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in America after the Grand Canyon.

The state park is popular for picnics, hiking, camping, and biking.

Motels and hotels can be found in nearby Canyon along with restaurants and other shops.

If you have more time, you can also visit the Caprock Canyons State Park.

Adrian is the midpoint of Historic Route 66.

There’s plenty of history in this town with many restored buildings and a Route 66 museum.

Take a photo with the iconic midway sign and stop by Midpoint café.

From here, drive through New Mexico and into Colorado.

After spending your time in Adrian, make the drive to Tucumcari, New Mexico.

Tucumcari is another Texas CO road trip stop where you will find many restaurants, abandoned buildings, vintage gas stations, and attractions along Route 66.

Next stop, Santa Rosa Blue Hole.

This gorgeous natural pool is located in the mountains of New Mexico.

Spend some time splashing around before heading on to Santa Fe!

Santa Fe, New Mexico is a very charming city.

Popular things to do in Santa Fe include adobe architecture, museums, art galleries, dining, and attending festivals.

There are also some beautiful hotels in Santa Fe to spend the night before you finish up this incredible Texas CO road trip!

Capulin Volcano National Monument

Travelers coming from Houston or Dallas should plan to stop at Capulin Volcano National Monument while driving through New Mexico.

At the monument, you can take a walk through the crater to see unique vegetation, wildlife, and geological features.

Time to cross the border into Colorado!

Spend some time checking out these fun attractions before making your way towards Denver, Colorado.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Spend some time at the Great Sand Dunes National Park.

The park is known for it’s massive sand dunes surrounded by gorgeous mountains.

You can hike along the top of the dunes or go for a fun run on the soft sandy surfaces!

Kids love climbing up to the top of the dunes and sledding down the sand.

In summer, build a sand castle or take a dip in Medano Creek!

Colorado Springs

The Colorado Springs road trip is a scenic drive famous for its gorgeous views of the rock formations.

Popular attractions include Garden of the Gods park, Pike’s Peak, and the Broadmoor Hotel.

Drive up to the Pikes Peak Summit for some of the best views in Colorado!

The Pikes Peak Cog Railway is another fun way to take in stunning panoramic views.

Head on over to visit the historic Broadmoor Hotel before you make your way to Denver.

Garden of the Gods

Located just west of Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods is a popular area with spectacular red rocks.

This area is on most visitor’s bucket list.

Best ways to explore the region and its unique rock formations is by hiking, biking, or scenic drives.

This area is spectacular any season of the year.

Manitou Springs

Just a few miles west of Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs is a small town with lovely Victorian architecture and is famous for its mineral springs.

It makes a great stop to rest and enjoy the attractions.

For many Texans, Denver road trip is an annual ritual!

The Mile High City is known for its huge variety of attractions including museums, art galleries, shopping districts, bars/clubs, restaurants, parks/outdoor spaces, historic sites, and much, much more.

Take a tour of the Coors brewery or visit one of many local breweries in town.

If you are looking for some green spaces, head over to City Park or Washington Park to enjoy beautiful gardens, gorgeous ponds, fountains, and sculpture exhibits!

The charming mountain town is located less than an hour away from Denver and is the gateway to the Rocky Mountains.

Estes Park is known for its quaint downtown area and is a great place for families to visit.

From shopping to gear rentals, you will find all kinds of shops in the town.

This Colorado road trip stop is perfect for those wanting to see snow in winter months.

Popular things to do in Estes Park in winter include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding/skiing, hiking, and wildlife watching.

Rocky Mountain National Park

The Rocky Mountains are one of the most beautiful places to visit in Colorado.

Begin your visit at the visitor center.

The national park is famous for its several miles of hiking trails including the famous Bear Lake Loop that offers stunning views of the snow-capped peaks of the Continental Divide.

The scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain NP is a must-do when its open in the summer.

In the summer, you will find the park blooming with gorgeous wildflowers.

After Denver, you can either head back to Texas or explore southwest Colorado or head to northwest region and the Colorado National Monument.

Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park is another popular stop on the Texas CO road trip.

Located in the southwestern region of Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park is surrounded by the iconic mesas.

Popular attractions for families include the ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs.

You can take guided tours of the cliff dwellings at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Colorado National Monument

Home to iconic red rocks, Colorado National Monument is another fun stop on the trip.

Drive along Rim Rock Drive for stunning views.

The Monument is located about 60 miles west of Grand Junction.

Take a hike along the paths carved into the red rocks to explore this unique area.

You can also use this itinerary for Colorado to Texas road trip.

Did you like our Texas to Colorado road trip itinerary?

Let us know your favorite stops along the route.

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Modern Mom Life

Where food and family fun collide.

Epic Family Road Trip from Texas to Colorado

This post may contain affiliate links.  Read my full disclosure.

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Are you ready to hit the road from Texas to Colorado? If you are looking for a change of scenery with breathtaking views, traveling to Colorado Springs and Breckenridge on a six-day road trip is your answer.

Our family jumped in the truck and went on an impromptu Summer road trip to Colorado. We visited Colorado Springs and Breckenridge, Colorado. We also made pit stops to visit friends in Golden, Colorado, and Amarillo, Texas.

Although flights from Dallas to Colorado flights are more affordable right now, driving to Colorado from Texas is a sight to be seen. The beauty of the open road with a background of beautiful mountains is indescribable. Grab our free Road Trip Bingo game to keep the kids entertained and get yourself to Colorado!

Our Texas to Colorado Road Trip 

Our six-day road trip from Texas to Colorado was packed with adventure, great food with plenty to do for all of our family. Find out if this family road trip is right for you!  

Need help reserving your hotels and resorts? Hire a travel planner like I did to save you time and stress at no additional cost to you.

Driving to Colorado from Texas Tips

Our family spent 38 hours and drove 1,828 miles roundtrip in my husband’s truck during the six-day excursion. I will admit, that sounds awful; however, my kids behaved most of the time. Since we left early on day one, they slept a good part of the way. We broke up the trip with attractions, restaurants, and sightseeing. We sang to the Hamilton soundtrack a LOT, which drove my husband nuts (I think he secretly likes it though).

How expensive is it to take a Summer road trip to Colorado?

Traveling from Texas to Colorado isn’t too expensive thanks to the lower cost of gas. We saved money on food by bringing a ton of snacks and water we could take with us on hikes. Where we splurged was dining and the Epic Discovery attraction for the rides. Many parks and outdoor attractions are free admissions. Hiring a travel planner to find the best hotel deals helps too!

Our Budget for a Family of Four (2020): 

• Lodging: $800
• Attractions: $275
• Fuel for Ram 1500 EcoDiesel: $200 (Note this was 2020 pricing on gas)
• Dining: $225
• Approximate total : $1,500

Dallas to Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: dallas to colorado springs .

Driving Distance & Duration: 11 hours+ (724 miles)  (all distance times are approximate and do not include stops for bathroom breaks, gas stations, etc.)

With most of our family road trips, the first day we wake up early and hit the road. With small children, it’s easier to have them sleep most of the drive to avoid tantrums and get the most time on the road. 

We left the Dallas area at 3:30 am to get to Colorado Springs the first day. Some road trippers prefer breaking up the day first by staying in Amarillo, TX on Day 1, but we opted to finish our trip with the Texas destination.

Read more about how Colorado Springs is handling COVID-19

Quick lunch in Colorado Springs: We arrived one hour before check-in, so we stumbled upon a cute restaurant called The Pub Dog . We were the only ones without a dog, but we enjoyed the company of some furry friends outdoors. The food and drinks were tasty too! 

Hotel check-in:  Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn

I liked this hotel because it was clean. It was the least expensive of our hotel stays. However, the room was super tiny and we felt like we were on top of each other. I was okay with that because we spent more time outdoors than indoors. This hotel also serves free breakfast which saved us money.

Pikes Peak (3-4 hours, Adult (16+): $15 | Child (6-15): $5 | Carload up to 5 people: $50)

Exploring America’s Mountain was our first destination and one of the most memorable of the trip. Had my husband told me how high up we would be driving I probably would have chickened out. Although there were some moments of our drive I thought our truck could easily fall off the mountain, the view at the top was something I have never seen in my entire life. It was also 43 degrees and cold. If heaven is on Earth, it could possibly look like the scenes I saw at Pikes Peak. Absolutely stunning and worth the thrills to get there.

Tips: Make sure your car has a minimum of 1/2 tank of gas, drink plenty of fluids to avoid elevation sickness, and drive down the mountain in low gear or low range. Let your transmission do the work to avoid overheating the brakes.

Day 2: Colorado Springs

Breakfast at the hotel

Garden of the Gods (3-4 hours, FREE)

There is so much to do at Garden of the Gods. You could spend days there if you wanted. Since we had a toddler in tow, we were more limited in what we could do, but we still enjoyed our hike and exploring.

Garden of the Gods Park is a registered National Natural Landmark. We enjoyed the dramatic views, 300′ towering sandstone rock formations and simply taking in nature together. We saw others horseback riding, and riding bikes throughout the park. There isn’t a shortage of things to do here. If I had more time I would’ve spent more of it here.

Cave of the Winds (3-4 hours, price varies depending on activities)

Eager to get into cooler temperatures, we booked a cave tour near Manitou Springs where the Great Spirit of the Wind resided. This family tour lasted 45 minutes. We learned about the history and geology of the cave. ( Cave Tours tickets )

The kids enjoyed panning for gemstones while we took in the breathtaking views of the attraction. Cave of the Winds also has a challenge course, zip lines, and more for kids of all ages to enjoy.

Dinner: Crystal Park Cantina  

Ready to relax and enjoy some food, we stumbled upon the cutest restaurant that served Mexican food. The service was amazing and this kid-friendly spot was just what we needed to refuel and sit back.

If we had an extra day in Colorado Springs, I would have loved to visit Seven Falls and Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Day 3: Colorado Springs to Breckenridge

Breakfast at the hotel.

Driving distance/duration : 2 hours (105 miles) 

This two-hour drive from Colorado Springs to Breckenridge is stunning! The internet reception is not great, so the scenic views help the time go by. 

Hotel check-in : Marriott Mountain Valley Lodge  

This was my favorite place to stay. It was very clean and spacious. Loved having the kitchen and dining area. The kids loved having their own pull-out bed to enjoy movies at night. The view from the room was stunning as well!

Once we got settled, we walked a short distance to check out the charm of Main Street Breckenridge . The streets were closed allowing patrons to dine outside and walk freely. I fell in love instantly. There are over 200 shops and boutiques on Main Street and Ridge street.

We had lunch at Downstairs at Eric’s . This is a family sports bar and arcade. Sadly, the arcade is closed but the pizza and burgers are amazing!

Main Street Breckenridge is filled with creative photo opportunities and kid-friendly play structures. The  Blue River Plaza  is a great central location where older kids can splash in the shallows of the Blue River and toddlers can play in sandboxes and mini play area.

With no plans in mind, we came across The Canteen Tap House and Tavern for dinner. The tacos were tasty and I enjoyed drinking a Spicy Donkey cocktail out of an actual canteen. That was a first!

Day 4: Breckenridge

This was the first day we didn’t get in a car at all. We simply walked everywhere! We started our day off with a full tummy thanks to the Blue Moose Restaurant . They only take cash by the way.

After breakfast, we took the Breck Connect Gondola to our next destination, Epic Discovery . 

At Peak 8 Base Camp we took a ride on the Gold Runner Coaster and Alpine Slides. If it hadn’t started raining, we would have enjoyed some of their other attractions. This was so much fun and the kids enjoyed it!

We hopped on the gondola again and saw real moose. It was incredible! All that activity and high elevation made us thirsty and hungry. Cue Rita’s Taco Bar . Definitely did not disappoint!

After our lunch, the Main Street Breckenridge shopping continued. I visited the typical souvenir shops, The Cheese Shop , and several candy shops for the kids! (They guilted me into it!)

Meanwhile, my husband waited in line for what seemed like an eternity at Crepes A La Cart . I was skeptical, but it lived up to the hype.

Our day ended with pool time at the resort for the kids. Parent pro tip: wear the kids out so they sleep better in hotels.

If we had an extra day I would have loved to check out these hiking trails in Breckenridge .

Day 5: Breckenridge to Golden

Driving distance/duration: 1.5 hours (72 miles) 

Lions Park was the perfect place to meet our dear friends we hadn’t seen in a long time. The kids played while we all caught up in cool temps! Everyone is so active outside in Colorado!

Golden Farmers Market was nearby. I didn’t have a chance to check it out, but it looked fun. Happens every Saturday.

Day 5: Golden, CO to Amarillo, TX

This drive included a lot of sing a longs and technology to keep the kids entertained. Honestly, they slept again considering they were worn out from playing at the park.

Driving distance/duration: 7 hours (439 miles) 

Hotel check-in: Holiday Inn Express West

I don’t have much to say about this hotel because we arrived at midnight, slept, and left early. It was very clean and the design was pretty. Not so fun, someone calling a noise complaint on us when we were unpacking. Must have thin walls because this time the kids were not loud. Surprisingly!

Day 6: Amarillo to Dallas

Breakfast on the go so we could spend more time hiking!

We have friends that live in Amarillo and have private access to Palo Duro Canyon . While catching up, we enjoyed hiking and exploring a nearby cave. I would love to take another road trip to Palo Duro Canyon and camp overnight to experience more of this stunning place.

If we had more time: I would’ve loved to visit the infamous Cadillac Ranch for some Instagram-worthy photos.

Back to Dallas

Driving distance/duration: 5.5 hours (366 miles) 

I’ve always been wary of going skiing. I have never been. I always chose a sunny place over being cold. That being said, now that I have experienced Colorado in the Summer, I am excited and curious to see the beauty of the mountains in the winter.

Never say never, traveling opens your heart and mind in unexplainable ways.

Need life to slow down? Need to reconnect with yourself and your family?

Head to the mountains!

If you love this Texas to Colorado family road trip itinerary, head over to my Pinterest where I am sharing the best road trip for families . Check out our road trip review to Margaritaville Lake Conroe resort .

Reader Interactions

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Maggie says

June 14, 2021 at 1:10 am

Love it!!!! My family and I are looking into planning our first official family road trip (ATX to Colorado) in August! Wish us luck and thanks for sharing! ❤️

Michelle Hancock says

June 14, 2021 at 9:18 am

You will love it so much! Have the best time!

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The Ultimate Texas to Colorado Road Trip

If you’re looking for a fun and unique vacation idea this year, consider a Texas to Colorado road trip . Both states have tons of beautiful outdoor destinations to admire and both have big cities to explore.

You’ll get to visit national parks, city parks, quirky roadside attractions, and more. This Texas to Colorado road trip itinerary starts in Houston, Texas and ends in Denver, Colorado. This trip can be completed over the course of 5 to 7 days, or longer if you have the time.

I’ve included nine destinations as suggestions to help you plan your trip, but you can always add more or less depending on your own interests. That’s the beauty of a road trip after all, you can go where you want.

Let’s get started.

Some of the links in the post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links it helps to support this site at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Texas to Colorado Road Trip

A few quick notes on this Texas to Colorado road trip.

Your Texas to Colorado road trip time will vary depending on how long you elect to spend in each destination and how much time you have for the trip.

The drive time from Houston to Denver is 16 hours without stops. I have included approximate drive times between each stop along the route so you know how long it will take to get from one destination to the next.

Consider adding additional stops, or removing some, to fit your interests. For example, if you’d much rather spend more time in Austin but don’t care much to visit Houston, you can always make this an Austin to Denver road trip or just an Austin to Colorado road trip instead.

The main advantage of taking a road trip is that you get to go wherever you want. So remain flexible during the trip so you can pivot or change plans if you see something interesting.

Also, there’s plenty more to see in Texas than what’s listed here. If you’d like to explore more of the state consider checking out some of these Texas weekend getaways .

Drive safe and have fun.

If you’ve never been to Houston before, I think you’ll be a bit surprised by the city. Well, at least I sure was when I visited. Houston turned out to be a lot cooler than I thought it would be.

Not only does the city have fantastic restaurants and bars, but Houston also has a fun artsy side. Keep an eye out for street art and murals when you’re out exploring the city.

If you have an interest in space or space exploration, don’t miss the  Space Center where you’ll get to learn all about manned space flight. Houston is also where NASA’s Mission Control is located. No, you don’t get to go inside, but you will get to learn about it and see pictures.

Also, if you’ll be renting a car but prefer to do so in Austin, you can take a bus from Houston to Austin for about $30 or so.

• Next Stop:  Austin
• Distance:  2 hours and 30 minutes

Austin is such a fun city, I think it might be my favorite road trip stop on this itinerary. You can do a lot with just one day in Austin , so plan for a good time here.

If this will be your first visit to Austin, plan to spend some time along the river that runs through the city. You can visit the parks or head out onto the water with a paddleboard or kayak. Being out on the water gives you a pretty cool perspective of the city, plus it’s just fun.

You’ll also definitely want to try some of Austin’s restaurants and food trucks. You’ll find food truck lots all around the city with several food trucks to choose from at each lot. I recommend ordering small plates at each so you can try as many as possible. Or just share with your friends.

As for restaurants, you’ll find plenty of great options along Congress Avenue just across the bridge from downtown Austin. I personally loved Torchy’s Tacos and Home Slice Pizza.

If visiting after summer 2021, you can aslo try to catch a concert at any one of Austin’s many live music venues. You’ll easily have dozens of options to choose from on any given night, from big acts to local bands.

In the evenings, don’t miss your chance to see the bats emerge from the Congress Avenue bridge. Yes, that’s right. I’m recommending you visit a bridge to see bats. If you haven’t heard of the Austin bats, let me explain.

Each night between March and September, spectators line the Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset to watch thousands of Mexican Free-Tailed bats emerge from under the bridge for feeding time.

The bats can emerge anytime from about 7:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m., and it takes about 40 minutes for all the bats to emerge once they get going. It sounds like a weird thing to want to see, but it’s actually pretty interesting. Try to catch the bats if you can.

• Next Stop:  Dallas
• Distance:  3 hours

Dallas is a big city with an equally large personality. The city has tons of great restaurants and bars, dozens of excellent museums, along with lots of city parks and outdoor attractions.

If visiting for just one day, I recommend getting up early to visit the city’s parks and musuems. Then head to the Dallas Arts District for lunch and to see local street art.

In the evenings, you will not want to miss your chance to try Texas style BBQ. Ask a local where their favorite barbecue place is and go there. Locals always know the best spots.

• Next Stop:  Palo Duro Canyon State Park
• Distance:  6 hours

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a massive canyon running about 120 miles long and is the second largest canyon in the United States. The Grand Canyon is obviously the first.

Visitors to Palo Duro Canyon State Park can enjoy hiking, biking, stargazing, horseback riding, camping, and even glamping. It’s a beautiful place to spend the night if you’re looking for an overnight location. Just be sure to make those reservations early.

If you’d like to make Palo Duro Canyon a quick stop, you can always stop by just for the views. You’ll find plenty of overlooks inside the park from which to admire the canyon.

If you have extra time, you can also pay a visit to Caprock Canyons State Park to see the many bison that roam the fields there. Caprock Canyons is about 90 minutes from Palo Duro. You’ll want to make this stop after leaving Dallas.

• Next Stop:  Amarillo

Cadillac Ranch

Cadillac Ranch is a famous roadside attraction located just a short drive from Amarillo, Texas along the historic Route 66.

Cadillac Ranch is a public art installation with 10 Cadillacs buried head first into the dirt. Visitors often bring spray paint to spray on the cars during their visit. It’s also a popular spot for photos.

A visit to Cadillac Ranch will only take a short time, but it’s a quick fun stop nonetheless.

• Next Stop:  Capulin Volcano National Monument

Capulin Volcano National Monument

Capulin Volcano National Monument is located in northeastern New Mexico and is home to an extinct cinder cone volcano.

Visitors to the park can hike or drive up to the rim of the volcano to see views of the mouth of the volcano and surrounding area. Once at the rim, you can hike into the mouth of the volcano as well.

The park also has a visitor center where you can learn about the history of the Capulin Volcano and the volcanic surrounding area.

A visit to Capulin Volcano National Monument makes for a quick stop, but is a fun and interesting way to break up the drive.

• Next Stop:  Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park has some of the largest sand dunes you’ll find anywhere in the world. If you’re like me and love desert landscapes, you’re going to just love Great Sand Dunes National Park.

One of the most fun things to do here is go sledding down the dunes. You’ll want to bring a saucer shaped sled with you as they are not sold or available to rent inside the park. Do not worry if you didn’t pack your saucer, you’ll find sleds for sale all around the town just outside the park.

I also recommend bringing goggles with you when you visit. They are useful when sledding down the dunes, but also if you happen to be visiting on a windy day.

Visitors to Great Sand Dunes National Park can also enjoy hiking, nature walks, photography and stargazing. The park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can arrive anytime.

If you have an extra day or two and want to visit another national park in Colorado consider heading west about four hours to Mesa Verde National Park . This park is known for its many ancient cliff dwellings and pueblos.

If heading north towards Garden of the Gods, consider taking a side trip to Royal Gorge Bridge and Park about 2 hours and 30 minutes north. This park is home to the country’s highest suspension bridge, a zipline, and sky coaster.

• Next Stop:  Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods is a beautiful and rather unexpected city park located in Colorado Springs. The park is known for its many huge 300 feet tall sandstone rock formations. These sandstone rock formations were not native to this area, so they really stand out when you first approach the park.

Garden of the Gods has over 15 miles of trails weaving through the various sandstone formations which makes the park an excellent location for hiking, running, or simply going for a walk in a beautiful place.

The park is also a popular place for photography and rock climbing. For the best photos, arrive early or get creative with your angles to avoid the crowds.

I recommend stopping at the  Garden of the Gods Visitor Center  before you head to the park. Admission to the visitor center is free and you’ll get to learn more about the park and local area.

Garden of the Gods park is currently open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

If you’re looking for other things to do while in Colorado Springs, consider heading over to Pikes Peak for a little outdoor adventure or Manitou Springs to soak in the mineral hot springs or see the Manitou cliff dwellings.

• Next Stop:  Denver
• Distance:  1 hour 15 minutes

Denver is such a fun city and the perfect place to end your Texas to Colorado road trip .

If this is your first visit to Denver, I recommend staying near downtown. This way you’ll be close to all the best restaurants and bars. You’ll also be close to the ballpark and the Arts District, both of which you should visit while in town.

If you’re in town in late 2021 and beyond, check the calendar for events at Red Rocks Ampitheatre , probably one of the coolest places to see live music in the United States.

If you’re looking to spend some time outdoors, head to Denver’s City Park, a 300 acre public park located just east of downtown. The park is home to paved trails, two lakes, the city zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

In the evenings, head out on a self-guided brewery tour or perhaps join a guided brewery tour instead.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this Texas to Colorado Road Trip Itinerary and that I’ve inspired you to plan a trip of your own. If you’d like to support this blog please consider sharing this post. Thanks for reading.

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A Revenge Road Trip from Texas to Colorado: Itinerary & Ideas

Posted on March 30, 2021 January 7, 2022 Author Priya Leave a comment

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Have you heard of this travel trend: Revenge Travel?! We had a little taste of it ourselves during our Texas to Colorado Road trip, an unforgettable drive that had us toss caution to the wind and go on a risky road trip during the recent snowmageddon. Plowing through snowed in highways and icy roads, we drove 15 hours and nearly 1000 miles towards the ski slopes of Colorado when snow decided to cause havoc in Texas. 

I take to the open road. Healthy, free, the world before me – Walt Whitman

I’m partial to spending summer in the mountains but whether you are visiting during Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter, there is no shortage of adventures in Colorado. From Llama hikes, flyfishing, zipping around in alpine coasters in summer to skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing in winter the list of activities available in Colorado is endless.

With towering pine trees, snow-covered mountains, sleepy ski towns bustling with winter worshippers, there is so much to see and do during winter in Colorado . This Texas to Colorada road trip itinerary takes you through some of the cities, has detours ideas to National Parks and small towns. If you love long drives, open vistas, and views you will want to keep reading.

While we did this Texas to Colorado road trip in winter, it works great for spring or summer as well, in fact the drive might be less stressfull! I’m hoping to try a fall trip to Telluride someday.

WHAT IS IN THIS POST

But first, What is a Revenge Road trip?

Revenge travel is a phenomenon that travel experts and trend watchers are predicting will be seen a lot, once the caution around Covid-19 subsides – a trend where we will look at travel as a gift and travel more to make up for lost trips as restrictions ease. In other words, revenge travel is taking extra trips or splurging more on travel than you ordinarily would, all because you’ve been deprived of it for so long. Go big or Go home will be the travel theme soon and we are here for it!

Call it post-pandemic travel or revenge travel, it sounds ominous, but really revenge travel is much like the concept of revenge spending which happens when consumer spending explodes after a period of restrictions. Revenge Road Trips could very well be the first form and possibly preferred mode of travel as we emerge from lockdown. It insulates risk to a certain degree.

Texas to Colorado: Our Road trip Itinerary

We were crazy to drive 18 hours from Texas to Colorado when you can get there in under 3 hours by flight if you ask me. Then again Covid makes you do some crazy things! Yep, I’m chalking this revenge road trip to Covid induced craziness. And we were celebrating a special boy’s 18th birthday… whose only wish was a ski trip with a couple of his close friends.

Our Texas to Colorado road trip itinerary took us from Dallas to Santa Fe, where we spent a weekend, and then through some treacherous roads and icy patches to Breckenridge. While our destination was the ski slopes in Breck, I’m including other stops that you can tackle or tumble through – trips that we have done before or a couple that is still on the travel wishlist that we haven’t had the chance to tackle yet.

Texas to Colorado Road trip Ideas & Itinerary

We started our Texas to Colorado Road Trip in Dallas. If you are planning a winter road trip, make sure your Vehicle has the right tires if not rent one. Learn from our mistake – our BMW had performance tires and not really good on icy road – something we wish we had known before we embarked on our adventure.

Wondering what to pack for a long road trip , see this post that has a downloadable and Printable Road Trip packing list

Texas to colorado road trip map.

How to Use This Map:  Use your fingers or computer mouse to zoom in on the details. Click the tab in the top left-hand corner of the map to view the layers (places and the driving route). You can click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. If you click the star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this map on the list.

Texas to Colorado Drive: [3 Different Route options]

If you are crazy enough to drive this route during normal times, here are 3 different options. We started with the Cañon City route. But the road conditions were icy, and our car was skidding in the snow – at one point near Las Vegas, NM it went on a 360-degree spin and our hearts almost stopped. Luckily there was no other vehicle on the Highway.

Then came Ratón Pass , a 7,834 ft elevation mountain pass on the Colorado-New Mexico border located on the eastern side of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains between Trinidad, Colorado and Raton, New Mexico. With steady hands on the steering, we made it through…

We managed to make it to Cañon City and were 10 minutes into driving on CO-9 and had to stop and call for a tow truck. It was getting dark and we didn’t want to attempt crossing the tricky Hoosier Pass at night. (More about it below).

So we drove back up to Cañon City and over some pizza, decided on the Denver route. It turned out to be a little longer (we reached our vacation home at 3 am, 5 hours later than what we had planned) but definitely safer!

Here are the different route options for your Texas to Colorado drive:

Cañon City, Colorado

Take Texas 121 TEXpress/Texas 183 TEXpress, US-287 N, Ranch to Market Rd 1061, US-385 N, … and CO-9 N from Cañon City through Hoosier Pass (drive through the small towns of Guffey, Hartsel, Fairplay, Alma) to Boreas Pass Rd in Breckenridge.

Canon City is a great stop for amazing family fun! Enjoy the amazing views at the Royal Gorge Bridge, get your adrenaline going at the whitewater rafting in Colorado, and tackle the tallest dunes in North America at Great Sand Dunes National Park, if you plan to stay a day or two.

Through Colorado Spring s

Take Texas 121 TEXpress/Texas 183 TEXpress, US-287 N, Ranch to Market Rd 1061, US-385 N, … and I-25 N to Colorado Springs and CO-285 and CO-9 to Breckenridge.

Through Denver, Colorado

Take Texas 121 TEXpress/Texas 183 TEXpress, US-287 N, Ranch to Market Rd 1061, US-385 N, … and I-25 N to Denver and I-70 to Breckenridge.

Dallas to Denver Drive

The drive from Dallas to Denver should take around 12 to 13 hours if you didn’t stop in Santa Fe as we did. If you want to break your journey, Amarillo is great for spending a night or two. Our friends did just that before meeting up with us in Raton. They loved this Airbnb they stayed at in Amarillo.

See how we spent our day in Santa Fe

Houston, Texas to Colorado Road Trip

We started our Texas to Colorada road trip from Dallas but if you are driving from south Texas and are looking for a stop along the way, then you can’t go wrong with the twin cities of Dallas and Fort Worth. There is enough to keep you busy for a couple of days.

Houston needs no introduction, but if this is your first time, you must visit the Space Center Houston . The kids always enjoy the astronaut training where you get to visit the buildings on campus, with stops at the astronaut training facility and the Saturn V rocket.  Also, make time for visiting Kemah Boardwalk for some fun rides and arcade games. The Houston Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Natural Science are good places to explore and exercise those brain cells. Galveston is just an hour away and you can easily add it as a day trip from Houston.

Dallas has great museums, lakes and botanical gardens and in my humble opinion some of the most wonderful restaurants. We have some Michelin star-worthy restaurants in Dallas and we have our famous Tex-Mex and BBQ too.

See this post for some fun things to do in Dallas with kids or this one if you are on a Girls trip to Dallas .

There is just so much to do in Fort Worth . From visiting the Stockyards to Sundance Square , there are plenty of experiences for the entire family.  Kids will love the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History (fwmuseum.org). The world-renowned Kimbell Art Museum ( kimbellart.org) displays art from antiquity to modern times and the Fort Worth Modern Art Museum presents modern art in a gorgeous setting.  Don’t miss the Japanese gardens, it is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in spring and fall colors in DFW.

Grapevine , Texas is a quaint town with a main street that is home to wine tasting rooms, one of a kind shops, galleries, a vintage railroad, all anchored by a Glockenspiel Clock Tower. Grapevine is considered the Christmas capital of Texas and a great place to visit during winter.

Amarillo is a great stop for a day or two. You can make your mark with spray paint at the famous Cadillac Ranch .  Drive to nearby Palo Duro Canyon to see the Grand Canyon of Texas.  Caprock Canyons State Park and Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument are not too far from Amarillo. 

Austin to Aspen Road trip

If your road trip is taking you from Austin, Texas to Aspen or anywhere in Colorado then you will want to head to Amarillo, spend a night and then drive to your destination in Colorado. The drive will take about 18 hours.

From shopping on funky South Congress Avenue to stand-up paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake and seeing live music, there is always plenty to do in the capital of Texas . Trendy eatries to funky food trucks, the Austin food scene is diverse and can’t be missed!

While I can’t really say I have spent much time in Aspen , I have been to Maroon Bells in Snowmass and love the hikes there especially in Spring when the aspen groves are beginning to turn green and there is a little dusting of snow on the mountains. Fall is spectacular as well when the trees put on a show with their crimson and golden hues.

Aspen, though is still on that travel wish list I mentioned earlier!

Dallas to Telluride Drive

The Dallas to Telluride drive is another popular road trip for Texans. You can get there in 15 hours if you don’t stop. Or stop at Santa Fe or Albuquerque before driving through Durango to Telluride. I will report back soon with details about Telluride 😉 Fingers crossed for a fall road trip!

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Located in the Texas Panhandle, a little outside the town of Amarillo in Texas is Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a must-visit. Also called the Grand Canyon of Texas, the Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the country.  We are yet to make it here, it was closed due to the snow. Palo Duro Canyon State Park is rugged, beautiful and colorful .  You can explore the canyon by foot, mountain bike, horse, or car. They have more than 30 miles of hiking trails in the park.

Caprock Canyons State Park

If you are spending a day in Amarillo, plan to visit  Caprock Canyons State Park to see the bison roam the plains. Located approximately 100 miles southeast of Amarillo, this park is home to the Texas Bison herd, which is considered a keystone species within the prairie ecosystem.

See Other Texas State Parks we love and think you will too!

Capulin Volcano National Monument

At Capulin Volcano National Monument in New Mexico, you can explore an extinct cinder cone volcano. Part of the 8,000 square mile Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field, Capulin Volcano showcases the volcanic geology of northeastern New Mexico.  You can drive up to the rim of the crater and even hike down into it. You can learn more about the area’s history and geology at the Visitor Center. 

The views are spectacular from the top of the volcanic rim, you can see 4 different states including Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, and sometimes you can even see Kansas!  It also has one of the darkest night skies in the country.

Colorado Springs

If you not rushing through the road trip, your next stop while driving to Denver from Texas should be Colorado Springs. This popular city is located on the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains. There are many adventures to be had here, plan 2 to 3 days in Colorado Springs.

Colorado Springs is famous for the stunning red sandstone formations at the Garden of the Gods park. 15 miles of trails, some as short as a half-mile long, take you through slabs of sandstone rocks that rise up to meet the sky. Stop by the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center to learn more about how the geological wonder formed.

Pikes National Forest is an easy drive from Colorado Springs where you can go hiking, fishing, camping, boating and cross-country skiing. Climb 143 steps to the top of the Devil’s Head lookout for spectacular views or hike all the way up the 14,115-feet Pikes Peak mountain that inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write America the Beautiful. It is one of the 53 mountains in Colorado that achieves a height of 14,000 feet+ If hiking isn’t your thing, you can always drive, bike, take the cog railway (currently closed) or shuttle up the mountain!

The mile high city offers a wide array of attractions from interactive museums, incredible zoos, and one of our son’s favorite Baseball fields. There really is a lot of fun things to do in Denver with kids .  There are green spaces and vintage ice cream shops to keep the little ones entertained, and plenty of things to do with teenagers in Denver as well — art museums and districts, unique book stores and historic shopping districts. How cool is this Blue Bear!

Hoosier Pass

The high elevation mountain pass is part of the Great Continental Divide and sits at an elevation of 12000-foot. Hoosier Pass runs for about 20 miles from Fairplay to Breckenridge.  It’s a winding up and down road with some pretty sharp turns and switchbacks. The views of the Mosquito mountain range is just breathtaking! Located on the Continental Divide, this road is usually open all year long.

During winter storms, however, the road can be closed. It’s traversable by all vehicles when the weather is good and visibility is clear. But is occasionally closed during winter storms (like the one we were driving through). 

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park has some of the tallest dunes in the country. It is so unique! Surrounded by mountains, you will find an endless area of sand dunes stretching in every direction.

Sandboarding, sledding, and skiing are permitted anywhere on the dune field away from vegetated areas. From the main Dunes Parking Area, it’s a minimum 0.7 mile (1km) hike to get to some of the small or medium-sized slopes. See the National Park’s website for more details and gear rental info.

Rocky Mountains National Park

Rocky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular and favorite national parks in Colorada and the country. This highest-elevation national park has 355 miles of hiking trails, scenic driving routes, more than 50 lakes and streams for fishing, and teeming with wildlife. You can see elk, moose, and bighorn sheep if you are lucky.

The best way to explore Rocky Mountain National Park is by driving through the many scenic drives inside the park. The drive to Bear Lake is always a favorite! They are beautiful year-round! You are sure to fall in love with the wildflowers in summer or golden aspens in autumn and snow-covered mountain peaks in winter.

Make sure to stop at Estes Park that sits on the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountain National Park,  the Big Thompson River runs right through the middle.  Locals call it the gateway to the Rockies!

Breckenridge

Breckenridge’s (frequent visitors and locals call it Breck) got some of the best views in North America and the best ski schools for beginners (both kids and adults). Prepare to be wowed as soon as you settle in for a ride on the Colorado SuperChair. From this high alpine perch, you get a great view of much of the Tenmile Range. Breckenridge Ski Resort’s five peaks are nestled right in the middle of this Tenmile Range.

From small antique shops to souvenir shops there are plenty of restaurants, coffee shops and bars in the historic mining town center of Breckenridge. I may have got more ski jackets than I really needed. Did I mention I don’t ski! But I did fall in love with the winter landscape and the snow-covered mountains of Colorado.

Vail village is bright and cheery with hanging flower baskets in summer. The rivers are filled with fishes, the hiking is good and from Ziplines to Adventure Courses to Mountain Coaster, options for adventures are endless on the Vail Mountain. We took a Llama to lunch one day and had a picnic, twirled and trapezed through a garden at the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens , the highest garden in the US! I loved our summer adventures in Vail!!

Vail village is chic and Après Ski is taken seriously, so come prepared with your outfits and accessories.  Walking into the village, you might think you are in Switzerland or somewhere in the Alps – that is because Pete Siebert and Earl Eaton, the founding fathers of Vail modeled it after ski resorts in Austria.  The cobbled stone walkways are heated so that the snow does not accumulate, pretty ingenious if you ask me!

See our Summer adventures in Vail

I hope you found this Texas to Colorado road trip Itinerary, ideas and travel inspiration helpful in planning your trip.

Travel Industry experts believe revenge travel is a good thing, and speculate that travelers will come to look at travel as a gift, traveling more to make up for lost trips as restrictions ease. Tell me, are you planning some revenge travel or road trips?

You might also like: Packing list for a Mountain Getaway Our Favorite Summer Adventures in Vail 10 Best things to do in Denver Day trips from Denver Other Mountain Getaways

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Note:  This post may contain affiliate links, partnership or sponsored content. If you purchase an item via one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. But as always images and opinions are our own. For more information on our affiliates and privacy policy at Outside Suburbia see here .

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Dallas to Colorado drive

Dallas to colorado road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Dallas to Colorado. If you're planning a road trip to Colorado, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

9:00 am  start in Dallas drive for about 2.5 hours

11:18 am   Wichita Falls stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:18 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

1:37 pm   Quanah stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:37 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

4:13 pm   Palo Duro Canyon stay for about 1 hour and leave at 5:13 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

6:38 pm   Amarillo stay for about 1 hour and leave at 7:38 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 8 hours find more stops

9:00 am  leave from Dalhart (Texas) drive for about 2.5 hours

11:34 am   Trinidad (Colorado) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:34 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

1:50 pm   Pueblo stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:50 pm drive for about 2 hours

4:42 pm   Denver stay for about 4 hours and leave at 8:42 pm drive for about 1 hour

9:44 pm  arrive at Colorado

day 2 driving ≈ 6.5 hours find more stops

Where should I stop along the way?

Wichita Falls   (5 answers) Quanah Palo Duro Canyon   (2 mentions) Amarillo   (43 answers)     questions about Amarillo:         THING TO SEE         Hotels Dalhart (Texas) Trinidad (Colorado)   (3 answers) Pueblo   (3 answers) Denver   (227 answers)     Denver Museum of Nature and Science   (15 mentions)     Denver Botanic Gardens   (12 mentions)     Denver Art Museum   (11 mentions)     LoDo   (11 mentions)     Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre   (11 mentions)     restaurants around Denver:         Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen         Rioja         Acorn         Root Down         Bistro Vendome     questions about Denver:         Short, scenic drives from Denver?         Best resort for advanced skier?         Things to do and see in or around Denver Colorado         Activites to do with children ages 7-11         Top 5 must see attractions in Denver?

What are some things to do in Colorado?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Colorado. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Colorado.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Colorado to Dallas drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Dallas to Colorado . Or get a full Dallas to Colorado flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world.

And if you know Dallas well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Dallas!

More info on this route:

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Dallas to Colorado Road Trip: A historic route, volcanic landscape and mountains

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation with a little sightseeing or an active outdoor experience, this Dallas to Colorado road trip has it all.

This Dallas to Colorado road trip has everything you could possibly want in a family vacation. With museums to explore, delicious food to eat and nature to discover, it has something for everyone. The kids will love running around the various parks and monuments while adults will take pleasure in discovering pieces of history and hiking through the beautiful scenery. Start in Dallas and head northwest to discover places like Amarillo, Capulin Volcano National Monument, Colorado Springs, Breckenridge, Denver, and everything in between.

1. Dallas 2. Amarillo 3. Capulin Volcano National Monument 4. Colorado Springs 5. Breckenridge 6. Denver

Info at a glance

• Length: 2 Weeks
• Type of route: Family
• 6 stops along the route
• Distance: 925 miles of driving
• Check out the museums and eat barbecue in Dallas. 
• Visit the Route 66 Historic District in Amarillo. 
• Hike around the extinct Capulin Volcano.  
• Visit Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. 
• Explore Denver and the surrounding area. 

Getting to the start

This road trip starts in Dallas , Texas. If you are coming from another part of the country, you can fly into Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport . If you are arriving by car, there are many different options as Dallas is super well connected. You can reach Dallas from the north or south via Interstate 35 East or I-45, or state route 75. From the east or west, you can drive in on I-20 or I-30. You can also take an Amtrak train to Dallas. 

CAR RENTAL IN DALLAS

When to Visit

The scenery throughout the northern part of Texas and into Colorado is beautiful year-round. If you’re looking to take advantage of all the outdoor activities possible, take this road trip in the summer. However, if this is going to be a road trip turned ski trip, winter is the best time to do it. When you’re packing, take into account the attractions you want to visit. No matter what, you’ll want a pair of good walking shoes that are also suitable for hiking, clothing you can layer, a few nice outfits for days in the city, rain gear and your camera. 

Driving tips

You’ll hit a few toll roads driving through Texas. Be prepared to pay tolls on the leg of your trip where you’ll be taking I-35 from Dallas to Amarillo. However, this is the only toll road you will encounter during this road trip. The speed limit in Texas is typically 75 mph on interstate highways. During your short jaunt through New Mexico, the speed limit is also 75 mph. It is worth noting that it is illegal to drive in New Mexico without putting your full attention on the vehicle, so it’s best to avoid using your phone or eating while driving. Colorado’s speed limit is generally 65 mph. 

What to know about the route

This 925-mile road trip is perfect for the entire family. Chock full of beautiful scenery, history and outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone. Starting in Dallas, you’ll explore all the city has to offer, including the iconic local food and museums. Then, you’ll take the I-35 East north towards Amarillo, Texas. Amarillo is a great place to explore the history of Route 66 as well as Cadillac Ranch. Afterward, hop onto Route 87 for a quick skip into New Mexico to visit Capulin Volcano National Monument before heading north on I-25 to Colorado Springs, Colorado. This is where the nature portion of your trip really starts. Explore everything Colorado Springs has to offer before heading to Breckenridge via CO Highway 9. Finally, you’ll take I-70 East into Denver to wrap up your trip. For this family road trip, it’s best to take an SUV or a sedan so you can navigate the roads in the wilderness as well as transport the whole family. 

Dallas, Texas

Dallas is a city with plenty to offer. Home to a range of museums, both history buffs and the kids will love learning about the unique history the city displays. Combine the incredible museums with tasty local dishes and a variety of outdoor activities and you’ve got the perfect family destination.

Points of interest

There are tons of things to do in Dallas before you get on the road. Check out the Arts District, home to the Dallas Museum of Art and the Crow Collection of Asian Art.  You’ll also want to visit the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, which commemorates the assassination of JFK. Reunion Tower is also a popular attraction, as you can go to the observation deck at the top for a panoramic view of the city. 

Where to eat, drink and sleep

To sample some barbeque, head to Cattleack Barbeque, the Slow Bone or the Pecan Lodge. And of course, Dallas has its own take on Mexican food, so check out Tejas or Mariano’s Hacienda for the best margaritas. Check out unique establishments like The Tipsy Alchemist for cocktails or the ArtPark beer garden. The best places to stay are located in the downtown area where you’ll be close to all the action. 

Sixt Insider Tip

If you’re into the history of outlaws, you can visit the graves of the legendary Bonnie Parker and Clyde Marrow, aka, Bonnie & Clyde. They’re located at different cemeteries but both are worth a visit if you’re into their stories.

From Dallas to Amarillo (365 miles)

Next, you’ll take I-35 north to Amarillo. Along the way, you’ll pass by Fort Worth, Dallas’s sister city, that’s worth a visit in its own right. You can also check out the quaint historic town of Grapevine on the way. You’ll pass by Wichita Falls where you can learn more about the history of North Texas.

Amarillo, Texas

Amarillo, Texas, is perched right on Historic Route 66. With loads of Route 66-themed attractions, there’s plenty to do here. It’s also the epitome of an Old West town. Home to art galleries, a historic downtown area, and more, all in a desert setting, this is about as Texas as it gets.

You’ll want to visit the Route 66 Historic District. Another famous attraction is Cadillac Ranch, an iconic art installation featuring spray-painted Cadillacs buried in the ground. You can even grab your own can of paint and leave your mark. The kids will love the Don Harrington Discovery Center and the local zoo. 

For food, you won’t want to miss the Big Texan Steak Ranch Hotel to try your hand at their steak challenge. It’s also a brewery, so you’ll want to try the local beer. The hotel options in Amarillo are modest but are mostly located in the downtown area, so you’ll have access to all the attractions during your stay. 

Just a short drive away from Amarillo, check out Palo Duro Canyon State Park to visit the country’s second-largest canyon. There are plenty of hiking trails to explore and incredible scenery as well, so if you have time, you won’t want to miss it.

From Amarillo to Capulin Volcano National Monument (191 miles)

You’ll head northwest on US Highway 87 across the border into New Mexico. You’ll mostly be driving on desert roads for the entire time, so relax and enjoy the scenery around you. You’ll pass small towns like Masterson, Texas, and Clayton, New Mexico, on the way.

Capulin Volcano National Monument

This national landmark is part of the Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field. This extinct volcano offers a unique geological landscape for your entire family to explore. You’ll also encounter local wildlife during your volcanic exploration, so don’t forget your camera. You can hike around the area and camp nearby for a chance to stargaze.

You may want to check out the Visitor’s Center before exploring the volcano itself so you can learn more about the history and the geology you’re about to experience. Then, drive up to the rim of the volcano before hiking down into the crater. Be sure to take your time at the rim. On a clear day, you’ll have a panoramic view that allows you to see as far as the state of Kansas.

Hiking down into the mouth of the crater is an experience you’ll never forget. The kids will be thrilled at the idea of checking out a volcano while the adults will enjoy the somewhat challenging hike and the scenery.

From Capulin Volcano National Monument to Colorado Springs (183 miles)

Next, to head to Colorado Springs, you’ll take I-25 North. You’ll pass through the town of Trinidad, Colorado, home to Victorian architecture and great hiking at Simpson’s Rest. You can also check out Bishop Castle and Lake Isabel Forest for a quick pit stop. You may also want to check out Royal Gorge Bridge, the tallest suspension bridge in the country. 

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Situated on the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains, the scenery in Colorado Springs is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Home to both mountain peaks and natural sandstone formations, there’s a lot to explore. If you’re looking to escape the outdoor adventure activities for a bit, you can check out the neighboring towns of Manitou Springs or Old Colorado City.

You’ll need at least 3 days to hit all the attractions in this area. The most popular by far is Pikes Peak in Pikes National Forest. You can drive to the top of this summit—the highest one in the northern part of the Rocky Mountains. Don’t forget your camera! Garden of the Gods is another National Natural Landmark full of red rock formations. You can also take a tour of the Cave of the Winds for a unique experience.

If you’re up for a challenge, try hiking the Manitou Incline Trail. It’s adjacent to the drive up to Pikes Peak, so this may not be an activity for the kids.

From Colorado Springs to Breckenridge (106 miles)

Next, you’ll drive through Pikes National Forest via US Highway 24 to Breckenridge, Colorado. The drive is incredibly scenic, so you’ll want to take your time. You’ll pass through a few small mountain towns on the way in case you want to stop for lunch or fill your gas tank.

Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge is a lively mountain oasis. Home to many boutique shops, unique restaurants and bars and easy access to all the outdoor adventure activities your heart desires, it’s a destination everyone in the family will love. Breckenridge is a historic mining town, so you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to learn about how this impacted the history and culture of the area.

Main Street is the first place you should check out when you’re in town. The Victorian-era buildings in front of a mountain backdrop are a sight to see. If you’re here in the winter, you’ll want to check out Breckenridge Ski Resort for skiing, snowboarding and more. If you’re here in the summer, check out the hiking and mountain biking opportunities surrounding the town. You may also want to do some water sports on Maggie Pond. 

Breckenridge’s mountain charm means that there are tons of cozy places to eat, drink and sleep in town. For dinner with a view, head to the luxurious restaurants Twist or Hearthstone. For local beer and cocktails, check out Breckenridge Brewery and Breckenridge Distillery. The city is also home to dozens of mountain lodges for your comfort and convenience.

If you’re here in the summer, check out Epic Discover, an adventure park with zip lines and alpine slides. Perfect for the whole family, it’s a great opportunity to get the adrenaline flowing while you enjoy the great outdoors.

From Breckenridge to Denver (80 miles)

To get to your final destination, you’ll take I-70 East out of the forest and on to Denver. This drive is also scenic, so be sure not to rush it. You’ll pass through a few other mountain towns, including Frisco and Idaho Springs, on your way to Denver.

Denver, Colorado

Denver, Colorado, is your last stop. This city is home to a wide variety of attractions, from museums to outdoor activities, unique food and lots of history. This bustling metropolis is the perfect place to end your trip and relax a little after all your outdoor adventures.

There are tons of things to see and do in Denver all year. Check out a show at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre during the warmer months. Denver is also home to many unique museums, such as the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and the Children’s Museum. You’ll also want to check out the Denver Botanical Gardens. If you haven’t had enough outdoor adventure , there are also plenty of hiking opportunities nearby. 

Did you know that Denver is the birthplace of the cheeseburger? This is an excuse to try all the great burger restaurants in town. Check out Bob’s Atomic Burgers. Denver also has its own take on Mexican food, known as Den-Mex. You should order a pork green chile solo. If you’re looking for a place to stay, there are loads of options in the downtown area, whether you’re looking to stick to a budget or you want a more luxurious experience to end your trip.

If you’re looking for a unique historical experience, check out the Molly Brown House Museum, the former home of the legendary Titanic survivor. You’ll browse through some of her old possessions and learn more about her story as one of the most famous survivors of the shipwreck.

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3 Best Road Trip Routes from Texas to Colorado

NOTE*** The content on this page may contain affiliate links, we may make a commission. And, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.   More information: disclosure page .

If you’re planning to drive from Texas to Colorado and want to make the most out of it, you can turn your trek into a spectacular road trip.

You may be wondering what is the best route to drive from Texas to Colorado, as there are many options available. Whether you’re looking for the safest, most scenic, or most family-friendly road trip between Colorado and Texas, we are here to answer all of your questions.

Time to saddle up, as this guide will detail not just one, but the 3 best road trip routes to take when driving from Texas to Colorado.  

• Route 1 (safest): -Dallas, Texas to Pueblo, CO via Hwy 287, 385 and CO 50 -Goes through Dallas, Wichita Falls, Amarillo, Springfield, Pueblo
• Route 2 (most family-friendly): -Dallas Texas to Colorado Springs, CO via I-20, Hwy 84, Hwy 27, Hwy 87, and I-25 -Goes through Dallas, Canyon, Abilene, Raton, Colorado Springs
• Route 3 (most scenic): -Houston, Texas to Buena Vista, CO via I-45, I-30/I-20, Hwy 84, I-27, Hwy 385, Hwy 87, I-25 and then your choice of Hwy 69, 50 or 24 -Goes through Houston, Lubbock, Canyon, Dalhart, Trinidad, Buena Vista (+ an option to continue on to Denver via Aspen)

Depending on which of these routes you take, driving can take up to 17 hours without traffic.  If you’re taking a Texas to Colorado road trip, it may take a while regardless of the route you choose – but the many views and amazing stops along the way are well worth it.

If you’re not familiar with any of these areas and can’t decide which route to take, keep reading. I’ll tell you what to expect to see along the way as well as the best places to stop and things to do to get the most out of your trip.

For other road trip tips and ideas, read our other posts:

• 95 Fun Road Trip Trivia Questions and Answers (Family Car Ride Questions)
• 35+ Yummy Road Trip Lunch Ideas
• How to Rent an RV for an Epic Road Trip: Helpful Beginner’s Guide

Route 1: Driving from Dallas, TX to Pueblo, CO

Travel time: 11 hours and 4 minutes drive (with no traffic or stops)

Distance: 702 miles

What you’ll see: This road trip route from Dallas to Pueblo will take you through some interesting parts of northernmost Texas as well as the Southeastern Plains of Colorado. This is the safest road trip route from Colorado to Texas as it avoids mountain roads.

You will follow highway 287 northwest from Dallas to Amarillo, where you will then head directly north towards the Colorado border. While the “final stop” for this itinerary is Pueblo, I suggest using Pueblo as a jumping-off point to visit more amazing areas throughout southcentral Colorado.

For example, the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve are only 2 hours from Pueblo. Canyon City and the Royal Gorge are less than an hour west of Pueblo. Colorado Springs and Garden of the Gods are an hour further north on I-25.

Taking this route will see these waypoints:

• Dallas, Texas
• Wichita Falls, Texas
• Amarillo, Texas
• Springfield, Colorado
• Pueblo, Colorado

Route 1, First Stop: Wichita Falls, Texas

Wichita Falls is located in northern Texas between Dallas and Oklahoma City. It was named for its natural waterfalls. However, the falls were destroyed in teh 1800s due to extreme flooding.

However, the locals did their best to preserve their identity, re-creating falls themselves in 1987. They did an incredible job, and the beautifully landscaped area serves as a backdrop for many photo sessions and weddings every year.

This city is also known for having the “World’s Littlest Skyscraper”. This red brick building is 40 feet tall and encompasses a whopping 118 square feet…hence its name. While this may not look like much compared to many skyscrapers we see today, this little guy has been standing in Wichita Falls since 1919.

The World’s Littlest Skyscraper has survived many storms, tornadoes, and fires. So, while it may have earned it’s name as the “littlest” there’s no denying it may also be one of the “strongest.” 

What to do in Wichita Falls

You’ll have a 2.5 hour drive from Dallas to Wichita Falls, so use that time to look up what live shows will be playing at the Wichita Theater or the Backdoor Theater while you’re there. You can also see which exhibits are on display at the various museums that Wichita Falls houses.

In the summer, be sure to check out Castaway Cove Waterpark in Wichita Falls. With its kid zone, lazy river, and five awesome waterslides, there’s fun to be had for every member of the family.

Although there are lots of other great places to visit while there, we definitely recommend the River Bend Nature Center .

Location : 2200 3rd St, Wichita Falls, TX 76301, United States

Opening Hours: 

• Saturday – 10am–4pm
• Sunday – 12–4pm
• Monday to Friday – 10am–6pm 

The River Bend Nature Center offers various attractions like Peyton’s Place, the Bryant Edwards Learning Center, the River Bottom Forest Trail, the United Children’s Garden, and the Ruby N. Priddy Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. 

Whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for a place to relax with your family, River Bend should be on your to-do list. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the open-air pavilion, or take a peaceful stroll surrounded by birds, butterflies, and the lush landscape of northern Texas. 

Where to Eat  in Wichita Falls

Wichita Falls is surrounded by many fantastic restaurants that make it hard to choose where to stop to eat. But if you’re looking for something new, Hibiscus Cafe is going to give you a taste of the Greek islands. 

Location : 1616 Pearlie Dr, Wichita Falls, TX 76306-2210

Rating : 4.5

Serving : Mediterranean, Greek, Vegetarian Friendly 

Hibiscus Cafe is the top-rated in Wichita Falls. It is a “must stop to eat” restaurant by every tourist. They are open for lunch and dinner, and serve authentic Greek food and tasty desserts. 

Also, Hibiscus Cafe is just a 7-minute drive from the River Bend Nature Center. There’s no better way to end a great day of relaxing and sightseeing than with a short drive to an amazing meal.

Where to Camp or Park an RV in Wichita Falls, Texas

The most daunting park of driving an RV on a road trip is figuring out where to park, right? Lucky for you, this guide is one step ahead of you.

When you arrive to Wichita Falls, you can easily park your rig at Wichita Falls RV Park – this is just a 5-minute drive from the River Bend Nature Center. 

Then, after an afternoon exploring all that Wichita Falls has to offer, you can have more fun at Wichita Falls RV Park and enjoy their swimming pools, picnic area, and pond. 

Location : 2944 Seymour Hwy, Wichita Falls, TX 76301, United States

Price : 1-2 guest stays. Additional guests are $3 per person, per night. (subject to change without notice)

• $50 for Back-in sites
• $60 for Pull-thru sites

Amenities : 

• Free parking   
• Laundry service   
• Family Friendly   
• Kitchens (in selected rooms)
• Have Wi-Fi connectivity

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Route 1, Second Stop: Amarillo, Texas

From Wichita Falls to Amarillo, Texas, you’ll have an easy drive of about 3.5 hours. Amarillo has many popular tourist spots, so be sure you’re well rested to enjoy some of them.

Located in what is known as the “Texas Panhandle,” Amarillo is famous for having the second-largest canyon in the United States.

On top of that, it is a “go-to” for meat lovers from all over due to its famous Steak Challenge. This city also has rustic-themed parks, historical and musical theaters, nature parks, zoos, and space theatres. 

What to Do in Amarillo, Texas

The top-rated thing to do in Amarillo, Texas is visit Palo Duro Canyon State Park . This is where you will find the second largest canyon in the United States (hopefully you can guess the first largest). 

Palo Duro Canyon State Park is the perfect place to enjoy many exciting outdoor activities. You can go horseback riding, biking, and hiking along its more than 30 miles of trails. And, if you need an adrenaline boost after your drive, you can zipline across the canyon with Palo Duro Zipline . 

Then, calm things down with a drink at the local Honey Buzz Winery or cruise through the unusual and famous Cadillac Ranch .

Palo Duro Canyon State Park Location : 11450 Park Rd 5, Canyon, TX 79015, United States

Gate Hours : 

• Open Daily – 7am – 9pm

Where to Eat in Amarillo, TX

After a busy day exploring, a good dinner is a must. Well, your visit to Amarillo won’t be complete without doing (or at least watching someone else try) the famous 72oz steak challenge at The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery . Although it’s a 26 minute drive from the Palo Duro Canyon State Park, this should give your stomach some time to prepare for a feast. 

People from all over visit The Big Texan for their famous 72oz Steak Dinner Challenge . To do this, you don’t need any reservation or registration. Just let the staff know that you’re up for the Challenge. 

This steak challenge includes eating Shrimp Cocktail, Baked Potato, Salad, with Roll, Butter, and of course the 72oz Steak. If you manage to eat the entire thing and follow their specific rules, your meal is free.

However, if you’re not feeling quite up for this, you can still enjoy a great steak with the family.

Location : 7701 I-40 East, Amarillo, TX 79118, United States

Opening Hours :

• Monday to Sunday – 10:00am-10:30pm

Where to Camp or Park an RV in Amarillo

As common with many state parks, you can park your RV inside Palo Duro Canyon Park, at one of their many accessible campsites . Park your RV and relax, enjoying your favorite camp activities with breathtaking views.

Or, if you’re planning to partake in the Steak Challenge, you can conveniently park your rig at the Big Texan RV Ranch – a convenient 3-minute drive away from their restaurant.

Location : Palo Duro Canyon State Park

• $26 per night with an additional daily entrance fee
• $5 excess vehicle fee

Accommodation : Maximum of 8 people including children

• A picnic table and tent pad
• Water hookup
• 30 and 50 amp hookup

Rent an Rv:

Route 1, Final Stop: Pueblo, Colorado

Pueblo, Colorado is also known as the “Steel City” since it’s historically been one of the largest steel-producing cities in the US.  This multi-cultural town is a perfect place to call basecamp for your south-eastern Colorado adventures.

What to Do in Pueblo , CO

As a local growing up in Colorado, I can understand that it’s hard to choose which tourist spot to visit, especially in Pueblo. This city has a lot of interesting places that you’d want to visit if you can. 

One of those places is at The Historic Arkansas Riverwalk .

It is a great place to visit with your family. You can walk along the Arkansas River while enjoying the amazing views all around you.

Location : 101 N Union Ave, Pueblo, CO 81003, United States

To read more about what you can do in Pueblo, here’s a post about 17 Fun Things to do in Pueblo, CO (7 are Free) .

Where to Eat in Pueblo, CO

If you’re looking for something different to eat in Pueblo, you should try La Forchetta da Massi . They serve authentic Italian food and the place has a great ambiance. It is a perfect place to eat with your loved ones and it is just around the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk.

Location : 126 S Union Ave, Pueblo, CO 81003, United States

Opening Hours:  

• Tuesday to Thursday – 4:30pm-9:00pm
• Friday to Saturday – 4:30pm-9:30pm

Where to Camp or Park an RV in Pueblo, CO

There are a few RV parks and campgrounds in Pueblo, Colorado, but the best is Lake Pueblo State Park . This stunning lake is actually a reservoir along the Arkansas River. You can enjoy lots of fun activities here, like fishing, hiking, and picnicking with your family.

Location : Lake Pueblo State Park, 640 Pueblo Reservoir Road, Pueblo CO 81005

Price : A one-day pass for a vehicle is $10; you can also buy an annual pass for $80 that is good for all Colorado State Parks. Camping and other fees can be found here .

• ADA Restroom Facilities
• Amphitheater
• Dump Station
• Electricity: 30 and 50 AMP 
• Fire Pit, Grills 
• Handicapped Parking
• Laundry Area
• Pet and Family Friendly
• Swimming pool and beach

Route 2: Driving From Dallas, Texas to Colorado Springs, CO

This is the best route for a family road trip from Texas to Colorado. It will allow you to see some of the most beautiful sights of each state, but is also safer as it avoids most of the high mountain roads.

This road trip route takes you from Dallas to Colorado Springs. From Dallas you’ll head west towards Abilene, Texas. From there, you’ll run northwest through Lubbock, stopping just outside of Amarillo in Canyon, Texas.

After this, you can pass through New Mexico and should stop in Raton, NM. This small town in the Rocky Mountains is the highest point along the historic Santa Fe Trail and is known for outdoor recreation. This is also where you join I-25 to head north into Colorado.

This route takes you to Colorado Springs, but you don’t have to stop there! You can head west into the mountains or north another hour to Denver.

Travel time: 12 hours and 26 minutes drive (with no traffic or stops)

Distance: 819 miles

• Canyon, Texas
• Abilene, Texas
• Colorado Springs, Colorado

Route Two, First Stop: Abilene, Texas

Abilene, Texas is about a 3 hour drive west from Dallas, Texas. It has many historic buildings such as the Wooten Hotel built in 1930 and the First Baptist Church built in 1954.

What to Do in Abilene, Texas

After a long drive from Dallas to Abilene, strolling through a museum is a great way to stretch your legs and relax. There are a lot of museums that you can visit in Abilene and one of the best is Frontier Texas . 

  Location : 625 N 1st Street, Abilene, TX, 79601, United States

Open Hours :

• Monday to Saturday – 9:00am-6:00pm
• Sunday – 1:00pm-5:00pm
• $10 for adults
• $5 for children 3-12
• Children under 3 are free

Frontier is a great place to visit in Abilene as it will give you an extraordinary experience. They have life-sized holograms of those who lived and died on the Texas frontier.

The museum has 9 different exhibits and theaters, as well as a general store. You won’t run out of interesting opportunities to learn about the important history of this area.

Best Place to Eat in Abilene, Texas

While you’re in Abilene, satisfy your cravings at Belle’s Chicken Dinner House . 

Location : 2002 N, Clack St, Abilene, TX 79603, United States

Open Hours : 

• Thursday/Friday: 11am – 2pm; 5pm – 9pm
• Saturday: 11am – 9pm
• Sunday: 11am – 3pm
• CLOSED Monday – Wednesday

Belle’s Chicken is the top-rated restaurant in Abilene Texas. It serves lunch and dinner American Cuisine and sees many returning customers coming back to enjoy the great food and staff.

Where to Camp or Park an RV in Abilene, TX

Although there are a few RV parks available here, Whistle Stop RV Resort is the top-rated one in Abilene. Plus, it is less than a 10 minute drive from Frontier Texas so it’s very accessible. Aside from that, if you wish to stay longer here, you can rent a site daily, weekly, or even monthly.

Location: 695 E Stamford St, Abilene, TX 79601, United States

Prices (including tax):

• Pull-in Daily: $45 Weekly: $250 Monthly: $600+ Electric
• Back in Daily: $45 Weekly: $275 Monthly: $650+ electric
• Pull-Thru Daily: $55 Weekly: $300 Monthly: $650+ Electric
• Premium Pull-Thru Daily: $60 Weekly: $325 Monthly: $750+ Electric
• Fitness Gym   
• An outdoor pool and Hot Tub
• Kitchens (selected rooms)   

Route Two, Second Stop: Canyon, Texas

After leaving Abilene, you’ll begin to head northwest and pass through Lubbock, Texas after 2.5 hours. You can stop in Lubbock and check out the Buddy Holly Center or the National Ranching Heritage Center . Or, continue on to arrive at Canyon, just outside of Amarillo, Texas (for a total drive time of 4 hours from Abilene).

In Canyon, you can see the second largest canyon in the nation (read more on Palo Duro Canyon State Park under Route 1 details above). But it’s also known as the home of the West Texas and A&M University and the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum .

Moreover, this city is where you can see the world-famous outdoor musical drama “Texas “.

What to Do in Canyon , TX

There are a lot of indoor and outdoor activities you can do in Canyon, Texas. You can have a tour at the Panhandle Museum , cool off at the Canyon Aqua Park , or take a Bee Tour at Creek House Honey Farm .

Or, if you’d prefer to get your blood pumping a bit more, you can enjoy a moderate walking trail along the Lighthouse Trail at Palo Duro Canyon State Park .

Location : 11450 State Hwy Park Rd 5, Canyon, TX 79015, United States

• Monday to Sunday – 7am-9pm

As you walk along this trail, you’ll be able to enjoy great views and beautiful wildflowers. Make sure you have plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated while walking. 

Where to Eat in Canyon, Texas

After all this excitement you’re going to start getting hungry. Save the hassle of searching for the best place: Feldman’s Wrong Way Diner is one of the top-rated restaurants in Canyon, Texas. This family-friendly diner has delicious food, friendly staff, and lots of fun décor, like the a train that runs around the building.

Location : 2100 N 2nd Ave, Canyon, TX 79015, United States

• Monday to Sunday – 11:00am – 9:00pm

Where to camp or park an RV  in Canyon, TX

There are many campsites and RV parks right inside the Palo Duro Canyon State Park, where the Lighthouse trail is also located. Therefore camping or parking isn’t going to be a problem. You can park your RV in Juniper Camp Area or several others .

After leaving Canyon, you’ll pass through Amarillo (if you have time, take a quick detour through the Cadillac Ranch ). Then, if you’re following our suggested route, you’ll pass through Raton, New Mexico – the highest point of the historic Santa Fe Trail.

You’ll be able to enjoy breathtaking views along this portion of the drive, so take your time and soak it all in as you cross over to Colorado.

Route Two, Final Stop: Colorado Springs, Colorado

This last stretch from Canyon to Colorado Springs will take about 6 hours, but the views will make the drive seem effortless.

Colorado Springs is also known as “Little London” ( learn about the origin of this nickname here ). 

To learn more about what you can do in Colorado Springs and the surrounding area, check out our other blogs in this series:

• 23 Exciting Things to do in Colorado Springs with Toddlers and Babies
• Exploring Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs (Hiking, Driving, Pictures)

What to Do in Colorado Spring s

Your visit to Colorado Springs would not be complete without seeing the Garden of the Gods . Whether you are an experienced hiker or just looking for a great view, this scenic area is a breathtaking experience. 

Location: 1805 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, United States

Opening Hours:

• November 1 – April 30: Open 5am to 9pm daily
• May 1 – October 31: Open 5am to 10pm daily

Where to Eat in Colorado Springs

After a long (or short) hike in the Garden of the Gods, sit down for a cold drink and authentic Mexican meal at the nearby Crystal Park Cantina . 

Location: 178 Crystal Park Rd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829, United States

• Tuesday through Sunday – 11:00am-9:00pm (closed Mondays)

Where to Camp or Park an RV in Colorado Springs

If you haven’t yet gotten your fill at the Garden of the Gods, you can stay and relax in their RV park at Garden of the Gods RV resort

Location: 3704 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, United States

Price : Prices vary; visit their website or call them at 719-475-9450 to get a detailed quote

• Pool table (with additional charge)
• Hiking off the site
• Free WiFi and Parking
• Vending Machine for snacks
• Electric 30/50 Amp

Route 3: Houston, Texas to Buena Vista, Colorado

This last – and longest – road trip route goes from Houston, Texas to Buena Vista, Colorado. Personally, I think this is the best route for a road trip from Texas to Colorado as you get to see some of the most beautiful areas in each state.

After traveling from Houston to Dallas, you’ll follow a similar path as earlier (through Lubbock, Canyon, and Raton). However, once entering Colorado you can head northwest from Pueblo or straight west from Colorado Springs to the lovely little town of Buena Vista.

At this point, you’ll have been driving for about 17 hours. Buena Vista is a great final destination, with countless opportunities to get out and explore.

However, if you’d like to continue on from Buena Vista, keep reading to the end of this route to learn more about where you can go from there.

Travel time from Houston to Buena Vista: 16 hours and 38 minutes drive (with no traffic or stops)

Distance: 1,033 miles

• Houston, Texas
• Dallas, Texas,
• Lubbock, Texas 
• Dalhart, Texas
• Trinidad, Colorado 
• Buena Vista, Colorado
• Optional: Continue on Hwy 82 to travel through: Independence Pass to Aspen Glenwood Springs, Colorado Denver, Colorado

Route Three, First Stop: Lubbock, Texas

The first stretch from Houston to Lubbock is a long one, at a little over 8 hours of drive time. Located in Northwest Texas, Lubbock is known to be a destination for wine lovers – if this is right up your alley, you can enjoy a wine tour with Winery Wanderlust . It is also the home of the rock ‘n roll legend Buddy Holly .

While in Lubbock, you can also visit the Moody Planetarium inside the Museum of Texas Tech University.

What to Do in Lubbock, Texas

If you’re a fan of Rock music, then the Buddy Holly Center is perfect for you. It’s a performance and visual arts center that was created to honor the legendary singer and songwriter, Buddy Holly.

Location : 1801 Crickets Ave, Lubbock, TX 79401, United States

• Tuesday to Saturday: 10am – 5pm
• Sunday: – 1pm – 5pm
• Closed Mondays and holidays

Where to Eat in Lubbock

Since we’re already into rock, why not try eating at Caprock Cafe ? You can have a cold beer and a burger here while listening to live music – and it’s only an 8 minute drive from Buddy Holly Center.

Location : 3405 34th St, Lubbock, TX 79410, United States

• Sunday thru Thursday – 11am – 10pm
• Friday and Saturday – 11am – 11pm

This top-rated sports bar offers way more than beer and burgers – their large menu has something for everyone.

Where to Camp or Park an RV in Lubbock TX

After a long drive and spending some time exploring Lubbock, you can rest easy at the Lubbock RV Park . This nice, quiet park is close to town and has 88 RV sites. Aside from that, it’s just a few minutes away from the Buddy Holly Center.

Location : 4811 North, I-27, Lubbock, TX 79403, United States

RV Site Price: $44/night 

( call for Weekly and Monthly stay rates )

Amenities: 

• Full Hookups
• 30 and 50 Amp
• Both Back-in and Pull-through Sites
• Swimming Pool and Shower
• Pets are allowed
• With Wi-Fi connection

Route Three, Second Stop: Dalhart, Texas

A little over 3 hours’ drive from Lubbock will get you to Dalhart in the northwestern part of Texas. ( On the way, be sure to check out Palo Duro Canyon State Park – see more details under Route 1 above ). Famous for the XIT Ranch Reunion and Rodeo , Dalhart is also known for agricultural commodities such as farming, ranching, and dairy products. 

What to Do in Dalhart

After a long drive from Houston to Lubbock, this shorter leg of your trip will have you well-rested for an informational tour at the XIT Museum . This is the most recommended tourist spot in Dalhart as it gives non-locals a view of how people there lived in the past. 

Location : 108 E 5th St, Dalhart, TX 79022, United States

• Tuesday to Saturday – 9am – 5pm

You’ll see various exhibits here that are well-displayed and can be enjoyed by everyone in your family. 

Where to Eat in Dalhart, TX

Learning about the history of north Texas is fun – and you’ll have more fun eating at X10 Woodfire Grill . This steakhouse is clean and inviting, with a large menu of mouth-watering steaks, BBQ and other fare. However, note that this is a dry county. In order to purchase an alcoholic drink, you have to get a membership to their bar – but it’s quick and easy to sign up.

Location : 119 Cypress Dr, Dalhart, TX 79022, United States

• Monday to Saturday – 11:00am-9:00pm

Where to Camp or Park an RV in Dalhart, Texas

The Corral RV Park is one of the best in Dalhart, Texas. RVers are impressed with how clean and how well-maintained the grounds are. 

Location : 1202 Liberal St, Dalhart, TX 79022, United States 

Price : $34/night for 2 people at a site; extra $1.50 for each additional occupant

• Have 20/30/50 Amp    
• With Pull Thurs and Full Hook-ups  
• Pet friendly
• Self Service Laundry    

Route Three, Final Stop: Buena Vista, Colorado

From Dalhart, you can take Hwy. 87 to Raton, New Mexico – the highest point on the historic Santa Fe Trail. Once you pass through here, you have a few options to get to Buena Vista – you can take I-25 north to Pueblo then head west on Hwy 50 to 285; or take I-25 further north to Colorado Springs then go west from Hwy 24 to Hwy 285.

Another option – which I would recommend most – would be to just take I-25 from Trinidad to Walsenburg, then take Hwy 160 west a short way to Hwy 150. Then you can take this north, right into Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

If you haven’t been to the Great Sand Dunes, it’s absolutely a must-see.

Once you’ve got your fill, you can easily jump back on Hwy 285 and head north for just under 2 hours to arrive in Buena Vista.

Located in South-Central Colorado between the Arkansas River and the Collegiate Peaks, Buena Vista is known for its various hot springs that you can soak and relax in.  This is one of my favorite areas of Colorado.

What to do in Buena Vista, Colorado

There are countless fun things to do in Buena Vista. Right downtown you can paddle in the whitewater park , sample cheese at the Jumpin’ Good Goat Dairy , or explore the various trails for hiking and biking. Raft and fish the river, then head downtown to visit one of the many distilleries and restaurants.

But of course, the most famous thing to do here is to soak in the hot springs.

The top-rated hot spring in the area is at Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa or you can visit the nearby Mt. Princeton Hot Springs .

Where to Eat in Buena Vista, Colorado

The most recommended place to eat in Buena Vista, Colorado is Simple Eatery . They have a fresh, made-from-scratch menu as well as a frozen yogurt bar.

Where to Stay or Park an RV in Buena Vista, Colorado

Hopefully you plan to treat yourself to a good soak at Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa – because another perk of this spot is that it also offers campsites and RV Parking. Therefore, you can plan to stay here and use it as base camp for your many adventures in and around Buena Vista.

Please note, though, that RV sites are limited to 18-foot rigs. Another option for larger rigs would be to check out Snowy Peaks RV Park in Buena Vista.

Cottonwood RV Park Location : 18999 Co Rd 306, Buena Vista, CO 81211, United States

Price : Prices vary; requires a reservation 

Amenities and Features: 

• Tent Sites, RV Sites, and cabins
• Accessible Trash
• Picnic Table
• Phone Service
• Drinking-Water
• Pets-friendly
• Family-friendly 
• Max length of 18 ft for vehicles
• Drive-in Parks

Optional: Drive from Buena Vista to Denver

Buena Vista is an amazing final destination for your road trip. If, however, you’re planning to take a road trip all the way to Denver – or just want to see more of Colorado – here are some additional breathtaking routes.

From Buena Vista, you can take Hwy. 24 north through Leadville until you hit I-70; this can run west to Grand Junction or east to Denver.

Or, if you are really up for an adventure, you can take Highway 82 (from just north of Buena Vista) over the famous Independence Pass and head into Aspen. Please note that Independence Pass is a very narrow, steep mountain road and is closed to all vehicle traffic during the winter. It is not for the faint of heart, or those with a fear of heights.

If you decide to head over Independence Pass to Aspen, the total length of your rig must be under 35 feet. This route will drop you right into the heart of the famous Aspen, Colorado where you can enjoy popular tourist spots like the beautiful Maroon Bells .

For a longer, and even more scenic trip, you can head north from Aspen to Glenwood Springs and then follow I-70 east through the scenic Glenwood Canyon. Keep your eyes open – you may spot some bighorn sheep. Plan ahead and stop for a hike to see the incredible waterfalls at Hanging Lake (note that a permit is required – get one in advance).

For the whole Colorado experience, you can continue to wind your way along I-70 through the small mountain towns of Summit County (like Vail and Breckenridge) and on into the heart of Denver.

Final Thoughts on the 3 Best Road Trip Routes from Texas to Colorado

When going on a road trip – especially a long one spanning multiple states – you should always plan your route ahead of time. Although a spontaneous trip can sound exciting, you’ll be glad you took the time to do your research. This way you can avoid road closures, construction, or areas prone to high traffic and make sure to hit roads with good views and fun side-stops.

By planning out your itinerary ahead of time, you won’t have to make hasty decisions on where to eat or stay.

If you’re planning a family road trip from Texas to Colorado, I hope this guide helped you decide which route to take and made your trip the best it could be.

If you happen to try any of my recommendations – or find another spot you think is worth mentioning – I hope you come back and let me know your thoughts!

For more resources on how to make the most out of your road trip, here are some other articles in our “road trip” series:

Also, be sure to check out my Etsy Store for helpful planners and fun games to make your trip as fun and stress-free as possible.

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Hi, I’m Shauna – Welcome to Family Travel Fever.  We are a large family, that was bitten by the travel bug!  I take the kids by myself because I don’t mind flying or driving solo with my crew to discover the coolest places.

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If you're looking to take a memorable road trip from Dallas to Colorado, there are a few things you need to know before hitting the road. This article covers everything you need to know, from the best route to take, must-see attractions, and even safety tips for the journey. So pack your bags, hop in your vehicle, and let's get started!

The Best Route to Take for Your Dallas to Colorado Road Trip

First things first, the most important decision you'll make for your trip is the route you take. Depending on your preferences and schedule, there are different options to choose from. Some of the most popular include:

• Taking I-35 North to I-135 West
• Going through Amarillo and taking I-40 West all the way to Colorado
• Heading straight north to Denver on I-25

Each route has its own charm, but we recommend taking the first option if you're looking for scenic beauty and diverse landscapes.

If you decide to take the first option, you'll be driving through the Flint Hills of Kansas, which is a beautiful and unique landscape that is often overlooked. The rolling hills and tallgrass prairies are a sight to behold, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the scenery.

Another advantage of taking this route is that you'll be passing through Wichita, which is a great place to stop and explore. There are plenty of museums, parks, and restaurants to check out, and it's a nice break from the long drive.

Must-See Attractions Along the Way from Dallas to Colorado

While the journey itself is an adventure, there are also plenty of attractions worth seeing along the way. Here are just a few:

• The famous Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas
• The stunning Garden of Gods in Colorado Springs
• The historic Santa Fe Trail in Las Vegas, New Mexico

These are just the tip of the iceberg - there are plenty of other scenic routes, charming towns, and photo opportunities as you travel from Dallas to Colorado.

One of the most unique attractions along the way is the UFO Watchtower in Hooper, Colorado. This quirky roadside stop offers visitors the chance to stargaze and potentially spot a UFO. The watchtower also features a collection of alien-themed artwork and souvenirs.

If you're a fan of classic western films, be sure to stop by the town of Durango, Colorado. This charming town was the filming location for many famous westerns, including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Visitors can take a guided tour of the filming locations and learn about the town's rich history.

Tips for Planning Your Perfect Dallas to Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

A road trip is a unique opportunity to create your own adventure, but a little planning can go a long way in making sure everything goes smoothly. Here are some tips:

• Research fuel and food stops along your route to avoid getting stranded
• Check the weather beforehand and pack accordingly
• Allow yourself enough time to rest and explore exciting towns and cities along the way

Another important tip is to make sure your vehicle is in good condition before embarking on your road trip. Get a tune-up, check the brakes, and make sure your tires are properly inflated. It's also a good idea to bring along a spare tire and a basic tool kit in case of any unexpected issues. By taking these precautions, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.

How to Pack for Your Dallas to Colorado Road Trip: Essentials and Tips

When it comes to packing for your road trip, less is more. Here are some essentials to bring:

• Water and snacks for the long stretches of driving ahead
• A first aid kit in case of any emergencies
• A comprehensive road atlas or GPS device to help with navigation
• Comfortable clothes and shoes, layers are always recommended as temperatures can vary

Aside from the essentials, there are a few other things you might want to consider bringing on your Dallas to Colorado road trip. One of these is a camera to capture the stunning scenery along the way. You might also want to bring a cooler to keep drinks and perishable snacks fresh during the trip.

Another important thing to keep in mind is to pack light and avoid overpacking. Remember that you will be spending most of your time in the car, so you don't want to be weighed down by heavy bags. Stick to the essentials and only bring what you need to make your trip comfortable and enjoyable.

The Most Scenic Drives on Your Dallas to Colorado Road Trip

There are plenty of stunning landscapes to see along your journey, but a few highlights include:

• Driving through the lush greenery of Oklahoma's Arbuckle Mountains
• Admiring the rugged beauty of the Texas Panhandle as you head into New Mexico
• Experiencing the majestic peaks of the Front Range as you approach Colorado.

But the beauty doesn't stop there. As you continue your drive through Colorado, be sure to take a detour to the stunning Rocky Mountain National Park. The park boasts over 400 square miles of breathtaking scenery, including snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife. Don't miss the Trail Ridge Road, which winds through the park and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Where to Stop for Food and Drinks on Your Dallas to Colorado Road Trip

After long hours on the road, it's important to keep your energy up with great food and drinks. Here are some recommendations:

• Grab a bite at the legendary Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, offering a 72-ounce steak challenge.
• Stop in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for some of the best New Mexican cuisine in the state.
• Sample the local craft beers and spirits in Fort Collins, Colorado, known for their vibrant beer scene.

Don't forget to make a pit stop in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for some delicious green chile dishes. The city is known for its unique take on Mexican cuisine, with a focus on the spicy and flavorful green chile pepper. Be sure to try the green chile stew or a green chile cheeseburger for a true taste of Santa Fe.

The Best Camping Spots Along the Way from Dallas to Colorado

If you're looking for a taste of the great outdoors, there are plenty of camping options along your route. Here are some noteworthy campgrounds:

• Lake Meredith National Recreation Area in Fritch, Texas, is ideal for water sports and stunning sunsets.
• Parkview RV Park and Inn in Las Vegas, New Mexico, offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the state's famous starry nights.
• Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, provides awe-inspiring scenery and is home to diverse wildlife.

But if you're looking for something a little more off the beaten path, consider checking out the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in southern Colorado. This unique park features the tallest sand dunes in North America, as well as alpine lakes and forests.

Another great option is the San Isabel National Forest, located just west of Pueblo, Colorado. This forest offers a variety of camping options, from primitive sites to RV hookups, and is known for its scenic drives, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities.

How Much Time You Need for a Road Trip from Dallas to Colorado

The drive from Dallas to Colorado is a long one, covering just over 800 miles. It's recommended to set aside at least three to four days to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey.

During your road trip from Dallas to Colorado, you'll have the opportunity to see some incredible sights along the way. Some popular stops include the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, and the Rocky Mountain National Park. Taking the time to explore these destinations will add to the overall experience of your road trip and make it a memorable adventure.

Safety Tips for Driving from Dallas to Colorado

Safety should always come first when embarking on a long road trip. Here are some key tips:

• Always wear your seatbelt and make sure everyone in the car does too.
• Make sure your car has up-to-date maintenance, including tire pressure and brakes.
• Take breaks every few hours to avoid fatigue and stretch your legs.
• Stay aware of road and weather conditions and adjust your driving accordingly.

Additionally, it is important to pack an emergency kit in case of unexpected situations. This kit should include items such as a first aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, blankets, water, non-perishable snacks, and a map. It is also a good idea to let someone know your route and estimated arrival time, in case of an emergency.

Best Photo Spots along your road trip from Dallas to Colorado

The landscapes on your road trip are incredibly picturesque, and there are plenty of photo opportunities throughout the journey. Some highlights include:

• The beautiful and iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater near Denver, Colorado
• The breathtaking views from the summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, Colorado
• The expansive and scenic Palo Duro Canyon State Park near Amarillo, Texas

Aside from these three highlights, there are several other photo spots that are worth stopping for. One of them is the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, where you can take pictures with the iconic Cadillac cars buried halfway in the ground. Another is the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado, which features stunning red rock formations that make for a perfect backdrop for your photos.

Don't forget to also capture the beauty of the small towns and cities along the way. The historic downtown of Santa Fe, New Mexico, for example, is a great place to take photos of the adobe architecture and colorful street art. And in Taos, New Mexico, you can take pictures of the picturesque Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 13th century.

Hidden Gems you shouldn't miss on your drive from Dallas to Colorado

There are so many hidden gems unique to the regions you'll be driving through. Here are a few you shouldn't miss:

• Visit the quirky and otherworldly Teapot Mountain in Southeast New Mexico
• Explore the mysterious and haunting ghost town of St. Elmo near Buena Vista, Colorado
• Stop by Guthrie, Oklahoma's downtown architecture and art galleries.

As you continue your drive, make sure to stop by the stunning Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Texas. This hidden gem is often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of Texas" and offers breathtaking views and hiking trails.

Another must-see attraction is the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. This natural wonder features towering sandstone rock formations and is a popular spot for hiking, rock climbing, and photography.

Seasonal considerations when planning a road trip from Dallas to Colorado

The seasons play a significant role in creating the perfect road trip ambiance, from the blooming wildflowers of Spring to the crisp mountain air of Fall. Keep in mind:

• Winter driving conditions and advisories may exist in the High Mountain Passes.
• Summer temperatures in areas like New Mexico may be scorching, and higher elevations in Colorado can be cooler than anticipated.
• Fall foliage and the changing leaves are a must-see if you travel in September or October.

Additionally, it's important to note that thunderstorms and flash floods are common during the summer months in Colorado. It's essential to check weather forecasts and road conditions before embarking on your road trip. It's also a good idea to pack rain gear and extra supplies in case of unexpected weather events.

Fun activities you can try out during your road trip from Dallas to Colorado

The journey is just as much about the adventure as the destination. Here are some fun activities to immerse yourself in along the way:

• Visit the largest bronze foundry in the world at Shidoni Foundry in Tesuque, New Mexico.
• Tackle some of Colorado's most renowned ski resorts for some of the best snow sports in the world.
• Join a UFO-watching tour in Roswell, New Mexico.

There you have it - a comprehensive guide to making the most of your road trip from Dallas to Colorado. With this guide, you'll have all the information you need to create an unforgettable journey, full of adventure, stunning landscapes, and unique experiences. So, start planning, pack your bags, and get ready for an epic road trip.

But that's not all! There are plenty of other exciting activities to try out during your road trip. For example, you can stop by the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, and marvel at the colorful, spray-painted cars sticking out of the ground. Or, you can take a detour to the Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico and explore the stunning underground caves.

If you're a history buff, you can also visit the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, and learn about the famous battle that took place there. Or, you can stop by the Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado and discover the ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Pueblo people.

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ONE CHEL OF AN ADVENTURE

Colorado summer road trip – 7 day itinerary + map.

Planning a Colorado Summer Road Trip ? Read on for my full itinerary + maps and all the best things to see on a Colorado Road Trip, including Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Grand Lake, Vail, and more! And don’t forget to check out my Colorado Packing List for Summer !

1 Week Colorado Summer Road Trip Itinerary

Before heading out on a road trip, I highly recommend you check out these posts as well (they’ll open in a new tab, read after):

• How to Get Your Car Ready for a Road Trip
• Best Road Trip Apps to Download
• Colorado Packing List for Summer

How to Prevent Altitude Sickness in Colorado

Colorado Summer Road Trip Day 1: Drive from Austin, TX to Denver, CO

The drive from Austin, TX to Denver, CO is over 14 hours… It’s a long one! We wanted to make the most of our time, so we opted to leave Austin around 3 AM, that we’d get into Denver around 5 PM. Map of the route below:

Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, TX

Along the way, we stopped at the infamous Cadillac Ranch . To be honest, I wasn’t impressed. There was trash and spray cans littered everywhere. If you need a stop to stretch your legs, then go for it, but I wouldn’t recommend going out of your way to see it.

Art Cartopia Museum, Trinidad, Colorado

This stop, however, I would totally recommend! I randomly found Art Cartopia Museum by looking at the route on Google, and it was such a fun/funky stop! 

Entry is free but donations are encouraged. There are so many bizarre and interesting cars here, it is totally worth a stop!

Arrive in Denver

We stayed in Arvada , a little outside of Denver to visit our friends that live in the area. Denver is an awesome place with so much to do, I recommend staying the night and checking out a cool place for dinner.

You could choose to drive straight to Estes Park instead, it would add another hour and a half or so. We decided to stop in Denver because we like the city, wanted to stock up on supplies, and see some friends that live in the area.

Colorado Road Trip Day 2: Denver to Estes Park

Make the 1.5-hour drive from Denver to Estes Park . It’s a beautiful drive through the mountains, and Estes Park is gorgeous to see coming down! The temperature changes too, be prepared, check out my packing list for this trip .

Hotel in Estes Park

Check into your hotel (if you can) before heading out for the afternoon! We stayed in The Estes Park Resort . It was fairly nice and looked better than most of the accommodations available in Estes Park. 

We stayed in the Lake View Room with a balcony, and the view really was beautiful!

Visit The Stanley Hotel

Drop off your gear and head over to The Stanley Hotel . The Stanley Hotel is a historic hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, and known for being haunted! Believe it or not, it was the inspiration for The Shining!

You are able to explore the grounds and I highly recommend getting a drink at their infamous Whiskey Bar !

Stroll down Estes Park Main Street

Estes Park , like many small towns in Colorado, has a cute, quaint downtown area. Stroll along the streets and check out the different shops, restaurants, and bars! It also has a stream/river that flows through the downtown.

Dinner in Estes Park

We had dinner at The Grubsteak . It was pretty good, but there are tons of great restaurants in Estes Park to check out too.

Click here for more Estes Park recs!

Colorado Road Trip Day 3: Rocky Mountain National Park

Wake up bright and early and head into Rocky Mountain National Park ! At the time I am writing this, you are required to get a reservation to enter the park. I HIGHLY recommend you do that far in advance, the early slots sell out quickly! You can get reservations online here .

Bear Lake Trail Head

Once in the park, we headed to Bear Lake Trailhead to do the hike to Dream + Emerald Lake . 

I had read online that there is very limited parking but thought we’d be early enough at 8 AM… I was wrong. It was totally full when we arrived. The parking gods must have been smiling on us though, we took another pass through and were able to snag a spot! If you aren’t going super early, I recommend parking at the visitor center and taking the shuttle instead.

Hiking to Dream Lake + Emerald Lake

This hike was incredibly beautiful and I highly recommend it! It was fairly easy, but there were some parts that definitely had me huffing and puffing. And I was SUPER sore the next day. But overall, it was so worth it.

Lunch in Estes Park

After the hike, we were pretty tired and opted to go back into Estes Park for lunch/a nap. You could also bring a picnic and enjoy it in the park, there are plenty of places to stop and eat with picnic tables (I wish we had known this and done it)!

Evening Exploring Estes Park

After napping, we headed out to the main street in Estes Park to explore and get a drink. The Barrel is a cool outdoor beer garden that’s definitely worth checking out. We also went to The Slab , but The Barrel was cooler.

We had dinner at Bird & Jim upon the recommendation from several hikers we met on the trail. It was a little pricey but really good!

Related Post:  Best Things To Do, See, and Eat in Estes Park

Related Posts: How to Prevent Altitude Sickness in Colorado

Colorado Summer Road Trip Day 4: Estes Park to Grand Lake via Trail Ridge Road

I was SO excited to drive Trail Ridge Road , it is one of the most scenic roads in the state! Unfortunately, the weather was not on our side that day, but it was still beautiful to see. I highly recommend doing it even if you aren’t going to stay in Grand Lake. 

NOTE: Trail Ridge Road is only open during the summer months, be sure to check weather conditions beforehand.

Trail Ridge Road

The Trail Ridge Road is 48 miles long, with 11 miles of it above the treeline (elevation over 11,000 ft)! It is incredible to see the change in scenery as you rise in elevation so quickly. Luckily there are tons of places for you to pull off, enjoy the view, and snap some pics. These are the top spots/overlooks along the way:

• Hidden Valley
• Many Parks Curve Overlook (pictured below)

• Rainbow Curve Overlook (pictured below)
• Forest Canyon Overlook
• Tundra Communities Trailhead
• Gore Range Overlook (pictured below)

• Alpine Visitor Center
• Medicine Bow Curve
• Milner Pass
• Fairview Curve Viewpoint (pictured below)

• Colorado River Trailhead
• Holzwarth Historic Site
• Bowen/Baker Trailhead
• Coyote Valley Trailhead

We got to see moose along the trail ridge road as well! 

Arrive in Grand Lake, Colorado

After Trail Ridge Road, arrive in Grand Lake, CO! We opted to stay the night here at the Grand Lake Lodge and I highly recommend it. 

The room itself is nothing to write home about, but the views here are incredible. The lodge sits on top of a hill overlooking Grand Lake below. It’s so beautiful! 

Dinner at Huntington Tavern Grand Lake Lodge

Have dinner at Huntington House Tavern at Grand Lake Lodge , and be sure to book seating on “the porch” — just look at that view for dinner!! Reservations are recommended far in advance, book here .

At the time I am writing this, they do a pre-fixe dinner menu for $50/person and it was delicious!

Sunset Drinks on the Deer Deck at Grand Lake Lodge

After dinner, grab a drink at the bar and head out to the Deer Deck to watch the sunset over Grand Lake.

Read More:   Grand Lake Lodge Review

Summer CO Road Trip Day 5: Grand Lake to Vail

After spending the night in Grand Lake, it’s time to head to Vail, CO !

Breakfast in Grand Lake, CO

Head down to the cute “downtown” main street in Grand Lake for breakfast. We first tried breakfast burritos at The Hub because it had rave reviews, but it was the worst breakfast burrito I’ve ever had. It was obviously a frozen burrito heated up.

We ditched those and headed to Blue Water Bakery instead.

After grabbing a coffee and pastry, walk down to the lake to enjoy your breakfast. There are plenty of benches you can sit on and enjoy the lake views.

Drive to Vail

Then it’s off to Vail, CO ! We opted to take a little longer route through Winter Park, CO (read this post for everything you need to know about Winter Park ).

The drive again was just incredible. SO many switchbacks through the mountains with views for miles!

Stop at Georgetown, CO

We stopped in Georgetown, CO with the hopes of riding the Historic Georgetown Loop Railroad (another reason we chose this route), but unfortunately, the tickets were all sold out.

It looks awesome though (you get to ride in an open air train through the mountains) and I would highly recommend checking it out – just be sure to book tickets in advance !

Arrive in Vail + Check in to The Four Seasons Hotel

We stayed at the Four Seasons in Vail and I cannot recommend them enough! The Four Seasons was gracious enough to host us for two nights, but all comments are my honest opinion! 

We were able to check right in and get settled in our gorgeous Mountain Premier Room ! See my room tour on Instagram :

View this post on Instagram Four Seasons Vail room tour! That view of the pool at the end though 😍 @fsvail #fsvail #fsvailpartner #visitvail #fourseasons A post shared by Chelsea Bancroft | ATX (@onechelofanadventure) on Sep 10, 2020 at 7:19pm PDT

After a welcome drink, freshen up and head into Vail Village.

Explore Vail Village

Head into Vail Village and see just how cute and quaint it is! It reminds me of a European town and I loved it!

There are tons of shops, galleries, and restaurants to explore. For all the best shopping in Vail Village, click here .

Likes Estes Park , Vail has a beautiful stream/river running through it too!

Dinner in Vail Village

We had dinner at Sweet Basil the first night and it was wonderful! It, like most of the restaurants in Vail, are very popular, so I highly recommend making a reservation no matter where you go!

For more amazing Vail restaurant and bar recs, click here (Vail in Summer guide).

Drinks at The Remedy Bar in the Four Seasons

Even if you don’t stay at the Four Seasons , you should definitely head over and get a drink in The Remedy Bar ! They are known for their cocktails and have a great outdoor patio that overlooks the pool and mountains!

Colorado Summer Road Trip Day 6: Vail, CO

Spend a full day exploring Vail! There is so much to do in Vail in the Summer that I honestly would recommend another day. I didn’t feel like two days was enough.

Room Service Breakfast

We ordered room service for breakfast, it was nice to have a slow wake up before a big day!

Trail Ride at Vail Stables

There are tons of outdoor activities to do in Vail, we opted for a trail ride with Vail Stables ! It was an awesome ride and I would totally recommend it.

We did the 1.5-hour Bear Hollow Trail ride and it was plenty. If you’re not used to riding (like myself), 2 hours would probably be too much. I was sore for days after.

The trail takes you through Aspen lined trails up the mountain. The forest is so beautiful and peaceful.

On the way down, you get incredibly scenic views of Gore Range, Vail Ski Slopes, and Beaver Creek!

Lunch at Four Seasons

After a trail ride, refuel with some lunch. We opted for the Four Seasons because it was easy and we were leaving from here for our next activity, but there are tons of lunch spots in Vail Village to check out!

Adventure out to Piney Lake

One of the perks of staying at the Four Seasons Vail is guests get to use their Mercedes-Benz G Wagon ! Driving out to Piney Lake was highly recommend to us, but you have to drive on really rough (basically off-roading roads) so we took the G Wagon!

To get out to Piney Lake , you take to drive on almost 9 miles of rough, rocky, roads (it doesn’t look like it, but trust me). It takes about 40 minutes to get out there. I was very thankful to have a vehicle that could handle the rough road. 

Check out the video here .

But let me tell you, once you get out to Piney Lake, the views are SO worth it! LIKE WOW:

View this post on Instagram Vail, CO Must-Do: Piney Lake HOW TO GET THERE: To get to #PineyLake from Vail, you have drive about 8 miles on a bumpy, rocky, gravely road (basically off-roading). It takes 40+ min to get there and it’s a rough ride, but the views are worth it 😍 We saw several sedans on the road but I wouldn’t recommend it, you need an SUV/Truck in my opinion. WHAT TO DO THERE: One you arrive at Piney Lake, you can hike the trails around the lake, rent a boat, or have lunch at the Piney Lake Ranch! SAVE this post for future Vail, CO trips! #pineylakecolorado #vailcolorado #visitvail #visitvailvalley A post shared by Chelsea Bancroft | ATX (@onechelofanadventure) on Sep 7, 2020 at 6:12am PDT

Once out there, you can hike the trails around the lake, rent a boat, or check out the Piney Lake Ranch . They have a restaurant and gift shop.

Pool at Four Seasons Vail

After returning from Piney Lake, relax a little before dinner at the gorgeous Four Seasons Resort pool ! 

Dinner in Vail

We originally wanted to have dinner at Mountain Standard but unfortunately weren’t able to get a reservation. So we opted for room service again because we were exhausted and had a huge day or driving ahead of us the next day.

Other Things to do in Vail

For a full guide on what to do, see, and eat in Vail, Colorado during the summer, check out this post !

Colorado Summer Road Trip Day 7: Drive from Vail, CO to Austin, TX

We had a 17-hour drive back to Texas ahead of us, so we were up early and hit the road.  We took the longer route through Taos, New Mexico to visit some family.

Here are some interesting stops along the way on a Colorado Summer Road Trip that are worth checking out if you need a driving break:

Leadville, CO

We drove through Leadville, CO and it is such a cute little town! Had it been later in the day, we totally would have stopped to look around.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

I would have LOVED to stop here, but we were already on a time crunch and it would’ve added another 2 hours. If you’re breaking up the drive, I’d totally recommend making a stop at Great Sand Dunes National Park :

Rio Grande Gorge Bridge

Just outside Taos, the Rio Grande Gorge is definitely worth a stop. The rest stop has fairly clean bathrooms, and the bridge really is incredible to see.

Taos, New Mexico

If you have time to stop in Taos, it’s a great little city with lots of art and culture! We stopped for lunch here.

Carson National Forest

After Taos, our GPS took us through Carson National Forest. It was a slower drive but absolutely beautiful through the mountains and along creeks.

After that, it’s pretty flat and boring through Texas.

A word of warning, check the weather ahead of time… we found ourselves in one of the worth thunderstorms we’ve ever had to drive through. Ended up delaying us even more… it did however give us some awesome lightning shots .

So there you have it, an awesome 1-week Colorado Summer Road Trip Itinerary ! If you have any questions or want to connect, please feel free to leave a comment or send me a  DM on Instagram !

Related Posts:

• Summer Colorado Packing List
• The Best Road Trip Apps to Download
• How to Get Your Car Ready For a Road Trip + What to Bring​

You Might Also Like:

Vail, Colorado in Summer: Best Things to Do, See, and Eat

11 Tips for Road Tripping with a Dog

Fall Road Trip Essentials: What to Pack for a Road Trip in the Fall

Four Seasons Resort Vail – REVIEW

Grand Lake Lodge – Best Hotel in Grand Lake, CO

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5 thoughts on “ colorado summer road trip – 7 day itinerary + map ”.

Enjoyed reading and “traveling” with you. Great pictures!

Ah thank you so much!! 🙂

This is so helpful! I’m currently planning a road trip to CO with my bf and we know nothing about the area, so this is super helpful!

Ah I’m so glad I could help 🙂

Hi there! I’m planning something VERY similar from Dallas, TX with the hubby! I’m curious..roughly how much did this 1 week in Colorado cost for both of you?

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TWO WORLDS TREASURES

Explore Texas & beyond from Dallas/Ft. Worth

Epic Road Trip to Colorado in November

Have you been road-tripping to Colorado in November?

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission from the discount codes used or when a link/ad is clicked. All purchases made will come at no extra cost to you. Also, Two Worlds Treasures is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

All this time we went in the summer, and who doesn’t fall in love with Colorado outdoors in the summer, right?

One time, we decided to go to Colorado in November during Thanksgiving Break. We have a family friend who lives in Lone Tree – about 24 miles to the south of Denver – who always opens their house for us.

Colorado weather in November

Just like when we went to P ittsburgh, Pennsylvania for Christmas holidays , we also monitored the weather in Denver, Colorado prior to our road trip.

Even though my husband was born and grew up in Pennsylvania, and stayed for several years in Wyoming, this trip to Colorado in November was his first.

We have lived in Texas for more than 20 years, so trips with possible ice or snow on the road always concern him.

In most years, the average high temperature for November in the Denver area is between 47 and 58 degrees Fahrenheit (8 to 14 degrees Celsius). The average low falls between 22 and 28 F (-6 to -2 C.)

The days at Denver cool most rapidly during November, and the temperature drops to below freezing on most nights. Typically the city has an inch (2.5 cm) of snow on the ground for 6 days in this month.

You need to wear the right winter outfit , especially if you are from Texas like us.

But it was different when we visited Colorado in November 2019.

Road Trip to Colorado in November

About a week before we left for Colorado, they started to get snow but it melted a couple of days later.

Averaged high temperature played in the mid-50s, and the low was around 32 (Fahrenheit.)

My son and I were hoping for snow when we were there, but not my husband.

For this road trip to Colorado in November, we didn’t try to cover a lot of places in one day like we normally did. We just went to one place or did one thing in one day. I think November mood played an important role in it.

Also, we spent a night in Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle before we crossed New Mexico to Colorado.

As most of you know, we travel with our dog Snoopy and he hasn’t been to Amarillo yet. We drove through Amarillo in the summer on our way to Albuquerque, but we didn’t make any stops at the 3 must-see attractions in Amarillo at that time.

Then the next morning we hiked the Lighthouse Trail in Palo Duro Canyon State Park . A different experience of hiking the most famous trail in the park compared to summer or spring times.

Day 1 – Sunday – Pueblo, Colorado

On this trip, we also met our friend who moved to Colorado City from Weatherford, Texas.

Originally we would stop at their place but because of the muddy road condition from the melted snow a few days ago, we decided to have supper somewhere in Pueblo. They didn’t think our minivan would survive the drive to their place. Besides, there are no street lights on the way to their property.

It was the right decision, too, since it got dark early in the mountain. That day the road was slippery, and we already saw 3 cars wrecked on the side of the highway.

Pueblo is famous for its Riverwalk, and there’s a Nature and Raptor Center that provides pleasant hiking along the river and houses rescued wild birds such as owls and eagles.

The city is also famous for its Mexican food. Pueblo farmers grow their variety of green chile, made into a savory stew and all kinds of food.

If you get to visit the city in the fall, make sure you are there during the Chile & Frijoles Festival, the celebration of the harvest, and the city’s Hispanic heritage.

We have spent a night in Pueblo before. It is located about 2 hours drive to the south of Denver.

Day 2 – Monday – Pueblo to Lone Tree

Driving distance from Pueblo to Lone Tree is about 1.5 hours, but first, we turned west to Canon City .

We went to Canon City in the summertime and beginning of fall, so we wanted to know how the city was at this time of year.

Less than an hour’s drive later, we arrived in the city.

Canon City looked so quiet, there weren’t too many people on the street. There were no cars and lines in the Royal Gorge Train Station, the Museum of Colorado Prisons didn’t open on Monday, and the Royal Gorge Regional Museum and History Center was also closed.

The ones that opened were fast-food restaurants and a few cafes. But everything looked pretty much the same as the last time we went there seven years ago.

We parked around downtown and walked around.

There were colorful dinosaur statues on the street sidewalks which made cute pictures.

When we walked to the Canon City Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center, a couple of people there told us that not much to do in Canon City during Thanksgiving Break. The train only works for certain days during the holiday season.

They told us to do the Skyline Drive which we have done at least four times in the past.

Skyline Drive is one of the best things to do when you are visiting Canon City. One of Colorado’s most beautiful scenic drives, it spans 2.6 miles throughout Canon City and the Fremont County region. The drive was constructed following the route of a high razorback ridge, accessible via US Highway 50. It is not for the faint of heart.

After they told us that a snow storm was coming towards our destination, we left through Phantom Canyon Road, the Gold Belt Tour that connects the city of Florence near Canon City in the south to Victor in the north. We have drove through this road a few times as well, but it was our first time to drive there when we visited Colorado in November.

Phantom Canyon Road is one of the most scenic and historic drives in Colorado. You will drive on a gravel road where you will see steel bridges and tunnels along the road. In some areas the road is narrow, where you have to slow down and sometimes share the road with others who come from the opposite direction.

This 30-mile route increases in elevation from 5,500 feet to 9,500 feet. It follows the route of the Florence & Cripple Creek Railroad built in 1894 as a connection from Florence to the goldfields of Cripple Creek and Victor.

Do this scenic and historic drive when you are visiting south-central Colorado. Again, it is not for the faint of heart, just like The Skyline Road in Canon City. And if you are not sure about driving on this road with snow on the ground, don’t do it!

In the beginning of the road, we saw spotted leftover snow on the sides of the road. We stopped so Snoopy could get his first experience on the snow. He didn’t seem too happy though. Maybe because the weather was also cold.

After the first tunnel, the gravel road was clean from snow, but it’s different after the second tunnel.

Snow was on the road, and steep drop-offs started to appear on the left side of the road. Towards the steel bridge, snow disappeared again from the gravel road. After the bridge, the road got narrow with some sections that were only one car wide.

Then suddenly the road was covered with snow and it got thicker towards Victor. We couldn’t see the side of the road, so I asked my husband to drive in the middle. Sitting in the passenger seat made me a little nervous. It felt a relief once we arrived in Victor.

Victor – the City of Gold Mines – is located at nearly 10,000 elevation feet on the southwest side of Pikes Peak, in the Cripple Creek Victor Mining District. It is designated a National Historic District where remnants of old gold mines can be found all over town.

The city’s setting is like the 1890’s mine structures with turn-of-the-century buildings that house businesses like unique shops and restaurants, hotels, and offices.

Victor is a small city where you can find museums and hiking trails as well.

One time we arrived here in the late afternoon, so we spent a night at Victor Hotel. An old, small four-story hotel where they said the elevator is haunted. It worked well the day we arrived, but it just moved up and down the next day. The door never opened and there’s nothing wrong with the elevator.

So, we took our son there to show him inside the hotel. He wasn’t born when we stayed there.

Snow was on the ground, and the road was a bit slippery when we were in Victor. If you like the history and the charm of old mine towns, you must visit Victor. You can come for a day or half-day visit, or spend a night like we did.

The next bigger town is Cripple Creek , another gold-mine town that turned into a gaming town.

The main street is full of casinos and it’s also the starting point of Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad. A scenic 45-minute train ride that only opens from mid-May to Labor Day. It’s a beautiful ride on a steam engine that you must do when visiting in the summer.

While driving through Cripple Creek, we thought about doing the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine Tours, but they were closed. They are only open from early April to late October.

We did the tour in the summer before our son was born, so I guess we have to plan another visit to Cripple Creek.

Snow started to fall as we continued the drive to Lone Tree. We drove through Colorado Springs, but we didn’t make any stops since we wanted to get there before the snowstorm arrived. We’re not sure how bad it’s going to be, so playing safe was our best choice.

Before we got to our friends’ place, we stopped at a supermarket. People were stocked up on basic kitchen needs, but they didn’t look panic like North Texan when the weather guy said there would be an inch of snow on the ground – for next week. Haha..

Day 3 – Tuesday – Lone Tree

We woke up to more than a foot of snow in the morning. I saw that my friend’s husband was shoveling snow on the driveway.

Poor Snoopy didn’t know what to do with his morning routine. Snow was up to his belly, he couldn’t find grass, and he finally did it while standing up with his butt on the snow.

When my son woke up, I told him to look through the window. He couldn’t believe his eyes. Everything was white! He put on his jacket and went outside playing in the snow.

Snow was up to his thighs, it made him hard to move. He just threw his body to the back and laughed. It’s our first time to see snow that high. The highest we got in North Texas was 6 inches and it was years ago.

We spent the whole morning talking while listening to the news. Businesses were closed, and people were staying home. It’s the first snowstorm that dumped heavy snow on Colorado in November since 1994. Hundreds of flights were canceled out of Denver International Airport. The Weather Channel named this system Winter Storm Dorothy.

In the afternoon, we went out to buy supper. The city hasn’t plowed the road in the neighborhood, but they did the main roads. Everywhere we went was white and it was really cold, too. We didn’t stay outside long and wondered whether we could go somewhere the whole time we were there.

Day 4 – Wednesday – Lone Tree to Estes Park

Our plan for today was visiting Estes Park , and from the news we saw that they have plowed the road to the city. Outside, the city of Lone Tree has plowed the road, too. So, we’re good to go.

There weren’t too many cars on the road. I guess people chose to stay inside, preparing food for the Thanksgiving Feast the next day.

We drove through Boulder who got more snow than the Denver area. Slushy roads on main street were really ugly, and there was lots of traffic. It felt good when we finally left the city.

From Lyons to Estes Park the view was breathtaking! Inches of fresh snow blanketed the ground to the top of the mountains. Pine trees looked pretty with 3-4 inches of snow on their needles. The road was clean from snow, and we saw something new for us. Cars covered with snow on the side of the road. I wonder when they would get to tow the cars.

When we almost reached Estes Park, the road was not as smooth as in the beginning. Ice started to build, so my husband had to drive extra carefully.

We stopped at Colorado Cherry Company for a pit stop, where people were lined up to pick up their pie orders. The pies looked delicious, but I saved them for our next trip to Estes Park. It wasn’t our first and last trip to Estes Park anyway.

Lake Estes’ surfaces  looked frozen and it gave a beautiful view. We drove straight to Stanley Hotel , the hotel that inspired Stephen King to write The Shining. The hotel ground covered with inches of snow, made it look even beautiful. We didn’t have to pay to get into the hotel ground like when we visited a year before during summer holiday.

With more than a foot of snow on the ground, what’s better than our son reenacted Danny Torrance ran away from his father on the hotel hedge maze? It was really perfect, even me playing Wendy Torrance where my husband and Snoopy tried to help us (new characters!)

We enjoyed our time there, and we forgot to see the decorations inside the hotel during Thanksgiving! Haha.

Next stop was Rocky Mountain National Park . We drove through downtown Estes Park and we didn’t see too many people around. Some of the stores were decorated with Thanksgiving themed, some were Christmas themed. We didn’t make any stop at all because I didn’t feel like shopping and we didn’t want to drive home in the dark.

We entered RMNP through Beaver Meadows Entrance. Snow was thick on both sides of the road, and it also covered the road surfaces.

At the entrance station, there’s a sign saying All Wheel Drive and 4WD recommended. We saw that the road to Trail Ridge Road was closed, so we turned left to Bear Lake Rd. I asked my husband if our car is Wheel Drive and he said no. But why didn’t the Ranger tell us to turn around? I wonder.

We didn’t have a planned itinerary for the RMNP. We (or me?) just wanted to see the park in the winter. Ok. It’s not officially winter yet, but the snowstorm from a couple of days before has turned the park into a winter wonderland. Elks were trying to find food from the white ground. It’s so pretty and calm.

Anyway, we turned around at Moraine Park Discovery Center. We’re not sure what the road condition to Bear Lake would be. Thicker snow? Ice? And the fact that there was no cell connection made us decide to leave the park.

But we turned to Moraine Park Campground first. We wanted to see how the campground looked like in the winter.

The snow on the road was even thicker here. We were afraid to make a U-turn as we couldn’t see the roadsides, so we just followed the arrows.

A family with young children was having fun sledding on the snow at one campsite. Probably locals, so they knew which location was safe for sledding.

Day 5 – Thursday – Lone Tree to Breckenridge

Happy Thanksgiving! As planned, we had brunch at a local restaurant for the day of Thanksgiving. Snow was still on the ground, but the road condition was better.

In the afternoon we drove to Brec kenridge . Everywhere was covered with the white powder. A beautiful drive, I would say.

We took CO-470 W from Lone Tree and turned to I-70 W before we continued on CO-9 S to Breckenridge. We passed Idaho Springs, the gateway to Mt. Evans; Georgetown, where you can ride the Georgetown Loop enjoying the beauty of the area from a steam engine; and a small town Frisco that reminded me of a city in North Texas that has the same name.

Less than 2 hours later we arrived in Breckenridge.

As we arrived late in the city, there was not much we could do. It’s close to 4.30, so we went straight to see the troll.

The troll, named Isak Heartstone, is a 15-foot wooden sculpture created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. He is located on the Trollstigen Trail in the southeast corner of the Stephen C. West Ice Arena parking lot, next to Illinois Gulch Trailhead.

After we parked in town, we took the Breck Free Ride which is also a pet-friendly bus. Then we followed the troll’s footsteps to the trailhead.

Back in town, it’s already dark. We grabbed crepes from the famous Crepes a la Cart before we left for Lone Tree. The line was long, and we got to talk with a family who was also from Texas. We agreed that it got dark earlier in the mountains than back home in Texas. And it’s darker, too!

Day 6 – Friday – Lone Tree to Colorado Springs

Black Friday shopping has been out of the picture for our family since years ago. So, we went to Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, hoping to see it empty. We were wrong! People in Colorado Springs didn’t like shopping either. Haha.

Although it’s not as busy as in the summer, finding a parking space was not easy. We were lucky when finally someone left at the Main Parking Area.

Like anywhere else, the city already plowed the sidewalks around the Central Garden Area. But when we walked past the sidewalks, snow was still thick and patches of ice were built here and there.

When you visit during snow, you must be careful. We didn’t stop at the Balance Rock area because parking was full. Also, we didn’t make a stop at the Visitor Center as we’ve been there several times.

Like most places of interest in Colorado, Garden of the Gods is also a pet-friendly destination. You must keep your dogs on leashes all the time though.

And don’t forget to carry your dog’s waste bag even though there are waste stations in the park. You never know when they’re out of it.

Snoopy wasn’t the only dog in the park that day. He made lots of new friends.

Day 7 – Saturday – Lone Tree to Texas

It’s time to go home. It took about 12 hours to drive to our home in Texas, but after visiting Colorado several times, we no longer spent a night on the way home. The key is to leave as early as we can because we lost an hour going home. Goodbye, snow! See you next time!

Our take on visiting Colorado during Thanksgiving Break

Besides the short daylight, we enjoyed our visit during Thanksgiving Break in Colorado. My son and I were hoping for the snow, and that year Mother Nature decided to drop the snow more than normal. My husband enjoyed some of them, especially when we visited the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park. The Shining is one of our favorite movies. So, it was a perfect setup when we were there. 

Winter views are amazing! Everywhere we turned our heads, it was covered by snow. It’s a winter wonderland for us Texans. In North Texas, sometimes we wore shorts in the winter.

Here are some things that you need to consider when you plan a visit to Colorado in November:

– it’s better if your car is a 4 wheeler or an all wheel drive.

– make sure it’s ready for a wint er road trip .

– you don’t always see snow in or around Denver at this time of year, but mountains are most likely covered with snow. 

– winter season in ski towns begins in November.

– don’t put too many stops in for a day.

– it gets dark faster in the mountains.

– find information about the area you want to visit at this time of year.

– make sure you check the driving direction and time for every place you want to visit.

– putting a pair of boots on your dog’s paws is recommended as well as the sweaters (unless your dogs are huskies or other cold weather breeds.)

– drive carefully.

Have you been to Colorado in November? What cities did you visit? What did you do there? Let me know your experience by leaving a comment below.

As always, save these pins for later. Hope you will have a wonderful time when visiting Colorado in November!

Thank you for sharing this:

Umiko Buhl is a travel blogger and the founder of Two Worlds Treasures. She travels around Texas to neighboring states and around the country with her family and dog from their family home in the south of Dallas/Fort Worth. Originally from Indonesia, she tries to go home every 2-3 years to spend time with her families and friends while exploring Indonesia. Her mission is to share her honest reviews of places she visited.

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32 Comments

Thats sounds an amazing Road trip! I’m leaving tomorrow with my dog from Dallas to Colorado and will do the same road trip, thank you for sharing your experience with us.

You are welcome! I hope you will have a great time! Enjoy your trip!

You had a great road trip. Colorado is unique at any time of the year. I have been there in April and May, but I plan my next trip in late fall. I know that not all trails and roads are passable then, but I like winter scenery. I had no time to see Pueblo, so I added it to my winter trip. I also haven’t seen Victor – the City of Gold Mines, so I hope to visit it during my next trip.

I want to visit in early September for the fall foliage, but I have to wait for a few more years. You will like Victor.

Logan and I did almost this exact road trip! We stayed in Estes Park and visited Rocky Mountain National Park in September and it was chilly! It snowed so bad they had to close off the overpass – causing us to reroute around the entire park to get back up to Estes 😂 a story we’ll never forget.

I can imagine that. And yes, we will never forget story like this. 🙂

We’ve never been on a road trip during the winter since we are both terrified of driving in the ice and snow. We can drive through harsh rain, but snow is on another level. Looks like there was still plenty to see and do despite snow in some parts of the region. You definitely have to be comfortable with shifting plans since weather can change overnight. Skyline Drive sounds fantastic and a drive we would definitely enjoy.

Yeah. As someone who came from a tropical country, I don’t feel comfortable also driving on snow or ice condition. I hope one day you can do the Skyline Drive.

What a fantastic trip! I wouldn’t have thought there could be so much to do in winter. Your Black Friday comment gave me a chuckle! I’m a fellow non-shopper too.

Well, turned out there are still lots of things to do in the winter in Colorado; besides winter sports.

I went to college in Fort Collins, so spent a lot of time in Estes Park and Breckenridge- my two favorite spots in Colorado. I love the descriptions of Snoopy’s experience in the snow. I wouldn’t want to have to walk barefoot and do my business in it either. LOL.

We supposed to go back to Breckenridge last summer, but we had to cut short our road trip. Too much stress driving up and down the dirt road in the southwestern Colorado. Haha… Hopefully next summer we can go back. Not sure we will go back this Thanksgiving or Winter breaks, but if we go, we will buy snoopy a couple of boots.

Your road tripping to Colorado in November with full of snow all around is perfect road trip during Thanks giving break time. I too loved the breath taking view from Lyons to Estes Park and it must be amazing to see blanket of snow and pine trees covered under the snow. Good to know that Garden of the Gods is also a pet friendly destination.

It was like a dreamy vacation for Texan like us. Hehe..

I spent a winter in Colorado for the skiing. The scenery is beautiful with snow blanketing the mountains and trees. I had a 4WD which made getting through on snowy roads easy.

Yeah. A 4WD will help a lot when visiting Colorado in the winter.

Love reading it and feeling nostalgic. Colorado was are favorite getaway from Dallas. Breckenridge and Estes Park are such beautiful towns.

this remind me a winter in Poland however we dont get that much snow until late december. Ive only been to Colorado when I was driving through on my way to Vegas from New Hampshire so i didn’t explore that state at all but I really wish i did! Ive never heard about Phantom Canyon Road, Rocky Mountain National Park or Garden of the Gods but it sounds amazing! Looks like you had a wonderful time

Rocky Mountain NP is one of the famous National Park in the U.S. and I believe it’s the number 1 attraction in Colorado. I’m surprised that you never heard about it before.

Yes, I agree that it is important to weather. I believe that it would be a wonderful experience to visit the Skyline Drive. Will surely add this to our itinerary during our next trip to Colorado including a visit to the Estes Park.

What a cool trip you guys had. It really does sound the roads were (or could have been) a bit hairy in some parts, good idea to take it easy and stay safe. It doesn’t snow where I come from, so I can totally understand your excitement when the big snowfall came. Your poor dog though lol, didn’t know where to go to the toilet.

I think we need to buy him boots for next time we go to snowy area.

We were here this time last year! We were even there a little earlier, mid Oct-early November and had no idea it would be cold and snowy. Way to make the best of it and get off the beaten track. Cripple Creek is such a crazy throw-back town, we spent my birthday there.

Awesome! When we took my parents to Cripple Creek, it was hard to get my mother moved from in front of the slot machine. Haha…

I absolutely loved Rocky Mountain National Park and Breckenridge. Just like you it was a road trip but in december and it was absolutely amazing. I didn’t know about the Skyline Drive back then though. Feeling bad for missing it out. Hopefully will add it to the list for next time. Totally agree with the tips you have mentioned. We didn’t realize how fast it would get dark, we planned a ton of things in one day and had to rework our schedule on the go because of it. This post brought back a lot of memories 😀

I’m glad this post brought back your memories. I would like to go back around the same time.

I absolutely love Colorado! I went in May-June time frame a couple years ago and it wasn’t cold. It was absolutely beautiful, from the mountains, to the rocks, to the city! I’ll have to check out Lone Tree once I’m back in that area!

You were lucky. One time we went in May and there was snow in Rocky Mountain. Also early June, there was snow on the way to Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs. We couldn’t go to the top.

I must admit we often avoid areas like Colorado once the temperatures start to drop. But we may need to re-think that. It is nice to see that many of the spots you stopped in were less busy. I love the idea of travelling along the scenic drives in Colorado. Although I might want to do this before the snow is too heavy. But how fun that your son got to enjoy a real snowfall! And the Rocky Mountain Park looked quite magical with snow on the trees.

I think it would be fine when you drive a 4 wheelers or all wheelers vehicle. Unless they closed the road.

Wow! Colorado in Winter sounds like a good idea. Its interesting to revisit some places like these in every season to see how it looks like throughout the year. I always like going in off-season. Canon City seems to be empty this time of the year. Day 3 looks interesting. Your son seems to be super excited (but I doubt about your husband who didnt want snow) hahaha… Indeed a wise decision to turn around at Moraine Park Discovery Center.

Yeah. I think we know what to expect when visiting Colorado in the winter now when you don’t ski.

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Road Trip From Dallas To Denver

If you love the beautiful American South and want a lengthy but rewarding journey, consider a road trip from Dallas to Denver. You'll have the option of checking out some of New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas' highlights, not to mention the beautiful Rockies in Colorado.

The 795-mile road trip from Dallas to Denver takes 12 hours to drive. Stops include Carson and San Isabel National Forests, Oklahoma City, Fort Worth, and Colorado Springs, as well as Lake Thunderbird and Rocky Mountain National Park.

There's a lot to unpack when it comes to this road trip – read on to get an idea of what you're in for.

How far is Denver from Dallas and how long will the road trip take?

There are two main routes from Denver to Dallas worth considering - the first cuts through New Mexico before taking you along the Colorado national forests, while the other cuts through Oklahoma and Kansas before getting you into Denver from the east.

Before entering New Mexico, the former route will take you through the so-called Texas Panhandle, the state's flat, arid northwestern part. This route covers around 800 miles and takes 12 hours to drive, meaning you have to split your trip into at least 2 days.

If the weather is bad or you're just looking for a smoother ride, another option is to drive along various interstates through Oklahoma City and cutting through the heart of Kansas.

This route covers around 880 miles of ground, but the trip takes as long as it would on the other route, given that the interstates let you drive a lot faster.

Best road trip route from Dallas to Denver

There is no best road trip route from Dallas to Denver – both of the routes outlined above have their own unique highlights, the key ones being the forests west of Denver. If the conditions allow for it, consider taking one route on the way to Denver and the other on the return trip.

With that said, if you're looking for an easier drive, the Oklahoma/Kansas route is arguably a much safer bet. Not only will you never leave the interstate, but you also get to avoid the traffic leading into Denver from Colorado Springs.

If you are visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, keep in mind that the national park uses a timed entry permit system. Please check the national park's website to see if you need to make a reservation before your visit.

How to drive from Dallas to Denver

The map above shows our suggestions for the best road trip routes between Dallas and Denver. Keep reading for detailed descriptions of both routes, where to stay on either, and the best things to do on the way.

And whether you're flying into Dallas or you simply don't have a vehicle in the city, renting a car for your road trip is something you'll want to take care of ASAP.

For an easy-to-compare view of rental options for your road trip from Dallas to Denver, take a look at our partner site, RentalCars.com .

The Texas Panhandle Route

Taking the Texas 183 Express, leave Dallas by going east and entering Fort Worth. From there, take Route 287 and follow it past Lake Arrowhead State Park and through Wichita Falls. After driving through Amarillo, pass Rita Blanca National Grasslands on your way into New Mexico via Route 87.

Be sure to check out Taos and Carson National Forest before passing Sugarite Canyon State Park and entering Colorado via Interstate 25. Get your bearings here before you continue along the interstate.

Coming up is a long string of optional but highly recommended detours to the west – Great Sand Dunes National Park, as well as Rio Grande, Gunnison, and San Isabel National Forests form a beautiful chain of landmarks all the way to Denver.

The Oklahoma/Kansas Route

Leave Dallas by going north along Interstate 35, passing Lake Murray, Lexington Wildlife Management Area, and Lake Thunderbird State Park before reaching Oklahoma City. Rest up here before continuing along the interstate, passing Lake McMurtry Friends before entering Kansas.

Make a stop at Wichita, then get onto Interstate 135, following it all the way to Salina. From there, take Interstate 70 west, past places like Cheyenne Bottoms Refuge before entering Colorado. Still on the interstate, stop by Pawnee National Grassland before entering Denver.

Best places to stop between Dallas and Denver

You'll definitely want to find a place to stop when doing the long drive from Dallas to Denver. Luckily, both routes come with some amazing options for your consideration. Here are some of our recommendations:

Marvel at the unique beauty of Taos

If you're taking the Texas Panhandle Route and are in the market for something completely different, you can't pass up on Taos. There are plenty of amazing (not to mention incredibly unique) hotels in town, but Adobe and Pines Inn Bed & Breakfast is the most elegant one by far .

With walls and decorations that come in every color of the rainbow (and many more), this resort is nothing if not unique. No expenses are spared in terms of comfort, either – besides the cozy furniture, guests will have an indoor fireplace and an outdoor hot tub at their disposal.

The area also happens to be great for recreational activities, and a quick walk will take you to the nearest ski areas, hiking trails, rivers and rafting equipment, and much more.

Best of all, this resort offers you a once-in-a-lifetime stay for a meager price by Taos standards. Take full advantage of that and explore as much of the historic town as you can.

Enjoy the vacation of a lifetime in Denver

Denver is home to some truly luxurious hotels, but you don't need to overspend to enjoy a great vacation here. If you want to wine and dine at one of the finest accommodation options in the area, The Ramble Hotel is the place for you.

The rooms at this hotel are everything they need to be – stylish, spacious, and comfortable. As is usually the case when vacationing in a large city, you'll want to get a room with a beautiful garden view or a balcony. If you want to take the views in from high up, the hotel has a fabulous terrace as well.

You can enjoy delicious American cuisine meals at the on-site restaurant, or enjoy a sip of your favorite cocktail at the stylishly decorated bar on the property.

Finally, all of this is topped off by a great location – you'll literally be a stone's throw from the heart of Denver. Pepsi Center, 16th Street Mall, The Source and LoDo are all a short distance away. All these things, in conjunction with the great price, make this particular hotel hard to beat.

READ MORE - Click here for more great hotel options

Things to see on a road trip from Dallas to Denver

• Fort Worth – A gorgeous Texas metropolis deeply rooted in the arts and cowboy culture.
• Caprock Canyons State Park – Located near Amarillo, this is one of Texas' largest and most scenic state parks.
• Taos Pueblo – A Puebloan settlement boasting unique architecture and a rich history.
• Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve – One of the centerpieces of the San Luis Valley that features the tallest dunes in all of the States.
• San Isabel National Forest – Featuring beautiful grasslands, scenic hiking trails, and sweeping mountains, this forest is a must-see.
• Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests – These beautiful forests are among the definitive camping and hiking spots in Colorado.
• Gunnison National Forest –With over 2 million acres of ground to explore and countless fishing, hunting, and hiking spots, this forest manages to stand out among its already impressive surroundings.
• Colorado Springs –When visiting this gorgeous city along the Rocky Mountains, be sure to check out the Cave of the Winds and the red rocks at The Garden of the Gods.
• Rocky Mountain National Park – The beautiful combination of mountains, forests, and alpine lakes is what makes this among the most visited national parks in North America.
• Pawnee National Grasslands – This area features stunning buttes and prairies, as well as a wide assortment of rare bird species.
• Ray Roberts Lake State Park – A large lake surrounded by parks, biking trails, and lodges.
• Turner Falls Park – This park features numerous caves for you to explore, not to mention the biggest waterfall in Oklahoma.
• Lake Thunderbird State Park – Featuring everything from beautiful campsites to sunny beaches and archery ranges, this is one of the most popular lakeside retreats in the region for a reason.
• Oklahoma City – Oklahoma's capital is also among its most unique cities, largely owing to its well-preserved cowboy aesthetic.

Best time to go on a road trip from Dallas to Denver

The best time to do a road trip from Dallas to Denver depends on what you're after – both the trip and the city itself have plenty to offer no matter when you choose to do it.

With that said, there are several things worth keeping in mind – if you're set on driving through the Panhandle, bear in mind that it's fairly common for snow to pile up on the highways there for days, if not weeks on end, potentially grinding your scenic trip to a screeching halt.

Also worth considering are the landscapes along the way – San Isabel, Gunnison, and White River National Forests are only a few of the Rocky Mountain forests worth checking out, and it might be in your best interest to explore them when the trails are clean and the weather is mild.

As for Denver, there are perks to visiting in every season. Despite its amazing location for skiing, winter is considered a low point for Denver in terms of visitors.

If you know for a fact there's been heavy snowfall in Denver in a particular year, you can even go skiing in early spring and get a great deal on a hotel room to boot.

Late spring and fall are great times to do the trip since the temperatures are comfortable and there's plenty to do, from Oktoberfest and Beer Fest to a number of music festivals. The catch is that the city gets a lot of rain these times of the year, potentially limiting your outdoor time.

If the rainier seasons don't appeal to you, there's always summer. Don't be fooled by the elevation, however – temperatures here can and will often approach the triple digits, and you'll need to think about accommodation well in advance if you want to find a decent hotel room.

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