road trip from texas to colorado

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.

Love this post? Share it!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

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!

Recent Posts

One Day in Seattle: How to Spend 24 Hours in the Emerald City

With so much to do in an iconic city like Seattle, it can feel pretty daunting when you think about what you want to do and see in such a short time frame. Luckily, this one day in Seattle guide...

8 of the Most Affordable and Romantic Getaways in the USA

Who's in need of a romantic, yet affordable getaway?! (*raises hand*). Traveling is a great way to reconnect and relax, BUT I know that sometimes travel just seems too expensive and out of reach. I...

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.

Related Posts

Scottsdale to Sedona Day Trip Itinerary

10 Best Things to Do in Jerome Arizona

The best things to do in Jerome can all be enjoyed in one day or…

Montezuma Castle National Monument Travel Guide

This Montezuma Castle National Monument travel guide will help you plan your visit to this…

I help busy people find creative ways to travel more.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

6-Day Texas to Colorado Road Trip Guide | How to Plan a Road Trip

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and if you make a purchase through them I may earn a small commission. Thank you for supporting this blog!

When I told people I was planning a road trip to Colorado, most had thought I’d gone crazy! Even though this wasn’t the first option, it ended up working out. We had six unforgettable adventure-filled days exploring Colorful Colorado, easily making it one of our favorite trips.

Have you ever put off buying airplane tickets, thinking, “Surely these prices are gonna go down! And when they do, I’ll be there to buy them.”?

Well, that was my rationale for buying tickets to Denver to attend a family wedding. And three weeks before the wedding, I gave up. The tickets had soared to $450 a person– for a direct, 1-hour flight, round-trip… Not to mention we would have had to pay for boarding for our dog, and his usual kennel was full anyways.So, a quick search showed that Austin, Texas was roughly 1,000 miles from Fort Collins, and would be a 14-16 hour road trip.

We didn’t want to miss the wedding or spending time in Colorful Colorado with our family, so we knew what needed to be done: time to book a rental car! We ended up getting a great price on a high mileage, 2016 Nissan Altima at the Hertz right up the road. We also looked into getting a Prius as it is the car to use for Uber driving , which means it would have plenty of room for all of us and would be reliable.

So at the end of our Colorado road trip, we had spent:

• Hertz Rental Car : $263 ($36/day for 6 days) ( Click here to check rental rates in your area! )
• Gas : $160 with nearly 1,800 miles
• Road Trip Snacks and Red Bull : $55
• 24+ Hours of pre-downloaded Spotify Playlists : FREE

Thanks to the rental car, we were able to explore so much of Colorado. So I’m incredibly grateful for that.

How to Road Trip to Colorado from Texas

On our way up on Tuesday (we left at 5 pm), we decided to drive straight to Fort Collins to arrive around lunchtime on a Thursday. On the way back down, we spread the drive out over two days, with a night in Amarillo before heading back to Austin at noon. For the sake of this post, I’ll detail the journey starting with Amarillo, and heading north to Fort Collins.

So if you find yourself in my position, or just enjoy long scenic road trips, here’s a good map of things to do on your way to Colorado. Plus, tips from our experience.

Before we get started on about my road trip to Colorado, here are some road trip tips no matter where you’re headed:

• Make sure you always keep at least 1/2 tank of gas! It might be annoying to stop, but you don’t want to get stranded in the middle of nowhere
• Download all the podcasts and Broadway soundtracks before hitting the road to save your data. If you’re renting a car, make sure you bring an AUX cord!
• Stock up on snacks before hitting the road, since you’ve got a car pack ice and picnic-type food for more filling snacks.
• Keep the AC on high. Keeping your car at a nice and cozy temperature will make you feel like falling asleep!
• Travel clothes are comfortable clothes, think yoga pants, and light tees.

Read This: 3 Weeks in Europe by Car | My Europe Travel Itinerary

Best Breweries in Los Angeles

• My Favorite Moments From the Beer Bloggers Conference in Milwaukee
• The Best Things To Do in Chicago on Your First Visit

Getting Out of Texas and Heading to Colorado

Texas is HUGE! The road trip wasn’t all that bad, once we were out of Texas. Which took nine hours from Austin, Texas…One of the coolest parts of the drive, was when we traveled through the Roscoe Wind Farm. With 634 wind turbines , it’s the largest wind farm in the country!

If you’ve ever seen those big trucks carrying the blades through traffic, you can imagine just how big the final product is. In real life though, they leave in awe with their size.

Colorado Road Trip Stop #1: Amarillo & Lubbock

The biggest cities in that side of the state are Amarillo and Lubbock. Not much to do in either, but Amarillo definitely has more. Most notably, Cadillac Ranch.

Built in 1974, Cadillac Ranch features 10 graffiti-covered Cadillacs standing upright in a row, buried nose-first in the ground. The sculpture is the work of eccentric, Amarillo millionaire, Stanley Marsh III. It was crowded, but such a cool sight to see.

Don’t worry about bringing your own spray cans. There are plenty of neon color options lying around for you to leave your mark on the cars. I was a little disappointed by all the trash tossed around at the site. So do me a favor and when you visit, take a bag of trash out with you!

Colorado Road Trip Stop #1.5: New Mexico

There really isn’t much in the small corner of New Mexico that you drive through from Texas to Colorado. It’s only a few short hours, but this is the part of the road trip to Colorado where you begin to gain altitude! Alternatively, you can swing through Oklahoma instead of New Mexico. But the drive through New Mexico has much better views.

Colorado Road Trip Stop #2: Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs has an elevation of 6,035 feet and is a city 70 miles south of Denver. The city is most known for the Garden of the Gods , and it’s huge craft beer scene. We stopped here on the way back to Texas since we had more time then. Being with our dog, in the middle of summer, we were somewhat restricted in what we could do. While we had time to stop by the Garden of the Gods, we couldn’t because timing put us there at the hottest time of the day.

Road Trip Tip: Make a stop at the Garden of the Gods on your way up. If you time it right, you could arrive there just as the sun begins to rise.

With more than 27 local craft breweries, Colorado Springs is a huge beer destination with some unique taprooms. We had time to visit Coldcamp Brewing Company and The Bristol Pub , which is housed in a former school! I wish there was time for more as would have also love to stop at Local Relic and   Phantom Canyon Brewing Company .

Read This: Meet the Brewery Architects Designing the Next Generation of Taprooms

The Bristol Pub: Charming brewpub in a former school with a large, dog-friendly patio.

Coldcamp Brewing Company is a casual brewery featuring a variety of handcrafted ales in a relaxed, dog-friendly taproom.

Colorado Road Trip Stop #3: Denver

Denver is a city that is more than a complete trip in itself. It wasn’t our first time, last October we visited so many great breweries during the Great American Beer Festival. We couldn’t pass by without making a quick stop or two during this Colorado road trip. So we grabbed brunch at Briar Common Brewpub and hit up Joyride Brewing before continuing on our way home back to Texas.

Read This: Lessons Learned at My First Great American Beer Festival

Briar Common Brewery: A modern, bistro-style brewpub creating innovative & unique beers.

 Joyride Brewing is a small, dog-friendly craft brewery in Edgewater, just across the street from Sloan’s Lake.

Road Trip Tip : There’s a great bottle shop and dispensary on the same block as Joyride Brewing! Ya know, in case you need to make a few pit-stops before heading home ;)

Colorado Road Trip Stop #4: Boulder

Just 30 minutes is Boulder, also known as the “Happiest Place in America” There’s plenty of hiking, shopping, and 24 breweries, and it’s home to the University of Colorado. Driving to Colorado straight, and leaving at 5 pm the previous afternoon, we arrived in Boulder at 8 am.

And there wasn’t much open. Thankfully, there was a little breakfast spot near the campus that was open and had incredible reviews. Plus, we were early enough to take advantage of the “Early Bird Special!” Later on our trip, we made a quick visit to Avery Brewing for some lunch and funky beers.

Read This: A Recap of the 2019 Great American Beer Festival

Dot’s Diner on the Hill is a simple diner that’s been serving breakfast to Boulder for the past 30 years.

Avery Brewing Company is a large craft brewery that’s been dedicated to creating category-defying ales and lagers for beer drinkers with an eccentric palate.

Colorado Road Trip Stop #5: Longmont, Colorado

Longmont, Colorado is a short 33-mile drive northwest of Denver and is home to many great breweries like Oskar Blues and Left Hand Brewing Company. We made good work visiting this town during our Colorado road trip, and as an added bonus my Austin food blogger friend, Kelsey was also in town for the holiday weekend!

There’s 300 days of sunshine in Longmont, Colorado each year, which is the inspiration behind 3-time GABF winning, 300 Suns Brewing Company’s  name.

Bootstrap Brewing has plenty of unique craft beer, such as the chili-infused beer, in a cozy taproom with a bit of tiki bar vibes.

Left hand brewing company is an employee-owned craft brewery with innovative beers that combine traditional and modern brewing methods..

Wibby Brewing is German-style brewery brewing the classic lagers style, but with a twist.

Colorado Road Trip Stop #5: Estes Park

During the planning stages of our Colorado road trip extravaganza, a stop at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park was a MUST. The drive to Estes Park is just under an hour, and the view on the way up into the Rockies will take your breath away.

In case you didn’t know, this is the hotel where Stephen King came up with the idea of the book, The Shining . Stephen King and his wife only stayed at the haunted hotel for a single night, but it was enough for it to form the ‘bones’ for one of his best novels.

Read This: Must-Have Travel Gear for the Overpacking Backpacker

Colorado Road Trip Stop #6: Fort Collins

Finally, Fort Collins, a beautiful town an hour north of Denver, and just 50 some miles from the Wyoming border. Fort Collins is a little slice of heaven, that has something for everyone. There’s a great food scene, 22 craft breweries, incredible cocktail bars, shopping, and heaps of outdoor mountain adventuring. Colorado.

We spent most of our Saturday exploring the city, drink-by-drink, bite-by-bite. And I gotta say, I was a huge fan of Fort Collins and all of the friendly people that live there!

Funkwerks Brewing is a Belgian-style focused brewery known for their Saisons and sours.

Winner of 16 gabf medals, odell brewing co is an independent craft brewery that was founded in 1989 and has consistently brewed solid beers that are flagships for the industry in itself., snowbank brewing’s name came from their days as homebrewers. after boiling the beer and adding hops on the stove, they would need a quick, easy, inexpensive way to chill it down quickly. and sticking it in the large snowbanks was the solution..

What’s the Longest Road Trip You’ve Taken?

If you’re planning a road trip to Colorado, get ready for a long, but beautiful drive into the Rockies. Coming from Austin, Texas, which has a measly elevation of 489 feet, to Colorado Springs with 6,035 feet, is quite the experience. One I wouldn’t mind doing again, but I think I’ve learned my lesson about waiting to buy plane tickets… :) Feel to ask me any questions in the comments!

So now it’s off to you and planning a Colorado road trip of your own! Saves these images to Pinterest ….

And finally, let’s get connected on social! I’m everywhere! 

Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , Pinterest , TikTok , Twitter , or YouTube for fun adventures, the freshest beers in Texas, and inspiration to plan your next beercation.

Founder and owner of Big World, Small Girl: an Austin, Texas-based beer and travel blog that covers everything from brewery interviews to international travel. I've been featured in Bloomberg, Untappd, Good Beer Hunting, and most recently as one of UPROXX's Top Beer Influencers to Follow on Instagram.

You may also like

10 best things to do in hot springs,..., ultimate guide to the best beer cities for..., there are 100+ denver breweries, here are my..., 12 iconic san diego breweries you don’t want..., the elizabeth hotel in fort collins, colorado (hotel..., nyc itinerary: 3 days in new york city..., top 10 romantic things to do in nyc..., 16 best asheville breweries: a guide to to..., the best things to do in asheville, nc..., making beer cocktails with grape-based spirit, rays spirit, taste the game with kingsford charcoal’s new cookbook (plus, a grilled cuban sandwich recipe).

Outside Suburbia Family

Luxury | Wellness | Art | Experiential Family Travel & Lifestyle

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

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

• 65 Pinterest

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

PIN IT FOR LATER

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 .

CONNECT WITH US

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Want to make your trips memorable?

Join our newsletter and get the inside scoop on cool destinations, earth-friendly hotels, luxury stays, easy adventures, and authentic travel inspiration!

Email address:

No products in the cart.

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

Rent an RV:

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

Price : 

• $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
• Laundry service   
• 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.

Get this 19-page Travel Planner that I personally use for our family trips

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.

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.

Sign up for our email list for my best travel tips plus get the family travel planner free. 

Similar Posts

17 Best Campgrounds For Toddlers

Going outdoors and exploring nature is a fun experience that can bring your family closer together. But going out on vacation and camping with your kids, especially toddlers, can be extra challenging as there are many considerations you should keep in mind. You must check important details like the campground’s amenities and kiddie activities, as…

11 Beautiful RV Destinations in September (Fall Camping for Foliage and Fun)

Planning a all RV road trip in September? Fall foliage, crisp air and less people – these are thebest places to camp in September. Find out the best destination for…..

11 Questions You Must Ask to Reserve the Perfect RV Campsite

Part of planning an unforgettale RV vacation is reserving the pefect campsite. Here is what you need to know to get the best RV campsites. We tell you what is the most important questions to ask.

Iron Mountain Hot Springs (Glenwood’s Newest Family Hot Spot)

Iron Mountain Hot Springs is the newest addition to Colorado’s hot springs. Located in Glenwood Springs, you can enjoy mountian views while you soak in one of 16 pools right along the banks of the Colorado River.

9 Fantastic Places to Camp this April and May (+Map of Spring Camping)

Spring is a wonderful time to go camping. The weather is warming up in the northern part of the country and still cool and comfortable in the desert areas. You can choose from an adventurous trip to the national parks, an exciting time at Disney or a exciting time in a big city.

Guide to Camping Near Rifle, Colorado

Discover waterfalls, caves, lakes, and rivers while camping near Rifle, Colorado. This guide will help you find the perfect place to tent or RV camp near Rifle.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Christmas Recipes
• Easter Recipes
• Fourth of July Recipes
• Halloween Recipes
• New Year’s Recipes
• Thanksgiving Recipes
• Valentine’s Day Recipes
• Instant Pot
• Keto recipes
• Side dishes
• Slow Cooker
• Games for Kids
• Science Experiments
• Holiday Games
• Scavenger Hunts
• United States Travel
• Disney Travel Tips
• Disney Crafts
• Christmas crafts
• Easter Crafts
• Halloween Crafts
• Mardi Gras Crafts
• Thanksgiving Crafts
• Valentine’s Day Crafts
• Mason Jar Crafts
• Coloring Pages
• Christmas games
• Easter Games
• Halloween Games
• Mardi Gras Games
• Thanksgiving Games
• Valentine’s Day Games
• 4th of July
• Baby Shower
• Back to school
• Cinco de Mayo
• Movie Night
• New Year’s Eve
• St Patrick’s Day
• Thanksgiving
• Valentine’s Day Cards
• Shop printables
• Amazon Favs
• Shop LTK.it
• Books for Kids
• Meet Michelle
• PR/Advertise
• Texas Today
• Accessibility Statement
• Privacy Policy
• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

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.

• Pinterest 258

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

Leave a reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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!

Featured on

• Accessibility

Categories.

• Kids Activities

As an Amazon associate & LTK member, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Privacy Overview

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

• Best Air Fryer Pans for Crispy and Healthy Meals
• Best Air Fryer Accessories
• Best Oil Sprayer for Air Fryer
• Best Compact Air Fryers
• Best Toaster Oven Air Fryer
• Best Microwave Air Fryer Combo

road trip to colorado from texas

Leave a Comment

Looking for an exciting adventure that’s within driving distance from Texas? A road trip to Colorado might be the perfect destination for you! With its beautiful scenery, outdoor adventures, and unique attractions, Colorado is a popular destination for travelers looking for a fun and memorable vacation. Here’s everything you need to know to plan the ultimate road trip from Texas to Colorado.

The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Road Trip from Texas to Colorado

Before you hit the road, it’s important to plan your trip to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Start by deciding on your route, as there are several options to get from Texas to Colorado. Some of the most popular routes include I-25 N, I-35 N, and I-45 N. Consider taking the scenic route, which will take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Southwest.

Once you have decided on your route, it’s time to plan your stops. There are plenty of interesting places to visit along the way, such as the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas or the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. Make sure to also plan your meals and accommodations, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.

Another important aspect of planning a road trip is ensuring that your vehicle is in good condition. Take your car in for a tune-up and oil change before hitting the road. It’s also a good idea to pack an emergency kit with essentials like a spare tire, jumper cables, and a first aid kit.

Best Routes for a Scenic Drive from Texas to Colorado

If you want to take the scenic route, we recommend driving through New Mexico and crossing into Colorado via the Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway. This route will take you through small towns, beautiful landscapes, and several national parks and monuments. Be sure to stop and take in the breathtaking views along the way!

Another great option for a scenic drive from Texas to Colorado is to take the Highway of Legends Scenic Byway. This route will take you through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Spanish Peaks, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Along the way, you can also visit historic towns and landmarks, such as the Trinidad History Museum and the Ludlow Massacre Memorial.

If you're looking for a longer and more adventurous route, consider taking the Great River Road through the Mississippi River Valley. This route will take you through ten states, including Texas and Colorado, and offer a diverse range of landscapes and attractions. You can explore historic sites, hike through national parks, and enjoy scenic drives along the river. Just make sure to plan for enough time and stops along the way!

Top Attractions to Visit on Your Road Trip from Texas to Colorado

There are plenty of attractions to see on your road trip from Texas to Colorado. Some must-see destinations include Garden of the Gods, Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, and the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Additionally, check out the historic mining towns of Breckenridge and Leadville, and the quirky roadside attraction of Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas.

Another great stop on your road trip is the town of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Known for its rich history and vibrant art scene, Santa Fe offers a unique cultural experience. Visit the Palace of the Governors, the oldest continuously occupied public building in the United States, or explore the art galleries and museums in the city's downtown area. Don't forget to try some of the delicious Southwestern cuisine while you're there!

How to Prepare Your Car for a Long Road Trip from Texas to Colorado

Before setting out on a long road trip, it’s important to ensure that your car is in good condition and ready to handle the trip. Some important steps to take include checking your oil and other fluids, getting a tune-up, and checking your brakes and tires to make sure they are in good condition.

In addition to these basic maintenance tasks, there are a few other things you can do to prepare your car for a long road trip. One important step is to make sure you have a spare tire and the necessary tools to change it in case of a flat. It’s also a good idea to pack an emergency kit with items like a flashlight, first aid supplies, and a blanket.

Another important consideration is your car’s air conditioning system. If you’re traveling during the summer months, you’ll want to make sure your AC is in good working order to keep you and your passengers comfortable during the long drive. Consider having your AC system checked by a professional before you hit the road.

Packing Tips for a Road Trip from Texas to Colorado

When packing for your road trip, be sure to bring comfortable clothing and shoes, as well as any necessary gear for your outdoor adventures. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, water bottles, and snacks for your drive. Additionally, bring a map and download any necessary apps or navigational tools to help you get around.

Another important item to pack for your road trip from Texas to Colorado is a first aid kit. This should include basic medical supplies such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. It’s also a good idea to bring any prescription medications you may need, as well as a copy of your prescription in case you need a refill while on the road. Remember to keep your first aid kit easily accessible in case of an emergency.

Best Places to Eat and Drink on Your Road Trip from Texas to Colorado

There are plenty of delicious dining options along your road trip route. Some popular choices include Torchy’s Tacos in Austin, The Shed in Santa Fe, and The Fort in Morrison, Colorado. Additionally, be sure to stop at local cafes and restaurants to try regional specialties and cuisine.

One must-visit spot for foodies on this road trip is the famous Franklin Barbecue in Austin. Known for its mouth-watering brisket and long lines, this spot is worth the wait. Another great option is the Green Chile Cheeseburger at Santa Fe Bite in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This burger is a local favorite and is sure to satisfy your hunger.

When it comes to drinks, make sure to stop at some of the local breweries and wineries along the way. Some notable options include Real Ale Brewing Company in Blanco, Texas, and Marble Brewery in Albuquerque, New Mexico. These spots offer a great selection of craft beers and ales. If you prefer wine, be sure to check out the Colorado Wine Country, which boasts over 100 wineries and vineyards.

Affordable Accommodations for Your Road Trip from Texas to Colorado

When it comes to finding affordable lodging, there are plenty of options. Some popular choices include camping in national or state parks, staying in budget motels and hotels, or renting an Airbnb. Be sure to research and book your accommodations in advance to ensure availability and the best rates.

Another option for affordable accommodations is to stay in hostels. Hostels are a great choice for budget-conscious travelers who don't mind sharing a room with other travelers. They often offer communal spaces, such as kitchens and lounges, where guests can socialize and meet new people. Hostels can be found in many cities and towns along the route from Texas to Colorado, and they can be booked online or through a hostel booking website.

Must-See National Parks and State Parks on Your Way from Texas to Colorado

From stunning red rock formations to snow-capped mountains, there is no shortage of natural beauty to see on your trip. Some of the most notable national parks and state parks to visit include Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Bandelier National Monument, Great Sand Dunes National Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park.

One of the lesser-known but equally stunning parks to visit on your way from Texas to Colorado is Caprock Canyons State Park. This park is home to the Texas State Bison Herd, which roams freely throughout the park's rugged terrain. Visitors can hike, bike, or horseback ride through the park's scenic trails and take in the breathtaking views of the red rock canyons and rolling hills. Caprock Canyons State Park is a must-see destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Tips for Staying Safe on Your Road Trip from Texas to Colorado

It’s important to prioritize safety during your road trip. Be sure to stay alert and take regular breaks to avoid driver fatigue. Follow all traffic laws and wear your seatbelt at all times. Additionally, research the weather and road conditions before departing and adjust your plans accordingly to stay safe.

Another important safety tip is to make sure your vehicle is in good condition before embarking on your road trip. Check your tires, brakes, and fluids to ensure they are all in proper working order. It’s also a good idea to bring along a spare tire and necessary tools in case of an emergency.

Lastly, be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe in a certain area, trust your gut and find a safer route or place to stop. It’s better to be cautious and take extra precautions than to put yourself in a potentially dangerous situation.

Fun Activities and Outdoor Adventures on Your Road Trip from Texas to Colorado

Colorado is known for its outdoor adventures, and your road trip is the perfect opportunity to explore this beautiful state. Some popular activities include hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, fishing, and white water rafting. Be sure to research and book any guided tours or adventures ahead of time to ensure availability and make the most of your trip.

Aside from outdoor adventures, Colorado also offers a variety of fun activities for all ages. Visit the Denver Zoo or the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum to learn about the state's history and wildlife. Take a scenic drive through the Rocky Mountains and stop at one of the many charming mountain towns for a bite to eat or some souvenir shopping. And don't forget to indulge in some of Colorado's famous craft beer and local cuisine along the way!

How to Save Money on Gas and Other Expenses During Your Road Trip from Texas to Colorado

Gas and expenses can add up quickly on a long road trip, so it’s important to budget accordingly and look for ways to save money. Some tips include driving at a consistent speed and avoiding sudden starts and stops, using rewards credit cards for purchases, and finding affordable dining and lodging options.

Another way to save money on gas is to plan your route ahead of time and avoid congested areas or routes with tolls. You can also consider carpooling with friends or family members to split the cost of gas and other expenses.

In addition to saving money on gas, you can also save money on food by packing your own snacks and meals for the road. This not only saves money, but also allows you to have healthier options and avoid fast food restaurants. You can also look for grocery stores or farmers markets along your route to purchase fresh produce and other food items.

Hidden Gems and Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations in Colorado

While popular tourist destinations are a must-see, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path attractions worth checking out as well. Some hidden gems include the Paint Mines Interpretive Park, the Colorado Gators Reptile Park, and the ghost town of St. Elmo.

Another hidden gem in Colorado is the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. This unique destination features the tallest sand dunes in North America, reaching up to 750 feet tall. Visitors can hike, sandboard, or even sled down the dunes. The park also offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife, including bison, elk, and pronghorn antelope.

Best Time of Year for a Road Trip from Texas to Colorado

The best time to take a road trip from Texas to Colorado depends on your preferences and what you want to see and do. Summer is a popular time for outdoor activities and festivals, while fall offers beautiful foliage and less crowded destinations. Winter is ideal for skiing and snow sports, while spring brings wildflowers and beautiful blooms.

If you're interested in outdoor activities, summer is the perfect time to visit Colorado. You can go hiking, camping, fishing, and rafting in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. The weather is warm and sunny, and there are plenty of festivals and events to enjoy. However, keep in mind that summer is also the busiest time of year, so you may encounter crowds and higher prices.

If you prefer a quieter and more peaceful road trip, fall is a great option. The weather is cooler, and the leaves turn into beautiful shades of red, orange, and yellow. You can visit national parks like Rocky Mountain National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park without the crowds. Plus, you can enjoy seasonal activities like apple picking and pumpkin patches.

Creating the Perfect Playlist for Your Drive Through the Southwest

What road trip is complete without the perfect playlist? While everyone’s musical tastes are different, some popular road trip songs include “Life is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane, “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd, and “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson. Be sure to create a playlist that will keep you energized and entertained on your drive through the Southwest!

With this ultimate guide to planning a road trip from Texas to Colorado, you’re ready to hit the road and experience all the beauty and excitement this incredible region has to offer. Happy travels!

Don't forget to include some local music in your playlist as well! The Southwest is known for its rich musical heritage, from country and blues to Native American and Mexican influences. Consider adding some songs by artists like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Holly, or Selena to your playlist to really immerse yourself in the culture of the region.

More RV LIFE

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Connect With Us

Privacy overview.

• 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! 

Get more trips and leisure ideas right to your inbox. New and unique content released every week!

Email address:

Related posts

Best family travel destinations in texas and surroundings.

How to Keep Traveling Without Leaving Home

Weekend trips from dallas, 15 amazing and cozy winter travel ideas from dallas, there are 5 comments.

Pingback: Long Road Trips from Dallas - Dallas Wanderer

Thank you so much for all the information and sharing your experience .

You’re welcome! I’m glad you liked it. Best wishes

Pingback: Long Road Trips from Dallas – Dallas Wanderer

Thank you for sharing your experience and information

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

• Things to Do in Dallas
• Trips from Dallas
• Travel Essentials & Reviews

Follow us for daily travel & leisure ideas in Texas and surroundings!

roadtripfrom.com

Colorado To Texas Road Trip: Top 14 Tips

Traveling from Colorado to Texas is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA . The 773 miles of a road trip from Colorado to Texas takes around 12 hours of driving without stops.

This article includes 14 top tips that turn your Colorado to Texas drive into an unforgettable journey. So if you’re looking for the best hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on the road trip from Colorado to Texas, take your coffee and keep reading!

Table of Contents

4 Best Hotels On The Road Trip From Colorado To Texas

On the way from Colorado to Texas, you may want to stay at some points on the way. Here are the top four hotels on the Colorado – Texas route!

• Colorado Bear Creek Cabins, Evergreen: Colorado Bear Creek Cabins, Evergreen is one of the best hotels where you can stay on the road trip from Colorado to Texas. Driving from Colorado to Colorado Bear Creek Cabins, Evergreen, might take around 1 hour and 19 mins . You can bring your pets to the spacious, cozy, rustic cabins and enjoy nature. Check the Colorado Bear Creek Cabins, Evergreen, one of the best hotels in Evergreen, Colorado, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.
• Kinship Landing, Colorado Springs: Another top hotel you can choose to stay at on the road trip to Texas from Colorado is Kinship Landing, Colorado Springs. Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the hotel is 95.5 miles away from Colorado, and it would take 2 hours and 26 mins to drive. In addition, this Scandinavian-style property is pet-friendly and offers plenty of space for your furry friend to run around. If you want to learn more about Kinship Landing, Colorado Springs, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com .
• Historic Plaza Hotel, Las Vegas, New Mexico: Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to the Historic Plaza Hotel, Las Vegas, New Mexico. Historic Plaza Hotel, Las Vegas New Mexico, is located in Las Vegas, New Mexico, and it’s 380 miles away from Colorado. So you can arrive there in 6 hours and 1 min of non-stop driving. This building, which has a rich history, features a fine dining restaurant and is pet friendly. Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Historic Plaza Hotel, Las Vegas, New Mexico, for more information.
• Big Texan Motel, Amarillo: If you are taking the road trip from Colorado to Texas, Amarillo, Texas, is must have a place you should visit. Big Texan Motel, Amarillo, is one of the best hotels in town. It is Big Texan Motel, Amarillo, 494 miles from Colorado, and it would take 7 hours and 50 mins to drive. This rustic hotel is also pet friendly. If you need more info about the price and availability of Big Texan Motel, Amarillo, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.

In this part, we explained four different hotels you can stay at on the road trip from Colorado to Texas. You can pick one of them that suits your taste. Don’t forget to share your experience by writing a comment to this post. It will help people who will take an identical, Colorado to Texas routes

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

5 Best Restaurants On Colorado To Texas Road Trip

Some restaurants will please you on your Colorado to Texas road trip if dining is a pleasure. In this section, we list the five different restaurants to dine at on the road trip from Colorado to Texas. Stay hungry and enjoy!

• The Melting Pot, Colorado Springs: We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on the road trip from Colorado to Texas with The Melting Pot, Colorado Springs. The Melting Pot, Colorado Springs, is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and is 123 miles from Colorado. It would take 2 hours and 22 mins of driving. Gourmet cheese fondue can be enjoyed in a cozy atmosphere! For more information about The Melting Pot, Colorado Springs, you can visit TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of The Melting Pot, Colorado Springs.
• Mr. Tandoori Urban Bar and Grill, Pueblo: Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to Texas from Colorado is Mr. Tandoori Urban Bar and Grill, Pueblo. In Pueblo, Colorado, Mr. Tandoori Urban Bar and Grill, Pueblo, is 167 miles from Colorado and would take 3 hours and 0 mins of driving. This Indian restaurant has delicious vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options and outside seating. If you want to learn more about Mr. Tandoori Urban Bar and Grill, Pueblo, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .
• The Skillet, Las Vegas, New Mexico: Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is The Skillet, Las Vegas, New Mexico. It will take 6 hours and 0 mins of car drive to take 380 miles from Colorado to The Skillet, Las Vegas, New Mexico, and Las Vegas, New Mexico. This restaurant offers Mexican, American, and Southwestern cuisine, with vegan and gluten-free options. You can check The Skillet, Las Vegas, New Mexico, on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .
• Coyote Bluff Cafe, Amarillo: Coyote Bluff Cafe, Amarillo, deserves to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Amarillo, Texas. This restaurant is cash-only and accessible for wheelchairs. Coyote Bluff Cafe, Amarillo, is 486 miles away from Colorado, and it would take 7 hours and 48 mins of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about Coyote Bluff Cafe, Amarillo, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .
• Cast Iron Grill, Lubbock: If you enjoy dining, Cast Iron Grill, Lubbock, would be an excellent choice in Lubbock, Texas. It’s 598 miles from Colorado and would take 9 hours and 24 mins of car driving. This eatery provides options for breakfast and lunch, with vegan and gluten-free selections available. If you want to learn more about the Cast Iron Grill, Lubbock, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .

This section lists our five restaurant recommendations for you to eat on your road trip from Colorado to Texas. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 773 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 Texas 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 Colorado to Texas. Keep reading.

5 Places To Visit On Colorado To Texas Drive

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

• Garden of the Gods: Garden of the Gods will be the first destination we recommend you stop by on your Colorado to Texas road trip. Located in El Paso, Colorado, Garden of the Gods is 122 miles away from Colorado, and it would take 2 hours and 24 mins to drive. This park has stunning geological forms and offers activities such as yoga and painting. If you want to learn more about the Garden of the Gods, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website .
• Bishop Castle: Bishop Castle, Rye, Colorado, is one of the destinations we recommend you stop by on the Colorado to Texas route. It’s 155 miles from Colorado, and it’ll take about 3 hours and 16 mins of driving. You should check out this building that Mr. Bishop made himself–it’s almost like a work of art! If you want to learn more about Bishop Castle, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website .
• Taos Pueblo: Taos, New Mexico, is one of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Colorado to Texas. And if you visit Taos, New Mexico, we suggest you visit Taos Pueblo. You can arrive in Taos Pueblo after 5 hours of driving. Although it will take a little longer to get to Colorado, it is an excellent opportunity to visit this UNESCO-protected settlement designed by the only living Native American community. You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of Taos Pueblo for more information.
• Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo: Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, Amarillo, Texas, on Colorado to Texas road trip. Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, is 478 miles from Colorado, and you can arrive there after the 7 hours and 39 mins of drive. This attraction features ten graffiti-covered Cadillacs standing upright in a row and is a must-see for anyone who enjoys posting on social media. In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, before going there.
• Palo Duro Canyon State Park: Located in Canyon, Texas, Palo Duro Canyon State Park ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the road trip from Colorado to Texas. You must take 8 hours of driving to arrive at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. There are many opportunities for outdoor recreation in this wide canyon, including hiking, birding, fishing, and mountain biking. If you want to learn more about Palo Duro Canyon State Park, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website .

FAQ of the Road Trip From Colorado to Texas

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

How Long Is The Road Trip From Colorado To Texas?

• The Colorado to Texas road trip takes approximately 12 hours to drive with ideal traffic and weather conditions. The driving distance between Colorado to Texas is 773 miles.
• If you want to make Colorado to Texas road trip by bike , the time you spend on the road will be two days and 11 hours .
• If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the Colorado-Texas route, you will have to walk for nine days and 20 hours .

Where Do You Stop On Driving From Colorado To Texas?

There are many beautiful pit stops along the way to Texas. Here we list five of them . You can check the 5 Best Places To Visit On The Way From Colorado To Texas for more information about the best places on Colorado to Texas journey.

• Garden of the Gods: 122 miles / 2 hours and 24 mins to drive from Colorado | 656 miles / 9 hours and 54 mins of driving to Texas.
• Bishop Castle: 155 miles / 3 hours and 16 mins to drive from Colorado | 602 miles / 9 hours and 11 mins of driving to Texas.
• Taos Pueblo: 270 miles / 5 hours to drive from Colorado | 528 miles / 8 hours and 44 mins of driving to Texas.
• Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo: 478 miles / 7 hours and 39 mins to drive from Colorado | 297 miles / 4 hours and 26 mins of driving to Texas.
• Palo Duro Canyon State Park: 505 miles / 8 hours to drive from Colorado | 286 miles / 4 hours and 14 mins of driving to Texas.

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

There are many excellent hotels during your road trip from Colorado to Texas. We have selected four hotels for you. These hotels are listed below. Remember, you can find detailed information about these hotels in the 4 Best Hotels On The Way To Texas From Colorado section.

• Colorado Bear Creek Cabins, Evergreen: 45.7 miles / 1 hour and 19 mins to drive from Colorado | 734 miles / 11 hours of driving to Texas.
• Kinship Landing, Colorado Springs: 95.5 miles / 2 hours and 26 mins to drive from Colorado | 649 miles / 9 hours and 45 mins of driving to Texas.
• Historic Plaza Hotel, Las Vegas, New Mexico: 380 miles / 6 hours and 1 min to drive from Colorado | 447 miles / 6 hours and 56 mins of driving to Texas.
• Big Texan Motel, Amarillo: 494 miles / 7 hours and 50 mins to drive from Colorado | 300 miles / 4 hours and 26 mins of driving to Texas.

Where To Eat Between Colorado to Texas?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your Colorado to Texas 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 Way From Colorado To Texas .

• The Melting Pot, Colorado Springs: 123 miles / 2 hours and 22 mins to drive from Colorado | 651 miles / 9 hours and 46 mins of driving to Texas.
• Mr. Tandoori Urban Bar and Grill, Pueblo: 167 miles / 3 hours and 0 mins to drive from Colorado | 607 miles / 9 hours of driving to Texas.
• The Skillet, Las Vegas, New Mexico: 380 miles / 6 hours and 0 mins to drive from Colorado | 447 miles / 6 hours and 57 mins of driving to Texas.
• Coyote Bluff Cafe, Amarillo: 486 miles / 7 hours and 48 mins to drive from Colorado | 298 miles / 4 hours and 25 mins of driving to Texas.
• Cast Iron Grill, Lubbock: 598 miles / 9 hours and 24 mins to drive from Colorado | 174 miles / 2 hours and 40 mins of driving to Texas.

In the “5 Best Restaurants On The Way From Colorado To Texas” section, you can read about each restaurant in more detail.

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from Colorado to Texas. We have outlined the best restaurants to stop at on the journey and provided a rough estimate of how long it will take to drive each way. Be sure to check out each restaurant in more detail before making your decision, and as always, if you have any questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to let us know.

We have listed four hotels, five restaurants, and five places to visit on Colorado to Texas 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 Colorado to Texas as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

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

Video: Discover Texas – Things to Do

In this video, you can find 10 things to do in Texas. If it will be your first visit, we suggest you to watch the video before your trip.

Other Road Trips Worth Your Attention

• Colorado To Los Angeles Road Trip: A Journey to Remember
• Colorado To Dallas Road Trip: Top 15 Tips
• Colorado To California Road Trip: Top 15 Tips

Hi, I'm Ece. Join me in navigating memorable road trips around the USA, Europe, and Australia. I provide valuable tips and destination guides, sometimes enhanced by AI. Let's hit the road and make memories!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

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.

Join our email list!

By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. Your email will not be provided to third parties.

Related posts

• © Roadtrippers
• © Mapbox
• © OpenStreetMap
• Improve this map

Texas to Colorado Road Trip

• Featured Trip Guides

Created by Amy - July 5th 2017

San Antonio, Texas, United States

Northbound US-87, Robert Lee, TX, US

Rest Area - Northbound

2 N Koenigheim St, San Angelo, TX, US

1809 S Austin St, Amarillo, Texas United States

12601 W Interstate 40, Amarillo, TX, US

Cadillac Ranch

46 Volcano Road, Capulin, NM, US

Capulin Volcano National Monument

1991 County Road 63, Hooper, CO, US

Sand Dunes Swimming Pool & RV Park

11500 State Highway 150, Mosca, CO, US

Great Sand Dunes National Park

4 Mile Creek Rd., Fairplay, CO, US

Horseshoe Campground

0542 French Gulch Rd, Breckenridge, CO, US

Country Boy Mine

Marys Lake Rd, Estes Park, Colorado United States

1000 US Highway 36, Estes Park, CO, US

Rocky Mountain National Park

89 Saddlemountain Rd, Colorado Springs, Colorado United States

1805 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO, US

Garden of The Gods

900 Manitou Avenue, Manitou Springs, CO, US

Manitou Springs Arcade

1100 Folsom Rd, Amarillo, TX, US

Amarillo KOA

Click to find bookable tours and activities here

Banner Photo Credit: Website

Keep exploring with the Roadtrippers mobile apps.

Anything you plan or save automagically syncs with the apps, ready for you to hit the road!

Connect with us and hit up #roadtrippers

Tall tales, trip guides, & the world's weird & wonderful.

• Roadpass Digital
• Mobile Apps

Business Tools

• Partnerships

Get Inspired

• Road trip ideas by state
• National parks
• Famous routes
• Voices from the Road

Fresh Guides

• The ultimate guide to Mammoth Cave National Park
• The Ultimate Guide to Badlands National Park
• Route 66 Leg 2: St. Louis to Tulsa
• Route 66 Leg 1: Chicago to St. Louis
• Route 66 Leg 3: Tulsa to Amarillo
• Top 10 things to do in Ohio
• Offbeat Road Trip Guides
• Road Trip USA
• Scenic Routes America
• National Park Road Trips
• Terms and Conditions

• Plan a Road Trip
• Plan a Flight
• Find an Airport
• Where to Stay
• All Questions

Colorado to Texas drive

Colorado to texas road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Colorado to Texas. If you're planning a road trip to Texas, 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.

10:00 am  start at Colorado drive for about 2.5 hours

12:33 pm   Colorado City stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:33 pm drive for about 58 minutes

2:31 pm   Trinidad (Colorado) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:31 pm drive for about 2.5 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 6 hours find more stops

10:00 am  leave from Dalhart (Texas) drive for about 1.5 hours

11:22 am   Amarillo stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:22 pm drive for about 2 hours

2:19 pm   Lubbock stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:19 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

4:45 pm   Snyder (Texas) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 5:45 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

7:27 pm  arrive at Texas

day 2 driving ≈ 6.5 hours

Where should I stop along the way?

Colorado City Trinidad (Colorado)   (3 answers) Dalhart (Texas) Amarillo   (43 answers)     questions about Amarillo:         THING TO SEE         Hotels Lubbock   (12 answers)     questions about Lubbock:         Places in Lubbock to see Snyder (Texas)   (3 answers)     questions about Snyder (Texas):         Coffee         If you have flights to mexico

What are some things to do in Texas?

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 Texas. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

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

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 Texas to Colorado 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 Colorado to Texas . Or get a full Colorado to Texas 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 Colorado well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Colorado!

More info on this route:

road conditions

places to eat

flattest route

alternate routes

Google driving directions

Not that Colorado: The muddy, winding story of how the Texas' Colorado River got its name

When Katy Moore was 9 years old, she took a rafting trip down the Colorado River. She started outside Las Vegas, though the river itself begins in the state of Colorado and flows through the Grand Canyon all the way down to northwestern Mexico.

Now, 33 years later, Moore lives in Austin. Sitting atop the peak at Mount Bonnell on a recent spring day, she looked down at the river below her, also known as the Colorado, and started wondering about that long-ago rafting trip.

“How is that the Colorado River and this is, too?” Moore asked.

She’s not alone. Countless visitors and new arrivals to Texas have confused the Texas Colorado River with its better-known counterpart west of the Rockies.

“Why is the river that flows through Austin called the Colorado when it starts near Abilene and never touches the state of Colorado?” listener Charles Taylor asked ATXplained .

The answer starts with the meaning of the name, then gets even weirder.

Once upon a time in Texas

To explain the case of the two Colorado Rivers, let’s go back to the late 1600s.

After French colonists arrived in the region now known as Texas, the competing Spanish began expeditions to quickly claim territory. French and Spanish cartographers started naming the rivers here.

In the 1690s, Spanish explorer Alonso de León named a river "El Rio Colorado" (“the Red River”) for its muddy waters, bleeding reddish hues from the clay soil beneath the waves.

Other rivers with the same red water got the same Spanish name.

There are “Rios Colorados” in Chile, Argentina, Bolivia and Costa Rica, to name a few. In the U.S., there are many rivers dubbed the “Red River” for similar reasons.

But, the most famous Colorado River, the one that created the Grand Canyon, does not appear to have been named after the color of its contents. It was initially called the “Grand River.” It got a name change in 1921 to honor its state of origin: Colorado.

Colorado was not even recognized until 1876, which means the river in Texas was named not just before the other Colorado River, but before the state of Colorado was even a thing.

And it gets weirder.

'The Arms of God'

It turns out that the Texas river we now call the Colorado River is not the same river de León noticed and named in the late 1600s.

After the Colorado River in Texas was named, colonists soon named another nearby river “Los Brazos de Dios” or “the Arms of God.”

Some think it earned its name because the river —like a blessing from God — provided drinkable water for thirsty settlers. Another theory holds that the Brazos River was named for its many tributaries, or arms, known as brazos .

But, like many explorers back in the day (see: Christopher Columbus), the Spanish and French got confused about what bodies of water they were near.

A 1718 map by a French cartographer shows a river labeled “Rio de San Marcos ou Colorado,” (literally “San Marcos River or Arms of God River”) combining the San Marcos and Colorado rivers situated in the center of present-day Texas.

Historians assume the present-day Brazos was at one point also named “La Maligne” by the French settler René Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, as shown in the 1718 map.

A map from 1727 appears to further the confusion, now showing a combined “Río Colorado o de los brazos de dios,” (“Colorado River or Arms of God River”) placed in northeastern Texas.

At some points the Colorado and Brazos rivers stand just 30 miles apart, which could be the reason for the combination of the names.

It appears that cartographers settled on which river was called what by 1835 . But, by then, the river that had originally been called the “Brazos” was dubbed the “Colorado” and the original “Colorado,” with its muddy red waters, was now called the “Brazos.”

That’s why the Brazos River in Texas is often more muddy and red, or colorado , while the current-day Colorado River often has clearer waters despite its name.

And still, neither of them are near the state of Colorado.

The 'other' river still measures up

While the Colorado River in Texas might be the “other” Colorado, it’s regarded as the “lifeblood” of the state, said Clara Tuma, a spokesperson for the Lower Colorado River Authority .

Tuma said reservoirs like Lake Travis, Lake Buchanan and Lake Austin — collectively known as the "Highland Lakes" — are created by dams along the river in Central Texas.

They provide vital water resources for Texans.

“The Highland Lakes provide water for industries, for residences, for businesses and for agriculture in the lower basin when water is available,” she said. “They serve a myriad of uses and provide water really to our entire region.”

Some of the water is also distributed to other areas outside the Colorado River watershed, like Corpus Christi and Round Rock.

Aside from the water supply it provides, the Colorado River finds itself winning as the longest river within just Texas, coming in at 862 miles long. Altogether, there are more than 7,500 miles in the Colorado River Basin, including the streams, rivers and creeks that feed the river.

The river flows from northwest Texas near Lubbock, down southeast past Austin and into the Gulf of Mexico’s Matagorda Bay.

What’s in a name?

While Tuma doesn’t get asked too often about both rivers, she understands the questions people may have about their names.

“There’s room for some confusion, since there are two rivers with the same name,” she said. “But [the Texas Colorado River] was named the Colorado River first, and the other river is bigger. So, all can live together in harmony.”

Of course, the section of the Colorado River that sits in downtown Austin, its waters held back by the Longhorn Dam, is often called something else completely: “Lady Bird Lake” or “Town Lake,” for traditionalists.

It’s enough to make you wonder if this is the most confusingly named river in Texas.

“They call it a lake but it's really just a river that's dammed,” said Russel Larsen, enjoying the Hike and Bike Trail that runs along the river on a recent spring day.

“I get confused about Lake Austin and Lake Travis,” he added. “Which is which?”

But that’s a question for another day. Copyright 2024 KUT News. To see more, visit KUT News .

9 Best Road Trips From Denver, Colorado

R eady for an unforgettable journey through stunning landscapes? If so, you’re ready to embark on discovering some of the best road trips from Denver.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff , or simply seeking a memorable getaway, Denver has some incredible road trips that promise to leave you awestruck.

As one of the top outdoor hubs in the western United States, Denver serves as the perfect base camp for unforgettable road trips through the majestic Rocky Mountains and beyond.

From national parks and monuments to charming mountain towns and winding scenic byways, some of the best road trips from Denver lead to diverse landscapes and adventures.

Here is an expert-crafted list of the best road trips from Denver, Colorado:

• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Santa Fe, New Mexico
• Great Sand Dunes National Park
• Colorado Springs
• Yellowstone National Park
• Monument Valley, Utah
• Zion National Park
• Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills

Let’s find out why these drives are perfect for your next escapade.

The Best Road Trips From Denver, Colorado

Rocky mountain national park: a natural wonder.

This road trip takes you from Denver to Estes Park, where you’ll discover awe-inspiring beauty at every turn. The journey itself is a visual delight, but the real magic begins when you step into the park.

Hiking enthusiasts can conquer the trails leading to Dream Lake or Emerald Lake and be rewarded with mirror-like waters reflecting the surrounding peaks. Also, the drive along Trail Ridge Road offers vistas that will leave you breathless.

If you’re keen on wildlife, don’t miss a wildlife safari. EK, bighorn sheep, and other animals call this park home. To delve deeper into the park’s geology and history, you can make a stop at the Alpine Visitor Centre.

A trip to Rocky Mountain National Park typically lasts two to three days.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE THIS: A 3 Day Denver Itinerary

Santa Fe, New Mexico:  A Taste of Southwest Charm

As you head south from Denver to Santa Fe, you’ll be immersed in the rich culture and history of the Southwest.

The road to Santa Fe is a journey through time. The ancient cultures of the Southwest come to life as you explore the city’s historic center. The Santa Fe Plaza, the heart of the city, offers a glimpse into its Spanish colonial past.

Art lovers will be in heaven on Canyon Road, where over 200 galleries and boutiques showcase the talents of local artists. The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, dedicated to one of New Mexico’s most famous artists, provides insight into the region’s artistic heritage.

A road trip to Santa Fe typically lasts two to three days.

Moab, Utah: Adventure In The Red Rocks

Located in the red rock wonderland of Utah, Moab offers thrilling outdoor activities and breathtaking vistas that will leave you in awe.

The drive from Denver to Moab is a transition from the lush landscapes of Colorado to the rugged terrain of Utah. Upon your arrival, the striking arches of Arches National Park will welcome you.

For a challenging but rewarding experience, you can hike to Delicate Arch, one of the world’s most iconic natural landmarks. And if you’re interested in the prehistoric past, the Moab Giants Dinosaur Park will transport you back in time.

Moab typically demands three to four days of your time.

Great Sand Dunes National Park: A Sandy Paradise 

Just when you thought you’d seen it all, Great Sand Dunes National Park offers a unique experience.

These surreal sand dunes rise against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, creating a mesmerizing contrast that you won’t find anywhere else.

The drive to Great Sand Dunes National Park takes you through a diverse landscape, from rolling hills to the first glimpse of those towering dunes.

Once there, you’ll have the opportunity to climb the tallest sand dunes in North America.

There are plenty of opportunities for offroading if you’ve got the right vehicle. Make sure your tires are set to the right pressure for sand driving before hitting the trails.

To understand the park’s geology and ecology, you can consider joining a ranger-led tour. And on a hot day, a refreshing dip in Medano Creek is pure bliss.

Great Sand Dunes National Park can be explored in one to two days.

Colorado Springs: Where Mountains Meet Military 

Colorado Springs is where natural beauty meets military prestige. You can explore majestic mountains, delve into history, and get up close with wildlife, all in one captivating destination.

A drive up Pikes Peak, one of Colorado’s “Fourteeners” (mountains over 14,000 feet tall), offers a breathtaking panorama. 

For animal lovers, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is home to over 750 animals from around the globe. And if you’re not afraid of the dark, explore the Cave of the Winds Mountains Park’s underground caves.

A visit to Colorado Springs typically takes one to two days.

YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY THIS: Hiking Up The Manitou Incline

Yellowstone National Park: America’s First National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a wonderland of geothermal features, wildlife, and rugged landscapes. 

The drive to Yellowstone is an adventure in itself, passing through Wyoming and Montana. As you enter the park, you’ll soon encounter Old Faithful, the most famous geyser in the world.

The Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the United States, is a colorful marvel you won’t soon forget. Hiking to Yellowstone Canyon rewards you with views of the Lower Yellowstone Falls and the Upper Yellowstone Falls.

Yellowstone is a wildlife lover’s paradise where bison, elk, wolves, and other animals roam freely. And for a night of luxury in the heart of the park, the Yellowstone Lake Hotel offers a perfect retreat.

This road trip typically lasts four to five days.

Monument Valley, Utah: A Desert Dreamscape

Monument Valley is a cinematic dreamscape known for its iconic sandstone formations featured in many Western films.

The drive from Denver to Monument Valley is a transition from the greenery of Colorado to the arid beauty of Utah. Upon entering the valley, towering sandstone buttes and mesas will welcome you, crafting a surreal landscape.

A scenic drive through the valley is a must, allowing you to witness these natural wonders up close. Guided tours offer insights into the history and culture of the Navajo people. 

Sunrise and sunset in Monument Valley are magical moments, with the sandstone formations bathed in golden light.

A trip to Monument Valley typically lasts two to three days.

ANOTHER FAVORITE: Best Hidden Gems in Denver

Zion National Park: A Canyon Wonderland

Zion National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with dramatic canyons and breathtaking vistas. The journey from Denver to Zion is a transition from cityscapes to natural wonders.

The adventurous can tackle the famous Angel’s Landing hike for an adrenaline rush or simply soak in the stunning scenery.

The Zion Human History Museum provides insight into the park’s history and the people who have called it home. You can join guided tours if you are eager to learn about the park’s geology and ecology.

A trip to Zion National Park typically lasts two to three days.

Mount Rushmore In The Black Hills: Faces In Stone

Mount Rushmore awaits you in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The drive from Denver to Mount Rushmore is a journey through the heart of America’s Midwest.

The iconic faces of four U.S. presidents emerging from the granite mountainside are a symbol of the nation’s history and democracy.

The Crazy Horse Memorial pays homage to the Lakota warrior Crazy Horse. Witnessing this massive carving in the making is a testament to human ambition.

A wildlife safari through Custer State Park allows you to see wild bison and their natural habitat. Serene beauty will embrace you as you traverse the scenic Black Hills.

A trip to Mount Rushmore typically takes two to three days.

Denver is a great place to start your adventure, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy along the way.

If you’re looking for a short and easy road trip, consider visiting Rocky Mountain National Park or Colorado Springs . Both destinations are within a two-hour drive of Denver and offer a variety of activities to enjoy.

For the more adventurous traveler, Moab, Utah, and Yellowstone National Park offer stunning scenery, outdoor activities, and unique cultural experiences that will leave you in awe.

In the end, it’s not just about the destinations; it’s about the experiences, the landscapes, and the stories you’ll gather along the way.

Don’t miss the chance to explore the beauty of the American West on these unforgettable journeys.

This is a post by Guest Contributor Louis

Author’s Bio: Louis is an outdoors enthusiast who doesn’t miss an opportunity to get out and go camping, hiking, or road tripping. When he isn’t out travelling, he’s planning his next adventure.

The post 9 Best Road Trips From Denver, Colorado appeared first on Dreams in Heels - Travel and Lifestyle Blog by a Latina Abroad .