colorado new mexico road trip

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New Mexico and Colorado National Parks Road Trip

Discover the subtle beauty of the high desert on this road trip starting in albuquerque, new mexico.

There’s something about taking a road trip through a desert landscape that draws a person in. It’s not loud and obvious, like towering mountain peaks or ocean waves lapping on the beach. It’s quiet and subtle.

This road trip travels through New Mexico and Colorado’s high deserts and as your wheels traverse miles of highway, you’re sure to feel that gentle tug, drawing you deeper. From the terracotta-colored pueblos near Santa Fe, where the sense of history is palpable, to the alien-looking Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness outside of Farmington, you’ll start to discover the ways in which this landscape is teeming with life—both past and present—if you look closely.

In Colorado, visit Mesa Verde National Park, home to cliff dwellings and petroglyphs. Journey through the southern Rockies and notice the way desert gives way to forest as you explore towns like South Fork and Creede. Farther east lies Great Sand Dunes National Park, where a walk after dark will reveal millions of stars.

There’s gorgeous mountain vistas, alpine lakes and a sea of trees as you head north to Rocky Mountain National Park. Soak it in in towns like Winter Park and Grand Lake before driving up and over Trail Ridge Road, leaving the mountains again for the high deserts that are home to the majority of Colorado’s population. In Colorado Springs, you can drive up Pikes Peak where you’ll feel like you can see the entire world. Continue south to Trinidad to discover dinosaur tracks on your way back to New Mexico.

As you travel, you’ll experience the balance of these two landscapes that make up Colorado and New Mexico: the overt mountains, obvious in their beauty and allure, and the subtle deserts, quiet and patient, waiting to be discovered by wanderers. Both extremes are sure to leave you feeling enchanted.

Road Trip Map

Start: Albuquerque

See remnants of historic Route 66 in Albuquerque. Today, there are still a number of neon signs lining the Mother Road, which takes you through three distinct city districts. Start in Nob Hill, a hip, up-and-coming neighborhood with a youthful, collegial vibe. Grab a bite to eat at local favorite, Zacatecas Tacos & Tequila. From there, head downtown and look for the city’s best-known landmark, KiMo Theatre and Art Gallery, which opened in 1927 in Pueblo- Deco style. Every architectural detail has significance from the rain clouds to the birds. Continue driving to Old Town where you’ll find the Albuquerque BioPark, home to fishing lakes, an aquarium and botanic gardens.

Bandelier National Monument and Pecos National Historical Park

Find True New Mexico in Santa Fe County Santa Fe is a world class destination, but there are fascinating sights dotting the stunning landscape around it. Lose the crowds and enjoy spectacular outdoor activities with these top 13 things to do .

Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness

Out of This World Adventures near Farmington At more than a mile high in elevation, you’ll find amazing high-desert adventures around every corner in Farmington, N.M. Plus Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness area, dotted by spires, sculpted rock and colorful hills, is just 35 miles away.

Mesa Verde National Park

48 Hours in Mesa Verde Only have 48 hours to explore Mesa Verde National Park? Stick to our detailed itinerary to hit all the most important stops. There’s more to do beyond the main attraction of touring ancient cliff ruins. Take a hike, gaze from a fire tower or have dinner with a view.

Living History Surrounding Mesa Verde National Park See incredible archaeological sites beyond Mesa Verde, sip local wines and learn about Native American culture in southwestern Colorado’s Mesa Verde Country .

Two Hidden Towns Along the Silver Thread Scenic Byway

Charming Creede One of Colorado’s best-kept secrets, Creede offers incredible theater, downtown charm and fun outdoor activities . Take a stroll through this colorful historic downtown nestled in one of the most striking mountain settings you’ll ever see.

Keeping Up with South Fork Bring a car, ATV, jeep or bike. The area offers hundreds of miles of trails designated for motorized traffic and scenic drives . These trails and roads will take you to mountain peaks and amazing vistas of the San Luis Valley, to creek bottoms and dense forest growth.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

48 Hours in Great Sand Dunes National Park Make your time in the park count with our detailed itinerary ! This other-worldly park boasts the tallest sand dunes in North America.

Only in Alamosa Whether you’re looking for exploration on the sand dunes, a laid-back afternoon on the town or an evening under the stars, the town of Alamosa, Colorado is perfectly situated as a basecamp for your adventures .

Take a Journey through Time on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Board the train  for a full day of jaw-dropping views from Antonito, Colorado to Chama, New Mexico. If you didn’t know better, you might think you’d been transported back to 1880.

Hike Through a Forest to Mosca Pass at Great Sand Dunes National Park Escape the summer heat on this shady trail overlooking the giant dunes in southeast Colorado.

Rocky Mountain National Park

At the West Entrance

Grand Adventures Leaning up against Rocky Mountain National Park’s west side, Grand County, home to Winter Park Mountain Resort and Grand Lake, offers unparalleled outdoor opportunities.  See our list of thrilling, nature and water adventures .

In the Park

48 Hours in Rocky Mountain National Park Only have 48 hours? Make the most of your time by following our itinerary covering both sides of the park .

GuideAlong Audio Driving Tour Download the Rocky Mountain National Park tour app that’s like having a tour guide in your car. GyPSy Guide automatically plays interesting and entertaining commentary as you go.

Exit the Park at Estes Park, the East Entrance

Colorado’s Front Range

6 Adventures in Colorado Springs From Bigfoot sightings to driving to the top of a 14,000-foot-peak, Colorado Springs is a place to spend several days. Here are our itinerary ideas for an unforgettable trip.

Explore Manitou Spirings A quirky little town that will steal your heart in a minute, Manitou Springs attracts hundreds of travelers thanks to its healing springs and beautiful location at the base of Pikes Peak.

Drive the Pikes Peak Highway to the Summit Point your wheels to the Pikes Peak Highway to reach Pikes Peak, the only 14,000-foot peak in Colorado that you can drive all the way up to the summit.

End: Albuquerque

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10 things you need to see when driving from Colorado to New Mexico

November 8, 2018 // By Aimee Heckel

By Aimee Heckel Travel Expert November 8, 2018

The trip from Northern Colorado to New Mexico is a straight shot. You can make the full 10-hour trip from Fort Collins, Colo. to the border of New Mexico with barely a turn. Hop on I-25 South and essentially keep going until you hit Texas.

Such a long, straight highway shot can make for one of two things: a fast-cruising, fun road trip that covers a lot of ground, or a torturously boring, never-ending journey.

We prefer fun, with the option to explore the entire length of two Midwestern states, across expansive plains, through the mountains and into the crisp desert. We also recommend a short detour off the long stretch once you hit New Mexico, so you can cruise through Taos and Santa Fe .

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Here are 10 places to stop on the interstate excursion from Colorado through New Mexico.

2030 W 30th Avenue, Denver

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Linger (@lingerdenver) on Sep 9, 2018 at 9:00am PDT

Wherever you start in Colorado, the Highlands neighborhood in Denver is a great stopping point. This trendy, redeveloped pocket of the city is home to hip bars and restaurants, like Linger – an old mortuary turned into a funky "eatuary."

There’s lots to look at here, such as the Lite Brite bar top and stunning views of downtown, but grab a table on the rooftop for the best experience. Fill up on small plates of "global street food."  

2. Red Rock Canyon

3550 W High Street , Colorado Springs, Colo.

You could take the 13-mile scenic drive through this incredible park of red canyons, ridges and enclaves, but you’ll probably want to get out to stretch your legs, and there’s no better place than in Red Rock Canyon’s hiking and biking trails.

This 789-acre park offers an unusual peek into Mother Earth’s eroded insides.

3. Royal Gorge

4218 County Road 3A, Canon City, Colo.

The Royal Gorge is a short drive west of Pueblo, but a must-do for any Colorado traveler. Beyond staring in awe at this natural wonder – imagine a smaller Grand Canyon – you can soar across it on a zip-line, 1,200 feet above the Arkansas River.

If you’re not that brave, you can still enjoy the view from a tram or one of the world’s highest suspension bridges. Craving more adrenaline? Hop on the Royal Rush Skycoaster, which was named the "world’s scariest skycoaster."

4. Louden-Henritze Archaeology Museum

600 Prospect Street, Trinidad, Colo.

The Louden-Henritze Archaeology Museum is a hidden treasure in this Colorado town and boasts a unique collection of ancient artifacts. See old pottery, fossils, early geological formations and even a fish that dates back to when this town was a seabed. But the highlight has to be the fossilized dinosaur tracks of a T. rex.

5. Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge

Lake 13 Road, Maxwell, N.M.

A small diversion into the Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge will bring you on a 10-mile scenic loop, dotted with spots to stop and hike, take photos and explore. Then head west to visit the highest peak in New Mexico, Wheeler Peak, on your way to Taos.

6. Taos Pueblo

120 Veterans Highway, Taos, N.M.

Visit one of the longest-inhabited communities in the nation at the Taos Pueblo. This 1,000-year-old, adobe-building community straddles the past and present. See how the ancient Pueblo Indians lived, and how they still live today.

This destination has been voted on of the  Best Native American Experiences , and it's also a UNESCO World Heritage site and a National Historic Landmark.

7. San Miguel Mission

401 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe

Visit the oldest church in the United States, the San Miguel Mission in Santa Fe. Although the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine claims the title of America's first parish, this historical building in New Mexico claims to be the oldest church, built between 1610 and 1626. However, that structure was built atop an ancient Indian kiva from 1598.

Regardless of the details, the restored church is breathtaking to visit, and the adjoined gift shop has a great selection of souvenirs, too. 

8. Lincoln National Forest

3463 Las Palomas Road, Alamogordo, N.M.

Lincoln National Forest is where the Smokey Bear forest fire campaign started. The forest is also the home to Sierra Blanca, the highest mountain in Southern New Mexico. This mound was created by ancient volcanic eruptions and has eroded over the years. A portion of the range is considered sacred to the Mescalero Apache Tribe and requires a permit to access.

9. White Sands National Monument

Highway U.S. 70, New Mexico

The White Sands National Monument is a great wonder of the world; these stunning dunes travel as much as 30 feet every year. This is the world’s largest gypsum dune field, stretching across 275 square miles. After you pop up your tent and get ready for bed is when this seemingly barren sand field really comes to life with fascinating nocturnal critters.

10. Chaparral

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Pinar Ozhal (@pozhal) on Jun 2, 2018 at 1:20pm PDT

Tour a pistachio grove in Chaparral, the southernmost town after the dunes. This community is home to the Eagle Ranch Pistachio Groves and Heart of the Desert Vineyards, which combine to make a great tour. This ranch is New Mexico’s biggest pistachio grove, with about 12,000 trees. The on-property vineyard harvests seven different types of grapes, which means plenty of bottle variations to pair with your nutty snack.

About Aimee Heckel

Aimee Heckel is a Colorado-based travel writer who regularly takes road trips to New Mexico.

Read more about Aimee Heckel here.

Connect with Aimee via: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

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Colorado to New Mexico drive

Colorado to new mexico road trip planner.

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

11:00 am  start at Colorado drive for about 1.5 hours

12:21 pm   Colorado Springs eat at The Cliff House at Pikes Peak stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:21 pm drive for about 42 minutes

2:03 pm   Pueblo stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:03 pm drive for about 1 hour

day 1 driving ≈ 3.5 hours find more stops

11:00 am  leave from Trinidad (Colorado) drive for about 2 hours

12:54 pm   Las Vegas (New Mexico) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:54 pm drive for about 1 hour

2:55 pm  arrive at New Mexico

day 2 driving ≈ 3 hours find more stops

Where should I stop along the way?

Colorado Springs   (81 answers)     Garden of the Gods   (16 mentions)     United States Air Force Academy   (4 mentions)     U.S. Olympic Training Center   (2 mentions)     restaurants around Colorado Springs:         The Cliff House at Pikes Peak     questions about Colorado Springs:         Camping at Garden of the Gods / Seven Falls         1 day white water rafting trips Pueblo   (3 answers) Trinidad (Colorado)   (3 answers) Las Vegas (New Mexico)

What are some things to do in New Mexico?

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

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

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 New Mexico 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 New Mexico . Or get a full Colorado to New Mexico 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:

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Denver to Albuquerque Drive: 10 Scenic Stops You Can’t Miss

Posted on Published: June 15, 2023  - Last updated: February 22, 2024

Heading from Denver to Albuquerque? With classic American Southwest culture, food and views, this is an adventure you’re gonna love! The Denver to Albuquerque drive is a scenic road trip with classic mountains views, vibrant cities and hidden gems along the way. Here’s your ultimate guide of things to do and where to stop along the route.

This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my  disclosures .

Whether you’re doing the Denver to Albuquerque drive for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta , you want to see amazing culture and landscapes or you’re headed from one city to the other for another reason, you’re in for a real treat!

Denver CO to Albuquerque NM is a fun drive across multiple mountain ranges, fun cities and some off-the-beaten-path adventures in between! Whether you have a day or a week to make this road trip, you’ll find something fun to do along the way.

This Denver to Albuquerque driving guide provides ideas for many stops along the way. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, friends or even your dog(s), there’s plenty to see and do for everyone.

Must-see video: Denver to Albuquerque road trip

Denver to Albuquerque drive

This guide is full of helpful info for your journey. Here’s what to expect:

• Distance and route
• Best time of year to go
• What to do and places to stay in Denver
• Suggested stops along the way
• Optional add-ons that will take you off route but the experience will be worth it
• What to do and places to stay in Albuquerque
• What to pack for this road trip
• Tips to make the most of this adventure

Plan your Denver to Albuquerque road trip

Alright so here’s the thing: this drive could be done in a day or in a week (or longer) ! It’s really up to you to decide how long you have and how many stops you want to take while driving Denver CO to Albuquerque NM.

Throughout this guide you’ll find the best stops along the way, accommodation ideas, what to pack for your epic drive from Denver to Albuquerque (or Albuquerque to Denver).

Denver to Albuquerque distance

The most straightforward route from Denver CO to Albuquerque NM is 449 miles. It’s basically a straight shot down I-25 from Colorado to New Mexico.

However, if you add in a few stops along the way, the mileage and time it takes to get from city to city will be extended and will vary based on your preferences.

Denver to Albuquerque driving: how long does it take?

If you drove straight through, it would take just over 6 hours. Of course you’ll have required stops along the way for gas or a charge, and other places you’ll want to see after seeing this guide!

Best route: Denver to Albuquerque driving guide

Driving south from Colorado into New Mexico, the mountains are really scenic along the way. When you pair that with the optional activities in this guide, you’ll see this part of the USA is truly breathtaking!

Here’s what the map of the route looks like, with added stops along the way:

Denver CO to Albuquerque NM – how long does it take?

Now, if you’re wondering how many days you should spend on this road trip, it’s really whatever you want! I’d recommend at minimum 2 days, but you could take a week, spending time in Denver, Albuquerque and the stops along the way.

The fabulous thing about this Denver to Albuquerque driving trip is that you’re on your time so you can completely customize this trip!

Driving from Denver to Albuquerque: best time of year

Summer is generally a great time of year to make the Denver to Albuquerque drive, especially if you’re looking for snow-less mountains. However, it’s also stunning in the fall or winter, too!

If you love the mountains in the wintertime, then a road trip this time of year would be perfect! The mountains are especially stunning from Denver to Colorado Springs, and northern New Mexico through Santa Fe. You can even plan some wintertime activities like skiing or snowshoeing in the mix.

Of course, the other seasons will bring on adventures, too. Especially if you want to hike and sight see in warmer weather without worrying if attractions will be open.

By the way, if you’re flying into Denver and renting a car, I highly recommend using Discover Cars to book your car. It’s a free search engine that finds the best deal out of the major car rental companies. I typically save 10-30% by using Discover Cars !

Denver to Albuquerque 

Let’s dive into the road trip route! This travel guide includes recommended stops and optional side detours. Use the customizable itinerary to suit your timeline and decide which destinations are best for your journey.

Let’s do this!

Recommended time: 1 day

Okay okay, if your home base isn’t in the Denver area, then you’ll definitely want to spend a bit of time checking out all the city has to offer before making your way south.

A vibrant city full of life, Denver has excellent food, arts, activities and outdoor recreation. Here are a few highlights of this fun city!

Top things to do in Denver

• RiNo Arts District
• Denver Art Museum
• Red Rocks Amphitheater
• Meow Wolf Denver
• Union Station
• 16th Street Mall
• Mile High Step at the Denver Capitol

Pro tip: if you live in or are coming from a lower elevation, you’ll want to at least spend an overnight in Denver before heading out to New Mexico. This will allow your body to ease into the altitude, and help reduce any effects of altitude sickness you might experience in Colorado and New Mexico.

If you need a spot to stay in Denver, basing yourself in downtown will put you close to the action.

Best places to stay in Denver

• Hampton Inn and Suites Downtown Denver
• The Maven at Diary Block
• Hyatt Place Downtown Denver
• The Rally Hotel at McGregor Square

And of course, you can also use VRBO.com to find a suitable vacation rental property if you’d rather not stay in a hotel.

2. Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs (a favorite on this list Denver to Albuquerque road trip)

Recommended time: 2-4 hours

Ok, so you could literally spend an entire week in Colorado Springs and still not see it all. However, for this Denver to Albuquerque road trip, let’s just cover one of the highlights in Colorado Springs – Garden of the Gods!

First thing to note is that this is a completely free activity. There’s no entrance fee, so you can wander or hike or enjoy the visitor center all for free.

Oh, and the park is also pet-friendly. Just keep your pup on a leash and clean up after it. 🙂

A must-see area in Garden of the Gods park is the Central Gardens. Walk around paved paths through some pretty spectacular rock formations. All while Pikes Peak is making an appearance in the backdrop!

One of the best, easy hikes in the park is Siamese Twins Garden of the Gods . These cool ‘twin’ rock formations make quite the statement with fabulous views of the park. And on a clear day you can see Pikes Peak through a peek-a-boo hole in the rock. So fun!

You’ll want at least 2 hours to explore here, more if it’s possible. Depending on when you leave Denver, this is also a great spot to have a picnic as well. Garden of the Gods is one of the best stops on a road trip from Denver CO to Albuquerque NM!

And if you want to spend a bit more time and need to stay overnight in Colorado Springs, here are some suggestions for you near the park…

Best place to stay in Colorado Springs:

• Garden of the Gods Club & Resort
• Rainbow Lodge and Inn
• Best Western Plus Executive Residency Fillmore Inn

3. Optional: Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, Canon City

Recommended time: 1 – 2 hours

This is one of those optional stops along the route from Denver to Albuquerque as it will add about an hour onto your drive, but so worth it to see this engineering masterpiece!

The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is just outside of Canon City, Colorado and is America’s highest suspension bridge. It’s quite the experience! At 956 feet above the Arkansas River, there’s plenty of activities here, and a great way to stretch your legs on a long road trip!

For an adrenaline rush, you can zipline or ride the sky coaster. And of course, walking the bridge is typically encouraged!

You’ll want to buy tickets in advance , although at this time reservations are not required. The park is dog-friendly, and are allowed on the bridge and on the gondola, too.

Certain attractions do close for safety based on weather, so hopefully you’ll get a nice clear day when you visit the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park!

Recommended time: 2- 4 hours

The town of Pueblo, Colorado is a welcome surprise on your drive along I-25 south. Historic Arkansas Riverwalk and downtown Pueblo steal the show here. Take a walk along the river and enjoy nature.

If you’re a history or art lover, be sure to visit the El Pueblo History Museum , Pueblo Railway Museum , and Pueblo Heritage Museum .

Be sure to get down to check out the Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center , too. Great hiking and walking trails and beautiful scenery surround it.

They have an amazing raptor program for birds that can no longer survive by themselves in the wild. It’s the only raptor center in Southern Colorado. Just be sure to check the hours before you go as they’re somewhat limited.

Pueblo is a great stop for lunch or dinner as well, if you’re passing through at the right time. And if you’re making this a multi-day road trip from Denver to Albuquerque drive, Pueblo is a great spot to stay overnight to break up the journey.

Best places to stay in Pueblo

• Courtyard by Marriott Pueblo
• The Abriendo Inn
• Wingate by Wyndham Pueblo

5. Optional: Great Sand Dunes National Park

Recommended time: 1/2 to 1 full day

This is definitely an optional adventure along the road trip from Denver to Albuquerque. But if you love wide open landscapes or are checking national parks off your travel list, this is a must-do!

You’ll add about an hour each direction off I-25, so I’d recommend this stop if you can devote an entire day to Great Sand Dunes National Park .

Fun fact: Great Sand Dunes National Park has the largest dunes in North America: Star Dune, which rises 750 feet from the base to crest. A popular family activity at this park is to go sand boarding or sand sledding! Grab your rental gear from the Oasis store , just a few miles outside the park.

Furthermore, the park has multiple ecosystems with trails running through wetlands, forests and even alpine lakes. There’s quite a bit to see and dune in this park!

Note: pack plenty of sunscreen , water and protein snacks for this adventure. The elevation is high and sun is intense here.

If you’re looking to stay in the area, it’s a bit sparse. Book early and you may have a shot at the recommendations below!

Best place to stay near Great Sand Dunes National Park:

• Great Sand Dunes Lodge
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Alamosa
• Piñon Flats Campground (tent and RV camping – limited hookups)

6. Sugarite Canyon State Park (a hidden gem on this Denver to Albuquerque driving guide)

Recommended time: 1 – 4 hours

This little side-step off the route from Denver to Albuquerque is quite literally the perfect picnic destination, and it only takes about 30 extra minutes.

Sugarite Canyon State Park is a hidden gem in northern New Mexico, and one worth visiting. This state park really seems to have it all: hiking, boating, horseback riding, camping, cross-country skiing, sledding and so much more.

Compared to Denver, Colorado Springs, Santa Fe and Albuquerque, Sugarite Canyon State Park is not overcrowded and provides a sense of peace while experiencing nature. What a hidden gem!

If you’re only stopping for a short stay, I’d recommend checking in at the visitor center and then hitting one of the 11 hiking trails in Sugarite Canyon State Park . Hiking the Lake Montoya Trail has beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains . Oh, and trails are dog-friendly, too.

Note: bring bug spray if visiting in the summer or early fall before a freeze. Also bear are in this area, so bring your bear spray while you hike or picnic as a precaution.

There’s extremely little cell phone reception in this area, so a 2-way satellite communicator would be helpful for hiking (or even driving) emergencies. I take this Garmin InReach Mini with me on every hike, including Skyline Trail in Mt Rainier National Park , Sapphire Point Overlook near Dillon CO, easy Glacier National Park hikes , and practically everywhere!

Recommended time: 2 hours up to 1 day

One of the best stops year-round while on a Denver to Albuquerque driving trip, Taos is a great stop. This is another spot you could spend a week-long vacation, so it’s definitely worth considering making your trip longer for this fun destination!

One of the most iconic sites in Taos, and one it’s famous for is the Taos Pueblo indigenous village.

Fun fact: the Taos Pueblo is actually the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the USA! It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site . So basically it’s really incredible and you should go!

Admire the traditional adobe construction, take a guided tour of the village and learn more about the culture of those who lived – and continue to thrive there.

Top things to do in Taos

• Río Grande Gorge Bridge (free)
• Taos Art Museum at Fechin House
• Black Rock Hot Springs
• Taos Historic Museums
• Skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling

Taos has a lot to offer visitors and is a great stop while on a Denver to Albuquerque road trip!

Best places to stay in Taos

• Casa Benavides Inn
• El Pueblo Lodge
• Inn on the Rio

8. Bandelier National Monument (another favorite on the Denver to Albuquerque drive)

Okay, this is a totally underrated spot in New Mexico, and a must-see on this Denver to Albuquerque drive! Just north of Santa Fe and located in the Jemez Mountains, the scenery at Bandelier National Monument is truly stunning!

If you only have an hour or two, you’ll want to see the White Rock Visitor Center to see the base of the Frijoles Canyon.

Note: for most of June through October, be sure to take the free shuttle to the visitor center during the mid-day hours. The parking lot is small and the shuttle ensures you’ll be able to enter the park during peak visiting hours. Shuttle details here.

While you’re there, walk the Pueblo Loop Trail AKA Main Loop Trail. It’s just 1.4 miles and such a fun, interactive trail. Climb ladders to see historic cavates (small house dwellings carved into the hillside). You can also see historic structures like kivas, which were gathering centers for Ancestral Pueblo from hundreds of years ago.

If you have even more time to spend in Bandelier National Monument, a far less crowded trail is the Tsankawi Trail .

At 1.6 miles and 236 feet in elevation gain, this trail is rated as moderate based on ladders and the somewhat tricky terrain. It’s another super interesting trail, which allows you to go into more cavates where centuries-old Pueblo people, Tsankawi.

Pro tip: if you have an America the Beautiful pass , you’ll get into this park for free. If visit 3 or more national parks or federally protected spaces within 12 months, it pays for itself! I’ve taken mine on adventures to the best national parks for kids , while comparing Sequoia vs Kings Canyon National Park and so many more places!

9. Santa Fe

Recommended time: minimum one day

Yay, you’re almost to Albuquerque but a stop in Santa Fe is pretty much a requirement at this point! While you could just stop for lunch or dinner, there’s so many things to see and do in Santa Fe that it deserves it’s own day on this road trip – or more if you can afford the time!

Full of southwestern character and charm, Santa Fe Plaza is a must-see . Shop from local artisans selling their items on the street. Or walk around to the various restaurants and museums in the square.

And if you’re traveling with kids to Santa Fe, you’ll definitely want to make a reservation and allow at least 2 hours at Meow Wolf . It’s an amazing interactive art experience that’s truly indescribable!

Top things to do in Santa Fe

• Santa Fe Old Town
• Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
• Margarita Trail
• New Mexico Museum of Art
• Route 66 markers

A definite highlight of New Mexico is their incredible food and dining experiences. Powerful southwest flavor can be seen in the chilies that hang from shops and restaurants, but also in the dishes full of heat!

If you’d like to add a night in Santa Fe, keep in mind it’s a relatively small town. Finding a great spot downtown is ideal but it’s quick to drive around so it’s not essential.

Best places to stay in Santa Fe

• Inn on the Alameda
• Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza
• La Fonda on the Plaza

There’s also a ton of vacation rental properties on Booking.com and VRBO.com in Santa Fe!

Side note, if you want to go further than Albuquerque, this list of the best RV road trips covers the drive from Santa Fe to White Sands National Park!

10. Albuquerque

Yay! This is the destination on your Denver to Albuquerque drive. With so many amazing opportunities for sightseeing and adventure, I hope you’ve planned some fun stuff along the way.

Albuquerque has a rich history and is such a quintessential American Southwest destination, so the fun isn’t over yet! Similar to Santa Fe, it has a historic downtown square that’s a must-see. And other outdoor adventures could easily fill a few days in Albuquerque if you have the time.

Top things to do in Albuquerque

• Old Town Albuquerque
• Sandia Peak Tramway
• Petroglyph National Monument
• ABQ BioPark
• New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

If you’re here for the Balloon Fiesta, make sure you bring your patience and be kind – always.

Albuquerque is more spread out than Santa Fe, so finding accommodations close to your activities you’re planning is more convenient here. Some recommendations include…

Best places to stay in Albuquerque

• Hotel Chaco
• Hilton Garden Inn Albuquerque Downtown
• The Clyde Hotel

With so much ground to cover and some pretty great sightseeing along the way, this is such a fun road trip! Let’s go over a few more essentials to make the most of your road trip.

What to pack for your Denver to Albuquerque road trip

Don’t forget to pack the right gear! It’s essential to making the best of your road trip. Here are some suggestions for this route.

• Road trip snacks! Don’t overspend on gas station snacks. Instead, buy or make them in advance so when a craving hits, you’re prepared. Here are 101 road trip food ideas . It’s a great idea to take a collapsible cooler to pack them in, too.
• National parks pass . Previously mentioned, it can save you a ton of money throughout the year if you plan to see more than 3 federally protected parks and areas within 12 months. Use it for Great Sand Dunes National Park and Bandelier National Monument.
• Hiking gear. If you’re planning to hit the trails at Garden of the Gods , Great Sand Dunes National Park, Sugarite Canyon State Park, Bandelier National Monument or anywhere else, you’ll want proper gear to create the best experience. Hiking shoes and hiking socks , trekking poles , hiking backpack and plenty of water and snacks are top of mind, along with the 10 essentials .
• Layers for changing elevation. Regardless of when you make this drive, the you’ll face changing temperatures due to the varying elevation in Colorado and New Mexico. Come prepared!
• Two-way satellite communicator . Many places on this road trip do not have cell phone reception. This Garmin InReach Mini comes with me on all hiking trails and road trips. It allows you to call for help without any sell service.
• First aid kit . Perfect for your car (even a rental car ) and your hiking backpack , a first aid kit is essential during a trip like this. You just never know!

Tips to make the most of your Denver to Albuquerque drive

Lastly, let’s go over a few more tips to make the most of your experience!

• Altitude sickness is no joke. If you live in a lower elevation climate, drink plenty of water in the days leading to this trip and bring something for a headache just in case.
• Colorado and New Mexico are dry climates. Drink extra water and pack some lotion for your skin.
• Consider ways to lessen your environmental impact. Take reusable water bottles and fill them up at hotels or restaurants instead of buying bottled water. Use mineral sunscreen to protect our waterways and natural resources. Pack reusable bags for groceries or gas stations. Prep hiking and road trip snacks ahead of time in a reusable container instead of single-use plastic bag. Everything you do to help protect our environment really matters!
• Plan your gas or charging stops. There are a few areas of this trip that are pretty spread out. Use the towns in this guide for gas, charging and food stops.

Now, enjoy that road trip of yours!

Denver to Albuquerque drive – that’s a wrap!

Don’t you love it when a plan comes together? This Denver to Albuquerque road trip has a mix of popular destinations and lesser-known spots. There’s so much variety of things to see and do on an adventure like this.

One of the best things about driving Denver CO to Albuquerque NM is that you can customize your adventures based on your timeline and the things that interest you most.

It’s a great road trip and one you’ll remember for years to come! Enjoy!

Related content to read next: 12 Epic Scenic Drives Colorado Not to Miss 27 Incredible Colorado Bucket List Ideas You’ll Love 26 Amazing Colorado Hiking Trails: Epic Views Await! 29 Amazing Road Trips USA: Scenic (& Underrated) Routes You’ll Love 30 Gorgeous West Coast Road Trip Routes You Gotta See to Believe

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Thursday 17th of August 2023

I didn't know there are so many scenic spots not to miss in that route! In just two days, you get to see all of that? Garden of the Gods, New Mexico Museum of Art, Royal Gorge Bridge, and Pueblo Loop Trail are now on my list.

Monday 21st of August 2023

So great, right? You could really take more than 2 days but you'll see the highlights in that short amount of time!

Very informative blog post! I have not been on this part of USA. I would love to explore the Garden of the Gods park in Colorado springs. Love the unique rock formations! I like bridges and so, America's highest suspension bridge will be in my itinerary. That 'healthy snack' image is totally inviting. :-)

Oh gosh Jan will all that said you should definitely schedule a time to do this drive. You'd love it!

We visited Albuquerque as part of a Route 66 drive, and it's a very interesting city indeed! And I remember the food being so excellent! The scenery on your drive looks wonderful.

Oh cool Anja. The food scene is 🔥

I didn't realize how many stunning photo spots there are along this drive. Really appreciate the helpful tips for this road trip. Hopefully I'll get to try this experience one day. Thanks for sharing!

So glad you found this drive Kelly. Sounds like you'd really enjoy it :)

Saturday 17th of June 2023

It's an awesome drive, and you have to stop at the Great Sand Dunes!

Sunday 18th of June 2023

Yessss Shannon! Great Sand Dunes is such a gem in the National Park System!

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Trio of Fantastic Four Corners Road Trips

December 25, 2023 By //  by  Christa Sadler

In the late summer and early fall, it’s hard to beat a road trip through the four Corners region, the place where the states of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah meet. In one loop, you can experience everything from Rocky Mountain vistas to red rock canyon country and crazy weird badlands, and from historic mining towns to native villages, ancient archeological sites, and even river rafting if you feel like it.

Any time of the year is great to visit this area, but late summer and early fall are fantastic; you might be lucky enough to experience a desert monsoon storm sweeping over the landscape, and the temperature has usually cooled down from summer.

In the high country, you might catch the fall colors starting and the air just seems clearer and the sky bluer than at other times of the year. There is abundant camping, as well as some great lodges and hotels to stay in throughout the region.

4 Corners: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah

Travel in the 4 corners region is generally remote and secluded, with sweeping vistas, mesa tops, historic sites and culture to soak in along the way. There are attractions worth checking out throughout Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. It all comes together at the 4 corners monument where the states join together.

There are a lot of routes you can take through this region depending on your interests, how much time you have, and what kind of vehicle you’re driving. And since all four states have a huge number of incredible natural and cultural sites to visit , limiting yourself to an area within roughly a 100-mile radius of the actual Four Corners is a good way not to get started on a six-month adventure—unless of course that’s what you’re after!

The following three suggested loops focus on different aspects of the region, but obviously, you should mix and match as you like. Each loop takes a minimum of about a week, and longer is definitely better so you can see more. Each loop starts in Durango, Colorado , but you can start from many other places.

The Crazy Cool Natural Wonderland Loop

Approximately 750 miles (not including side trips or the durango-silverton railroad).

The Four Corners region is known for unbelievable landscapes and natural features, and this loop focuses on these areas. Beginning in Durango, you should definitely start with a ride up the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad . This 3.5-hour (one way) ride takes you along the Animas River Gorge through some of the most spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery anywhere. You can take a bus back down if you don’t want to ride the train both ways (and save some time).

If you have a chance, stay at the old Strater Hotel in downtown Durango—it was built in 1887 and it’s pretty cool—and it has a great hot tub.

From Durango, head south on Highway 550 to Aztec, New Mexico and continue on 371 to the Bisti Badlands . This weird and wonderful badland landscape is a great place to just wander and enjoy the crazy rock shapes against the sky.

From Bisti, head back north on 371 to Farmington, and west on Highway 64 across the Navajo Indian Reservation to Kayenta, Arizona (along the way, make sure you take a short detour at Teec Nos Pos to visit the actual Four Corners Monument Tribal Park ). The landscape along this drive is arid and stark, but it has a beauty all its own. Red mesas hover in the distance, and you’ll pass the impressive spire of Shiprock, an ancient volcanic neck that juts from the earth west of Farmington.

At Kayenta, turn north on Highway 163. In less than an hour, you reach Monument Valley, the landscape where numerous John Wayne westerns were filmed. You can stop for food and shopping (or the night) at the old Goulding’s Lodge (affiliate link), and take a tour through Monument Valley with a Navajo guide. This iconic landscape is world-famous, and definitely not to be missed.

At the northern end of Monument Valley, you cross the San Juan River at the little town of Mexican Hat, Utah. The San Juan Inn (affiliate link) is a great place to stop for a Navajo taco or even to stay the night. Definitely take pictures of “the Hat,” as it’s called, which looks like an upside-down sombrero in stone, and take a short drive on 316 to Goosenecks State Park .

The view from this overlook is of the San Juan River in a canyon far below, curving back on itself in several huge “goosenecks.” In this strange place the river travels eight miles but uses only about two miles to do it.

From here, you can drive north on Highway 261, using the famous “Moki Dugway” to get to the top of massive Cedar Mesa. The Moki Dugway is not for the faint of heart! It’s an extraordinary dirt road that switchbacks steeply up the side of the mesa until it reaches a breathtaking view of the landscape at the top. It’s great for passenger cars, but a little unnerving for cars towing trailers (although not impossible).

From here, head north across the top of Cedar Mesa to Highway 95. At the junction, you can take a short detour to the left to visit Natural Bridges National Monument, where you can hike around some of the most beautiful natural stone bridges (basically arches that span a creek) in the region.

From here, head east on 95 past the famous Bears Ears to Blanding, Utah, where you’ll turn north on Highway 191. If you don’t want to drive the Moki Dugway, just take the loop through the gorgeous red rocks and strange shaped stone spires of Valley of the Gods , which will drop you back out on Highway 163, and you can head north to 191 and Blanding that way.

At Blanding, be sure and stop at The Dinosaur Museum on the south edge of town, and then head north on 191. You’ll pass the high peaks of the Abajo Mountains near Monticello, and then drop into a breathtaking red-rock landscape from which you can access Canyonlands National Park at the Needles Outpost.

There’s great camping at the Needles, and the landscape can’t be beat. It’s a maze of red canyons with the Colorado and Green Rivers far below. If you have the energy, definitely hike out to the Confluence Overlook, where you can see the two great rivers join.

Back on 191, head north to Moab. From Moab, you can access Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, and take the gorgeous La Sal Mountain Loop Road through the La Sal Mountains and over to Castle Valley, and back to town along the River Road. There are so many things to do in Moab that it’s hard to pick only one or two. Plan on spending at least a couple days here!

From Moab, head south again on 191 to La Sal Junction, then east on Highway 46. This keeps you off of the main interstates, and accesses more amazing landscapes. You’ll drive across the Paradox Valley at the Colorado towns of Paradox and Bedrock , then over to Naturita on Highway 90.

Pick up Highway 145 near Redvale and drive southeast to Telluride , another jaw-dropping landscape where you can do everything from hike and ski to enjoy the town’s day- and nightlife. At the right time of year, generally in mid to late September, the aspens on the slopes of the mountains here are glorious, and well worth a picnic in the trees.

From Telluride, drive through the mountains on Highway 145 to Dolores and then down to Mancos and back to Durango that way. It’s a gorgeous drive, with plenty of opportunities to get out and walk, or just stop and enjoy the breathtaking views. If you have a high clearance four-wheel drive vehicle, you can try the amazing Ophir Pass , which drops you out on Highway 550 just north of Silverton , and you can drive south to Durango that way.

The Adrenaline Loop

Approximately 460 miles (not including side trips and depending on which roads you choose).

There are a lot of opportunities to do some very fun recreating in the Four Corners region, some of it pretty heart-pounding. Whether it’s hiking, canyoneering, river running, mountain biking or something else, you’ll find plenty of chances to get your adrenaline level up on this loop.

In Durango, wet your feet with a day trip rafting on the Animas River , which runs right through town. This river has super fun little rapids and you’ll be in a paddle boat, so you’ll be involved!

From Durango, drive west on Highway 160 to Cortez . Along the way, there is some great mountain biking at Phil’s World —a super fun 18-mile course filled with lots of character.

From Cortez, continue over to Bluff, Utah. At this little town, you can start a San Juan River trip of anywhere from one to 10 days, depending on the time you’ve got. The San Juan is a great river, and even if you only do the 26-mile day trip, you’ll see some incredible scenery.

Once you get off the San Juan, head north on highway 191 to Moab. Stop along the way at the Needles Outpost for some hiking or backpacking in the bizarre and beautiful landscape there. From Moab you can hike long miles in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, mountain bike the famous Slickrock or Porcupine Rim trails (among many others), or jump on the Moab Daily on the Colorado River .

If you are a climber, there’s Fisher Towers east of town, and Indian Creek has world-famous crack climbing. The La Sal Mountains have wonderful hiking, and gorgeous colors in the autumn.

Follow the previous loop’s route back through Naturita and Norwood to Telluride, where you can work on climbing some of the 14ers nearby, including Mount Sneffels, often considered Colorado’s most beautiful mountain. Then you can head back to Durango and go sit in that hot tub at the Strater Hotel!

The Meet the Neighbors Loop

Approximately 550 miles (not including side trips and depending on the roads you choose).

The Four Corners is an important landscape for the ancient peoples of the region, and is currently home to the Navajo and the Ute Mountain Ute tribes . You could spend years exploring the archeology and culture of the area, so this loop is designed to give you a taste of what the region has to offer.

From Durango, head west on Highway 160 to Mesa Verde National Park . Mesa Verde is home to dozens of archeological sites dated from about 11,000 years ago to about 700 years ago. Most famous are the spectacular cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans, ancestors of today’s Pueblo Indians of New Mexico.

You can also visit Ute Mountain Tribal Park , part of the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation. This less-visited park also has impressive cliff dwellings, and you can spend some time with Ute Mountain Ute tour guides and get to know the land through their eyes.

From Mesa Verde, head to Cortez and visit the Crow Canyon Archeological Center . They have abundant information on the archeology of the Cortez and Mancos Valleys, which were heavily occupied hundreds of years ago.

From Cortez, head north and west to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument . The Monument contains the highest known density of archeological sites in the United States, with an estimated 30,000 sites stretching back 10,000 years. Be sure to visit the Canyons of the Ancients Museum in Dolores before you head to the monument itself.

Just west of Canyons of the Ancients is Hovenweep National Monument , a group of five Ancestral Puebloan villages that were occupied between 700 and 800 years ago. It’s famous in the region for the incredible craftsmanship of the stone walls of the buildings and towers. You can get to it by driving through Canyons of the Ancients from Pleasant View , CO on Highway 491.

From Hovenweep’s west entrance, make your way towards Bluff, Utah (there are a few different routes, all of them fun). You can stop at the Sand Island Campground just outside of Bluff to dip your toes in the San Juan River and explore an extensive wall of ancient rock art behind the campground.

Stay on 191 and head south to Mexican Water, and continue down 191 to the town of Chinle, Arizona, gateway to Canyon de Chelly National Monument . Canyon de Chelly is cooperatively managed by the National Park Service and the Navajo Nation. It is a spectacular landscape of sheer-walled canyons and cottonwood-lined washes that house rock art panels and ancient dwelling sites.

The region has been occupied without interruption for around 5,000 years and your Navajo guides will tell you the stories of their people, the most recent arrivals to the canyons. It is a great place to learn about Navajo culture as well as the ancient inhabitants of the region.

From Chinle, continue south on Highway 191 to Highway 264 and head east towards Ganado, where you should definitely check out Hubbell Trading Post National Historical Site , another important part of the Navajo culture in the area.

From here, you will make your way east towards Chaco Culture National Historical Park , New Mexico. There are several ways to get to the south end of the park, which is the main entrance, but it’s easy to stay off Interstate 40 and use the back roads through the Navajo Nation .

At Chaco, you can spend quite a while exploring this important ancient city. Chaco was the center of population in the region, with many outlying towns built to support the religious and cultural happenings there.

From Chaco, you can drive north to Aztec Ruins National Monument near the town of Aztec. This site was one of the many outlying villages that supported Chaco, and archeologists have found ancient roads that run between them.

From Aztec, it’s a straight shot up 550 back to Durango and that hot tub…or the  hot springs resort .

These routes are best to travel in the late summer or fall, since some of them include high passes that are closed or hard to travel in the winter, or you may want to wander off on dirt roads that are impassable in the rainy season. Please adjust your schedule according to the season, and make sure you check road conditions before you leave!

Also remember that Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and the Navajo Reservation are on Daylight Savings Time, while any part of Arizona outside the Navajo Nation is not. This can mess with your schedule if you don’t find out which time zone you are in!

Whatever the season, it’s hard to beat a trip through the Four Corners region; all you really need is a tank of gas and a sense of adventure. And maybe a camera.

After you’re finished road tripping through the Four Corners region, consider planning a trip to one of Colorado’s other surrounding states , 7 in total that border Colorado (including the 4 Corners). Other neighbor states include Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Wyoming.

About Christa Sadler

Christa Sadler is an author, geologist, and wilderness and river guide, who writes from Flagstaff, Arizona—when she's actually at home.

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The Grand Circle is the ultimate US Southwest road trip

Sep 14, 2020 • 6 min read

White Pocket at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in Arizona © Getty Images

Driving the Grand Circle can take up to three weeks, but a spectacular eight-to-10 day portion centers around the Grand Canyon and features bold colors, fascinating geological shapes and textures and living history of our indigenous culture at every turn. Amidst views, hikes and grandeur, it includes stops in town for local art, cuisine and culture and where to sleep at night. Here’s how to hit the road for the best of the Southwest. 

The Grand Circle consists of five Southwestern states – Arizona , New Mexico , Colorado , Utah and Nevada – and has America’s largest concentration of national parks and monuments. It’s perfect for a majestic road trip of scenic byways, sheer cliffs, and purple, orange and indigo mesas. 

Parowan & Cedar City, Utah

Parowan is home to the first pioneer settlement in Utah, heritage museums, as well as famous landmarks such as the geometric petroglyphs at Parowan Gap. These ancient symbols were carved into cliff faces along the same path that local people have used for centuries. 

Take a 23 minute drive “downtown” to Cedar City, Utah, and relax after hiking with a wine tasting at IG Winery & Tasting Room , featuring world-class signature blends. Be sure to try one of the famous cinnamon rolls in Parowan Cafe , which are made fresh every morning and can sell out by lunch.  

Kanab, Utah  

Both Parowan and Kanab, Utah, are ideal basecamps for the Grand Circle’s natural wonders. 

One of them, Peekaboo Slot Canyon is a 10-minute drive from Kanab and needs an arranged tour. It is less crowded than the more well-known slot canyon at Upper Antelope (your next stop), but requires some rock scrambling, including about a 12ft hike to enter. The narrow, swirled arches are carved out of sandstone created by centuries of water rushing and are every shade of orange, depending on the sunlight.

Head to “downtown” Kanab for dinner at Rocking V , an eclectic art gallery/cafe for creative dishes. Sleep at Red Canyon cabin, which is set in a quiet area on the edge of town, but close enough to walk to the visitor center. 

If you can afford it, splurge on a flightseeing trip in the morning to get to your next destination for an incredible air tour of Lake Powell and Horseshoe Bend and endless views of erosion-sculpted deep gorges weaving in and out of the shimmering blue lake.  

Upper Antelope Canyon: Page, AZ 

Page is located directly on Lake Powell. Just four miles out of town is the most photographed slot canyon in the world, Upper Antelope Canyon ( currently closed ). Reservations are required here with a licensed guide , and tours are limited. The soft polished red sandstone has swirls of red, white, tan and pink and the walls glow as the dust particles drift in the shafts of sunlight. It’s highly Instagrammable and simply stunning.  

Grab dinner at Lake Powell Resort and Marina’s waterfront spot, Driftwood for views, high-end burgers, and sustainable seafood. Book a lakefront room for lodging, a small Native American inspired room loaded with upscale amenities and chairs on the patio to enjoy the lake’s breathtaking sunset views. 

Grand Canyon, AZ

At last, your centerpiece. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long and over a mile deep from the river to the rim in some spots – the largest canyon in the world. If you like, you can bicycle around the edge, or simply hike the many trails. 

Highlights on the Southern Rim include Desert View Point and Watchtower, Moran, Lipan and Grandview Point. As you gaze at the scenery, make sure to take a look around at the viewpoint buildings too, such as the 70ft tall Desert View Watchtower ( currently closed ), designed by architect Mary Colter . Arrive before 11am for cooler temperatures, less traffic and fewer lines.

Drive downtown to Grand Canyon Village and dine at the internationally recognized 117-year-old El Tovar located in the historic hotel. Many a president and celebrity has dined here. Sleep at Yavapai Lodge in the national park, which lets you walk or bus about a mile to the South Rim. 

Flagstaff, AZ

Drive 30 miles on historic Route 66 to get to the Wupatki National Monument , an old Indian cliff dwelling between the Painted Desert and Ponderosa highlands, outcropped on red rock across miles of prairie. 

Only a mile out of town is where dwarf planet Pluto was discovered, the 125-year-old Lowell Observatory ( open only to private groups ). This is the world’s first International Dark Sky City. Gaze at the sea of stars, moon and planets for night or day tours.

Just off Route 66,  grab dinner at Tourist Home All Day Cafe , a renovated 1926 house, for an upscale Hash Bowl and drive less than a mile to sleep at Hotel Monte Vista another 20’s era landmark replete with live music, all day happy hour, two swanky lounges, lots of ghost stories and a room as charming as the historic lobby.  

Sedona is a well-known crystal and art lover’s New Age healing paradise, but it’s also an outdoor haven surrounded by 1.8 million acres of national forest. Amidst red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls and pine forests are numerous trailheads in the city to access Sedona’s stunning red rocks.

Drive seven miles south of uptown Sedona and start at Bell Rock for its bell-shaped striped earth-toned mesas. There is a vortex, said to be a zone of spiritual healing energy, near the breathtaking Chapel of the Holy Cross built by owner and rancher Marguerite Brunswig Staude which sits high atop the red rocks.

Sleep at Sky Ranch Lodge for the best views of the city and walk to Mesa Grill for southwestern inspired cuisine and stellar skyline views. Don’t leave without crystals and jewelry from the outdoor mall, Tlaquepaque.   

Driving into this small town you will see some of the most spectacular views in Arizona. Then, downtown is art gallery hopping, or a juicy ghost tour as Jerome was once the “wickedest town in the West” with brothels, opium dens and saloon gun fights replete with potential paranormal phenomenon.

Founded in 1876 and once a copper mining boom town of 15,000 it turned into virtual ghost town (population: 50 people) after the mines closed in 1953. Artists moved in and now the winding switchback streets are now filled with painters, writers, musicians and historians.

Eat at the Haunted Hamburger , for local draft beers, cocktails and supposedly hammer-yielding ghosts. Stay at the perhaps spirit-filled former hospital Jerome Grand Hotel with gorgeous views, gilded artwork, burgundy walls, fine dining and captivating views. Get up in the morning for your last stop. 

Prescott, AZ

This mile-high city lies in the middle of pinon pine-covered Prescott National Forest, and has more than 15 distinctive hiking and biking trails where you can stretch your legs. Definitely hike Thumb Butte which is only a three and a half mile drive from downtown, but can get crowded. Parts are steep, but there are panoramic views of the city and neighboring mountains.

For a waterfront oasis, you can fish and boat at Watson Lake , which is only a four miles from downtown. Head back downtown for art, performances and dining – we recommend Murphy’s Prescott for elegant but moderately priced seafood. Sleep at the historic Grand Highland Hotel as it sits on Whiskey Row, which is just as famous as the town. 

You might also like: 

Now's the time to plan a fall road trip to these national parks The Grand Canyon: how to get the most from a short trip National Parks: Top 10 US travel experiences

This article was first published January 2020 and updated September 2020

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many of you gave me great advice 12 months ago for a proposed road trip which subsequently had to be postponed. I am now planning the same trip for September of 2015 and have trawled your suggestions to put together an outline itinery. We love travelling and seeing the incredibly varied and wonderful scenery of your national parks, taking gentle hikes and visiting the smaller towns with character and history. We have not visited New Mexico before and our previous visit to Colorado covered the RMNP and area to the north of Denver. We have also visited the canyons and area to the west many times so are keen to visit a largely new area.

15 Sept – fly Denver and o/n at airport hotel

16 Sept – to Colorado Springs/Garden of the Gods, and then Great Sand Dunes NP with o/n at Alamosa (we wake extremely early after a transatlantic flight and will have lots of time on the first day - we also like to see a major attraction if possible)

17 Sept – to Trinidad/Raton and Highway 64 through Cimarron Canyon to Taos and then Santa Fe for 4 nights

21 Sept – to Carlsbad Caverns and overnight

22 Sept – to White Sands NP and to Albuquerque for 2 nights

24 Sept – to Chinle/Canyon de Chelly and o/n

25 Sept – to Monument Valley and o/n

26 Sept – to Mesa Verde NP and Durango o/n

27 Sept – US 550 through Silverton and Ouray to Montrose o/n

28 Sept – South rim of Black Canyon and through Gunnison to Salida

2 October – evening flight home from Denver

Any comments, help and advice is greatly appreciated as is your time. Thank you

Hi again Brent.

Looks good to me but you don't need to drive back to Trinidad and Raton for Enchanted Circle. Just take co 159 and nm522 south and visit the lovely town of San Luis on the way first

You easily can spend 3-4 hours for Carlsbad Caverns and stay till the bats fly out but it's already a 5 hours drive from Santa Fe to CC. Next day it's 4 hours from CC to White Sands and you'll need several hours for that so driving to ABQ same day will make this a long daytrip.

Of course you also can stay Mesa Verde NP at Far View Lodge instead in Durango and experience sunset in the park.

Try to reach Silverton by noon and see the train from Durango arrive....

There still is a lot to see between White Sands and ABQ like Lincoln for Billy the Kid, Capitan for Smokey Bear SP, Valley of Fires SP, Bosque del Apache and VLA (Very Large Array).

There's more and more to this area isn't there. Is the enchanted circle different to Hw 64? It was mentioned by someone last year as a beautiful trip but unsure if part of same circle, or 2 different trips?

Thanks. Much appreciated

I prob mentioned Valley of the Gods in Utah. That's unpaved. Garden of the Gods is all paved. There always is little chance on snow. We had it on Monarch pass in october (on the way to Salida) but not bad but of course no way to predict but also not too much chance on it. The drive into White Sands is unpaved but its very flat and very easy to drive an there won't be snow ;-)

In September there is a slight chance but it's usually the overnight type above 9000 feet that will melt

You are hitting colorado at near peak fall colors in Silverton, ouray, Breckonridge, aspen areas

With mesa verde...you need tickets for tours so you will need to leave monument valley early to get to Mesa verde visitor center and get tour tickets. At this time of year only Chapin Mesa is open.

We did a similar trip a couple of years ago and the fall colors along the San Juan Skyway were spectacular.

We also included a day at Moab to see Arches NP which we really enjoyed but did not do Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP.

You can try the visitor center in Cortez for Mesa Verde tickets but they usually are for next day. Tours to Balcony House and Cliff Palace are recommended (some ladder climbing involved) You can visit Spruce Tree House without a tour.

Really appreciate your time and, as ever, the information is really useful

another option os look at flying into PHX. Also at this time of year you could see a one way rental deal for DEN to PHX.

Another thing to consider. In ABQ the Balloon Fiesta occurs that first full week of October from weekend through weekend.

If you round trip out of Denver you should do 2 days in rocky Mountain National Park at the end of the trip.

15 fly into PHX...night PHX

16 drive to Holbrook, PM Petrified Forest, night in Gallup or Grants

17 Gallup/Grants to Albuquerque see El Maipais NM and Acoma Pueblo.

18 Albuquerque

19-21 Santa Fe

22 Santa Fe to Taos

23 Taos AM to Sand Dunes NP

24 alamosa to Aspen

25 Maroon Bells in the AM..drive to Ouray

26 Ouray to Durango

27 Durango AM, Cortez PM get tix for next day tours

28 Mesa Verde

29 Canyon de Chelly

30 Monument Valley

1 drive back to PHX through Sedona

As a one way rental......

Sept 24 fly into DEN stay night in Denver

Sep 25 drive to Aspen

Sept 26 AM Maroon Bells, PM Ouray

Sept 27 Ouray-Durango

Sept 28 Mesa Verde

Sept 29 Monument Valley

Sept 30 Canyon de Chelly

Oct 1 drive to Alamosa

Oct 2 Sand dunes NP

Oct 3-4 Taos

Oct 5-8 Santa Fe

Oct 9-10 ABQ for balloon fiesta

Oct 11 El Maipais, Acoma Pueblo to Gallup

Oct 12 Petrified forest to PHX

Oct 13 fly home

Rocky Mountain National Park has been highlighted before though and although we have visited Estes Park, which is beautiful, this might be a great way of rounding off the holiday. Using a standard sedan rental what is the best/most picturesque way from Montrose to the Park? Looks like it would be a trade off between the south rim of Gunniston and Salida, or RMNP?

http://www.newmexico.org/enchanted-circle-trail/

US64 forms a bit of it.

Are you asking about Montrose to Estes Park, through Trail Ridge Road in one day, or an overnight stop west of RNMP, for a full day in it?

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Colorado to new mexico road trip itinerary.

24 November 2022

There are numerous unique routes for a road trip from Colorado to New Mexico. Different highways and backroads will take you through an endless sagebrush landscape, rough mountainous terrain, and even small towns filled with exciting and sometimes unusual attractions.

While the I-25 corridor from Denver to Taos is the fastest and most efficient way to travel to New Mexico and Taos Ski Valley, other routes that wind through spots like Buena Vista and Pagosa Springs offer a bit more of a rural experience. We've decided to focus on the I-25 route and include the best towns and attractions to see along the way. Don't worry; we've included a few extras at the end for those looking to tweak their itinerary. So get ready and fasten your seatbelt because we've put together one heck of a road trip itinerary for you.

DENVER TO TAOS

Towns on the way to taos.

MANITOU SPRINGS

With a backdrop of the Pikes Peak, this small, outdoorsy town is the perfect place to kickstart your road trip adventures. Fuel up for the day ahead with a cup of coffee and morning snack at the local Good Karma coffee shop. Then, head over to stroll the streets of the Historic District or take in some fresh air on a short walk through the 1,474-acre Red Rocks Canyon Open Space. This charming town offers a refreshing start to your venturesome Southwest journey.

Nicknamed the "The Heart of Spanish Peaks Country," the small town of Walsenburg is rich in western and mining history. A quick stop at the Walsenburg Mining Museum will offer a compelling look into the events and influential individuals who made this characteristic town what it is. If you're an art enthusiast, the town also offers rotating contemporary art exhibitions, workshops, and a locally made gift shop at The Museum of Friends. Before heading back out on the road, stock up on snacks and refreshments, as this will be your last chance before the beautiful La Veta Pass.

San Luis is located a mere 18 miles north of the New Mexico state line, and in addition to its picturesque Sangre de Cristo views, it holds the title as Colorado's oldest town. The main attraction in town is The Stations of the Cross Shrine which offers an opportunity to learn more about San Luis's rich and deeply-rooted Spanish culture.

SITES ON THE WAY TO TAOS

BISHOPS CASTLE

Over 60 years in the making, Jim Bishop has dedicated his life to constructing this ornate castle. Each room contains elaborate iron and stone detailing that will leave you in awe. It's a totally unexpected sight to behold anywhere, much less in smalltown Southern Colorado. With stained glass windows, staircases that wrap around the exterior stone tower, and even a metal dragon protruding from the roof, it is truly one-of-a-kind in this part of the world. Best of all, at 77 years old, Jim is still building and keeps the castle open to the public to tour for free.

UFO WATCHTOWER

With only $2 and a good sense of humor, you can climb the watchtower and search the skies for an elusive UFO. The San Luis Valley has become notorious for UFO sightings, and Judy Messoline, the owner of the watchtower, has claimed to see dozens of sightings herself. Tour the gift shop and pick up some truly unique and perhaps unearthly souvenirs for your trip.

FORT GARLAND MUSEUM & CULTURAL CENTER

This is a popular stop for those traveling through the area, eager to learn more about the various cultures and historical events that make up the San Luis Valley’s history. Touring the grounds at Fort Garland and the Cultural Center will shine a light on the various cultures and individuals to call this beautiful valley home. Bonus tip: as you drive through town, keep your eyes on the desert, you might just spot one of the wild horse herds in the area.

NATURE TO EXPLORE ON THE WAY

GARDEN OF THE GODS

Garden of the Gods is a true staple of the Colorado Springs landscape. With names such as The Kissing Camels, the red sandstone formations can take the form of various things with a little imagination. Stretch your legs and snap a few memorable shots while you walk through the impressive geological scenery.

COLORADO GATORS REPTILE PARK

Ever thought you could see alligators in Colorado? Surprise, you sure can. It all began in the 1980s, with a geothermal well and an odd desire to raise tilapia. Logically, the way to help manage a fish farm is by using alligators (obviously, right?), which is precisely what Erwin and Lynne Young did. The geothermal wells and the San Luis Valley provided an ideal habitat for the alligators to thrive. As locals caught wind of this, they started dropping off additional pet alligators and other unique reptiles. It has now become a sanctuary for unwanted reptiles and offers educational programs for interested individuals.

GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK

Just a 20-minute drive from Hwy 159 lies the tallest sand dunes in North America, at 750 ft tall. Try your hand… or legs out at sandboarding while inside the National Park. Rent a sandboard or sand sled near the Visitor Center and take a few laps down the dunes. We bet the experience will provide the rest of your road trip with a car full of laughs, although it may turn your backseat into a sandbox.

Snowboards can be used for sandboarding, which could come in handy for your final destination, Taos Ski Valley.

RIO GRANDE GORGE BRIDGE

Finish your adventurous day of exploring by overlooking some of the best features of Northern New Mexico with a visit to Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. Soak up the views, catch the sunset, and celebrate your exciting arrival to the New Mexico landscape.

THINGS TO KNOW

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE OPTIONS

Wherever in Colorado you are traveling from, there are multiple route options to get to Taos, New Mexico. Here are a couple alternative routes that will provide a scenic drive through the mountains while still experiencing some of the above must-sees along the way.

Buena Vista & 285 Route

Thai Mini Cafe - Poncha Springs, CO Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge - Alamosa, CO Cano's Castle - Antonito, CO Chili Line Depot - Tres Piedras, NM Trinidad & Hwy 64 Route

Trinidad Lake State Park - Trinidad, CO A.R. Mitchell Memorial Museum of Western Art - Trinidad, CO Cimarron Candle Company - Cimarron, NM Eagle's Nest Lake State Park - Eagles Nest, NM WEATHER & VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

No matter what season you may be traveling in, check the weather conditions as you travel over high elevation passes along your route. In particular, weather can change instantaneously along the I-25 corridor and on La Veta Pass. Be mindful of your vehicle's capabilities to ensure your safety as you venture through some of the remote landscapes.

IT'S YOUR ROAD TRIP!

While we've included a handful of towns, landmarks, and roadside attractions to see, it would be at least a full day to see every single one. Pick and choose your favorites to make a personalized itinerary that suits your interests and timeline.

Whether you enjoy hiking, Spanish culture, or learning more about history, check out the fun activities to do around Taos, the 'Soul of the Southwest,' and keep the adventure going.

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Land of Enchantment

New Mexico to Colorado Road Trip: Highway 285

Filed Under: Things to do · by Thomas Charlton

Once leaving Espanola, New Mexico, on New Mexico Highway 285, through the canyon and cliff-lined road, traveling on north toward the Colorado border along the Rio Grande Rift, the drive offers a view of the high country from atop the Taos Plateau.

Little known and less driven, this highway trip is vested with some of New Mexico’s most prime views. The drive is approximately eighty-five miles from Espanola to the Colorado border.

Past Espanola, the highway takes you careening among striking red cliffs and canyons. On this segment of the journey, you’ll find numerous hot springs , for which New Mexico is globally famous.  This includes popular resort location Ojo Caliente. As typical of local design, bright exteriors light up cafes and restaurants in the traditional manner.

Tucked away on a secluded road is the hot springs resort, also named Ojo Caliente .

Vintage adobe buildings and small dwellings sit side by side with the pleasant resort. It isn’t necessary to book accommodation in order to enjoy the spa.

Traveling on further north,  leaving the cliffs and canyons, the road begins to climb as you drive to the top of the Taos Plateau. Though in Taos County, this is not on the highway to Taos but rather west and parallel of it with an expansive view of the entire mountain range from Santa Fe to the Sangre de Cristos and Red River area and north to Colorado. This drive offers one of the most scenic views of these mountains anywhere.

The terrain along highway 285 itself is scruff made up mostly of sagebrush, juniper, and pinon which fills the otherwise empty miles. Among a few small housing communities, the only stop of any size (and that is small) is the village of Tres Piedras.  With a population of only one thousand, the village sits at just above eight thousand feet.

Just north of Tres Piedras is San Antonio Mountain. According to the New Mexico State Wildlife Department, “Rising 10,908 feet above surrounding sagebrush flats, impressive San Antonio Mountain is the largest “free-standing” mountain (not part of any mountain chain) in the continental United States. The mountain’s rounded volcanic dome, nearly four miles across at the base, is a landmark that’s easily spotted from many locations in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado.”

The last stop on this journey is Antonito, Colorado, just about four miles across the state border, home to the other end of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad which takes a sixty-four-mile journey through the wild and beautiful scenery of northern New Mexico and parts of southern Colorado. The train trip may be taken from either end, Chama or Antonito. Their motto is next stop, 1880.

Watch their video for more info:

Services in town are limited. Walking into the classic travel stop in Antonito was like a step back in time as Johnny Cash played on the radio and a stout pot of coffee waited on the back café’s counter. With one travel station in town, it may be advisable to gas up unless you are turning eastward and going on to Alamosa where full services are available. We, however, needed to gas up before we traversed on to the next step in our journey, at Fox Creek, Colorado.

Whether you are coming or going on 285, it is a remote drive that is a must-take on the scenic backroads of New Mexico. It’s only out in this exquisite expanse that one gets to fully absorb the rugged wonder of a state so beautiful, sparse, and mysterious.

Accommodations in Antonito include Rainbow Trout Ranch and the River’s Inn & Swiss Cottage (Bed & Breakfast).

References:

http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/

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About Thomas Charlton

Thomas holds an MFA in Photography from the University of New Mexico and is also a New York City licensed tour guide. Now living in Santa Fe, he travels throughout the state in search of rare beauty — filming, photographing, and interviewing along the way.

New Mexico's charm captured his imagination on his first visit. Inscrutable and unforgiving at times but doubtlessly gorgeous. Exploring and documenting all corners of our state is an aspiration that comes naturally to him. For Thomas, DiscoverNewMexico.com is a passion of the heart rather than a profession.

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I-25 Drive Itinerary (One Week)

Posted by hotelcoupons | May 9, 2014 | Road Trips | 0

Interstate 25 runs North/South through the states of New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming. Featuring incredible vistas of American desert, red rocks, prairies, Rocky Mountains and more, you’ll feel like you’re Home on The Range as you drive this highway.

Check out our suggested itinerary below to experience this road trip for yourself.

1. Albuquerque, New Mexico (1 Day/Night)

While in town, you may also want to consider:

• Shopping at boutiques and stores offering handcrafted jewelry, art, home décor and more
• Outdoor activities like hiking, rafting, kayaking, horseback riding, etc.
• Golfing at many popular courses all year long
• Art, cultural and history museums in Albuquerque

If you’re planning a trip to Albuquerque, view our latest hotel deals .

2. Santa Fe, New Mexico (1 Day/Night)

It’s just an hour drive from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. You may be surprised to learn that Santa Fe is one of the oldest cities in America, established in 1607. The city is now thought of as a center for art, museums and dining that embrace Hispanic and Native American culture.

When you visit Santa Fe, you’ll want to consider exploring:

• Many popular museums including the New Mexico Museum of Art
• Shopping in high-end shops and the Indian Market
• Nearby parks and hiking trails
• The country’s oldest church, San Miguel Mission
• And so much more

You’ll love the atmosphere of Santa Fe, with more than 300 sunny days per year and tons of enriching cultural experiences. Check out our Santa Fe hotel deals online.

3. Pueblo, Colorado (1 Day/Night)

This will be your longest drive on the road trip, with a 4-hour drive to Pueblo, a historic town off I-25, just south of Colorado Springs. This charming destination is the perfect stop on our road trip itinerary, because it offers excellent local restaurants , lots of friendly faces and fun things to do.

Visit Pueblo City Park, where for just 25 cents you can ride a historic carousel or train. The park is also home to the Pueblo Zoo, which features neon zoo lights during the holidays.

Pueblo is home to one of the few remaining drive-in movie theaters in America. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day (weather permitting), Mesa Drive-In offers three screens, each showing a double feature nightly.

The Historic Arkansas Riverwalk is a great place to visit when you’re passing through Pueblo. Hop on a paddleboat, enjoy sculptures and mosaic art, or browse the farmers market.

Lake Pueblo is the perfect location for water recreation, like boating, tubing, swimming and fishing. Just a few minutes from Downtown Pueblo, you might even spot antelope on your way to the reservoir.

When you stay overnight in Pueblo, Colorado , you can enjoy a walk-in coupon rate.

4. Colorado Springs, Colorado (1 Day/Night)

• Garden of the Gods (pictured) is an incredible red rock park near the city. See favorite formations like the kissing camels and balanced rock.
• Pikes Peak (pictured) rises 14,110 feet above Colorado Springs. If you’re in the mood for a thrill, drive to the top – if not, the Cog Railway is a fun way to reach the summit.
• Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, which offers animal encounters and zookeeper talks. You can see grizzlies, wolves and tigers up close! You can also feed the giraffes here for only $2!

Find an amazing hotel rate in Colorado Springs .

5. Denver, Colorado (1 Day/Night)

If you’re only in Denver for a day, pick the things to do that appeal most to you:

• Denver Art Museum
• Sporting events: Broncos football, Nuggets basketball, Rockies baseball
• Denver Museum of Nature and Science
• Denver Downtown Aquarium
• Rocky Mountain National Park (1.5 hours Northwest – you could see this on your way to Fort Collins if you planned it right)

Save on your stay in Denver .

6. Fort Collins, Colorado (1 Day/Night)

Drive another hour north on I-25 and you’ll reach Fort Collins, home to the beautiful Colorado State University campus. This is a perfect place to enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking, canoeing and rock climbing – the city even boasts 50 parks!

Fort Collins is also known for it’s local breweries. Many of the breweries in town offer free tours and tastings. From national companies like Anheuser-Busch to microbreweries like Black Bottle Brewery and Equinox Brewing, you’ll have plenty of pints to choose from.

Fort Collins hotel rates are more affordable than you think.

7. Cheyenne, Wyoming (1 Day/Night)

Once you travel 45 minutes from Fort Collins to Cheyenne, you’ll enjoy a true western frontier experience. We suggest visiting some of the most popular attractions in town, including a local bison ranch, the historic train depot, and the capitol building. You could even take a trolley tour of this classic town or a horseback riding tour nearby.

If you’re taking this road trip in the summer, try to take park in the exciting Cheyenne Frontier Days, which feature parades, amusement rides, rodeo events and more.

Use a hotel coupon when you stay in Cheyenne.

It’s easy to follow this itinerary in either direction (north-bound or south-bound) and see a part of America you’ve never seen before. To extend your trip, we suggest adding on a visit to Las Cruces, New Mexico before heading to Albuquerque.

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Colorado and New Mexico Road Trip

Jul 3, 2016 • Mr Crazy Kicks

Since neither of us has to report to work any more , we planned a longer road trip for the beginning of the summer. Our garden and chickens can’t be left unattended too long, so we decided on a 2-week trip. We thought we would simply do an easy road trip down the east coast visiting friends, but a few weeks before going, I found direct flights from JFK to Denver that I could travel hack . So we decided to plan out a Colorado and New Mexico Road trip instead.

Choosing a scenic route for a Colorado and New Mexico Road trip

We chose our destinations with a glance at the map and minimal research. Our stops were: Colorado Springs, Taos NM , Pagosa Springs, Durango, Rico, Grand Junction, then back to Denver. Each stop would be 2 nights with the exception of our one-night stay in Rico.

After landing in Denver and picking up our rental car, we headed to our first stay in Colorado Springs. This area turned out to be much more sprawl than we expected. Like most people in the area, our Airbnb host was working for the Air Force which has a huge presence in Colorado Springs. It was a sobering reminder of my own time spent doing work for the DoD. Condo after condo piled upon each other – following along newly built shopping strips with every big retailer one can imagine. On the plus side, the condo we were staying in did have a excellent view of Pikes Peak, so we made dinner and took in the view with a few beers.

Save money by packing picnics

The next morning, we packed some sandwiches and started heading towards Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. We quickly discovered that Garden of the Gods is a really neat natural feature which is swarmed with tourists even during the weekdays.

After seeing one too many tourists, we opted to skip Pikes Peak and quickly moved on – deciding instead to drive a bit further into the mountains, we headed toward Buena Vista. Now we were starting to see the natural beauty of Colorado we wanted to see. After looking for a nice lunch spot, we stopped on Tarryall Creek, climbed up to some trees for shade, and had a nice picnic.

As we crossed through our first mountain passes from Pikes National Forest, we came around a turn to the view of the snow capped peaks that are part of San Isabel National forest. Then, as we passed through those peaks into the valley where Buena Vista is located, we were greeted with even more impressive views. This was about how the whole trip was going to go – one marvel after another.

Consider doing some whitewater rafting

Driving into the valley toward Buena Vista, we came across the Arkansas River. Our rivers on the east coast are lazy and warm . The rivers in Colorado, are fast and cold. Supplied with fresh melted snow, and brown with the sediment picked up while traveling quickly through the mountains, these rivers make for exciting rafting and kayaking.

The rafting looked like a blast, maybe at some point on this trip we would need to get out on the water. For now though, satiated with all the stunning views, we packed up and headed back to Colorado Springs. We would have to get up at a reasonable hour to head to our next stop – Taos, NM .

American Southwest Road Trip Guide: 8 Day Itinerary

Use this American southwest road trip guide that’s an 8 day itinerary for visiting New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado. There are so many US southwest vacation ideas to see unique deserts, mountains, and canyons carved by rivers.

You US Southwest adventure will introduce you to a land of stark contrasts, captivating landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a curious explorer, a road trip through the Southwest will undoubtedly present an unforgettable journey of discovery and awe.

Planning a Southwest USA road trip is by far the best way to see and experience everything this region has to offer.

This 8-day road trip guide includes things to do, what to pack, and where to stay as you travel through the southwest region of the US!

Be sure to grab the Road Trip Packing List that includes items for comfort, organization, eating, and first aid to make the family vacation a success. You’ll also receive a Road Trip Itinerary to plan the day-to-day schedule of the trip!

This site contains affiliate links which means WE may receive commissions for purchases made through these links. We only provide links to products we actually use and/or wholeheartedly recommend! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read the full Disclosure Policy.

Planning your southwest road trip.

This article was written by Jennifer Wolff, one of our contributing writers:

“As a school teacher from Southwest Michigan, I look forward to summer road trips exploring the US with my wonderful daughter! I’m drawn to geological features and the American Southwest has so many to admire! Here’s the 8-Day Southwest Itinerary that my daughter and I took in July.”

National Parks Pass

Our Southwest road trip itinerary has you visiting 6+ national parks, all of which charge a per-car entrance fee. The best way to save money is to buy a National Parks Pass.

You can  buy the pass through REI  before you go (they will donate 10% of sales to the National Park Foundation), or you can get it when you arrive at the first National Park.

The pass is good for one year at any site managed by the National Park Service. The US National Park pass is a good deal and will save you $50+ just on this road trip.

Water, Water, Water!

Carry plenty of water with you when traveling around the Southwest US. Dehydration is serious, especially during the summer. Keep extra water in a cooler in your car (we like the Koolatron that doubles as a fridge in our hotel room too). Use a hydration pack when hiking. Fill it every chance you get – most national parks will have water bottle filling stations.

What to Pack for a Southwest US Trip

You must be prepared for a road trip around the American Southwest. There are long stretches of road with no services for gas, food or lodging. There are sporadic small towns that may not offer services or they aren’t open at ‘normal’ hours to the public.

Cell service is random to non-existent in more remote areas around the Southwest. There are many National Parks that also don’t have cell service, gas, food or lodging.

What you pack for a Southwest road trip will depend on the time of year, the locations you visit, and the activities you will do – use our National Parks Packing Lists as a guide.

Here’s a small list of the items you really must have when driving around the Southwest US. Check out the full list of family road trip items to pack .

• Maps – download a map beforehand – cell service may not be available for long stretches of road (we use a road atlas as a backup as well)
• Water – reusable water bottles
• Food – healthy road trip snacks
• Roadside Emergency Kit
• Sunscreen & Hat
• Clothing – layers for variations of temperature and weather

USA AUDIO TOURS (GuideAlong)

“Download the app to your phone – no cell or wifi service needed. Based on your GPS location, the app takes you on a guided tour of the area and points out all the interesting features and stops. It’s like having a guide in the car with you.”

• American Southwest Road Trip Guide

You’ll find must-see Southwest National Parks and state parks to visit on this detailed vacation itinerary.

DAY 1: Albuquerque to Flagstaff

Stops along the way:

• Petrified National Park
• Winslow, Arizona

Albuquerque, NM to Petrified Forest National Park, AZ – 3 hours drive time

We decided to start and end our Southwest Road Trip in Albuquerque, New Mexico since my brother lives there.

Before arriving at Petrified Forest National Park , I had been missing the landscape of the Badlands from last summer’s vacation. The first stop at Petrified Forest reminded me of the landscape of Badlands National Park and brought the biggest smile to my face!

I had also been quite tense flying from Michigan to New Mexico and then driving from Albuquerque to Petrified National Park. Seeing the beautiful landscape of the American Southwest relaxed me immediately.

The layers of different colors making up the landscape of Petrified Forest National Park (and Painted Desert) were just beautiful. The deposited layers are quite diverse with some areas a more orange color and other areas are a more blueish color.

We spent about 3 hours exploring the park, and could’ve stayed longer, but the weather took a wicked turn so we left in an attempt to beat the oncoming monsoon. If I ever go back to Petrified Forest, I would get there earlier, hope for good weather, and hike more trails.

SOUTHWEST US ROAD TRIP TIP: Be aware of the weather during the summer monsoon season in the southwestern region of the US.

Petrified Forest to Winslow, Arizona – 1 hour drive time

One of the best parts of a road trip is stopping at fun and quirky places. When you drive through Winslow, you must take a photo on the corner. You know, for the song “Standing on the Corner in Winslow Arizona” by the Eagles.

Winslow to Flagstaff, AZ – 1 hour drive time

Our Southwest US itinerary included a stop at the Meteor Crater Natural Landmark on our way from Winslow to Flagstaff, but the monsoon storm prevented us from going.

ROAD TRIP TIP: Be flexible and prepared to make adjustments due to unexpected weather, construction, etc.

• Hotels in Flagstaff, Arizona
• Things to do in Flagstaff, Arizona

DAY 2: Flagstaff to Page, AZ

• Grand Canyon South Rim
• Grand Canyon Desert View Drive
• Little Colorado Overlook

Flagstaff, AZ to Grand Canyon National Park, AZ – 2 hour drive time

Since we were still on Michigan time, it was easy to get up early each day. We highly recommend starting out early to avoid the crowds and heat that are inevitable on an American Southwest road trip in the summer.

Our first stop today was the South Rim of  Grand Canyon National Park . The South Rim is open all year. The easiest and fastest way to get around and see the Grand Canyon is to take the scenic Kaibab Rim Shuttle Bus. It’s the only way to access the South Kaibab Trailhead and Yaki Point.

There is a Hermit Road Shuttle bus that operates most of the year. It stops at 9 canyon overlooks along the scenic 7 mile Hermit Road. We decided to spend a bit of time in the Village area to explore Mather Point and hike the rim trail for a bit.

Our itinerary for the day had us driving to Page, Arizona so we set out along Desert View Drive headed toward the Watchtower.

Mather Point to Desert View Watchtower – 35 minute drive time (with NO stops!)

Each viewpoint along Desert View Drive offers something just a bit different from all the others. It’s definitely worth the time to stop at each viewing point on Desert View Drive along the way! The watchtower is really neat inside. Be sure to climb to the top.

Desert View Watchtower to Page, AZ – 2 hour drive time

On our way to Page we stopped at the Little Colorado Overlook. It was a nice place to get out of the car to stretch our legs and enjoy the scenery.

SOUTHWEST ROAD TRIP TIP: Dehydration is serious in the summer months. Make a point to drink water at all the stops you make on your Southwest road trip. Keep water in a cooler in the trunk!

• Hotels in Page, Arizona
• Things to do in Page, Arizona

Day 3: Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon

Page, az to horseshoe bend – 10 minute drive time.

Nothing says American Southwest like a photo of Horseshoe Bend .

We got up EARLY to hike to Horseshoe Bend, arriving at the trailhead at 7 am to avoid the crowds and heat.

CARRY WATER with you on the hike since there is no shade along the 1.25 mile roundtrip hike that takes approximately 30 minutes to an hour.

Since we had a scheduled tour at Antelope Canyon the same morning, we didn’t stay long at Horseshoe Bend.

Horseshoe Bend to Antelope Canyon, AZ – 30 minute drive time

Visiting Antelope Canyon was a must on our Southwest Road Trip itinerary. We participated in the regular Dixie Ellis tour of Antelope Canyon  (they offer a teacher discount.) Even though we had made an online reservation, we still had to wait in line to check in and then again before our tour time was called.

Once our tour was called we walked over to another waiting area. The tour guides are quite knowledgeable about camera phones and gave advice on how to take the best photos. Our guide also took our photos and made sure no one was in it.

Plan on shuffling through the canyon because it is packed with people!

Be sure to LOOK UP! The canyon is so spectacular, but it’s also amazing to look up and see the height of the canyon.

I think Antelope Canyon is incredible, but be sure to pack your patience and plan on your tour time running much later than expected. It doesn’t matter which tour company you book with because they both enter from the same location.

ROAD TRIP TIP: Always be aware of the TIME ZONE as you travel. The time zone in Page, Arizona is NOT THE SAME as Antelope Canyon only 5 minutes away. 

BOOK ANTELOPE CANYON TOURS

Day 4 – Bryce Canyon National Park

Page, az to bryce canyon national park, ut- 2.5 hour drive time.

Bryce Canyon National Park , Utah was everything I thought it would be… and then some! I absolutely love the hoodoos and colors!

We arrived early and hiked the Queen’s Garden – Navajo Loop trail , starting from Sunrise Point. The trails goes past Queen’s Garden and connects with the Navajo Loop. 

Hiking UP the Wall Street switchbacks to the top of the canyon is a workout. We were pretty tired by the time we were done, but it was worth every single step!

Again…BRING LOTS OF WATER and start EARLY. It gets very hot in the summer, there is not much shade, and the end of the trail climbing those switchbacks is a workout! 

Our horseback riding experience through Bryce Canyon was the BEST horseback riding experience ever! Riding into the canyon on horseback was quite intimidating, but once I put all my confidence in that horse, I felt like I could enjoy the ride so much more!

I was surprised how different the canyon looked once we got to the bottom because it was full of trees!

WHAT I WOULD DO DIFFERENTLY: There are so many things to do at Bryce Canyon National Park  – next time, I would get to Bryce earlier and plan to spend two days to hike more trails.

I would also stay at a hotel closer to Bryce Canyon so I wasn’t driving to and from Page, Arizona. We left Bryce and went back to our hotel in Page because I wanted to drive through Monument Valley on our way to Moab, Utah.

• Bryce Canyon Places to Stay
• Bryce Canyon Hotels
• Bryce Canyon National Park Camping

BOOK BRYCE CANYON TOURS

Day 5 – Page, AZ to Moab, UT

• Monument Valley
• Goosenecks State Park
• Wilson Arch
• Hole N” The Rock

Page, AZ to Monument Valley, UT – 2 hour drive time

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is located in a remote area on the Utah/Arizona border. This destination was another must-see on our American Southwest road trip.

I am so glad I rented a Jeep because the drive through Monument Valley was rough! It’s a 14-mile graded dirt road that takes you past scenic spots like The Mittens, Three Sisters, John Ford’s Point, Totem Pole, and more.

There are also tours where Navajo guides can take you deeper into the Valley that you can’t do on your own.

We enjoyed stopping at all of the scenic spots as we drove along the road, and even ate fry bread and purchased jewelry at one location.

It took about 2 hours to drive though Monument Valley and stop at all of the scenic pullouts.

If I were to return, I would go horseback riding through Monument Valley .

BOOK MONUMENT VALLEY TOURS

After leaving Monument Valley we drove through the iconic Forrest Gump spot. I was shocked at how many people were standing in the road trying to the perfect picture.

Monument Valley to Goosenecks State Park, UT – 35 minutes drive time

Goosenecks State Park, Utah was a quick stop on our way to Moab. Driving along the road to get to Goosenecks made me wonder if I was still on Earth because it looked so different and I hardly passed a car for miles! I was happy to see a dozen cars in the parking lot when we arrived – it was nice to see people!

Take the time for the short drive to Goosenecks. It’s unlike any other stop along your road trip in the Southwest. The area is so much larger than I expected! It’s really neat to see how erosion creates incredible winding rivers.

We discovered on this trip that Utah State Parks are fun to explore and photograph.

Goosenecks State Park, UT to Moab, UT – 2+ hour drive time (with 2 stops)

When you travel around the American Southwest by car, you find gems along the way. We came across two on our drive toward the adventure town of Moab, Utah .

Wilson Arch is a fun place to stop, stretch your legs and hike around the arch. Remember to stay hydrated!

You’ll pass by Hole N” The Rock , a 5,000 square foot home home carved out of a huge rock. There’s a gift shop, trading post and small petting zoo.

It was nice to spend some down time in Moab. We really enjoyed the Buffalo Bleu Cheese pizza at Zax! BEST pizza!!

There are all types of lodging in and near Moab from budget-friendly hotels to higher-prices resorts. You’ll also find vacation rentals, a hostel, campgrounds and RV parks.

• Moab hotels
• Moab Camping
• Glamping in Moab

Day 6 – Moab, Utah

Places we visited:

• Arches National Park
• Dead Horse Point State Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Moab Giants

Moab, UT to Arches National Park, UT – 10 minute drive time

Arches National Park  has over 2,000 natural stone arches and cool rock fins and large balanced rocks.

Out of all the  Arches National Park hiking trails , we really wanted to hike to Delicate Arch. We got up early and made it to the trailhead at 7 am.

It’s best to hike to Delicate Arch in the morning so you get a parking spot and avoid the full sun and heat as much as you can. The hike is 3.2 miles roundtrip. It took us about 1.5 hours. I think they say 1 hour per mile to hike out west due to the increase in elevation. 

Since the hike to Delicate Arch took most of our energy for the day, we didn’t attempt any more trials. Instead we drove to all the lookout points to enjoy the unique landscape of the park.

WHAT I WOULD DO DIFFERENTLY: I would plan on spending at least 2 days at Arches next time, especially to focus on the Arches National Park photography !

• Arches National Park Travel Guide
• Arches Packing List

BOOK ARCHES NATIONAL PARK TOURS

Arches National Park to Dead Horse Point State Park, UT – 35 minute drive time

Dead Horse Point State Park , Utah is located at the end of a mesa 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, on the edge of Canyonlands National Park. You can see endless views of the river and surrounding canyons.

I loved Dead Horse Point! It’s amazing to see the way water erodes at a canyon over time and creates a horseshoe-type shape.

We enjoyed walking the trails, climbing the rocks and taking photos at Dead Horse Point.

Dead Horse Point State Park to Canyonlands (Island in the Sky), UT – 15 minute drive time

Canyonlands National Park , Utah is actually comprised of three Districts. The closest one to Moab, and the one we chose to visit, is called Island in the Sky.  Needles Canyonlands is about 55 miles south of Moab.

The landscape at each viewpoint along the Island in the Sky scenic drive is different. Take the time to stop, hike and explore as many as you can.

• Grand View Point
• Green River Overlook
• Buckhorn Overlook

The trail to Mesa Arch is a quick, easy hike (.5 miles roundtrip). The arch is right on the edge of a 500-foot cliff and it’s one of the most iconic views in Canyonlands.

There are many things to do, see and photograph at Canyonlands Island in the Sky . It’s hard to narrow down your itinerary when you only have a short amount of time to explore.

BOOK CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK TOURS

Canyonlands to Moab Giants near Moab, UT – 30 minute drive time

We LOVE dinosaurs and spent about an hour at Moab Giants just outside town in the middle of a 100 degree day!

We packed lots of water, but Moab Giants clearly cares for their visitors because they have misting stations, drinking fountains, and canopies set up to give you a break from the sun . There is also a vending machine about halfway through the trail.

It’s a half mile loop trail with so much to see and learn along the way. The life-size dinosaurs and footprint castings are impressive and help you understand the incredible size of these magnificent creatures!

BOOK MOAB UTAH TOURS

Day 7 – Moab, UT to Albuquerque, NM

• Mesa Verde National Park
• Four Corners Monument

Moab, UT to Mesa Verde, CO – 2 hour drive time

One of the most amazing stops on our Southwest US road trip was visiting  Mesa Verde National Park.  The park was developed to preserve and interpret the archeological heritage of the Ancestral Pueblo people.

Mesa Verde is quite cool! I found it interesting that people decided to live at the top of the mountain.

We spent 2-3 hours at Mesa Verde stopping at all of the scenic spots. Next time I would plan to be there longer and take a guided tour of the Cliff Palace . 

• Mesa Verde Lodging and Camping

BOOK MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK TOURS

Mesa Verde, CO to Four Corners – 1 hour drive time

If you’re road trip across the US Southwest takes you close to the Four Corners Monument area, you probably should stop.

With that being said, everyone else thinks the same thing which made for a LONG line.

The line moved somewhat slow because people want to get lots of poses in all four states. We skipped the line and took a photo from one of the elevated platforms.

Four Corners to Albuquerque, NM – 4 hour drive time

We drove to Albuquerque to spend the night.

• Hotels in Albuquerque, NM

BOOK ALBUQUERUQUE TOURS

Day 8 – Albuquerque, NM Area

Places we stopped:

• Bandelier National Monument
• El Santuario De Chimayo Historic Site

Albuquerque, NM to Bandelier National Monument – 2 hour drive time

The next morning we visited Bandelier National Monument and explored the area for about 3 hours. It’s relatively small but packed with history.

I was so impressed with the landscape and wilderness in Bandelier. We loved climbing all of the ladders and looking at early civilization sites.

Half way through the Main Loop Trail, you must either turn back toward the visitor center or continue another half mile to Alcove House. We decided to walk the additional distance. In order to get to the Alcove House we had to climb 4 separate ladders 140 ft to the top.

One thing to consider when visiting Bandelier is that you can only get to it by a Shuttle bus during the summer months.

Bandelier National Monument to El Santuario De Chimayo Historic Site, NM – 1 hour drive time

After Bandelier, we drove over to El Santuario De Chimayo Historic Site .

I wanted to see the church while I was close to it since I probably won’t be in the area again any time soon.

CLICK TO SHOP FOR US NATIONAL PARK GUIDES & MAPS

Plan a Southwest US Vacation

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36 comments.

Is it worth doing this type of trip if you can do very little hiking?

Yes! Many of the National Parks and State Parks in the southwest provide “scenic drives” to see the landscape from the car, parking lot, or a short walk to the overlook.

Amazing trip, I love visiting parks.

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This trip looks amazing! Visiting from the imparting grace link up.

Oh wow! My brother lives in Albequerque and we had thought of going in spring break but with a family of 6 plane tickets right now and renting a car are too high. But seeing this, we may want to plan a road trip like this. This is amazing and my family would love it! http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

Road trips are the perfect way to travel right now for sure! And spring is the perfect time to visit the Southwest! Enjoy your trip!

Could I make a suggestion: Your trips are super and really helps us know where and what we want to see on our trip next year. I wish you would add a map of each trip in the beginning so we can visualize the trip and see where we might make deviations. Thank you for your great work.

That’s a great idea, thank you. We’ll work on adding that!

Thank you for great trip plans.

What a perfect post at a perfect time for me to find it. We will be starting in Albuquerque for the International Balloon Festival in October and then to the Grand Canyon, to Moab and back to Albuquerque. We will not be able to hit all the spots on your trip due to time constraints but since I didn’t know anything when starting my planning-this about plans my whole trip for me. Thank you for your details, hints and tips.

Now I need to compare your recommendations to Geocaches along the way to narrow our itinerary down. Thank you-I’m so excited that October seems forever away..

You will have so much fun on this trip, and yes, October seems far away, but will be here before you know it! Let us know if you have any questions, although we aren’t geocaching experts. We appreciate you taking the time to comment.

Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon has been on my list for awhile, but I never knew about Bryce Canyon National Park. Wow it looks so beautiful. Almost reminds me of Jordan. The US has some truly fascinating sceneries

The US has such diverse landscapes to see. Hope you can make it to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend soon!

Your photos look stunning, the landscapes are really incredible! The horse riding trip looked fun too, something I’ve never tried. I’d love to do this roadtrip – as you can imagine, being from the UK, there aren’t too many long roadtrips we can do before we reach the end of the country! Teehee!

Road trips from the UK sound so exciting because you get to visit so many countries!

Your horseback ride has me totally dreaming over here!! What an awesome trip you put together!

Horseback riding among the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon is a MUST do if you ever visit this National Park!

Wow I would love to take this road trip I am obsessed with the Southwest ! So much that we are planning to move to Las Vegas soon!]

Great post and have a fabulous year of travels!

You will have so many places to explore living in Vegas – how exciting!

I could not have read this post at the most perfect time. I am doing a road trip to these same areas in 2 weeks. Thank you!

Your experience in 2 weeks might be a bit different. It won’t be hot like it is in the summer. Be prepared for cold and even snow. Have fun!

This is so helpful, thank you! My friend lives in the States and we want to go on a road trip together at some point so I will definitely be sending her this! So much great practicality advice! I love the sound of the Desert View Watchtower and Antelope Canyon looks absolutely stunning! Those rock formations! It reminds me a little bit of road tripping through Outback Australia (although very different types of rock)!

Let us know if you have any questions. We would love to take a trip to the Outback one day.

The American Southwest is easily one of my favorite places on the globe. Such rich geography and well-preserved remains of the first nations. It is such a wonderful dreamland. And how awesome that the author gets to take a roadtrip like this with her daughter.

It’s one of our favorite locations as well. Seeing the native american ruins is so amazing!

Nice post. It is very useful and informative. Thanks a lot for sharing this blog.

What a trip stunning scenery and lovely photosgraphs.

I’ve been to almost all of these places, but seeing the photos makes me ache to return to each and every one….there’s something so special about the Southwest. I was actually at the Meteor Crater this week – it’s less spectacular than other places on your list, but worth a stop if you are already passing by!

We always try to see the things near our road trip travels, and were a bit sad not to see Meteor Crater, but knew it wasn’t a deal breaker 🙂

Thank you so much for linking to our site, HorseshoeBend.com! You did exactly the right thing by going early for cooler temperatures and minimal crowds. Hope you get a chance to return to the area when you can spend more time and explore some of the area’s beautiful “alternate” slot canyons and perhaps enjoy a boat tour to Rainbow Bridge! Take care and happy travels 🙂

We hope to return to do more for sure!

Amazing! Would love to do the horse back riding tour.

Horseback riding is always a fun way to see these destinations.

Hi Jamie, what an awesome road trip! It brings back beautiful memories of our trips through Grand Canyon and many amazing parks in Utah and Arizona – Zion NP, Bryce NP, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Flagstaff, Sedona… but there a few we still need to visit. This is a great post for me to keep handy for later. Thanks for putting it together.

There is always so much to see in these states for sure! We have more to visit as well.

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The Perfect New Mexico Road Trip Itinerary

05/16/2021 by Kristin Addis 13 Comments

Picture white sands, stunning sunsets, otherworldly rock formations, and hardly any crowds, and you’ve got New Mexico. Admired by artists like Georgia O’Keeffe and popularized by Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul , this is the land of red and green chiles, Native American history, and surprises around every mountainside and bend.

New Mexico is a place of deep contrasts – the light and the dark, the lush and the desperately dry. In a state that doesn’t get nearly as much PR as Arizona or Utah , we set out on a 2 Week Road trip to find out what New Mexico had to offer. If you’re embarking on a similar journey, prepare to fall in love. This is the perfect Itinerary:

Table of Contents

The southernmost major city in New Mexico, Las Cruces is the jumping off point for White Sands National Park and the dramatic Organ Mountains – Desert Peaks National Monument.

I loved watching the sun light up the Organ Mountains, which look like a set of teeth. When the sunset is just right, it paints them red. Watch from sunset hill or on the way to the Dripping Springs Natural Area, which is great for hiking.

• The Shed: A local favorite Serving up French toast made with cranberries and locally grown pecans. But that was not enough for me, oh no! I needed to have the banana pancake drops as well, which are essentially bananas wrapped in cake batter, then dunked in maple syrup. When it’s carb time, why not go all in, amiright?
• Spotted Dog Brewery: Another local favorite with delicious sandwiches and (probably) delicious beer for the beer lovers out there.

We LOVED this Airbnb just south of the city. It’s an historic building from the ’30s, plus it has a hot tub, gorgeous outdoor area, and the cutest doggos ever.

White Sands National Park

White Sands National Park truly is as mesmerizing as you imagine it will be. It’s a gypsum sand field in the middle of the desert covering over 275 square miles – the largest of its kind in the world.

The golden hour and sunset out there were one of the most spectacular I have ever seen. But there are some important things to know about visiting, like adequately preparing, bringing a sled so that you have something you can slide down the dunes on, and knowing about opening and closing times. You can read my full White Sands guide here .

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park features over 119 caves that were formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone, leaving behind caverns of all sizes. To this day bodies of water keep being discovered within the caverns, making it a wonderland for geologist types. There’s plenty beyond them as well, with lots of wildlife to look at.

Truth be told this is the only thing on the list that I didn’t do. Everyone recommended it, but I couldn’t justify the detour when I’m not that into caves. Everyone assured me I had made a mistake, so next time I come through New Mexico, I’ll be checking out Carlsbad Caverns as well as Roswell.

Keep in mind that you need reservations to go into the caverns. You can learn more here .

Truth or Consequences

Heading north on the 25 freeway, if you’re a hot spring enthusiast like I am, then you will love Truth or Consequences.

This little town isn’t the bougie hot spring destination that I expected. It’s a low-key, salt-of-the-earth type of place with a couple of commercial springs that have made it famous with visitors. The highest-rated is Riverbend .

We ended up booking an Airbnb that had its own hot spring right on the Rio Grande. I was blown away by how much animal life there was! Just the sheer number of birds made it a delightful experience. Imagine filling up your own hot spring while the sun rises and an Osprey dives down into the water to catch a fish. This really happened to me!

Tony’s Mexican Restaurant is where it’s at. Truly, it’s the most happening place in town!

This Airbnb is a bit pricey, but it was worth it. Alternatively, rent something cheaper and visit Riverbend!

Albuquerque

I hope I don’t offend any New Mexicans when I say that Albuquerque was the least-descript place we visited, with more of a typical American city feel and less of the uniqueness than the other places on this list.

That’s not to say we didn’t love it! As a big fan of both Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul , Albuquerque for me was all about exploring the filming locations and geeking out over the show. Following the filming locations led us to the Grove for brunch, Java Joe’s for delicious coffee, and a few other surprises in between.

Turquoise Trail with Stop in Madrid

On your way to Santa Fe, you could take the 25 freeway, but why do that when you can take the Turquoise Trail? This scenic drive between Albuquerque and Santa Fe meanders through rolling hills and artistic communities. Be sure to stop by the Bottle House for a personal tour from Leroy before arriving in Madrid.

Madrid was once a ghost town that artists moved into to breathe new life into it. These days you’ll find plenty of galleries with jewelry, sculptures, rugs, and crystals. This was such a friendly town that was bustling over the weekend! I recommend eating lunch at The Hollar and exploring the galleries on foot before you head onward to Santa Fe.

Santa Fe seemed like the more upscale, artsy and design-focused part of New Mexico – and I loved it! While all of New Mexico had its own character, Santa Fe served up that quintessential Southwestern vibe that I think most people picture when they think of New Mexico. This is where you’ll find some of the finest restaurants, Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, art galleries on Canyon Road, and the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA).

The Meow Wolf Museum was a trippy wonderland, and the galleries of Canyon Road had me enchanted. Be sure to watch my one day in Santa Fe itinerary above to hit all the best Santa Fe has to offer, including chocolate!

Kakawa Chocolate House for some inventive hot chocolates and delicious truffles!

Palacio Café has delicious brunch that I have to say was the best we had in New Mexico!

Zacatlan: Get the short rib for sure, although most reviewers rave about the tacos. Reservations recommended.

Stay: Galisteo

There are plenty of upscale hotels that you can stay in Santa Fe, and I totally understand if you want that experience. Most people don’t put this stop on their road trip, but this historic area has pueblos dating back to the 1200s-1300s.

We stayed here instead of in Santa Fe in order to have a more unique, truly New Mexican experience. This Airbnb is over 100 years old, and the owner’s family lived in it for generations before turning it into a rental! It’s also a great value in an other wise bougie Santa Fe.

Jemez Springs

The Jemez area, including Valles Caldera National Preserve, is covered in pine trees and is the perfect hiking destination. Although there are plenty of wonderful hiking trails like Battleship Rock and the Cerro Grande, I had my sights set on San Antonio hot springs.

This is one of several hot springs in the area, including Spence and McCauley, as well as the developed, first-come-first-served Jemez Hot Springs.

I loved the terraced look of the San Antonio Hot Springs, so I hiked to them even though it was over 5 miles each way. This is not always true, as the road is sometimes open although in the spring time when it tends to be muddy, you can count on it being closed.

Watch more here:

Bandelier National Monument

If you’re hoping to see some historic cave dwellings, then put this on your list. Human settlements in this area date back over 11,000 years, and exploring these dwellings is both fascinating and entertaining! I loved imagining what life was like back then. And I admired how clever it was to establish residences in the rock, which is porous and easy to carve.

We visited on a warm day in April, and the temperature in the caves must’ve been at least 20° cooler. I imagine the opposite is true in the winter. If you have a national parks pass, this will give you free entry to the national monument.

If coming from the North, you’ll also pass by the Puye Cliff Dwellings , which are another impressive set of cave dwellings and structures to explore. Be sure to check their website because like many things on Native lands, these are closed due to COVID at the moment.

The Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is another amazing site, I’m sure. It is also temporarily closed, but check to see if it has reopened by the time you’re reading this, because it looks soooo cool!

Taos – Earthship Biotecture

Imagine a community of over 70 earth houses that are completely off the grid. Not only that, but they are designed to be amazing, trippy designs using old tires, bottles, cans, and adobe.

It is completely self-contained, growing its own food, creating its own energy from the sun, subsisting on rainwater that is filtered and reused four times throughout the structure, and is self-heating, in harmony with its environment. After spending time here, you might ask yourself why every structure isn’t built this way.

I stayed in two Earthships during my New Mexico road trip, and candidly seeing this for myself was one of my biggest motivators for visiting the state in the first place! You can read more about the experience, both the good and the bad, here .

Even if you don’t end up staying in one of the earthships, you can check out the visitor’s center where you can take a tour of one structure and see how the systems work. While this is cool, it only gives you a taste of the experience. So I recommend that you stay overnight in one! This is the Airbnb I recommend.

Bisti Badlands

Unless you’re coming from northeastern Arizona , the Bisti Badlands will be a detour, but it’s a worthy one.

The sheer volume of different rock formations that you will see is mind blowing, from the ‘alien throne’ to the ‘alien eggs’, the badlands, and all of the rocks in between. Every twist and turn presents a different rock formation, and since there’s no set trail, you can just go out there and get lost. But that said, be careful and make sure that you are orienting, because it is the true middle of nowhere.

In the same area you’ll find the De-Na-Zin wilderness, and just south the Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah wilderness. You can camp overnight in the parking lot of all of these areas, and in each you’ll find unique rock formations.

Off of the same freeway, the 371, there’s also the Chaco Canyon and Fajada Butte. The Chaco Canyon features ruins that were occupied around 900 to 1250 A.D.. We would have loved to see these, but most of the reviews emphasized the importance of a high clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle. So we will be sure to bring our truck next time!

There are a couple of towns to the north – Farmington and Bloomfield. We stayed on a farm in Bloomfield and it was a great value.

Pin me for later:

If you want to do this road trip just like us, give New Mexico at least three weeks. You could do this itinerary in two weeks, or of course you can cut out parts of it that are a bit more remote. That said, it was the remote things that I loved the most! Either way, enjoy the adventure in this beautiful, underrated state.

Timing-wise, we visited in May , which I learned is the windy season. I imagine October or November would be a fantastic time to come as well, with mild temperatures but without the snow in the higher elevations yet.

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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10/05/2021 at 7:24 am

I am planning a solo trip to New Mexico in the coming weeks. This blog post really helped! Thank you. Also, completely unrelated question: where did you get that adorable skeleton romper!? I love it. Thank you!

Kristin says

10/11/2021 at 1:25 pm

black milk clothing 😉

Will kemp says

01/28/2022 at 7:46 pm

My wife and I are going to be Flying to New Mexico beginning of may for 10 days to explore. We are going to be moving out there once our city bus rv conversion is complete so. Do you have the link to the earth ship you stayed in that has critters. ? Love all the plants it has inside.

01/30/2022 at 12:40 pm

It’s the Phoenix earthship on Airbnb! It books like months and months in advance but check out the smaller side of it on the earthship website. That one does not book out as far in advance because fewer people know about it. It’s just one room so it’s less fancy but still fun.

C.S. Griffel says

04/25/2022 at 3:15 am

I’m a native of Albuquerque. It is true that it’s part typical American city but also part truly New Mexico. It’s has one of the oldest standing churches in North America-in Old Town. It also has Petroglyph Park, where ancient cave drawings can be seen on a hike. Additionally, the tram to Sandra Peak is one of, if not still, the longest trams in the world. Albuquerque has great hiking in the foothills.

The knob hill and university districts are funky little neighborhoods with lots of Adobe homes.

There’s a fantastic Albuquerque museum that tells the long and interesting history of Albuquerque, sitting just outside of Old Town.

It’s more than Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul! 🙂

Jake Byers says

11/16/2022 at 9:13 am

The weird poses you travel bloggers do ruins every photo. Can’t we just see the beauty of the place without the faux supermodel stuff? Not to mention, if anyone goes to these places, all they will see is narcissitic travel bloggers posing. Thanks for ruining travel, the one thing you make a living with.

11/18/2022 at 2:24 pm

Aw, do you need a hug?

I think wanting to be in your own travel photos is perfectly acceptable. Sorry you don’t have the confidence to do the same but you should try it!

Crystal says

03/27/2024 at 5:08 pm

This response is everything! LOL *mic drop* Thanks so much for the awesome itinerary. My family of 5 will be roadtrippin soon and this gave me exactly what I needed…along with some awesome pose ideas : )

Kristin Addis says

03/28/2024 at 12:49 pm

I’m so glad!

12/03/2022 at 11:19 am

Hi, thank you for sharing your experience with us. Can you share how long you spent in each city?

12/04/2022 at 10:17 am

Usually 2-3 days 🙂

Praveen says

01/02/2023 at 1:56 pm

What is the best month to visit these places? Is spring a good time from a weather stand point?

01/02/2023 at 8:39 pm

We went in April/May and although it’s nice weather it’s the windiest season and that can sometimes cause issues with the sand and dirt.

• Experiences

Discover All of Colorado and New Mexico in One Trip

Luxury Gold takes guests on a scenic adventure that reconnects them with nature with the help of Vermejo Park Ranch.

By Alex Martin

The rest of the world may be closed off to US citizens, but that is not stopping them from getting away in 2020. This year has seen a huge spike in domestic trips and that interest is likely to continue well into 2021. The next 12 months, it seems, will be the perfect time for Americans to explore the embarrassment of riches that lie within their own borders.

Luxury Gold knows how to make a domestic trip just as special as any that came before it. Its new nine-day itinerary for 2021 takes guests on a journey through the US’s stunning Old West, including stays in the best of Colorado and New Mexico. Named the Resorts and Ranches of Colorado and New Mexico , the journey reconnects guests with nature without compromising on modern-day comforts.

While traveling between some of the best ranches in the US, guests explore the untamed wilderness and immerse themselves in traditional cultures. The trip includes immersive stops at natural wonders such as the Garden of the Gods Park and Pikes Peak. Guests will also discover the wonders of the ancient Unesco site of Taos Pueblo. At every stop, Luxury Gold provides a knowledgable expert to bring the experiences to life.

Vermejo Park Ranch offers stunning turn-of-the-century luxury accommodation.

Notably, guests enjoy a three-night stay in Ted Turner’s famous Vermejo Park Ranch. Sitting on 590,823 acres of untouched land, the ranch offers the very best in turn-of-the-century accommodation. It is, however, not just a place to relax and unwind; Vermejo Park Ranch offers a range of activities including horseback riding, fishing and hikes, all of which will be available and encouraged.

One of the best ways to get to know this area of the US is through its cuisine. Luxury Gold will take guests to the very best dining spots from Denver all the way to Santa Fe. The highlight is undoubtedly a trip to the James Beard award-winning Compound Restaurant. This famous eatery is famous for its menu full of regional influences.

From $6,296. See the full itinerary here.

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The Ultimate Colorado Road Trip Itinerary – Map & Guide

Whether you’re looking to take a scenic drive near Denver or have your sights set on doing a road trip from Denver, you’re in for a treat. Our Colorado road trip itinerary will take you through some of the best places to visit in Colorado.

The state is jam packed with amazing sights and we’re going to give you some of our favorite places to visit in Colorado. Before you know it, you’ll be visiting some of the most beautiful places in Colorado.

Let’s get to it!

Southern Colorado Road Trip

The best part of a road trip is it can be for anyone. A Colorado road trip is perfect for families, folks who are on a budget, or anyone with a dog. Really and truly, the only thing that is hard to come by in Colorado is a bad time.

Before we dive in, below is a map of the Colorado road trip itinerary so you can follow the exact route we took. We may be biased, but our Colorado road trip was epic.

Jump Ahead To:

Getting Around Colorado

Alright, listen up road warriors, if you are wanting to road trip through Colorado, you’ll need a car – duh, right? If you’re using your own vehicle, right on.

If you’re thinking “meh, I don’t really wanna rack up miles on my own car”, do what we did during our Arizona Road Trip …. RENT A RV OR VAN ! It’s one of the best ways to road trip, in our opinion 🙂

Best Time To Visit Colorado

Let’s be honest, Colorado is great all year round, it just depends on what you want to do when you visit.

If you’re wanting to Ski, November to March are your months. If you’re wanting to go White Water Rafting, May through July are great times to visit Colorado.

However, for the purposes of this post, a good ole’ Colorado road trip, the Spring, Summer, and fall months are perfect times to visit. If you’re looking for fewer crowds, try visiting before the summer officially kicks off – before Memorial Day weekend – or after the summer season ends – after Labor Day weekend.

Ok, now to our Colorado road trip itinerary….

Stop 1: Explore Colorado Springs

Located 70 miles south of Denver, a little over an hour’s drive, lies the city of Colorado Springs. Nestled on the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs has a handful of attractions that will keep your little exploring heart entertained making it the first stop on our Colorado road trip itinerary.

Things To Do in Colorado Springs:

• Pikes Peak: Drive the 19-mile scenic Pikes Peak Highway to reach the tippy top of Pikes Peak, also known as America’s Mountain. Once at the 14,115 ft summit, be sure to eat a donut at the Summit House. Trust us, they’re good and are formulated to only be eaten at altitude.
• Garden of The Gods: Catch a sunrise or sunset at the famous Garden of The Gods. Offerings amazing views and free to enter, what’s not to like?
• Manitou Incline: If you’re looking to get a workout in, head to the Manitou Incline to climb the 2,744 steps to the top. Oh and gain 2,000 ft in elevation while you’re at it. Are your calves burning yet?
• Hiking: If you’re wanting to get out and into nature and do a bit of hiking, check out Red Rock Canyon, Cheyenne State Park, and The Broadmoor Seven Falls.
• Old Colorado City : From art walks and farmers’ markets to quaint shops and restaurants, Old Colorado City is a great place to wander about. Grab a beer at one of the craft breweries in town (Our pick? Cerberus Brewery) and a bite to eat and one of the many eating establishments you’ll find scattered about. Basically, mosey along and stop wherever your heart decides.

Where To Stay In Colorado Springs:

• The Luxury Inclined |  Garden of The Gods Club & Resort
• The Budget Conscious | The Academy Hotel
• Something in Between | SCP Hotel Colorado Springs

TIP: If you’re wanting to camp in Colorado Springs, don’t. It’s too dense of a city to find any decent campsite. Set your sights on the surrounding areas, around Pikes Peak, if you want a proper campsite.

Check Out: Camping for Beginners – Tips & Essential Camping Gear

Stop 2: Visit the Dillon Pinnacles in Gunnison

After a few days in Colorado Spring, set your sights a little further west, you’re headed to Gunnison, Colorado! Gunnison is located about 3 hours and 15 mins west of Colorado Springs making it an easy, and beautiful drive.

Now, the time you spend here is totally up to you. You can make Gunnison a pit stop on your way to your next destination or, stay a night or two. Or, once in Gunnison, head North and visit the AMAZING town of Crested Butte .

For us, we just stopped for a few hours in Gunnison but could have definitely spent more time .

While in Gunnison, be sure to grab a cup of coffee at Tributary Coffee Roasters before heading over to check out the Blue Mesa Reservoir and Dillon Pinnacles. The scenery is fantastic, to say the least.

Where To Stay In Gunnison, Colorado

• The Luxury Inclined |  The Inn at Tomichi Village
• The Budget Conscious | The Wanderlust Hostel
• Something in Between | Alpine Inn & Suites

Stop 3: Fall in Love With Telluride

Keeping the southwest theme alive and well on this road trip, you’re headed to one of the most famous towns in Colorado, Telluride. Located two and a half hours southwest of Gunnison, Telluride is a former mining town located within a box canyon.

Surrounded by mountainous peaks, Telluride is the epitome of picturesque Colorado. From fine dining to fantastic craft beer and epic hiking, there is no shortage of amazing things to do in Telluride.

Regardless if you are skiing, hiking about or just enjoying the quaint, historic town, plan to spend 2-4 days here. It’s well worth it, especially for you outdoor enthusiasts.

Read our guide on the 12 incredible things to do in Telluride !

Where To Stay In Telluride, Colorado

• The Luxury Inclined |  Element 52
• The Budget Conscious | Moun tainside Inn
• Something in Between | Camel’s Garden Hotel

TIP: Accommodations in the Telluride Ski Village and the town of Telluride are pricey. If you are looking for budget-friendly accommodations, consider booking in Ouray (1 hour from Telluride) or Ridgway (53 minutes from Telluride). Or, pack a tent and gear and do some camping around Telluride.

Stop 4: Drive The Million Dollar Highway to Durango

The name says it’s all. The Million Dollar Highway offers billion-dollar views to those who make the trip. The breathtaking mountain, valley, and gorge views, will have your jaw dropping after every turn. The views are really THAT good.

Read about everything you need to know to drive the Million Dollar Highway !

The section from Ouray to Silverton is what most consider to be the Million Dollar highway. However, on your Colorado road trip itinerary, you’ll be going a little further south than Silverton and let us tell you, the views never stop getting good.

From Telluride, make your way to Ouray, then onto Silverton, and finally, Durango, Colorado. The drive is around 3 hours if you don’t stop, but that’s nonsense, you’ll be stopping.

Reported to cost a million dollars a mile to build, the Million Dollar Highway is a must-do when in Southern Colorado.

Where To Stay In Durango, Colorado

• The Luxury Inclined |  The Strater Hotel
• The Budget Conscious | MainStay Suites
• Something in Between | Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn

Stop 5: Stand in Awe at Great Sand Dunes National Park

From Durango, Great Sand Dunes National Park is about a 3-hour drive away. Located near the towns of Alamosa and Fort Garland in Southern Colorado, Great Sand Dunes is known for its towering sand dunes, its seasonal Medano Creek and the beautiful backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo mountains.

Rent a board and go “sand-boarding” down the dunes. Take a hike to Zapata Falls or take a seat on the “high dune” and watch the sunrise and set. Regardless of what your plan is for the day, you should 100% plan to spend a full day at the National Park.

Read our complete guide to Sand Dunes National Park !

Where To Stay Near Great Sand Dunes National Park

• The Luxury Inclined | Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites
• The Budget Conscious | Dunes Inn
• Something in Between | Fairfield Inn & Suites

Stop 6: Hang Out in Taos, New Mexico

Okay, okay, you got us! Yes, we know that Taos is not in Colorado but WE had to add it to our Colorado road trip itinerary. It’s so close for us not to include it! It’s a perfect stop on any Colorado to New Mexico road trip.

Located about 2 hours south of Great Sand Dunes National Park , you’ll find the New Mexico high desert town of Taos. Perfect for art lovers, history buffs and of course, outdoor adventurers. Taos is a perfect place to spend a few days.

Spend time hiking or mountain biking in the Taos Ski Valley, book a white water rafting trip on the Rio Grande River, or spend the afternoon shopping at the art museums in town before heading out for dinner around the Taos Plaza.

Whether you’re out exploring or sitting back and enjoying the view of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, we guarantee you’ll fall in love with Taos.

Get our guide to some of the BEST things to do in Taos, New Mexico !

Where To Stay In Taos, New Mexico

• The Luxury Inclined |  Hotel La Fonda
• The Budget Conscious | Sagebrush Inn & Suites
• Something in Between | Dreamcatcher B&B
• Something Unique | Hotel Luna Mystica

From Taos, if you are needing an airport, Santa Fe and Albuquerque are the two closest cities to Taos. Santa Fe is located 1.5 hours (70 miles / 112 km) from Taos whereas Albuquerque is a little further.

The trip from Taos to Albuquerque will take you around 2 hours and 15 mins (132 miles / 212kms).

If you’re wanting to road trip back to Denver, expect the drive to take you around 4.5 hours. No matter where you choose to go on from Taos, you can easily reach a handful of amazing Southwestern cities with ease.

Looking to spend more time in the Southwest? Check out our Arizona Road Trip Itinerary or Utah Road Trip to help you plan one epic trip.

Road Trip Must-Haves

It goes without saying that your license and registration, insurance, and spare tires are no-brainers to have. But what about the other stuff? No matter where you’re road-tripping to, check out some of our essential road trip items we never leave home without.

Staying Safe On The Road

Just like other destinations, we want to make sure you’re being safe and have coverage. Accidents happen. They’re unpredictable and can be problematic. We highly recommend getting  travel insurance .

We use  World Nomads  and it’s definitely come in handy a time or two for us!

WANT MORE INFO ON COLORADO?!

10 Epic Things To Do In Great Sand Dunes National Park

Your Complete Guide to Driving Colorados Million Dollar Highway

The Best Things To Do in Telluride

Can’t Miss Things To Do in Crested Butte

Your Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Black Canyon of The Gunnison

PIN IT FOR LATER!

For more travel tips, guides and awesome travel shots, be sure to poke around our site, follow us on Instagram  @wanderingstus , Pinterest and on  Facebook . Oh and if you have any questions, let us know in the comment section. We’re happy to answer. Or, just leave us a positive note!

Happy Travels,

– Lauren & Jesse Stuart (The Stüs)

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19 Stunning Southwest Road Trip Itinerary Ideas (+ Tips!)

There may be no other region in the USA quite as otherworldly as the American Southwest. And there is absolutely no better way to appreciate that magnificent beauty than via an epic Southwest road trip itinerary!

Unfortunately, for most of us, there’s no way to encapsulate the full magnificence of the region on a single Southwest US road trip (and trust us, we’ve tried to, many times).

Because of that, we’ve teamed up with several other travel bloggers to craft this complete guide to the best road trips in the Southwest USA, from iconic classics in Utah to offbeat highlights in Nevada to focused Southwest national parks road trips.

We’ve decided to work with a pretty generous definition of the Southwestern US for this guide, covering road trips in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, and Colorado, as well as parts of Southern California and West Texas.

Whether you only have a weekend to spare or are planning the Southwest road trip of a lifetime, here are the best Southwest USA road trip routes to consider!

Table of Contents

Quick Tips for Your Southwest USA Road Trip

Utah road trip itinerary ideas, arizona + new mexico southwest road trips, southwest road trip itineraries in colorado, cool nevada road trip ideas, west texas road trip itineraries, multi-state southwest itineraries, read more about visiting the southwest usa.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Before diving into the best Southwest road trip itineraries below, there are a few tips to be aware of, especially if this is your first time in the region!

Pick up an America the Beautiful Pass.

If you’re planning a Southwest USA road trip itinerary, odds are very high that you’re planning to visit several national parks!

If so, consider picking up an  America the Beautiful Pass , also known as the USA’s annual national parks pass.

For only $80–less for certain groups like seniors and military personnel–the park covers day-use fees to over 2,000 federally managed lands, including all 62 national parks, for an entire year.

It’s one of the best travel deals around and will pay for itself within 3-4 visits to popular US national parks (for example, as of the time of writing, many popular Southwest national parks such as Arches and Bryce Canyon cost between $25-35 per vehicle to visit).

Buy your national parks pass  today!

Beware the heat.

Everyone talks about it, but it really can’t be overstated: the heat in the American Southwest in summer can be life-threatening and is not to be trifled with.

Water, sun protection, and keeping an eye on the weather need to be at the forefront of your mind as you work your way through the region.

If you’re planning a trip during the (long) summer, consider optimizing your schedule so that the bulk of your hiking takes place in the mornings and evenings, too, rather than in the middle of the day.

If you’re renting a car, shop around.

The best company to rent a car from for your Southwest USA road trip will likely vary dramatically depending on where and when you’re traveling.

Sometimes large international carriers offer the best prices, sometimes local outfits. Sometimes one company has an excellent base price, but terrible rental requirements.

The best way to find your rental car is to search through  Discover Cars , which will sift through dozens of companies to find the best combination of low prices and reasonable rental terms for your trip.

Shop rental cars for your Southwest road trip today!

Read the rental requirements carefully.

Especially make sure you know how many miles you’ve been allotted (or ideally, if they’re unlimited), what to do if the car breaks down, and what damages you’re liable for in the event of an accident.

You’ll also want to note whether or not to return the car empty or full of fuel.

On the off chance that you’re planning on extending your road trip beyond the US Southwest into Canada or Mexico, be sure to check the requirements for crossing the border as well.

Consider bringing your sleeping arrangements along with you.

It’s not right for everyone, but there’s a reason that using an RV or campervan is such a classic American road trip experience!

And, you don’t need to dive into the RV lifestyle and buy one for your next trip in order to try it out: you can try out the experience by renting RVs and camper vans from  Outdoorsy .

Browse RVs available to rent with Outdoorsy  today!

Make sure you pack the right gear.

From safety gear to snacks, a big road trip in the American Southwest requires bringing the right tools along, whether you’re taking a short vacation, trying out van life, or something in between.

We recommend taking a look at the suggestions on  our road trip packing list  before you go!

Book travel insurance.

We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance.

Anything can happen on the road, and an epic road trip is definitely a case of better to be safe than sorry.

You can check prices and inclusions with  Safety Wing  for road trips in the Southwest USA.

Don’t overextend yourself.

Exploring every nook and cranny of the American Southwest is a project for a lifetime, not one trip!

As tempting as it is to add on additional driving to stop in just one more park or small town, make sure that you leave enough time to thoroughly explore each destination rather than spending the entirety of your Southwest US road trip driving from one spot to the next.

Considering the long driving distances between some of the most iconic places in the Southwest, it’s easy to over-plan!

Set realistic expectations for visiting US national parks.

Many of the best national parks in the USA are located in the Southwest–and they are incredibly popular.

Be sure to research individual parks in advance to make the most of your time, as accessing the most iconic attractions often is not as simple as showing up.

Hotels tend to get booked up quickly, some parks like Rocky Mountain National Park, Arches National Park, and Zion National Park are now requiring most visitors to book timed entry permits in advance.

Other restrictions can pop up too–for example, Zion National Park requires visitors to use a shuttle rather than private cars to access popular hikes (unless you’re planning a winter trip, that is).

None of this detracts from the beauty of the parks–but it does mean that your experience will be much better if you plan ahead!

Kanab to Escalante

From Rachel & Clark of Seeking Our Someday

The Kanab, UT to Escalante, UT road trip gives way to some of Southern Utah’s most beautiful hidden gems.

These rural areas are filled with some of the most dramatic rock formations that you can find on an itinerary for the Southwest USA. 

Starting in Kanab, use this small town as a home base for visiting several nearby destinations.

Buckskin Gulch, just East of Kanab, is one of the longest slot canyons in the world and is considered one of the most beautiful slot canyons in Utah.

For an incredible day trip from Kanab, hike into this slot canyon from Wirepass Trailhead. Be on the lookout for ancient petroglyphs as you descend into the canyon.

Just north of Kanab are the Moqui Caves. These caves are great to explore for a couple of hours, especially in the afternoon light.

Only 30 minutes outside of Kanab, the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is home to some of the most beautiful sand dunes. These dunes are especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset. 

On the two-hour drive from Kanab to Escalante, make sure to stop at Bryce Canyon National Park to see the natural hoodoos in the Bryce Amphitheater and check out a few of the coolest things to see in Bryce Canyon NP .

Use Escalante as a second home base to visit more hidden gems in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Some of the most incredible landscapes can be found down Hole in the Rock Road, just south of Escalante.

Make sure to visit Zebra Slot Canyon, a very narrow slot canyon with natural striped rock, along with Devils Garden just a few miles down the road.

Further down Hole in the Rock Road are the Peekaboo and Spooky Slot Canyons which are a fun loop hike through two beautiful slot canyons.

Driving Distance

Recommended road trip length.

This road trip could be done in a long weekend, but there are enough places to visit that we recommend 1-2 weeks to fully experience all of the stops along the way.

New Mexico’s Enchanted Circle

From Becky of SightDOING

Northern New Mexico doesn’t get the attention that the rest of the state does, but travelers willing to take an extra drive will find incredible beauty along the  Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway .

Starting from Taos and going clockwise, you’ll visit the smaller towns of Questa, Red River, Eagle Nest, and Angel Fire.

This part of New Mexico sits high in the mountains and the route takes you through ever-changing scenery.

Many parts are verdant green, thick with evergreens and aspens.

As the road winds, you’ll also see alpine valleys and lakes, plus the impressive Mt. Wheeler (the highest in the state).

As you drive, you’ll be reminded more of Colorado than the stereotypical desert road trips that are so iconic in the Southwest.

Perhaps as you’d expect in a beautiful destination like this, the primary activities involve the outdoors.

One of the highlights is Eagle Rock Lake, not only beautiful but home to playful otters that you might spot if you’re lucky. The picnic tables make a perfect vantage spot.

Hiking is plentiful: head out into the Columbine Hondo Wilderness for wildflowers in spring or look for waterfalls in Cimarron Canyon State Park.

Other activities include mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, and even skiing in the winter.

It’s not all about the outdoors, though. Visitors can also watch artisans in Questa, pay their respects at the Vietnam Memorial near Angel Fire, brewery hop along the trail, or explore Taos’ history.

Best of all, this New Mexico road trip is wonderful year-round.

Although the driving route is short enough that you can complete it in a day, the area is deserving of a weekend.

Allow plenty of time to stop and explore the parks and mountains along the way and consider even longer if you’re an avid hiker.

Phoenix to the Grand Canyon Road Trip

From Nicole of American SW Obsessed

Visiting the Grand Canyon is one of the best weekend trips you can make from Phoenix. 

The  drive from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon  is only 4 hours and there are several stops along the way.

Montezuma Castle is one of the best preserved Native American Ruins located 94 miles from Phoenix.

It is a 5-story structure built into a recess in a white limestone cliff about 70 feet above the ground and it consists of 20 rooms.

Another great stop is Sedona, which is famous for its red rocks and great hiking trails.

You could easily spend a weekend in Sedona but it is also a great place to stop for some lunch and get out and stretch your legs.

Once you arrive at the Grand Canyon National Park you will enter from the east and one of the first viewpoints is the Desert View Point and Watchtower.

This is one of the most popular viewpoints in the east and it is your first view of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. 

You can continue heading West to the main visitors center where you can walk the Trail of Time. 

The Grand Canyon Trail of Time is an interpretive walking timeline trail focusing on the highlights of the Grand Canyon so tourists can experience and appreciate the vastness of geologic time, as well as the stories captured by Grand Canyon rock layers and landscapes. 

We recommend three days as a minimum for this road trip.  Some people do this in a day but it is very rushed. 

Spending a weekend there gives you time to make stops along the way and experience the Grand Canyon.

Northern New Mexico

From Melissa of Parenthood and Passports

New Mexico is known as the Land of Enchantment for a reason.

The southwestern state is one of the best places in the United States for a culturally immersive trip, incredible food, and beautiful desert landscapes. 

Most New Mexico road trips start and end in Albuquerque, the largest city in the state.

There are so many things to do in New Mexico with kids , or without, and you’ll find many of them in Albuquerque!

Give yourself a couple of days to explore Old Town and visit some of the great museums, like the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.

Be sure to take the tram up to Sandia Peak. The 2.7-mile aerial tramway is the longest in the United States! 

From Albuquerque, head north to New Mexico’s capital of Santa Fe. Known for its adobe-style architecture, this historical city founded as a Spanish colony in the 1600s is as lovely as it is enchanting! 

Just northwest of Santa Fe, outside the town of Los Alamos, Bandelier National Monument is a fascinating look back in time.

In this national monument, you’ll find petroglyphs and cliff dwellings left behind by the Pueblo Indians, the indigenous tribe who originally settled the area. 

For a look at how the Pueblo live today, head to the Taos Pueblo next.

The pueblos one mile north of the town of Taos, is believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States.

People have lived in this multi-story adobe building for more than 1,000 years! You can tour the pueblo, which is open to visitors except when tribal rituals take place.

300+ miles.

Ideally, give yourself about a week for this road trip through Northern New Mexico.

Denver to Aspen Loop

From Lori of Fitz 5 On the Go

The state of Colorado was made for epic road trips.  The scenery is just amazing and pretty non-stop.

Colorado’s many mountain towns are fun and welcoming places to explore and are packed with so many outdoor activities to enjoy.  

There are many great options for planning a loop from Denver.  Some can be done on a day trip, and others are more fun spread over a few days. 

For the most variety and activities in a shorter drive time consider going south to Colorado Springs, loop over to Salida then make your way north through Independence Pass. 

Take some time enjoying Aspen then stop by Glenwood Springs for fun activities before going back to Denver.

Summer or early fall is the best time for this trip before some of the roads are closed due to snow.

First, stop in Colorado Springs, where popular activities include Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, the Incline, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Olympic training center, and the Broadmore.

From there, head to Salida and Buena Vista.

On the way to Salida stop by the Royal Gorge.  This amazing viewpoint is not great for those with a fear of heights but it’s beautiful.

The area has a train, a suspension bridge, and several other activities including a Skycoaster. 

After enjoying a night in Salida, head north toward Leadville.

Leadville can make a nice little stop to explore an old mountain town and get some lunch but the main attraction of the day will be Independence Pass just south of Leadville.  

Driving Independence Pass in the fall  is likely one of the most beautiful drives in the country.

As a mountain road, it is closed in the winter and no large vehicles are allowed.

Independence Pass ends in beautiful Aspen. A stop to Aspen is not complete without seeing the Maroon Bells.

To make your way back to Denver, head north toward I-70 and stop for lunch and activities in Glenwood Springs.

Glenwood Springs has a fabulous hot spring as well as a mountaintop adventure center. 

At minimum plan to stay a night in Salida and one night in Aspen. 

If you only have a weekend then consider cutting the trip in half and making a smaller loop. 

The full loop would be most enjoyable with planning a night in Colorado Springs, 1-2 nights in Salida, and at least 2 nights in Aspen.

The Extraterrestrial Highway

From Audrey of That Backpacker

For a one-of-a-kind southwest road trip that you won’t soon forget,  drive Nevada’s Extraterrestrial Highway !

Located in south-central Nevada and spanning a total of 98 miles between the towns of Warm Springs and Crystal Springs, State Route 375 is considered a bit of a pilgrimage for those who believe in alien life!

But even if you’re not a believer, this is still a fun road trip worth doing.

The Extraterrestrial Highway is punctuated by desert landscapes, lonely roads, and some rather unusual attractions.

Some places not to miss include ET Fresh Jerky where you can buy alien-themed snacks including bottles of Martian soda, the Extraterrestrial Highway sign which is plastered with stickers from intrepid adventurers who have completed the drive, and the Alien Research Center where you can hear stories of paranormal desert activity.

You should also visit the Black Mailbox where people leave all sorts of mementos and letters to aliens, and the Little A’le’inn Motel featuring a pick-up truck towing a UFO and a green alien welcoming all earthlings.

It’s important to note that although Area 51 is also located in the area, it is strictly off-limits.

There are numerous signs to remind you that no video, no photography, and no droning are permitted, so save yourself the trouble.

Though this road trip can be completed in a day, you can break it up with a stay at the infamous Little A’le’inn Motel, home to all things extraterrestrial.

You may also want to consider driving the ET Highway as part of a bigger Nevada road trip with a small detour through Valley of Fire State Park.

Las Vegas to Cathedral Gorge State Park

From Daria of The Discovery Nut

Cathedral Gorge State Park is a natural wonder located in Central Nevada near Utah’s border that makes you feel like you landed on Mars. 

The park is located about 3.5 hours by car away from Las Vegas , the nearest big city, and the remote location of this place and lack of facilities, coupled with the lonely drive in the desert make for an incredible experience.

Cathedral Gorge State Park remains an undiscovered gem full of otherworldly views, amazing hiking trails, and great opportunities for photography.

It’s one of those hidden gem Southwest road trips from Las Vegas that no one talks about, and if you want to see it before it gets discovered, you need to do it now. 

Visiting Cathedral Gorge is pure magic at any time of the year.

Unlike many other popular places in the southwest USA, this state park is uncrowded and offers an amazing quiet space with fantastic landscapes.

With no big stores, chain hotels, or restaurants in the area, this is the ultimate getaway for adventure lovers.  

I recommend spending at least one day at the park and camping under the clear dark skies.

However, if you would rather stay at a hotel, the nearby town of Panaca has a couple of accommodations.

Big Bend Country Road Trip

While all of Texas may not culturally fall into the Southwest, the western part of the state does–and a Big Bend Country road trip is among the best road trips in the Southwest USA.

Make your way to the rugged, isolated, and utterly beautiful Big Bend National Park to kick off your trip.

While you’re there, hike the stunning Santa Elena Canyon, ascend into the Chisos Mountains via the Lost Mine Trail , and soak in natural hot springs along the Rio Grande.

From there, head to Big Bend Ranch State Park to experience one of the most scenic drives in the USA.

Head a couple of hours north, and some of Texas’ most beloved small towns are waiting for you, including Alpine, Fort Davis (where you can experience some of the best stargazing in Texas at the McDonald Observatory), Marathon, and Marfa.

With wild beauty, a huge variety of landscapes, great food, and even excellent art installations, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do in Texas’ Big Bend Country–just be prepared for long driving distances along the way.

About 1000 miles round trip, starting and ending in El Paso.

We recommend setting aside at least one week for this Southwest road trip route.

Classic Southwest USA Road Trip from Page, AZ

From James Ian of Parks Collecting

One of the best road trips in the Southwest USA is a loop from Page, Arizona that takes in a variety of natural and cultural icons.

Starting in Page, head to Monument Valley.

Stop off at the Navajo National Monument, where you can walk on the easy paved 1.3-mile Sandal Trail to the Batatkin Cliff Dwelling overlook for views of your first cliff dwelling on the trip.

After arriving in Monument Valley around noon, head down the Monument Valley road for a self-driving tour. 

The 17-mile scenic drive loops through the valley past many of the major buttes and mesas that make this area so famous.

In the late afternoon, if you still have some energy, hike the Wildcat Trail around West Mitten.

The next day, take a Navajo-led guided tour back into the valley, where you can visit the backcountry and learn more about the Navajo people and culture.

After you leave Monument Valley, take a couple of hours to drive through the beautiful Valley of the Gods before arriving in Moab in the late afternoon. 

Moab is the adventure capital of the world, and you can arrange to go canyoneering, rock climbing, mountain biking, or white-water rafting. Then head to nearby Arches National Park and do all the major hikes in the park.

Next up is a  visit to Mesa Verde National Park , where you will want to spend a couple of days visiting the cliff dwellings, hiking to petroglyphs, and exploring the area. 

After you leave Mesa Verde, stop for a photo at Four Corners, where you can have your limbs in four states at once!

Drive on to Canyon de Chelly, where you will want to spend a full day enjoying the views and hiking down into the canyon.

On the drive from there back to Page, you will pass through the Hopi reservation.

It is worth spending half a day on a tour with a Hopi guide to see more of the area and learn about Hopi culture.

Back in Page, don’t miss the mind-blowing Antelope Canyon and stunning Horseshoe Bend !

I recommend allowing ten days for this trip.

This will give you time to explore each of the parks/ areas and learn more about the cultural and natural environment along the way.

Trail of the Ancients

From Megan of Red Around the World

One of the most unique road trips in the Southwest is the  Trail of the Ancients  through Southeast Utah and Southwest Colorado.

It passes tons of amazing scenery but really features ancient Anasazi ruins throughout the Four Corners Area.

This is a particularly great Southwest road trip itinerary for history buffs and hikers!

Start your road trip in Cortez, where you can start making your way through some of the best places to visit in the Southwest.

Some of the highlights are Mesa Verde National Park, Monument Valley, and Valley of the Gods, but there are tons of smaller stops along the way, too. 

Some of those include Natural Bridges National Monument, Edge of the Cedars State Park, Upper Sand Island Petroglyphs, House on Fire Ruin, Butler Wash Ruin, Goosenecks State Park, Four Corners National Monument, Hovenweep National Monument, and more.

Diriving Distance

About 300-400 miles, depending on stops.

I would recommend spending about 7-10 days on the Trail of the Ancients.

If you have a full 2 weeks to explore, that’s even better.

Zion National Park to Sedona Southwest Road Trip Itinerary

From Allison of She Dreams in Alpine

If you’re looking for a quick Southwestern road trip that packs a whole lot into a relatively short drive, head from Zion National Park in Utah to Sedona, Arizona.

Although Zion is the start of your road trip, it’s actually hard to leave this magical place.

From the epic Angel’s Landing hike to The Narrows slot canyon, if you’re up for adventure, you will have an amazing time here.

Don’t worry, when it’s time to hit the road, your next stop of Kanab has plenty to offer.

If you’re lucky enough to score permits, hike to the incredible swooping sandstone of The Wave.

Or, take some time to explore the beauty of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Then head east on Highway 89 to Lake Powell, where you can take a rest day or two. Chill in the lake before heading south.

Stop at the photogenic Horseshoe Bend , then make your way to the Grand Canyon .

Bask in the breathtaking views from the rim, or challenge yourself to hike to the bottom – just know that means you also have to hike back out!

Next, make your way to Flagstaff, and enjoy the Southwestern city life in the lively downtown area. Finish your road trip in the red rock paradise of Sedona.

You can hit the trails again on some of the awesome hikes in Sedona , take an off-road Jeep tour, or pamper yourself at a spa.

You’ll definitely be ready for some relaxation by the end of this road trip through the Southwest USA!

With all the incredible outdoor places to explore along the way, you should plan at least a week for this adventurous road trip.

You could easily make it longer if you wanted to spend more time hiking around Zion, the Grand Canyon, and Sedona.

Salt Lake City to Phoenix

From Samah of God and Wanderlust

Absorb the extraterrestrial beauty of the southwest with a road trip from Salt Lake City, UT to Phoenix, AZ.

Salt Lake City is made for the adventurous at heart.

Explore Red Butte Garden, Big Cottonwood Canyon, and the Great Salt Lake itself. A scenic mountain backdrop is always included.

Skiing and other snow sports are possible in nearby Park City.

Drive south to Moab and hike your way to the Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. Camp under the Milky Way in Monument Valley situated on protected Navajo land.

Ride a horse among the red rocks and buttes and pretend to be in the Wild West. Visit Forrest Gump Point at the crack of dawn to avoid the rush of cars.

From here head to Zion National Park and then Page, AZ.

Check the infamous Angels Landing off your list, kayak in Lake Powell, and hike to Horseshoe Bend.

Become mesmerized by the cave formations of Antelope Canyon.

At last, you arrive at the Grand Canyon. It’s magnificent. The Bright Angel trail will guide you right into the Canyon.

Sedona is still to come. It’s the most beautiful city you’ll lay eyes on. Hot air balloons illuminate against the sun’s glow. Devils Bridge and Doe Mountain offer spectacular views.

Phoenix will eventually bring a calm end to your southwest road trip itinerary.

Its mellow, laidback atmosphere will help relax after your breathtaking journey through the southwest.

Road Trip Length

We recommend at least 2 weeks to explore various cities, do activities and make stops along the way.

Las Vegas to Monument Valley

From Hannah of Hannah Henderson Travel

For a point-to-point overview of some of the most popular Southwest road trip stops, drive from Las Vegas to Monument Valley!

Your first stop outside of Las Vegas is the Hoover Dam.

This impressive man-made damn along the Colorado River marks the border between Nevada and Arizona.  

Head southeast along Hwy-93 towards Kingman, and be sure to visit the Historic Route 66 Museum.  

If you have time, take a detour and visit Oatman, an old mining town where wild burros (donkeys) roam free throughout the town.

The next leg of the road trip takes you along a small section of Historic Route 66 from Kingman to Seligman.

Enjoy the kitsch rest stop at Hackberry and eat lunch at the Road Kill Café .  The replica Wild West town in Seligman is a fun attraction for families too.

Continue to head east along the I-40 and then up to the Grand Canyon.  There are Grand Canyon hikes to suit many levels, educational talks, and unparalleled views.

Stay overnight at one of the rim-side cabins and witness the incredible sunset and sunrise.

The final leg of your journey will take you through some of the most captivating  desert landscapes in Arizona , onwards north towards Monument Valley.  

The land becomes more arid and sparsely populated, and you will get picture-postcard views.  

Your final stop is Oljato-Monument Valley, a Navajo Nation Tribal Park.  This valley of red rock formations is a soul-shaking place to end your road trip.  

Three to five days is a good length of time for this road trip between Las Vegas and Monument Valley.  

You can do the journey in 3 days minimum, but 5 days would offer you more time to explore the by-ways and scenic stops along the way.

LA to Las Vegas Road Trip Itinerary

From Dhara of Roadtripping California

An  LA to Las Vegas road trip  can be done along several different routes, but you can’t go wrong with a route that includes some of the choicest scenery in the Sierra Nevada as well as the spectacular Death Valley National Park in California.

Admittedly, this is a longer route that involves a little bit of a detour, but for travelers with enough time on their hands, this Southwest national parks road trip itinerary cannot be beaten.

Highlights of the itinerary include the scenic Alabama Hills, Lone Pine, and Mount Whitney, and the spectacular sights in Death Valley National Park.

The Alabama Hills consist of beautiful rock formations nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

The national scenic area is popular for hiking, dirt road driving, photography, camping, and night sky viewing.

At Lone Pine, you can also drive the road that goes part way up Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous United States.

The road is open in the summer and fall until snow accumulations close it.

Of course, you can also hike to the peak, either as a grueling day hike or as an overnighter, with a permit.

In Death Valley National Park, the main sights can be found along the road that runs through the park, the one you will be taking to get to Vegas.

If you do the road trip in the cooler months of the year, you can hike. When it’s hot, you can drive through the park and stop briefly at viewpoints for photos.

The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are fun for kids and adults.

At Badwater Basin, you can have your photo taken by the sign for the lowest point in North America. Spectacular views await at Zabriskie Point and Dante’s View.

Once you are done exploring the park, it’s a quick drive to Vegas!

We suggest three days or more for this road trip.

With more than three days, you can spend more time hiking, and also explore the northern part of Death Valley National Park.

Denver to Moab

From Julia of The Cure for Curiosity

One of the best road trips in the Southwestern USA takes you from the snow-capped mountains of Denver, Colorado to the red canyons of Moab, Utah. 

During this epic  road trip from Denver to Moab , you’ll be able to see some of the best scenery the United States has to offer.

As you travel, you’ll pass through many charming small towns, complete with great hiking, hot springs, and of course panoramic views.

Start your trip in Denver, the capital of Colorado, and make your way to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Here you’ll find some stunning mountain views and world-class hiking.

Continue your trip through the renowned ski towns of Breckenridge and Vail, exploring the quaint city centers and everything they have to offer, from skiing to mountain roller coasters and free gondola rides.

The next stop is Glenwood Springs, famous for its hot springs as well as the beautiful hike to Hanging Lake.

If you have the time, you can also detour down to Aspen to check out the popular Maroon Bells, the most photographed mountains in North America.

From there, make your way through Colorado wine country in Palisade, CO to the Colorado National Monument.

This is the last stop before crossing into Utah and making your way into Moab.

Moab is the perfect end destination for a road trip as you can spend days exploring the local sights that bring droves of tourists to the area, like Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park.

While the drive itself can easily be done in just one day, you’d miss a lot of the fun stops along the way.

It’s best to plan about a week for this road trip to have plenty of time to explore Denver, the stops in between, and Moab.

LA to Bryce Canyon & Zion National Parks

From Ciara of Wellness Travel Diaries

Los Angeles to Bryce Canyon National Park— a red rock road trip experience — is a beautiful and classic Southwest USA itinerary for those wanting to escape and indulge in the unique rock formations found in Utah.

It’s a serene drive that takes about 8 hours from LA to Bryce Canyon. Add an extra two hours for a detour to Zion National Park

Here’s how to make the best of your time when road tripping from LA to Bryce Canyon and Zion .

Starting in Los Angeles, California hop on the freeway heading north toward Las Vegas. On route, you’ll find Death Valley about an hour or so off the freeway for a quick day trip.

Take another quick pitstop, right off the freeway at Eddie’s World for clean bathrooms and exquisite snacks.

Once you reach Nevada, stay the night in Las Vegas to explore the famous strip where the downtown lights, lit up the midnight sky.

It’s about four hours from LA (depending on traffic), and marks the halfway point to Bryce Canyon.

Continue toward Utah for another 160 miles to reach the first destination: Zion National Park.

Hike the beautiful trails such as Angels Landing (5.4 miles out and back) and Watchman Trail (3.3 miles out and back).

Hop back in the car for another 80 miles to reach the second destination: Bryce Canyon.

Explore the picturesque hoodoos by taking the Rim Hiking Trail (1-11 miles; it’s not a loop so hike the distance you choose) or Fairyland Loop (8 miles out and back).

Pick your route by deciding which park you’d like to visit first, then enjoy!

About 530 miles — this includes the stop in Zion National Park.

While the drive from California to Utah can be done in one day, there are several fun pit stops along this route.

It takes about seven hours to drive from Los Angeles to Zion, and then about two hours from Zion to Bryce Canyon.

To fully explore these natural wonders 6-8 days would be ideal, and allows you to split your time equally between both parks.

Phoenix to Taos to Road Trip

From Polina of Bucket List Places

One of the best itineraries to explore by car in the states is through Arizona and New Mexico.

If you are doing a winter  ski road trip itinerary , this can also be done in reverse starting in Taos.

Fly into Phoenix and rent a car (or RV for even more fun)! Then head south and stop by Saguaro National Park to view the iconic cactus after which the park is named.

From there head to White Sands National Park in New Mexico and sled down some sand dunes.

This park is vast and can be explored for the day or for multiple days if you would like to hike amongst the sand dunes.

Then head to the city to check out Albuquerque’s bustling nightlife.

In contrast, the next stop on the itinerary is Santa Fe, a beautiful historic city that looks like it is stuck in the past.

Stroll the streets and marvel at the beautiful architecture. Visit the delicious restaurants in town or get your culture on at the numerous art galleries.

Your final stop is Taos where you can view the historic Pueblan village, enjoy the delicious restaurants in town, and hang out in the historic town square.

In the wintertime, make sure to hit the slopes! 

We suggest a minimum of one week to enjoy the beautiful destinations on this road trip itinerary. 

Route 66 (Southwest Portion)

From Stephanie of Oklahoma Wonders

While Route 66 stretches from Chicago to the east to Los Angeles and Santa Monica in the west, Route 66 is the Great American Road Trip of your dreams.

Of course, when people think of driving Route 66, or the Mother Road as it’s commonly called, they think of diners and motels in the Midwest, but by the time the route crosses the border from Oklahoma into Texas, you’re officially in the part of the drive where southwestern scenery and magnificent landscapes take over.

There’s nothing more iconic than a Route 66 sign in front of a tiny Arizona town or the eye-catching Cadillac Ranch installation in Amarillo.

There are so many  things to see on Route 66 , but in this part of the country make sure to visit Petrified National Forest National Park, take a day trip to the Grand Canyon, and even venture up to Monument Valley.

The total distance of Route 66 is just under 2,500 miles, but you can easily visit only a portion on a Southwest USA road trip.

You can spend months exploring Route 66!

With a week or less, we recommend picking 1-2 states to explore.

San Jose, CA to Escalante, UT Loop

From Jyoti at Story at Every Corner

The road trip from San Jose to Escalate is an excellent way to get out into nature and have a fun outdoor vacation, and features plenty of of classic Southwestern landscapes along the way.

The drive is about 12 hours plus additional time for stops.

Along the route, you’ll find many parks, camps, Mojave National Preserve, and Las Vegas. 

The little town of Escalante is surrounded by five great national parks of Utah and many recreational areas and national monuments.

You could do day trips to national parks but there are many incredible hikes around Escalante to slot canyons, waterfall trails, and natural formations .

You could easily spend 10 days in Escalante and still have many hikes remaining to be explored.

You would definitely want to do day trips to Bryce Canyon National Park , Burr Trail, Capitol Reef National Park, Dixie Forest, and Arches National Park . 

1640 miles.

10 days will be a reasonable amount of time for this round trip.

Planning a Southwest road trip soon and eager to keep planning?

You can browse all of our USA blog posts here , or check out these guides:

• The Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary
• Colorado Bucket List: 25 Cool Places to Visit in Colorado
• The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List: 50+ Road Trip Essentials You Need
• 3 Days in Las Vegas: The Perfect Weekend in Vegas Itinerary
• 9 Best Things to Do in Page, AZ (+ Nearby!)

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

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Our Colorado + New Mexico Road Trip (During Covid-19)

Filed in : personal , travel.

🚙 STORY TIME⛰ We just got back from our annual vacation, and I’m pumped to share the stories and photos from our trip… PLUS tips for traveling during Covid-19 Coronavirus.

This is the third summer in a row we’ve taken a big road trip. Because of Matt’s job, we have a short window in the summer when we can travel together, and that’s it for the year. It also lines up with our wedding anniversary. 😊

This year, we had planned a Hawaii vacation, but that just wasn’t possible. Instead, we cancelled our vacation and planned a last minute road trip to Santa Fe, NM, and Pagosa Springs and Durango, CO.

Our annual road trips were already centered around hiking in remote places, but traveling during a pandemic was different to say the least.

Here are some ways we road tripped responsibly:

• We drove the entire way instead of flying to our first destination.
• We stayed at 3 Airbnbs over 9 nights. We chose homes that were private, remote, had reviews highlighting the cleanliness of the space, and that were upfront about the measures taken to protect guests (extra cleaning, leaving the space unbooked for nights on either side of our stay, etc.)
• We also brought our own cleaning products and cleaned the heck out of each space when we arrived.
• We used copper hooks to open doors, punch buttons, and turn on lights everywhere we went. ( Link to the Clean Keys we have)
• We chose many lesser-known hiking trails far from any town.
• We wore masks on most trails and ALL the time in towns and public areas. We had no problem being the only one wearing a mask. We were the cool ones 😷. (Link to the masks we have)
• Ya better believe we loaded up on soap and hand sanitizer about 1,329,204 times per day.
• We brought our own food and cooked almost every meal ourselves.
• On the way home, we drove 15 hours from Durango to Austin without stopping to avoid having to stay in an Airbnb or hotel.

Most importantly, don’t feel like you should go on vacation this summer just because other people are . Do what’s best for you, your family, and for ALL of us. If either of us had felt even in a tiny bit sick, we would have stayed home. I’m obviously no expert, but I think our days of going to resorts and taking cruises are NOT here yet.

But, Matt and I found ways to travel safely, and in this new world where we’re all figuring it out as we go along, I figured I’d share our experience. 😀 This is our first time traveling in many months, and we’ll be staying at home now for a loooonnnnng time.

Ok, let’s get to the fun stuff.

We travelled from Austin –> Santa Fe, NM –> Pagosa Springs, CO –> Durango, CO –> Austin. Here’s a link to our route.

Finding the best routes to travel across the United States while maximizing scenic views is a PASSION of mine. So honestly, cancelling our Hawaii trip wasn’t the saddest thing in the world, because it meant I got to plan another trip. 🙃

In the past 11 days, we drove about 40 hours. That time was filled with amazing views and many hours of Harry Potter audio books.

Oh, and I took lots of photos! Here’s some of my favorites 👇

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Ahh, the Southwest. I just love it. Red rocks, sandy mountains, and sunny weather are my love language. On the way to Colorado, we stopped in Santa Fe for a few reasons. 1. We’ve never been there, but the it’s just my style. 2. It looked beautiful online. 3. It’s sounded awesome on Grace & Frankie. 😂

NEW! Find these photos in The Print Shop >

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Bandelier National Monument

Pagosa Springs, Colorado

I honestly knew nothing about Pagosa Springs before finding it on Google Maps. It turned out to be such a cute town, with tons of amazing hiking and views.

We stayed at an AirBnb in the mountains overlooking town. The views from our living room’s floor-to-ceiling windows were INCREDIBLE. Watching the light change on the mountains throughout the day was one of the highlights of our trip.

This is the view from our PORCH. Amazing.

Shop these photos in The Print Shop >

Chimney Rock National Monument

Durango, Colorado

I’ve been to Durango before, but this was my first time spending several days exploring the area as an adult. We stayed in a cabin about 30 minutes north of town. This area was perfect, because the mountains surrounding us had plenty of intense hiking trails for Matt, and we were able to drive to Silverton too.

Mesa Verde National Park

Y’all know I love national parks. It’s our goal to visit every single one of them. I’ve actually been to Mesa Verde before as a kid, but this experience was much different.

I knew the importance of Mesa Verde as America’s second national park and first to protect ancient archaeological sites, but I had no idea just how beautiful and BIG this park is. I expected to find a couple of cliff dwellings and take a few photos, but we found SO much more.

We spent almost 8 hours in this park, saw everything that is currently open to the public, and learned a ton about the Pueblo people who lived in the area. I highly recommend visiting this park!

Find these photos available in The Print Shop >

See photos from our 2019 road trip to Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton >

See photos from our 2019 road trip to Yosemite, Zion, Bryce Canyon, The Grand Canyon, and The Painted Desert >

[…] on our road trip last week, I met up with Haley & Jon for an adventure photo session in Albuquerque, New Mexico. […]

Hello, loved reading this blog and seeing these beautiful pictures. We are planning a little road trip to pagosa and Durango. We live in Albuquerque. We would love to know which houses you stayed at for both stays. Looks so lovely!

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• Denver to White Sands, New Mexico Road Trip

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One of the best things about living in Denver is the ability to experience and enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. The road trip is a staple part of the American travel experience. And Coloradans have an incredible variety of trips to pick from.

Some of my favorite trips include going from Denver to one of the many national parks in Utah. Or, opting to head north into Wyoming to Jackson Hole or Bozeman, Montana. But, my favorite road trips head south into the state of New Mexico.

Table of Contents

Why Visit The Land of Enchantment

There are so many reasons to love New Mexico: the people are wonderful, the food is delicious and the landscape takes your breath away. Literally, it’s still high altitude travel and travelers coming from sea level should keep that in mind. In my view, New Mexico is one of the most underrated states in the United States and I can’t understand why. And, in case you’re wondering, New Mexico is a part of the United States. There seems to be some confusion about that fact. 

For Coloradans, New Mexico’s proximity allows us to visit with ease. There are two routes that you can take to get to White Sands, New Mexico, the ultimate destination for this trip. The first route takes almost 9 hours and takes you through Colorado Springs and continues south to White Sands. I prefer to take the longer route along US-285 which will add another hour or so to your trip. It’s worth it. This itinerary is designed with the slow traveler in mind and will need 7-9 days minimum to truly enjoy this trip. 

Stay Overnight in Salida, Colorado 

After departing from Denver head towards Salida, Colorado which is about a 30 minute detour off of the route. Depending on the traffic it may take around 4 hours to get there. It’s worth taking the detour and visiting because Salida is known for adventure sports such as white water rafting, great food and the largest historic district in Colorado. If you’re looking for beautiful buildings from the late 1800’s/1900’s then Salida needs to be added to your must visit list. 

If you’re wondering where to stay, I recommend the Stay Amigo, a surprisingly sexy motel remodel that also includes 4 or 5 stationary airstreams that you can stay in. It’s a beautiful facility that also has a hot tub and is a 2 minute walk to the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center and a 10 minute walk to downtown. For such a small town, there’s a fantastic variety of great shopping and restaurants to enjoy. If you’re vegetarian or vegan you can find places to eat but I do recommend checking the menus online before heading in. 

If you’re looking for a quick hike, head up to the top of S-Mountain via one of the many trails that  you’ll find at the base of the mountain. I do recommend that you head out on the trail early because there are no trees on this mountain. 

Ojo Caliente, New Mexico 

If you live in Colorado long-enough, you’ll begin hearing people talk about visiting Ojo Caliente while in New Mexico. Ojo Caliente is home to a well-known hot spring and resort that is a must visit as you make your way towards White Sands. Spend a day soaking in the hot springs, eating a meal at the resort or ordering popping in for a quick soak and to-go meal as you continue heading south. Currently, the Ojo Caliente resort is completing an upgrade to the resort and so there is some construction happening on site. Currently the project is slated for completion at the end of 2022.

A Day in Santa Fe, New Mexico 

If at all possible, try to spend at least 2 full days in Santa Fe. This small town is home to hot springs, art shops, incredible food and great hiking. The Meow Wolf  House of Eternal Return interactive art experience has its original location in Santa Fe and is a must experience. For lovers of theater, arts and opera, Santa Fe has them all.  What may surprise many people is that Santa Fe was founded in the early 1600’s.  What I love about Santa Fe is that it’s a wonderful blend of history, nature, art and great food. Santa Fe is about a 4 hour drive to White Sands. 

White Sands National Park

What makes White Sands National Park so uniquely beautiful is its vast stretches of gypsum sand. The dunes are literally made up of sparkling stretches of white sands occasionally broken up by small plants that somehow manage to thrive in this harsh climate. Explore the different dunes, go sand sledding, attend a ranger program or spend time driving through the park to get a better feel for how large the park is. White Sands became a national park in 2019 and even though people may have seen pictures of the park, it’s likely that most people won’t get the chance to visit. If you get the chance to visit, do. 

Visiting New Mexico from Denver

If you live in Denver or are kicking off a road-trip from Denver I strongly encourage you to consider visiting New Mexico. There is a reason why it’s called the Land of Enchantment. But, visiting New Mexico also gives people some insight into Colorado. Insight into the Hatch chile vs. Pueblo Chile debate, why you’ll see Coloradans  picking up fresh roasted chiles late summer to eat during the fall and winter. You’ll see the connection to the past and present of the country of  Mexico. Experience a unique sense of otherness spending time in a state that is almost 50% Hispanic. What I love about New Mexico is the chance to grow, experience and change in space that feels in many ways like home. 

More road trip itineraries:

• Southwest Road Trip 4 Day Itinerary: Vegas, Grand Canyon, and Sedona
• Seattle to Olympic National Park: The Ultimate Scenic Road Trip
• Seattle to Vancouver Island Road Trip: The Quest for The Pacific Rim

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Michelle  Jackson is passionate about getting outdoors and normalizing POC faces in outdoor spaces. She grew up in Colorado and jokes that she’s a Colorado cliche. With a love of hiking, biking, camping, walking, and snowboarding you can find her doing one of those things throughout the year. She shares her love of Colorado via her blog and podcast  Square State.

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12 Day Southwest Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

Last updated on June 16th, 2023

Southwest Colorado is one of our favorite places in the United States. In this guide we’re sharing a detailed itinerary for a Southwest Colorado road trip , including Mesa Verde, Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Telluride, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park! We have been to Colorado a few times and have always enjoyed it. But during our two months “living” there in our van, we fell madly in love with Colorado more than ever before. And we think a lot of it has to do with where we explored in the state! We focused the majority of our two months in Southwest Colorado and it BLEW us away with its beauty and mix of history and fun activities! During our time in the area we went on some of the most gorgeous and challenging hikes, visited two national parks, learned about a mine, rode a historic train, drove a 4×4 jeep through the mountains, and explored charming towns. 

We never wanted to leave and as full time travelers that love to hop around and see as many places as possible, that is saying a lot! It is pretty rare that a place resonates with us so much that we could see ourselves staying for a long time.

Watch all of our experiences in Southwest Colorado (and beyond!) on this YouTube playlist !

Nothing makes us happier than sharing places we love with others and having them fall in love too! In this guide we’re sharing all that we learned and experienced during our time in Southwest Colorado. We hope that it can help you prioritize and plan your own adventures in this stunning region of the state. We adapted our own route and itinerary to fit into 12 adventurous and beautiful days. We’ve also included info about the different towns and parks, tons of tips and important things to know before you go, some suggestions of where to stay, and more!

WARNING: This is a long guide. But we hope it provides everything you need to know to plan your own epic Southwest Colorado road trip! We have a table of contents feature below if you’d like to skip ahead to any section. Looking for even more detail? We will be linking to other helpful and more in depth Colorado guides in this guide to further help with your planning.

Read more Colorado Guides:

• 4 Days in Colorado Itinerary: Denver, Boulder, RMNP,  & Colorado Springs
• A Complete Guide to Visiting Mesa Verde National Park
• Driving the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado
• How to Hike the Ouray Perimeter Trail in Colorado
• Things to do at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park 
• How to Hike the Gunnison Route at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
• Hiking to Blue Lakes in Southwest Colorado

About Southwest Colorado

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Southwest Colorado, as the name implies, is located in the Southwest corner of the state. It starts in the Four Corners, where the state meets up with Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico, and expanding Northwest to near Gunnison and Crested Butte. While just one region of the state, this area is LOADED with diverse scenery, Native American and mining history, and things to do. Southwest Colorado is not only home to two national parks, Mesa Verde and Black Canyon of the Gunnison. But it also has mining towns, Native American ruins, forests, rocky peaks, epic hikes, hot springs, canyons, rivers, and more! It’s pretty wild how much there is to see and do in just this area alone!

Before embarking on your adventure, please review the  Leave No Trace principles  to ensure you leave every place better than you found it, so that others can enjoy these beautiful places for many years to come! These seven principles include planning ahead and preparing, hiking and camping on durable surfaces, disposing of waste properly (pack out what you pack in!), understanding campfire rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors. 

There are many ways to experience Southwest Colorado and many different cities and towns to choose from. For this guide we’ll be focusing on what we personally experienced during our time in Southwest Colorado, which we highly recommend for first timers to the area.

One way route:

The first option for your Southwest Colorado road trip is to do a one way route, starting and ending in different areas. This option is the best for those who plan to visit other areas in Colorado as well or are on a larger road trip (or full time travelers like us) and will be continuing their journey elsewhere afterwards. You could also do this route if you’d like to fly in and out of different airports.

Loop route:

You could also do this road trip as a loop, starting and ending near Durango. This option makes the most sense if you’re flying in and are not visiting other areas afterwards. For this guide, we’re focusing on the one way option . But you could restructure the itinerary to fit the loop option as well!

Flying to Colorado

If you’re flying into Colorado, the closest airport to the start of the road trip is the Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) . This is a small airport, but it is serviced by American, Delta, Frontier, and United. It has nonstop flights from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Phoenix (PHX), Salt Lake City (SLC), and Denver (DEN).  If you can get a decently priced flight to Durango from where you live, even with layovers, this would definitely be your best bet!  Another small airport option is the Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) . This airport offers nonstop flights from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Phoenix (PHX), Chicago (ORD), Houston (IAH), and Denver (DEN) on American Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest, and United. If you chose to fly into Montrose, we’d suggest restructuring the loop option to be: Montrose -> Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park -> Ouray -> Silverton -> Durango -> Mesa Verde National Park -> Telluride -> Montrose If you cannot find a flight to Durango or Montrose, the closest major airport is Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) , which is a little over a 3.5 hour drive to Durango.

Driving time along the route

The driving time between each of the stops on this itinerary, in the one way order listed above, is:

• Durango to Mesa Verde: 40 minutes
• Mesa Verde to Durango: 40 minutes
• Durango to Silverton: 1 hours, 5 minutes (we suggest giving yourself a half a day, which we will explain below)
• Silverton to Ouray: 43 minutes (we suggest dedicating at least 3 hours for this, which we will explain below)
• Ouray to Telluride: 1 hour, 6 minutes 
• Telluride to Black Canyon of the Gunnison: 1.5 hours

Since this is a road trip, you’ll need to rent a car or drive your own to fully enjoy all of the sights on this guide. Public transportation isn’t really an option between all of the towns, without hiring a tour guide. But when it comes to how to get around, you do have a couple options, plus something to keep in mind!

Type of vehicle

Any type of vehicle will work just fine to roadtrip around Southwest Colorado. The majority of the items on this guide are along paved roads, so even a small sedan would be sufficient. However, you will have a bit more freedom and comfort if you have a vehicle with higher clearance and/or 4×4, as roads to some trailheads are a bit rough. Our non 4×4 Sprinter Van did just fine, but we did have to go slow on some roads. One fun thing to do in this area, which we will cover in the itinerary, is go on some of the 4×4 trails in the mountains. To do this, you will need a 4×4 vehicle, like a Jeep or a side by side. If you’re able to rent one, even for just a day or two, you’ll have the most freedom when exploring this area.  There are many rental spots in the mountain towns to rent a Jeep or side by side for a day or more, which would be our recommendation vs. renting one from a traditional rental car company, who may have restrictions on taking your rental on these trails.

Rent a van!

We LOVED van life in Southwest Colorado! There were plenty of free campsites, some with solid cell service, and it was so fun to have a home on wheels while exploring these areas. Being able to pull over and cook with a view is a priceless experience.  If you want to rent a van, we suggest looking into Outdoorsy , which is like Airbnb for campervans! 

Vehicle Restrictions

Minus Mesa Verde and one specific area of Black Canyon of the Gunnison (East Portal), which have some restrictions for RVs, there are no vehicle restrictions on this itinerary. We saw many people driving massive RVs through these mountain roads and towns just fine! And for the most part, parking wasn’t too difficult for us in our 22.5 ft Sprinter van, although it would be hard in a giant RV, so we would suggest having a campground to leave it at for most day trips and taking a smaller vehicle around.

One of the best things about Southwest Colorado is that it’s a year round destination! However, your experience will vary depending on the season. In the winter and early spring, this area is full of snow and popular for skiing in Durango, Crested Butte, and Telluride. However, this guide is specifically crafted for the late spring (May) and summertime, when the snow is mostly melted and trails are open to hike and off-road. We road tripped through the area in May and June, and while we had to delay or adjust a couple things due to snow still being too present, for the most part the conditions were incredible. We had sunny days, perfect temperatures (highs in the 60s-80s), less afternoon thunderstorms, and slightly less crowds since it was earlier in the summer. Fall is also a gorgeous time to visit, with the changing aspens, but can be a bit risky when it comes to the weather, as early snow storms can occur. While most activities on this guide would be accessible, some may not be, so we’d suggest visiting earlier in the fall to have the best chance of following this guide. Next time we visit, we would LOVE to go in the fall!

Since this road trip itinerary covers quite a bit of ground, we’d suggest staying in different places throughout the trip to limit how much time you spend driving each day. We will include suggestions of places to stay under each day of the itinerary!

Before you go, here are a few important things to know before hitting the road on your Southwest Colorado road trip!

Book in advance

Since this guide is built for summertime exploring in Southwest Colorado, which is the busy season, we highly recommend booking things in advance, such as lodging, tours, Jeep rentals, and anything else that requires a reservation. This will give you the most options and ensure you are able to do everything you want!

Pets are mostly allowed

This itinerary includes a mix of dog friendly and not dog friendly activities, with the two major NOT dog friendly spots being Mesa Verde and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Parks (Black Canyon of the Gunnison does have some dog friendly spots though), as well as some of the activity options. If you’re traveling with your pup, we’d suggest having a dog friendly accommodation so that you can leave your furry friend behind for a bit for some of the activities on this guide. You can also get a dog sitter in some of the towns if you prefer that. 

Learn how we travel with a dog and what we do with Kona when she cannot join us on our adventures.

Cell Service is limited

There were many times where we had zero cell service in Southwest Colorado, mostly when driving along mountain roads or hiking further away from civilization. We highly recommend downloading offline AllTrails Maps and offline Google Maps so you can navigate without cell phone service and don’t get lost!

Be aware of afternoon storms

Afternoon storms are very common in Colorado, especially in July and August, and you do not want to get caught in one, especially at exposed high altitudes above the treeline. We suggest planning to spend the mornings outdoors (you’ll want to start early!) and plan to be off of a mountain or in a town in the afternoons to avoid getting trapped in one. This article is also helpful and shares tips on what to do if you find yourself on a trail during a storm.

Stock up on food in the larger cities

The largest cities on this guide are Durango and Montrose (near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park) and have large grocery stores, as well as other stores for any needs you may have. But the smaller towns, especially Silverton and Ouray, do not have as many options when it comes to groceries and stores and what they do have tends to be smaller and pricier. We suggest loading up on food and water in the larger cities before heading into the smaller ones, so that you can have more options and also save some money. 

To see everything we recommend packing for outdoor adventures, check out our hiking gear , where we share everything we bring with us when we hike, including the 10 essentials . But for Southwest Colorado, we have a few items we really want to stress bringing with you.

Microspikes

If visiting in the late spring, early summer, or fall, microspikes may be good to have just in case there is some snow still on the trails. We feel much more confident walking on icy surfaces in these!

This entire road trip is over a mile high in elevation, with some spots up to 11,000+ feet depending on activities you choose. This means that you can expect cooler mornings and evenings, even if the daytime highs are warmer, so make sure to bring lots of layers so you are always comfortable.

Umbrella or rain jacket

With the afternoon storms in Colorado, it’s a good idea to pack an umbrella or rain jacket! I (Kathryn) love my Patagonia Torrentshell rain jacket . 

Portable charger

Having a portable charger is key when out hiking all day to ensure your phone stays charged so that if you need help, you’re able to get it.

Sun Protection

It is much easier to get a sunburn at higher elevations and with Colorado being pretty sunny, you’ll definitely want to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to stay protected. We have been using Bare Republic , which is a “better for you” sunscreen, although it may give you a nice white, vampire-esque sheen. 

Water Storage

Because of the higher altitude and the warmer summer days, make sure to bring and drink plenty of water. The air is super dry and our throats and noses were not fans! We love our 3L Camelbak bladder for hikes because it stores a ton of water and it’s easy to drink from while moving. If you are bringing less water, we highly suggest packing a filtration system as well so you can fill up on trails. We use the Sawyer Water Filtration System and it works pretty well and packs up pretty small!

National Parks Pass

Since this itinerary includes two national parks, make sure to bring your America the Beautiful pass if you have one! If you do not have one, we highly recommend purchasing one, which you can do at any national park. It costs $80 per year and will get you into any national park, monument, or forest for free. These two parks each cost $30 per car in the summertime, so this pass will almost pay for itself in just this trip!

Alltrails Maps

As we mentioned above, we’d highly recommend downloading the AllTrails maps for all hikes you plan to do before you go. While the trails are mostly easy to follow, we like to use the map to track our progress along the trail. You will need an AllTrails+ membership to download maps, which is $35.99 a year and so worth it!

Want to get 30% off an AllTrails+ membership ? Use our code aplusk30 (you must redeem this code on the website, not the app)! We use AllTrails+ on every single hike and it is the most helpful hiking tool out there! Some of the features we love are offline maps (so we can navigate even without cell service), wrong-turn alerts, and its 3D maps feature, so we can get a feel for trails before we hike.

Before we jump into all of the best things to do in Southwest Colorado, here are some notes we wanted to make about this itinerary.

• While it’s for 12 days, you can shorten it to fit your trip length. If you have any questions or want any tips on what to prioritize, send us an email at [email protected] . We’d be happy to help!
• We love jam packed adventures and typically need a vacation from our vacation. This guide is loaded with hikes and activities, with many early wake up calls, so it may not be super relaxing, but it will be a blast!
• On a similar note, we have included a variety of hikes and activities on this guide to make it doable for different activity levels and to give you options to choose from.
• We are also including some optional add ons if you have more time or are just looking for even more options!

Now that you know a bit more about the area, how to get there, and what to bring, it’s time to plan out your time in Southwest Colorado! Below is our 12 day itinerary for the area, which can of course be adjusted to what you want to do, how much you want to do in a day, and how much time you have.  To keep this itinerary easier to follow and not too overwhelming, we’re keeping it a bit more brief than our individual guides and are linking any full, in depth guides we have for these spots so that you can get more information if desired.

Day 1: Travel to Colorado and drive to Durango

Welcome to Colorado! Depending on how early you arrive and how much time you have, you can wander around Durango, hit the road to Mesa Verde National Park and explore a little bit (using some of our tips on our Mesa Verde guide ), or rest up for a big day tomorrow.

Where to stay:

For day 1, we recommend staying either in Durango or close to Durango, that way you do not have to move lodging for a couple nights. Durango is close to Mesa Verde National Park, so it won’t be a tough drive the next morning! Campgrounds: Mancos State Park , Snowslide Campground , Target Tree Campground FREE Dispersed Camping: Madden Peak Road (one of our favorite boondocking spots ever!), Sauls Creek , or Crystal Creek Ditch . Hotels: Strater Hotel , Hampton Inn Durango , Fairfield Inn & Suites Airbnbs : Private Studio – Downtown (this is where we stayed on our last visit to Durango), Hip In-Town Condo , New, Modern Condo , Cedar House Condo

Day 2: Mesa Verde National Park

For a more indepth look at all of the best things to do at Mesa Verde National Park, plus helpful tips for visiting, check out our complete guide to Mesa Verde .

About Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park is home to over 4,700 archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings of the Pueblo people, who lived in this area from 600 to 1300 AD. In the park you can see a variety of types of Pueblo structures, including pithouses, a farming community, towers, and temples. And on top of all of the history, the park is home to some gorgeous views too! The entrance of Mesa Verde National Park is located about 40 minutes from Durango, but to get to the bottom of the park, it can take 40 additional minutes, so make sure to plan accordingly. 

A few quick tips for Mesa Verde National Park:

• Don’t start too early! Normally we suggest arriving at the national parks before or right at sunrise, but most trails and sites do not open until 8 AM. We suggest arriving at the park around 7:30 AM so that way by the time you enter the park and head to where you want to explore first, everything is open and you can still beat the crowds.
• Book a ranger tour . The BEST way to experience this park is to go on a ranger led tour of a cliff dwelling. These are only available between May and October (the exact dates vary), so check the Mesa Verde National Park website to see what tours are currently being offered, as well as the time slots and months they are offered. It’s important to know that getting tickets for these can be tough! For those that require a ticket, they go on sale 14 days before at 8 AM MST and they go FAST (like, within a minute), so make sure to set many alarms so you don’t forget.
• Dogs are not allowed on most trails or in any buildings at Mesa Verde National Park. There is a kennel at the Morefield Campground if you need somewhere to leave your pup for a few hours!
• Check for closures . During our visit there were quite a few closures for construction. Please check the NPS website for an up to date list of closures before visiting. 

Providing an itinerary for Mesa Verde is tricky because if you do a ranger led tour, the starting time varies and the locations vary. But we’d suggest prioritizing the following during one day in Mesa Verde:

• Go on a ranger-assisted or ranger-guided tour or do the self guided tour of Step House.
• Hike the Petroglyph Point Trail and see Spruce Tree House along the way.
• Drive the Mesa Top Loop and stop at all of the sites.
• Visit the Cliff Palace Loop (if open) to get more views of Cliff Palace and hike the Soda Canyon Overlook trail .
• Explore the Far View Sites.
• Watch the sunset from the Park Point Fire Lookout or Point Lookout Trail .

For day 2, we suggest staying in Durango and staying at one of the recommended spots we listed under day 1!

Day 3: Durango

Watch our experience in Durango and riding the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad here !

About Durango

Durango was founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway in 1880 and today the city, which is located at the base of the San Juan Mountains, is still home to the same railroad from the 1800s, plus a cool mix of history and outdoor adventure, with the Animas river running right along town, historic buildings, and many epic hikes nearby. We have been to Durango a couple times and both times have absolutely loved it! It’s a great sized city and offers some very fun activities!

• Start your morning with coffee at Taste in downtown Durango. And while you’re there, grab a breakfast burrito from Backcountry Gourmet , a food truck right next to the coffee shop! Or for a more traditional breakfast, head to College Drive Cafe or Oscar’s Cafe .
• For the afternoon, there are quite a few activities to choose from, depending on your interests and budget. Option #1: Ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad . We LOVED this train ride and you get many beautiful views along the way. There are multiple train options, but we recommend doing the Cascade Canyon Express , which is 5 hours and takes you to a beautiful area with river and mountain views, where you get off the train for a short break. It costs 81-$86/per adult depending on where you sit, but we highly recommend booking the open air gondola! You can also take the train to Silverton, but this is an all day activity and you’ll be visiting Silverton by car soon! Option #2: Go rafting! The Animas River is a great rafting spot and there wasn’t a day where we didn’t see folks out on the water having a blast. There are a handful of rafting companies in town, including Durango Rafting , that can take you on a half day or full day adventure (starting at $50 per adult). Option #3: Go mountain biking! Durango is home to some great mountain biking trails ranging in skill level. Option #4 : Hit the trails and hike! There are several amazing trails right by Durango. A few we suggest are: Animas Mountain Trail (6 miles, 1,519 ft of elevation gain), Purgatory Trail (10.3 miles, 1,820 ft of elevation gain), Castle Rock (5.3 miles, 1,666 ft of elevation gain), or hike part of the Colorado Trail to Gudy’s Rest (9.1 miles, 1,309 ft of elevation gain).
• Spend the rest of the afternoon wandering around downtown and along the Animas River. There is a great pathway that takes you along the Animas River , right by town, and is one of our favorite things to do while in the area.
• Grab dinner at one of Durango’s local restaurants. We recommend checking out: Rice Monkeys , Taco Libre , Carver Brewing Company or Steamworks Brewing Company , or go to the 11th Street Station where there are a handful of food trucks!
• End the day with ice cream at Cream Bean Berry , one of the best local ice cream shops we have been to in the US!

For day 3, we suggest staying in Durango and staying at one of the recommended spots we listed under day 1!

Optional Add On: Pagosa Springs If you have more time while near Durango, we recommend a day trip to Pagosa Springs, which is located about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Durango. This town is known for its hot springs and is also close to some great hikes, waterfalls, and scenic drives. To see all of our suggestions for one day in Pagosa Springs, watch this video !

Day 4: Drive to Silverton

Watch our experience driving from Durango to Silverton in this YouTube video !

For day 4 of your road trip, make the 48 mile drive up to Silverton along the San Juan Skyway (Hwy 550). We LOVED this drive so much and it’s one that is best to dedicate most of a day to, as there are some great stops along the way. We recommend stopping at the following places.

Honeyville Open 9 AM-5 PM Honeyville is a third generation beekeeping and honey bottling business and their store and factory is super fun to check out! You are able to see their machinery and if you come at the right time, their bottling process, as well as see the bees that make the honey! There are tons of honey treats to purchase as well, including the delicious whipped honey.

James Ranch Market Hours and dates open vary by season Just across the street from Honeyville is James Ranch, which is a regenerative farm, which means they utilize farming and ranching practices that are better for the environment by rebuilding soil, improving the water cycle, and sequestering carbon in the soil. They also have a market with tons of local products, as well as a grill, with insanely delicious burgers and fries…all with a view of the mountains and the farm! Oh, and they have ADORABLE baby goats to play with too! Does it get much better than that

Pinkerton Hot Springs This “hot” spring is on the side of the road and is a fun and quick stop! The hot springs were discovered in the 1800s by explorer James Pinkerton, and quickly transformed into a resort and tourist attraction for all Americans to enjoy. It’s said that even Marilyn Monroe made visits to soak in these healing waters. The resort burned down a total of three times, so it’s no longer what it once was. But back in 2001, the Colorado Department of Transportation altered the direction and flow of the spring by inserting a vertical pipe to protect the nearby vegetation and structures. Now the colorful, mineral rich rock pile builds upon itself indefinitely, creating unique formations, shapes and a kaleidoscope of colors. Adrenaline Falls If you have a higher clearance vehicle to get to the trailhead, this quick 0.4 mile hike takes you to a pretty cool waterfall! 

Molas Overlook This is one of our favorite stops along this drive! This pulloff on the side of the road has views in all directions of the San Juan Mountains, as well as bathrooms if needed.  Molas Lake Molas Lake is a small lake (plus campground) with epic mountain views. We kayaked here and it was a lot of fun! If you don’t want to kayak, you can hike the Little Molas to Molas Lake Trail (6 miles, 757 ft of elevation gain) or the Molas Lake to Animas River Trail (8 miles, 2,129 ft of elevation gain), which takes you to where the Durango and Silverton train goes by!

For day 4, we suggest staying in Silverton, a small mining town with tons of historic charm, which you’ll explore more tomorrow! FREE Dispersed Camping: Kendall Camping Area , Anvil Camping Area ,  Sultan Camping Area , Golden Horn Campground Hotels: The Wyman Hotel , Grand Imperial Hotel , The Avon Airbnbs : Most Airbnbs in town have 2 night minimums, so they may not work for this itinerary.

Day 5: Explore Silverton + Drive the Million Dollar Highway

For much more information on the Million Dollar Highway and the stops along the way, check out our guide to driving the Million Dollar Highway and watch this video !

About Silverton

Silverton is a small historic mining town that was established in 1874, but grew immensely starting in 1881, when the Denver & Rio Grande Railway reached the town. The town is now more of a tourist destination, it is still full of historic charm, with many of its original buildings remaining, plus mostly unpaved streets, making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time when wandering around town. 

• Grab coffee and a breakfast burrito at Coffee Bear and make sure to go to the top deck to admire the town from above!
• Spend the morning wandering around town and admiring the old buildings. We recommend going up to the Christ of the Mines Shrine for amazing views of town. This is a memorial perched on top of a hill, which was created to honor and protect those in the mining industry. You can hike up to this view point or drive up to it!
• Tour the Old Hundred Gold Mine , which costs $28 per adult (less for kids and seniors) and you get to ride in a vintage electric powered mine train that takes you 1/3 of a mile into the heart of the 13,000 foot Galena Mountain. Once in the mine, the guide walks you around and shows different mining techniques (and even let us try the tools!) and shares a lot of history about the mine. This tour is only operational in the summer and leaves every hour. They don’t take reservations, but we recommend arriving for the first tour, as it was way less busy than the second tour.
• Head back into Silverton for lunch! Some good spots to check out are Handlebars for burgers and Avalanche Brewing Company for pizza, tacos, and other bites.
• Drive the Million Dollar Highway ! This is a 25 mile scenic drive that runs from Silverton to Ouray and is famous for its hairpin curves, drop offs and lack of guardrails, mining history, and mountain views. The road was first built in the 1880s by Otto Mears as a narrow wagon toll road to connect the two mining towns and was rebuilt in the early 1920s to be a two lane road like it is today. In our Million Dollar Highway guide we share a lot more information about the road and the best stops to make! We suggest giving yourself a couple hours to drive this road so you can enjoy the views and history.
• Once you make it to Ouray, grab dinner at either Maggie’s Kitchen for burgers, Ouray Brewery for beer and pub food, or Brickhouse 737 or Bon Ton Restaurant for a nicer meal.

For day 5, we suggest staying in Ouray, which is where the Million Dollar Highway ends and is the general area you’ll be exploring for the next couple days. FREE Dispersed Camping: Ironton Park Dispersed Camping (no cell service, but it’s convenient to town) Hotels: Imogene Hotel , Beaumont Hotel & Spa (adults only), Bo x Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs Airbnbs : Downtown Ouray Townhouse , Updated Ouray Condo w/AC , or Walkable Ouray Condo  

Day 6: Rent a Jeep!

One of our favorite things we have done, not only in Colorado, but in all of our adventures is rent a Jeep and drive some of the 4×4 trails in the San Juan Mountains! We had never driven a Jeep offroad or gone on these types of trails before, but there are 4×4 trails in the area for all skill levels.  During our visit we did Corkscrew Gulch , Animas Forks (closer to Silverton), and part of Yankee Boy Basin . They each had totally different scenery and challenges. 

Corkscrew Gulch took us up to the top of mountains, where we had endless views of the San Juan and Red Mountains (it was INSANE)! At Animas Forks we got to see a ghost town and learn mining history. Then we drove to Yankee Boy Basin, which was the most nerve wracking (in our opinion) and although we didn’t go to the end due to snow, the views and waterfalls were stunning. They were all a BLAST!

Watch our experience driving a Jeep in the San Juan Mountains! 

If you would like to experience this and do not have your own Jeep or 4×4 vehicle, we highly recommend renting a Jeep from Switzerland of America Jeeps in Ouray. It cost $232 for the day and we were able to pick it up the night before, which was a huge bonus and gave us extra time with it! Another big perk was Kona was also allowed (for free!), we just had to keep the seats covered.

Some things to know before doing this:

• The trails close in the winter and reopen around late May to early June. We were there in the very early season and not everything was open yet, but we used Switzerland of America’s website for updates and asked them for suggestions when we picked up the Jeep. 
• There are trails in both Silverton and Ouray, as well as in between, so you could start your Jeep adventure in either town (Silverton has Jeep rentals too).

If you do not want to spend money on this or it doesn’t sound fun to you, you could spend more time relaxing in Ouray or Silverton, cut a day off of the itinerary, or build in one of the optional add ons to your itinerary!

For day 6, we suggest staying in Ouray at one of the lodging options we listed above!

Day 7: Explore Ouray

Watch us hike the Ouray Perimeter Trail and read more about the trail in our Ouray Perimeter Trail guide !

About Ouray

Ouray, which is nicknamed “the Switzerland of America,” is a small mountain town tucked into the San Juan Mountains and is named after Chief Ouray of the Ute tribe, as the area was inhabited by the Ute Native Americans. For centuries, the tribe traveled here during the summer months to fish, hunt, and to soak in what they called their “sacred miracle waters.” In fact, the town’s original name was “Uncompahgre,” which is the Ute word for “hot water springs.”  The town is still home to these springs, as well as many other outdoor adventures!

• Ouray doesn’t have a ton of breakfast and coffee options, but if you’re looking to eat out for breakfast, Mojo’s Coffee, Chai, & Teas is open early and Camp Bell’s Cajun Cuisine has full breakfasts!
• Head to Box Canyon Falls Park , which is a 285 foot waterfall that drops thousands of gallons of water per minute inside a narrow canyon. It costs $5 to visit and we thought it would just be a tourist trap, but we were SO impressed by this waterfall! A couple things to know before going. There are multiple trails here, but we suggest the Falls Trail (a MUST!) and the High Bridge Trail. Dogs are NOT allowed here, except for on the actual bridge on the High Bridge Trail, which is also on the Perimeter Trail (more on that below). If you plan to do the Perimeter Trail, you could just do the Falls Trail and then save the high bridge for later in the day. The park opens at 9 AM and we highly recommend getting there right when they open, as it can get very busy!
• Spend the rest of the morning and part of the afternoon on the Ouray Perimeter Trail . This is a 6 mile dog friendly trail that traverses the mountain sides on the perimeter of Ouray, gaining 1,600 feet of elevation. Along the trail you’ll see 4 waterfalls, 5 bridges, and views of town and the mountains along the way. We have a full guide on how to do this hike and the sights you’ll see along the way, which you can read here ! We also suggest getting some snacks from Ouray Meat & Cheese Market for your hike so you can have a picnic along the way.
• After hiking all around town, visit the Ouray Hot Springs , which are located right by where we suggest starting and ending the Perimeter Trail. While these springs are more of a public pool environment, they use the same healing waters the Ute Indians used to enjoy. There are various pools, which range 75 to 106 degrees and it costs between $12-$18 per person to visit.
• Grab a sweet treat from Mouse’s Chocolates & Coffee and wander around town before heading to dinner! A couple spots to check out are Maggie’s Kitchen for burgers, Ouray Brewery for beer and pub food, or Brickhouse 737 or Bon Ton Restaurant for a nicer meal.

For day 7, we suggest staying in Ouray at one of the lodging options we listed above!

Day 8: Hike in the San Juans

The San Juan Mountains are home to some of the BEST hikes in all of Colorado, so for day 8, we highly recommend spending your day going for one of the iconic hikes in the area! There are quite a few to choose from, but our top picks are: Blue Lakes Trail 8.7 miles | 2,509 feet of elevation gain If you love forests, rivers, insane mountain views, and not one, but THREE gorgeous blue lakes, then this is the hike for you! This popular hike is located near Ridgway and is only 50 minutes from Ouray and is one of the most beautiful hikes we have done in the United States!

Watch us hike to Blue Lakes in this YouTube video ! And for a more detailed look at this hike, check out our Blue Lakes Trail hiking guide !

Ice Lakes Basin 8.6 miles | 3,070 feet of elevation gain This hike is located back towards Silverton and is one of the most popular hikes in the state! It was closed during our visit due to a wildfire that had happened in 2020, but is now back open and despite being warned that it may become a permit only hike, it still remains open to anyone (but please treat it with respect). Similar to Blue Lakes, this hike takes you to three bright, blue lakes, as well as has some amazing views of the San Juans. It’s high up on our list for when we return! Columbine Lake 8.3 miles | 2,933 feet of elevation gain This is a tough hike, but you’re rewarded with incredible views of the mountains and a gorgeous blue lake at the end. Parking is pretty tight here and you may have to park by the bridge and walk to the trailhead if you arrive late, so plan to get here early. Whichever trail you choose, PLEASE leave no trace and help keep the San Juan Mountains beautiful for future generations!

While you could stay in Telluride this night, in order to be close to tomorrow’s activities, we think that staying another night in Ouray would work out best, as you then won’t have to hop around to yet another hotel or Airbnb and you’re still pretty close to Telluride (about 1 hour).

Day 9: Telluride

Watch us explore the beautiful town of Telluride in this video !

About Telluride

Telluride is a former mining town located in the San Juan Mountains and is tucked into a box canyon surrounded by 13,000 and 14,000-foot peaks. And similar to Ouray, it was a popular summer destination for Ute Native Americans and today, it’s known for its many festivals, epic mountain views, skiing and snowboarding, and more artsy vibe. We had been told by many people that we should go here, but to be honest, we thought it was just going to feel like a fancy ski resort. But boy, were we wrong! Telluride ended up being our favorite town we visited in Colorado and is high up on the list for the entire US! The downtown area has maintained tons of historic charm, while also being very, very nice, and it’s full of really cool shops and local restaurants.

• Grab coffee and breakfast at either High Alpine Coffee or The Butcher & The Baker .
• Take the FREE gondola to Mountain Village! This is the first and only gondola offering free public transportation in the United States. While Mountain Village has a resort feel, we loved walking around up there, as well as the ride to the top (make sure to stop at the halfway point to see the views!).
• Hike to Bridal Veil Falls , which is the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado at 365 feet. It is super impressive and has a TON of mist…we got soaked! You can take the trail to the top and then Black Bear Pass Road (which has great views) back to the bottom, but make sure to go above the falls to check out the hydroelectric power plant! You can even continue further to Blue Lake (different than Blue Lakes mentioned above) if you want to add on to the adventure!
• Spend the rest of the day walking around town. There are many cool shops and art galleries to check out!
• For dinner, head to Brown Dog Pizza or Wood Ear in Telluride or on your way to your lodging for the night, stop by GNAR in Ridgway for some creative and delicious tacos that we LOVED!

Since the next two days will be spent at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, we suggest staying in Montrose for the night so you’re close to the park.

Campgrounds: South Rim Campground , Schoolhouse with mountain views , KOA , Cedar Creek RV Park , Riverbend RV Park FREE Dispersed Camping: Flat Top OHV Recreation Area , Uncompahgre Valley View , Black Canyon BLM Hotels: Hampton Inn Montrose , Holiday Inn Express Montrose , Double G Ranch & Guest Lodge , Super 8 Montrose Airbnbs : Charming Blue Bungalow , Private Guest House with Mountain Views

Day 10: Black Canyon of the Gunnison (South Rim)

Watch our experience at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park’s South and North Rims and read our detailed guide to the park!

About Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located in Western Colorado, near Montrose and gets its name because some parts of the canyon receive only 33 total minutes of sunlight per day because of how steep and narrow the canyon is.  The canyon is 48 miles long, with 14 miles of it in the national park, and at its deepest point, Warner Point, it reaches 2,722 feet. While there are canyons that are deeper and longer, none combine the depth, sheerness, darkness, and narrowness of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. The canyon has some of the steepest and oldest exposed rock in North America and at its narrowest point is only 40 feet wide.  The park is home to two rims to explore, the South Rim and the North Rim, which may look close on the map, but there is no bridge to get from one rim to the other and to go between the two requires a 1 hour, 45 minute drive. So for this day, we suggest focusing on just the South Rim.

How to explore Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

There are two main ways to explore Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, either along the rim or below the rim. Along the Rim At the South Rim, there is a 7 mile scenic drive which has 12 overlooks. Most of these overlooks are reached by short walking trails, but some do offer views right from the side of the road. Some of our favorite viewpoints from our visit were Gunnison Point (right by the visitor center), Pulpit Rock, Cross Fissures View, Chasm View, and Painted Wall, which is the tallest cliff in all of Colorado at 2,250 feet! There are also some hikes along the rim, which aren’t too strenuous, which we will mention below!

Below the Rim The BEST way to explore Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is to do one of the inner canyon routes, which take you down into the canyon to the Gunnison River. These are technically NOT trails, but rather unmaintained and unmarked routes with steep and rugged terrain and should ONLY be attempted by experienced hikers! These routes require a wilderness permit , which are free. However, you will need to get the permit the day before and they can be tough to get, as the routes are limited to 15 people per route, per day. We did the Gunnison Route and highly recommend it for those looking for an adventure! It was challenging, but getting to go down the canyon to the river and hardly having anyone else around was a very special and beautiful experience.

You can read all about how to get a permit for these inner canyon routes, plus everything you need to bring and know beforehand in this detailed Gunnison Route guide .

Itinerary Option #1

For your first day, drive along the South Rim, stopping at the different overlooks along the way and going for some of the rim hikes, like the Oak Flat Loop Trail (1.3 miles, 311 ft of elevation gain), Rim Rock Nature Trail (1.5 miles, 187 ft of elevation gain), and Warner Point Nature Trail (1.5 miles, 406 ft of elevation gain). Depending on how early you start, this could take a half day or a full day!

Itinerary Option #2

For the first half of the day, enjoy the South Rim Scenic Drive, stopping at as many overlooks as you have time for until about 3-4 hours before the visitor center closes for the day. For the second part of the day, hang out at the visitor center to get your wilderness use permit to hike into the inner canyon the next day.

We suggest staying in Montrose like you did the previous night! 

Optional Add On: Black Canyon of the Gunnison North Rim The North Rim is also home to a scenic drive, which is a maintained gravel road and is a bit shorter, at 5 miles and only 6 stops. However, all of the stops are basically directly off the road and are worth stopping at! There are also two trails we suggest checking out on the North Rim: North Vista Trail to Exclamation Point (2.9 miles, 406 ft of elevation gain) and the Chasm View Nature Trail (0.6 miles, 108 ft of elevation gain).

Day 11: The Gunnison Route OR go for an easier hike!

If you decided to wait in line for a Gunnison Route permit the day before, spend this day doing that hike. It won’t take the entire day, but you will be tired afterwards. After your hike, you could visit the overlooks you missed the day before, head to the North Rim to explore, or just relax! If you explored Black Canyon yesterday and did not want to attempt the Gunnison Route, you have a few options of how you could spend this day. Option #1: Visit the North Rim for the day! It is a bit of a drive, but we found the North Rim to be just as beautiful as the South Rim, offered some unique perspectives, and was WAY less busy! Option #2: Explore the Curecanti National Recreation Area ! We have not personally visited this area, but we did drive through it and WOW is it stunning! Option #3: Drive Owl Creek Pass , which says it’s an OHV trail, but in the summer it is doable without 4×4. This pass is famous for being where part of True Grit was filmed and has amazing views of Chimney Rock and Courthouse Mountain. Option #4: Visit Ridgway State Park , which has a beautiful reservoir surrounded by mountains. You can kayak and paddleboard on the reservoir or see it from above on the Ridgway Reservoir Trail (6.9 miles, 856 ft of elevation gain).

We suggest staying in Montrose like you did the previous two nights or you can travel to wherever you’re flying out the next day or hit the road to your next destination!

Day 12: Travel back home

And now for the worst day of your Southwest Colorado road trip…heading home! If you’re like us, you’ll be very, very sad to leave, but there is still a lot more of Southwest Colorado and Colorado to see that is not included on this guide, so we hope that your goodbye is more of a “see you later!”

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4 thoughts on “ 12 day southwest colorado road trip itinerary ”.

This is one of the most comprehensive and well written posts about exploring southwest colorado. Thank you so much! Learned so much from it and it helped plan my own itinerary.

That means a lot, thank you! So glad you found it helpful!

This is an awesome, very detailed guide!Thank you for sharing! 1. Do you have a “cost” associated with this 12 day trip. 2. Can this be printed?

Thank you, Dannis and Willie

Hi Dannis and Willie! We’re glad you found it helpful! We don’t have costs associated with this itinerary, as it will vary a lot based on accommodation and the activities you choose. But if you’re camping in a van or RV (like we did!), it is a very affordable trip, with the only cost being food, fuel, and any activities you pay for, since there is a lot of free camping. The guide can technically be printed, but it will be a bit hard to read with the ads. We are hoping to create an easier to print version in the future!

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The Perfect Southwest USA Road Trip Itinerary for 12 Days

• Post author By Melissa
• Post date March 28, 2024
• 2 Comments on The Perfect Southwest USA Road Trip Itinerary for 12 Days

The American southwest is one of the best destinations in the United States for a road trip. Home to some of the most famous national parks, the most breathtaking scenery, and the most fascinating history in the US, the southwest portion of America is an outdoor-lover’s dream destination.

From the ancient Indian ruins of Mesa Verde to the red rocks and slot canyons in Utah, you could spend weeks – if not months – in the American Southwest. 

But if you have limited time off, like us, you can see a lot of the sites and landmarks in the Southwest USA in just 12 days.

This southwest USA road trip itinerary includes portions of New Mexico, Southern Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. 

About this Southwest USA road trip itinerary

You can prefer to travel slowly, or if you have fewer days to spend, you can also condense this itinerary into only a Utah and Arizona road trip, or dedicate a vacation to each state. 

Also read: Our top sights to see on a New Mexico road trip . 

And with 5 national parks plus Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, you could easily dedicate a 2-week vacation just to a Utah road trip. As one of our favorite states in America, Utah really does deserve its own vacation to thoroughly explore all it has to offer.

With skiing and Ice Castles in winter to hiking and camping in summer, Utah is great for year round.

But we wanted to share a complete Southwest USA road trip guide for those who are looking to visit multiple states and landmarks in one trip.

Note: To save money, you’ll want to buy a national park pass before this southwest USA road trip. It will cover admission to all 8 national parks on this adventure. 

This Southwest USA road trip includes:

• Great Sand Dunes National Park
• Mesa Verde National Park
• Arches National Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Capitol Reef National Park
• Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
• Bryce National Park
• Zion National Park
• Grand Canyon
• Horseshoe Bend
• Antelope Canyon
• Monument Valley
• Albuquerque

Overwhelmed already? We realize this itinerary includes A LOT of places in just 12 days. This itinerary is jam packed and involves a fair amount of driving, and be warned, a fair amount of hiking. 

BUT, it is doable, and if you are adventurous, it’s really fun!

Although we’ve crammed all of these great destinations into 12 days, if you can give yourself a full two to three weeks, you won’t feel as rushed and you’ll get to enjoy a lot more hikes and natural wonders because you won’t be as pressed for time. 

How much time do you need for a Southwest USA road trip

As we mentioned, you can spend months in the American Southwest.

Realistically, most people have full-time jobs, or they have kids in school.

The average American only has 10 paid days off per year. So, we wanted to create an itinerary that the average American could accomplish using their paid days off plus one weekend.

At the end of this blog post, we have added a few suggestions for additional things you can add if you have extra time.

Things to know before embarking on this Southwest USA road trip

There are a few things that will make this Southwest USA road trip easier and more enjoyable. 

Our top recommendation is to rent a high clearance SUV when you arrive in Albuquerque, particularly if you plan to explore some of the slot canyons in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Park in Utah.

Visiting some of those slot canyons involves driving down some fairly precarious roads.

You can also save money by camping instead of staying in hotels or Airbnbs . We did a little of both. Because while camping with kids can be a great experience, after a few days I need a shower and a comfortable bed.

Also read: Family camping tips to ensure a great experience

How to spend 12 days on a Southwest USA road trip

Day 1: albuquerque.

Albuquerque, New Mexico is a great place to start and end your trip, although you can also fly into Phoenix or Las Vegas. One of the greatest cities to visit in New Mexico with kids , there are a lot of great things to keep families entertained.

To get a good feel for the city, start out with a visit to Old Town . This historic area of Albuquerque features narrow streets lined with adobe buildings and a lot of interesting locally-owned shops and cafes. Exploring Old Town is extra fun if you book a family-friendly ghost tour which is both insightful and entertaining.

Additionally, the BioPark Zoo and aquarium, the Natural History Museum , and Explora Science Museum are all great for kids!  

You can also take the tram up Sandia Peak , just outside Albuquerque. The 2.7-mile long tramway is the longest in the United States.

The panoramic views of the Sandia Mountain Range from inside the tram and from the top are stunning!

Where to stay: Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town

Day 2: Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the lesser visited national parks in the United States, but it is fascinating.

The park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America and is worthy of any Colorado Bucket List .

Visiting the park is fascinating because seemingly out of nowhere, massive sand dunes appear at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains , almost like they were transported there.

The unique wind patterns in the San Luis Valley have created these huge piles of sand over time. Although the park encompasses 232 square miles, the giant sandbox in Southwest Colorado is the main attraction.

The dunes span 30 square miles! 

Visitors to the park can choose their own leg-burning path up the mountains of sand and sled down.

We recommend renting a sled when you get to the park rather than bringing your own. Not all sleds will work on the sand. The sleds rented at the park provide the fastest and most exhilarating sledding experience.

Make sure to wear sunscreen, and prepare for sand everywhere when you are done. The sand can get warm, particularly in summer, so plan to wear shoes. Closed-toe shoes or a high top boot might help prevent some of the sand from getting into your shoes.

But there is a good chance you’ll be pouring sand out of your shoes regardless of what type of shoe you wear.

Where to stay: Camp under the stars at Pinon Flats Campgrounds or Fairfield Inn and Suites (Alamosa )

Day 3: Mesa Verde National Park

Day three of this southwest USA road trip takes you to one of the most culturally significant national parks in the United States.

Mesa Verde National Park , located in Southwest Colorado is an incredible look back in time. 

At Mesa Verde, you’ll find numerous cliff dwellings built thousands of years ago by the Pueblo Indians . The indigenous tribe built their homes into the sides of mountains as a means of protection from the elements, animals, and other tribes. 

There are more than 5,000 protected archeological sites within the national park, making it the largest archeological preserve in the United States.

The Cliff Palace is the most impressive of the dwellings in Mesa Verde. It is believed that at least 100 people lived in the palace.

The Pueblo Indians abandoned their cliff-side homes in the 1300s. Although the reason for their migration remains unclear, it is believed that a series of droughts forced the tribe to migrate south to what is now New Mexico and Arizona.  

Where to stay: Retro Inn at Mesa Verde (Cortez)

Day 4: Canyonlands National Park

From Mesa Verde, it is only a short 2-hour drive to Moab, Utah which will be your base for the next two days if you are following this southwest USA road trip itinerary.

Moab is an adventure lover’s paradise, with majestic scenery, fun hikes, rivers sports, and more. Within a few miles of Moab you’ll find two of Utah’s Mighty Five national parks. 

Canyonlands is known as Utah’s mini grand canyon, although there really isn’t anything mini about it.

With carved out canyons, a series of plateaus with sheer drops, and panoramic skies, Canyonlands spans more than 500 square miles. Island in the Sky is the most popular district, and the easiest to visit with kids.

We recommend the easy hike down to the Grand Viewpoint for an almost surreal sunset. It is a 2-mile hike round-trip, one mile in and one mile back out, and the views are worth every footstep!

Where to stay: SpringHill Suites by Marriott (Moab)

Day 5: Arches National Park

Second only to Yellowstone , Arches National Park is one of the best national parks in the US that we have personally visited. 

It’s unique topography and natural red rock arches found throughout the park are breathtaking.

Although much smaller than Canyonlands in geographical size, you could spend an entire day exploring Arches National Park . Even more if you don’t really like to hike.

If you have more than 12 days for your American Southwest road trip, give yourself a few extra days in Moab to explore and truly appreciate southeast Utah. Visiting Moab with kids is a great adventure! You won’t regret it.

Start your day very early with a hike to Delicate Arch , the most famous landmark in all of Utah. The massive arch is depicted on the state’s license plates and Welcome to Utah signs, so you would be remiss if you don’t make the 3-mile round trip journey. It truly is worthy of a Utah bucket list .

The hike is easy enough that you can do it with kids, although there are a few parts where you will want to hold onto a little one’s hand.

Our daughter was only five years old, and was able to complete the hike with minimal grumbling. I would recommend dressing for the desert elements. Bring sunscreen and plenty of water and wear a hat.

If hiking with kids, snacks can also be an easy diversion when they start to get bored or tired.

After completing the hike to Delicate Arch , hit up Double Arches and The Windows before calling it a day. Both are very easy, half mile to mile-long hikes that are on the way back out of the park toward Moab.

Kids will love scrambling and climbing on the rock formations. Usually, in The Windows there is a nice breeze that will cool you off if visiting in the hot summer months.

Day 6: Capitol Reef National Park

Although it seems to get less buzz than the other four national parks in Utah, it is worth spending a day in Capitol Reef National Park .

With layers of white and red sandstone, by the time you visit Capitol Reef, you will have seen sand dunes, Indian Ruins, canyons and red rock arches. 

At Capitol Reef you will feel like you are exploring the bottom of a body of water that has long evaporated or dried up, leaving behind a reef of exposed layers and ridges. The park is one of the narrowest national parks in the US.

You can either just enjoy the scenic drive through the park on the way to Grand Staircase-Escalante or you can spend one night in the park, which is listed as an International Dark Sky Park , so on a clear night, you’ll see so many stars!

Where to stay:  Capitol Reef Resort

Day 7: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument 

The impressive Grand Staircase-Escalante in remote southern Utah covers nearly one million acres. The national monument is home to some of the best slot canyons in the entire state. 

As the last place in the lower 48 states to be officially mapped, this rugged and scenic area offers visitors a place to truly get away, and feel immersed in unspoiled nature. 

The public land is broken up into three distinct geological regions: the Grand Staircase , the Kaiparowits Plateau , and Escalante Canyon . 

The Grand Staircase is where you’ll find Utah’s most extensive network of slot canyons .

Peek-a-boo Canyon , Willis Creek Canyon , and Zebra Canyon are just a few of the slot canyons in this area of the national monument.

While the Grand Staircase is growing in popularity, Escalante Canyon is perhaps the most visited region of the national monument. It is especially popular among backcountry hikers for its active waterfalls, scenic trailheads, and natural arches. 

Many of the trailheads throughout Grand Staircase-Escalante require a high clearance vehicle to get to.

So, a visit to the national monument is truly an off-the-grid experience, and to best experience its natural beauty, you’ll have to turn off the paved roads and navigate down some very bumpy, precarious dirt paths.

Where to stay: Escalante Yurts

Day 8: Bryce National Park

Hello hoodoos! Day eight of this 12 day southwest USA road trip takes you to the land of the hoodoos, Bryce National Park .

Hoodoos are spire-shaped rock formations, created by erosion and rain until only slender pillars remain. Bryce is the hoodoo capital of the world. Not far from Zion, you can easily combine the two parks in one day if you plan to do more driving than hiking. 

When you get to Bryce National Park, head straight to Sunset Point.

If you are up for an adventure, love hiking, and don’t mind some challenging switchbacks, take the Navajo Loop to Queen’s Garden Loop , up to Sunrise Point , and then back across the Rim Trail .

This hike is roughly 3 miles but will take at least 3 hours, especially if hiking it will kids. It takes you down to the floor of the amphitheater where the hoodoos tower overhead.

This is a beautiful hike, and while it is doable with kids, it is not for the faint of heart. The elevation change and countless switchbacks may have you regretting your decision on the way back up.

If you prefer an easy day, just walk the paved Rim Trail that connects Sunset Point to Sunrise Point for panoramic and stunning views of the amphitheater, or book an easy guided hike through the park.

Watch young kids and don’t let them get too close to the edge! It’s a sharp drop from the top! 

Where to stay:  Cable Mountain Lodge (Springdale)

Day 9: Zion National Park

The east entrance to Zion National Park is only about 30 minutes from Bryce National Park, so we recommend making Springdale your base for both Day 8 and Day 9 of this US southwest road trip.

Zion is one of the most visited national parks in the United States, so fair warning, it is busy!

Parking within Zion is extremely limited, so you will likely have to utilize the shuttle to get to most of the popular trailheads. 

Unlike Bryce National Park that offers some of the best viewpoints just steps from the parking lot, to truly appreciate Zion’s beauty you need to hike! The park is known for a couple strenuous but fun hikes.

Angel’s Landing is one of the most famous. This hike is dangerous, and more than a dozen people have died hiking Angel’s Landing, so if visiting Zion with kids , skip this hike and do the Emerald Pools trail instead. It’s an easier hike along a cliff, so make sure you hold hands with younger hikes or wear them in a baby carrier or a framed kid carrier . 

Perhaps even more famous than Angel’s Landing, The Narrows is a strenuous hike that is completely doable with kids. In fact, our 5-year-old loved it! This hike was one of the most memorable moments of our entire trip.

Hiking The Narrows with kids or without does require some preparation because the entire hike is in the river through a beautiful, wide slot canyon.

You will want hiking polls for this hike because it is a bit of a challenge to keep your footing on the rocks in the gently moving water.

You will also want to dress appropriately. The water is cold! But either water shoes , or a good pair of hiking shoes or boots are also necessary. The depth of the water can change depending on how much rainfall southern Utah has received.

Most people start this hike early to avoid any afternoon showers. However, there was no rain in the forecast when we hiked the Narrows, so we got to the trailhead in the afternoon and were able to avoid crowds. Plus it was warmer, so it made the cold water feel refreshing!

Also read: Things to do in Zion National Park with kids

Day 10: Grand Canyon North Rim

The Grand Canyon is what I would consider one of the seven natural wonders of the United States! It’s sheer size can be overwhelming at times.

Covering more than 1,900 square miles, it truly is the jewel of Arizona. The south rim of the Grand Canyon is the most visited side of the Grand Canyon. It offers those expansive views that seem to stretch forever!

However, this itinerary takes you to the north rim, which is less crowded but equally beautiful.

Again, if you have extra time, the Grand Canyon’s south rim is worth visiting and could easily be added to this Colorado, Utah, Arizona road trip.

You could also fly out of Las Vegas and skip Page and Monument Valley. 

Given the size of the Grand Canyon, there are countless hikes you could do. For a steep, but short half-mile long hike down a paved trail, hike to Bright Angel Point for dramatic views.

There are several pullouts along the north rim scenic drive if you prefer not to hike at all. Again, as with many of the other scenic canyons, you’ll want to closely watch young children here, as there are a lot of sharp, dangerous drops.

Where to stay: Grand Canyon Lodge

Day 10: Page, Arizona / Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon

Page, Arizona is another great base if you want to see two of Arizona’s most notable landmarks: Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. Both are short, easy hikes.

Made a million times more popular, Horseshoe Bend is a horseshoe-shaped canyon carved by the Colorado River .

From the picturesque lookout about a quarter mile from the parking lot, the river almost appears to go in a circle.

After visiting Horseshoe Bend, head to Antelope Canyon.

Perhaps the most famous slot canyon in the American Southwest, Antelope Canyon requires a guided tour because it is on Navajo Tribal Lands. Well before you embark on your US southwest road trip, you should make your reservation to see Antelope Canyon.

Where to stay: Country Inn and Suites by Radisson

Day 11: Monument Valley

Monument Valley is the final stop on this southwest road trip itinerary before heading back to Albuquerque, where it all started. Monument Valley, in the far southeast corner of Utah was made famous by the movie Forest Gump .

In fact, in the middle of this remote desert, don’t be surprised to find numerous cars stopped on the side of the road at an area now known as Forest Gump hill.

While there isn’t much to do in Monument Valley besides drive through to see the pretty desert landscapes or take a guided tour to see the overlook points up close, it is only a slight detour to drive through on your way back to New Mexico. 

We even decided to spend one night in this somewhat desolate area, as we enjoy the feeling of traveling off the grid whenever we can. 

Where to stay: Bluff Dwellings Resort

Day 12: Drive back to Albuquerque

Every road trip seems to have one day that is committed to simply driving. On the final day of your road trip, slowly make your way back to Albuquerque.

There isn’t a lot to see or do along the journey back, but after a last 11 days of jam-packed adventure in Colorado, Utah and Arizona, your final trek back to where it all started can be one of reflection and relaxation. 

Why you should take a Southwest USA road trip

The American Southwest is a wonderful place to get away and get in touch with nature. With so many incredible hiking trails and public land to explore, you can escape the crowds and enjoy a moment of real serenity.

Although this Southwest USA road trip itinerary is jam-packed with activity, it will leave you wanting more… more slot canyons, more red rocks, and more of the American Southwest!

So, ready to hit the road? Don’t forget your National Park pass !

Have a question or comment about this US Southwest road trip itinerary? We’d love to hear from you and always try to respond to our readers! Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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2 comments on “The Perfect Southwest USA Road Trip Itinerary for 12 Days”

Love Arizona & all the off-the-tourist stops and a lot of the tourist stops! But that desert heat – it is HOT!

This Southwest USA road trip itinerary is incredibly helpful. You’ve really thought through everything you need to know before planning a trip. Thank you for this helpful resource. Saving this guide for later!

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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 .

14,000 miles and counting: One man's cross-country bike ride through America's national parks

He wants to raise awareness for environmental, social benefits of bike travel instead of cars.

Spencer McCullough’s legs were burning as he pulled up to Carlsbad Caverns National Park on his bicycle.

It was the 45 th stop on his ride across the U.S. to visit national parks, marking about 14,000 miles of the estimated 18,000-mile trip.

But McCullough, 29, wasn’t stressing about the distance yet to travel as he lounged at the national park’s visitor center café.

He sipped water, dug through his bike’s several storage pockets for high-carb snacks and thought of the beauty of the country he’d seen since taking to the road in April 2023, at not only national parks but the thousands of miles between.

After his stop at Carlsbad Caverns National Park on a sunny March afternoon, McCullough was headed to nearby Guadalupe Mountains National Park where he said he planned to hike to the Guadalupe Peak – the highest point in Texas. His first stop in New Mexico was at White Sands National Park, after traveling to several in neighboring Arizona.

Next, he planned to bike hundreds more miles to Big Bend National Park in southern Texas and then east to Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas.

It all started at Biscayne Bay National Park in southern Florida near Miami. From there, McCullough worked his way up to the Chicago area, then across the northern edge of the U.S. to Seattle where he began winding his way south through the American West.

It’s a long journey, but the avid biker, hiker and mountaineer was undaunted.

He was more concerned with raising awareness of walking and biking and the benefits it can bring for the health of people and the environment while “decentralizing” human transportation on cars.

“They’re part of a larger system,” McCullough mused while gazing out a window at the sprawling Chihuahuan Desert surrounding Carlsbad Caverns National Park. “We treat them as a tool for everything, and it’s not.”

He estimated about half of car trips are three miles or less and encouraged people to use bicycles or other non-motorized vehicles for short trips like grocery store shopping.

“Start riding your bike to run errands. You’ll get comfortable on your bike,” McCullough said. “Your miles will add up. It’s best to start small. Things are going to take more time.”

More: Federal PFAS restrictions could help New Mexico fight pollution

Life on the road

McCullough formerly worked as a freelance software developer, residing in Denver where he said he’s still registered to vote.

About five years ago, he said he gave up a fixed residence, opting to live in a van or campground since and adopting an “alternative lifestyle” to what most Americans consider normal.

“Sometimes I have a real job. Sometimes it's just odds and ends. This wasn’t out of nowhere,” he said of the trip. “The flexibility is great, being able to move your house around on a whim. But it’s also like you don’t have a bathroom. When I first started out, I would get stressed about not knowing where I was going to sleep at night.”

Before his national park tour, McCullough said the longest bike ride he went on was about three days.

He began training for the journey as another challenge, and said he hoped to witness the beauty of America that car travelers usually pass by.

McCullough started by mapping all the visitor’s centers at national parks throughout the U.S. He excluded parks in Alaska, Hawaii, American Samoa and the Virgin Islands which were impossible to get to by bike.

He put the locations into a trucking app, and adjusted the route for weather, as McCullough said he can bike in the cold of winter but not the 110-degree heat of a New Mexico summer.

“This is a cool framework for a bike trip,” McCullough said of the resulting map. “Partially because you get to see the parks but also because of all the spaces between these parks. Some of these parks are in absolutely random parts of the country. It fills in all these funny geographical understandings of the country.”

His mother Lynn Glasgow of Yardley, Pennsylvania said she was a bit "taken aback" when she heard her son's master plan, but was unsurprised after a childhood Glasgow said was typified by unique and often complex projects led by her son.

She remembered McCullough as a 4-year-old, collecting discarded CD cases and convincing his preschool classmates to organize the plastic parts and use them in a stained-glass-window-like art project. Glasgow said her son from a young age would rally around unique causes and get his peers to join in.

"From a very young kid he's been off the beaten path and testing the limits," she said of McCullough. "When he has a cause, he's all in. He's going to do what he has to do."

On his bike, McCullough travels at about 10 miles per hour and considers about an hour in the car to be a day’s worth of biking.

More: Gov. Lujan Grisham vetoes tax exemption for small oil and gas wells in New Mexico

He often relies on the kindness of strangers for a bite to eat or place to stay. Recently, McCullough said he slept on the floor of Cloudcroft art studio.

“It’s interesting how people treat you on a bike,” he said. “People realize when you’re on a bike you can’t just bail yourself out. You’re much more vulnerable and open to the world. People are treating you as the old, imagined idea of a traveler.”

He also uses campgrounds at national parks for a night’s rest and said the hiking and biking community that congregates at the camps is much more welcoming than the typical tourist on a family vacation.

McCullough also gets to experience moments like on July 25, 2023 at Yosemite National Park. He said he was resting on a nearby bench when a massive buffalo wandered up to the campsite and began to walk toward the bike McCullough parked next to his tent.

He eagerly shared a video of the confrontation, narrating between laughs as the animal nearly crushed McCullough’s only means of transportation but instead just trudged through the site without causing damage.

“This buffalo looked like it was going to fold my bike in half, and it didn’t, and I was shocked,” he said of the encounter.

Glasgow said she heard about the buffalo encounter during one of her phone calls with McCullough from the road. She said he also keeps up with a family text string, updating several family members on his progress across America.

She said she's not worried so much about her son's behavior on the road, but of the actions of other people and animals along the way that could place him in danger. Glasgow said motorists could threaten her son as he traverses the country's highways on bike, and that she's heard of him being chased by loose dogs in rural areas.

"I obviously have concerns regarding his safety," Glasgow said. "I'm not concerned about him being reckless, but other people can be. I also know he's the kind of person that takes proper precautions."

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More so than the wildlife that populate the parks and areas around them, McCullough said bike riding offers visitors a better sense of community and openness in shared campgrounds void of cars or trucks that take up more space and create more separation.

He said a site also in Yosemite was designed as a shared campsite, offering a more social experience for visitors and a more efficient use of the space.

“I think that’s something the park service could facilitate but doesn’t offer,” McCullough said. “They could offer a cheaper, shared option. I find at the hiker-biker spots, everyone is sitting around at the table chatting. That might be the culture of the activity we’re taking on. You spend a lot of time alone that we want to hang out.”

Returning to what many consider normal society could be a challenge for McCullough after the trip is complete, Glasgow said. She said she and her son talked about how McCullough will rejoin society after the ride and over a year mostly by himself without the structure of paying bills or going to work.

"When he comes back, I think it's going to be shocking," Glasgow said. "He'll be on the road for more than a year. It's freeing when he doesn't have to go to a job. I've talked to him about his reentry."

Questioning the automotive status quo

National Parks, not unlike the rest of modern society, McCullough said, heavily favor automobiles as the primary means of transportation.

At the Carlsbad Caverns he was unable to get one of the limited, scheduled tickets into the cave to see the wonderous stalactites and stalagmites that made the park famous. That’s because as a bike rider, McCullough is unable to commit to a specific time of arrival. He’s at the mercy of the road, his own stamina and potential weather changes.

He said the Cavern’s new reservation system implemented amid the COVID-19 pandemic, favors motorists who travel in a much more controlled, and faster, environment.

Setting aside reservations for hiking and biking visitors could be a solution, McCullough said, both for attractions like the caverns and for campsites he said are often hard to get for someone not adhering to a strict schedule.

As McCullough traveled to the Caverns he encountered snow in Cloudcroft that slowed his ride significantly, ultimately reaching Carlsbad a day after he planned.

“It’s hard to plan the same way you do in a car, especially with this reservation system,” McCullough said from the visitor’s center of Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Most national parks are in remote areas, miles from the nearest city meaning a bike ride could take a day or more. But better incentives for bike riders would work toward the National Park Service’s conservation goals by reducing pollution, McCullough said.

“It leaves people out who don’t want to drive,” McCullough said of the policies. “The National Park Service could move the needle. This is a touchstone opportunity to teach them that.”

More bike riding could also advance New Mexico’s climate goals, as state regulators push back on pollution from the transportation sector. The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) reported cars and trucks are the second-leading cause of greenhouse gases in the state, after oil and gas production.

Lawmakers recently passed the Clean Transportation Fuel Standard Act, which was signed earlier this year by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. The bill called on the state’s Environmental Improvement Board to cut vehicle emissions by 20 percent by 2030 and 30 percent by 2040 from 2018 levels.

More: New Mexico called on to ban 'forever chemicals' in oil and gas, as feds push restrictions

“Clean fuel standards not only decrease emissions and move us toward our climate goals, but also diversify our economy and attract new businesses to our state,” said Lujan Grisham upon the bill’s March 5 signing.

New Mexico’s Outdoor Recreation Division was also at work to pursue opportunities for visitors and locals to enjoy the state’s natural beauty on a bike.

The Division announced a $30,000 grant to San Juan County in northwest New Mexico earlier this year to catalogue unpaved abandoned oilfield roads and promote them as opportunities for gravel biking throughout the area.

It was part of a $873,872 grant package for outdoor marketing throughout the state that also included $30,000 for the Santa Fe Century Committee’s weekend gravel and road biking events and $20,000 for Glorieta Camps with Zia Rides’ GloriDays Mountain Bike Festival.

“The much-needed funding will lead to individuals strengthening their connections to the outdoors and families continuing to build traditions of being outside together,” said Division Director Karina Armijo in a statement. “From single- to multi-day events and long-lasting marketing tools, such as printed guides and informative websites, all funded efforts lead to healthy outcomes that fuel our outdoor recreation economy.”

McCullough pointed to the Monumental Loop, a 250-mile bike path that winds through southwest New Mexico near Las Cruces. The ride was described as taking about five days on 76% unpaved roads, with a high point of 5,805 feet, according to bike riding website Bikepacking.com .

There’s also the Southern Tier bike route that starts near San Diego, continues through Arizona into New Mexico around Silver City and Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, before heading into El Paso, Texas.

Those are the kinds of efforts McCullough said a culture of biking could be built around in New Mexico. He said the state has a lot to offer if its leaders will roll down their windows and look around.

“If one more person started riding their bike to the grocery store because I posted enough things on Instagram to convince them to do so, then I would have achieved everything I hoped for,” he said.

Minutes later, he was back in the saddle pedaling down National Parks Highway into the towering Guadalupe Mountains.  

Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, [email protected] or @AdrianHedden on the social media platform X.