Are you looking for an epic road trip adventure that will take you through some of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes in the US?
Do you want to experience the thrill of driving across two states, exploring their attractions, culture, and activities along the way? If you answered yes, then this article is for you.
In this article, I will show you how to plan a 10-day Texas to Colorado road trip by car that will cover about 1,800 miles of scenic routes, stunning parks, charming towns, and exciting activities.
You will discover the best places to visit, where to stay, what to do, and how to make the most of your trip.
This is not your typical road trip itinerary that only focuses on the major cities and landmarks. This is a comprehensive guide that will help you discover the hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations that make Texas and Colorado so amazing.
So buckle up, grab your camera, and get ready for the ultimate Texas to Colorado road trip!
Day 1: Dallas to Palo Duro Canyon State Park
The first day of your road trip will take you from Dallas to Palo Duro Canyon State Park, which is about 7.5 hours long and covers about 450 miles.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is the second largest canyon in the country, after the Grand Canyon.
It offers stunning views of red rock formations, colorful cliffs, and rolling hills. The park has over 30 miles of hiking trails, camping sites, cabins, and a musical show in the summer.
You can also visit the nearby Cadillac Ranch art installation near Amarillo, which features 10 Cadillacs buried nose-down in the ground.
Some of the best things to do at Palo Duro Canyon State Park are:
- Hike to the Lighthouse rock formation, which is one of the most iconic landmarks in the park. It is a 6-mile round trip that takes about 3 hours and offers panoramic views of the canyon.
- Watch the Texas Outdoor Musical at the Pioneer Amphitheater, which is a spectacular show that tells the story of Texas through music, dance, and fireworks. The show runs from June to August and tickets start from $16.95.
- Explore the canyon by horseback riding with Palo Duro Riding Stables or Old West Stables. You can choose from different tours that range from 1 hour to 4 hours and cost from $40 to $150 per person.
The best place to stay at Palo Duro Canyon State Park is one of the cabins that are located along the rim of the canyon.
They have air conditioning, heating, electricity, beds, bathrooms, and kitchenettes. They can accommodate up to 4 people and cost from $60 to $150 per night.
You can also camp at one of the campsites that have water and electricity hookups or primitive sites that have no amenities. They cost from $12 to $26 per night.
To book your cabin or campsite, visit Here.
Day 2: Palo Duro Canyon State Park to Garden of the Gods
The second day of your road trip will take you from Palo Duro Canyon State Park to Garden of the Gods, which is about 6 hours long and covers about 370 miles.
Garden of the Gods is a natural wonder with towering red rock formations, scenic views, hiking trails, biking paths, horseback riding, rock climbing, and a visitor center.
It is one of the most popular attractions in Colorado Springs and a designated National Natural Landmark.
Some of the best things to do at Garden of the Gods are:
- Drive or bike along the Garden of the Gods Loop, which is a 4-mile scenic route that takes you around the main rock formations and offers stunning views of Pikes Peak and the Front Range.
- Hike on one of the 15 miles of trails that range from easy to moderate difficulty and offer different perspectives of the park.
- Experience the park by horseback riding with Academy Riding Stables or Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site. You can choose from different tours that range from 1 hour to 2 hours and cost from $60 to $120 per person.
The best place to stay near Garden of the Gods is the Garden of the Gods Resort and Club, which is a luxury resort.
The resort can accommodate up to 4 people and costs from $300 to $500 per night.
You can also stay at the Garden of the Gods RV Resort, which is a campground that offers RV sites, cabins, cottages, and glamping tents.
The campground has water and electricity hookups, bathrooms, showers, laundry facilities, a pool, a playground, and a store.
The campground can accommodate up to 6 people and costs from $50 to $150 per night.
Day 3: Garden of the Gods to Manitou Springs
The third day of your road trip will take you from Garden of the Gods to Manitou Springs, which is about 15 minutes long and covers about 6 miles.
Manitou Springs is a quaint and colorful town that has a rich history, culture, art, and cuisine.
It is known for its mineral springs, which are said to have healing properties and are free to taste.
It is also home to many attractions, such as Pikes Peak, Cave of the Winds, and the Manitou Cliff Dwellings.
Some of the best things to do in Manitou Springs are:
- Climb the Manitou Incline, which is a steep and challenging trail that ascends over 2,000 feet in less than a mile. It is a former railway track that is now a popular workout spot for locals and visitors.
- Visit the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, which are ancient stone structures that were built by the Ancestral Puebloans over 700 years ago.
- Ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, which is the highest cog railway in the world that takes you to the summit of Pikes Peak, which is over 14,000 feet high.
The best place to stay in Manitou Springs is the Cliff House at Pikes Peak, which is a historic and elegant hotel that dates back to 1873.
The hotel can accommodate up to 4 people and costs from $200 to $400 per night.
You can also stay at the Magnuson Hotel Manitou Springs, which is a cozy and affordable hotel that offers comfortable rooms, a pool, a hot tub, and a breakfast.
The hotel can accommodate up to 4 people and costs from $80 to $120 per night.
To book your hotel, visit Here
Day 4: Manitou Springs to Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
The fourth day of your road trip will take you from Manitou Springs to Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, which is about an hour long and covers about 50 miles.
This is a short drive, but it will take you to one of the most thrilling and spectacular attractions in Colorado.
Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is a 360-acre adventure park that features the highest suspension bridge in America, spanning over 1,200 feet across the Royal Gorge, which is a deep and narrow canyon carved by the Arkansas River.
The park offers a variety of activities, such as a gondola ride, a zip line, a sky coaster, hiking trails, and a visitor center.
Some of the best things to do at Royal Gorge Bridge and Park are:
- Walk or drive across the Royal Gorge Bridge, which is 956 feet high and 18 feet wide. You can enjoy stunning views of the canyon, the river, and the mountains from the bridge.
- Ride the Royal Gorge Aerial Gondola, which is a cable car that takes you from one side of the gorge to the other in about 10 minutes. You can also access the Royal Rush Skycoaster from the gondola station.
- Experience the Royal Rush Skycoaster, which is a swing that launches you over the edge of the gorge at speeds up to 50 mph.
The best place to stay near Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is the Royal Gorge Cabins, which are modern and cozy cabins that offer views of the mountains and the gorge.
They can accommodate up to 6 people and cost from $200 to $300 per night.
Day 5: Royal Gorge Bridge and Park to Great Sand Dunes National Park
The fifth day of your road trip will take you from Royal Gorge Bridge and Park to Great Sand Dunes National Park, which is about 2.5 hours long and covers about 130 miles.
Great Sand Dunes National Park is a 150,000-acre park that features the tallest sand dunes in North America, surrounded by mountains, forests, and wetlands.
The park offers sandboarding, sledding, hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and stargazing.
Some of the best things to do at Great Sand Dunes National Park are:
- Rent a sandboard or a sled from the Oasis Store or Kristi Mountain Sports and slide down the dunes. You can also bring your own board or sled.
- Hike to the Star Dune, which is the highest dune in the park at 750 feet. It is a challenging but rewarding hike that takes about 2 hours round trip and offers spectacular views of the dunes and the mountains.
- Explore the Medano Creek, which is a seasonal stream that flows along the base of the dunes from late May to early July. You can splash, swim, fish, or build sand castles in the creek.
The best place to stay at Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the campsites that are located near the dunes or in the forest.
They have water and electricity hookups or primitive sites that have no amenities. They cost from $20 to $40 per night.
You can also stay at the Great Sand Dunes Lodge, which is a motel that offers views of the dunes and the mountains.
They have air conditioning, heating, electricity, beds, bathrooms, kitchenettes, and balconies. They can accommodate up to 4 people and cost from $100 to $200 per night.
Day 6: Great Sand Dunes National Park to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
The sixth day of your road trip will take you from Great Sand Dunes National Park to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, which is about 3 hours long and covers about 160 miles.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a 30,750-acre park that features a deep and narrow canyon carved by the Gunnison River, with steep cliffs, narrow walls, and dark shadows.
Some of the best things to do at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park are:
- Drive along the South Rim Road or the North Rim Road, which are 7-mile and 11-mile scenic routes that take you to various overlooks and viewpoints of the canyon. You can see the Painted Wall, which is the tallest cliff in Colorado at 2,250 feet; the Gunnison Point, which is the closest view of the river; and the East Portal Road, which is a steep and winding road that descends to the bottom of the canyon.
- Hike on one of the 14 miles of trails that range from easy to strenuous difficulty and offer different perspectives of the park. Some of the most popular trails are the Warner Point Nature Trail, the Oak Flat Loop Trail and the Cedar Point Nature Trail.
- Experience the park by fishing or kayaking on the Gunnison River, which is a wild and scenic river that flows through the canyon.
The best place to stay at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is one of the campsites that are located on the south rim or the north rim of the canyon.
They have water and electricity hookups or primitive sites that have no amenities. They cost from $16 to $22 per night.
You can also stay at The Cedaredge Lodge, They have air conditioning, heating, electricity, beds, bathrooms, kitchenettes, fireplaces, and patios.
They can accommodate up to 4 people and cost from $100 to $200 per night.
Day 7: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to Aspen
The seventh day of your road trip will take you from Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to Aspen, which is about 2.5 hours long and covers about 120 miles.
This is a short drive, but it will take you to one of the most famous and glamorous ski resort towns in Colorado.
Aspen is a beautiful and charming town that has four mountains, a vibrant downtown, a rich cultural scene, and a variety of outdoor activities.
Aspen offers skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating, sleigh rides, hiking, biking, golfing, rafting, and more.
Some of the best things to do in Aspen are:
- Ski or snowboard on one of the four mountains that make up Aspen Snowmass: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass.
- Explore the downtown area of Aspen, which is full of historic buildings, art galleries, shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs. You can find everything from high-end boutiques to local crafts to souvenirs. You can also experience the nightlife of Aspen, which is lively and diverse. You can find live music, comedy shows, karaoke, dancing, and more.
- Visit the Wheeler Opera House, which is a historic and elegant venue that hosts various events throughout the year. You can see concerts, plays, musicals, films, lectures, and more.
The best place to stay in Aspen is The Little Nell, which is a luxury hotel that is located at the base of Aspen Mountain and offers ski-in/ski-out access.
The hotel can accommodate up to 4 people and costs from $500 to $800 per night.
You can also stay at The St. Regis Aspen Resort, which is a lavish resort that is located near the Silver Queen Gondola and offers ski valet service.
Day 8: Aspen to Rocky Mountain National Park
The eighth day of your road trip will take you from Aspen to Rocky Mountain National Park, which is about 4 hours long and covers about 200 miles.
Rocky Mountain National Park is a 415,000-acre park that features majestic mountains, alpine lakes, waterfalls, meadows, wildlife, and trails.
Some of the best things to do at Rocky Mountain National Park are:
- Drive along the Trail Ridge Road, which is the highest paved road in North America that reaches an elevation of 12,183 feet. It is a 48-mile scenic route that takes you through various ecosystems and landscapes, such as forests, tundra, and valleys. You can see snow-capped peaks, glaciers, wildflowers, and animals along the way.
- Hike to the Bear Lake, which is a beautiful and serene lake that reflects the surrounding mountains. It is a 0.6-mile loop that is easy and accessible for all ages and abilities. You can also hike to other lakes, such as the Emerald Lake, the Dream Lake, and the Nymph Lake.
- Climb the Longs Peak, which is the highest peak in the park at 14,259 feet.
The best place to stay at Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the campsites that are located in different areas of the park.
You can also stay at the Stanley Hotel, which is a historic and haunted hotel that inspired Stephen King’s novel The Shining.
It offers elegant rooms, a spa, a restaurant, and a ghost tour. The hotel can accommodate up to 4 people and costs from $200 to $400 per night.
Day 9: Rocky Mountain National Park to Denver
The ninth day of your road trip will take you from Rocky Mountain National Park to Denver, which is about 2 hours long and covers about 80 miles.
Denver is a vibrant and diverse city that has a rich history, culture, art, food, and entertainment.
Denver offers museums, parks, zoos, aquariums, botanic gardens, sports arenas, and more.
Some of the best things to do in Denver are:
- Visit the Denver Art Museum, which is one of the largest and most renowned art museums in the country. It has a collection of over 70,000 artworks from various periods and regions, such as American, European, Asian, African, and Native American.
- Explore the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, which is a natural and spectacular venue that hosts concerts, movies, festivals, and more. It has a capacity of over 9,000 people. You can enjoy the views of the red rocks, the city skyline, and the stars from the amphitheatre.
- Catch a game at the Coors Field, which is the home of the Colorado Rockies baseball team. It is located in downtown Denver and has a capacity of over 50,000 people. You can enjoy the game, the atmosphere, and the food at the stadium.
The best place to stay in Denver is The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, which is a historic and elegant hotel that dates back to 1892.
You can also stay at The Curtis Hotel, which is a funky and fun hotel that has themed rooms, such as the Star Trek room, the Ghostbusters room, and the Jimmy Buffett room.
Day 10: Denver to Santa Fe
The tenth and final day of your road trip will take you from Denver to Santa Fe, which is about 6 hours long and covers about 390 miles. This is a long drive, but it will be worth it once you reach your destination.
Santa Fe is the capital and oldest city of New Mexico, with a rich and colorful history, culture, art, and cuisine.
It is known for its adobe architecture, its art galleries, its museums, its markets, and its churches. It is also home to many attractions, such as the Santa Fe Plaza, the Canyon Road, and the Loretto Chapel.
Some of the best things to do in Santa Fe are:
- Stroll around the Santa Fe Plaza, which is the historic and cultural center of the city. It is a square that dates back to 1610 and has many landmarks, such as the Palace of the Governors, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, and the New Mexico Museum of Art.
- Visit the Canyon Road, which is a half-mile stretch of road that has over 100 art galleries, studios, and sculptures. You can see works by local and international artists, ranging from traditional to contemporary styles.
- See the Loretto Chapel, which is a former Roman Catholic church that is now a museum and a wedding venue. It is famous for its miraculous staircase, which is a spiral staircase that has no visible means of support. It is said to have been built by a mysterious carpenter who disappeared after completing it.
The best place to stay in Santa Fe is the Hotel Santa Fe, which is a unique hotel that offers a blend of Native American and Southwestern style.
You can also stay at the Inn Of The Governors, which is a charming inn that offers a traditional adobe architecture.
What to Pack for Your Texas to Colorado Road Trip
Packing for a road trip can be tricky, as you need to consider comfort, convenience, space, weather, activities, and emergencies. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you pack smart and light for your Texas to Colorado road trip:
- Versatile Clothing: Colorado’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack a variety of clothing options. Don’t forget to bring comfortable hiking shoes for exploring the stunning trails, as well as swimwear for potential stops at natural hot springs.
- Snacks and Hydration: Driving through Texas and Colorado’s vast landscapes can be a hungry and thirsty affair. Pack a cooler with healthy snacks like granola bars, fresh fruit, and trail mix to keep your energy levels up.
- Travel Documents: Ensure a stress-free journey by organizing your travel documents beforehand. This includes driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, insurance papers, and any necessary permits for visiting national parks or recreational areas.
- Maps and GPS: While your smartphone’s GPS is handy, don’t solely rely on it. Pack physical maps of the regions you’ll be traveling through, as signal strength can be spotty in remote areas.
- Camping Gear: If you plan to camp along your route, pack your tent, sleeping bags, and camping stove. Camping in the breathtaking Colorado wilderness offers a unique experience and a chance to connect with nature.
- First Aid Kit: Safety comes first, so bring a well-stocked first aid kit with bandages, pain relievers, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medications. It’s better to be prepared for minor mishaps along the way.
- Camera and Binoculars: Capture the awe-inspiring beauty of the Rockies and document your journey with a good camera. Additionally, binoculars will enhance your wildlife spotting experience and allow you to witness majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
- Entertainment: Long stretches of driving may call for entertainment. Prepare a road trip playlist with your favorite tunes, audiobooks, and podcasts. Don’t forget to bring chargers and power banks for your electronic devices.
- Reusable Bags: Carry a few reusable bags for shopping, storing souvenirs, or keeping your trash in check. Being eco-friendly is not just a trend, it’s a responsible way to travel.
Conclusion
You have reached the end of your Texas to Colorado road trip itinerary. You have covered about 1,800 miles of scenic routes, stunning parks, charming towns, and exciting activities. You have seen some of the best places and attractions that these two states have to offer.
I hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful for planning your trip. I hope you have a wonderful time on your road trip and create some unforgettable memories.
If you liked this article, please share it with your friends and family who might be interested in taking a Texas to Colorado trip by car.
Also, feel free to leave a comment below and let me know what you think of this itinerary or if you have any questions or suggestions.
FAQs
How long does it take to drive from Texas to Colorado?
The driving time from Texas to Colorado depends on where you start and where you end your trip. The drive time from Houston to Denver is about 16 hours without stops, while the drive time from Dallas to Denver is about 12 hours. You can also add or subtract time depending on the route you take and the stops you make along the way.
What are some of the best places to visit on a Texas to Colorado trip?
There are many amazing places to visit on a Texas to Colorado road trip, depending on your interests and preferences. Some of the most popular and recommended destinations are Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs, Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Aspen, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Denver.
How can I plan a Texas to Colorado road trip itinerary?
You can plan a Texas to Colorado road trip itinerary by using online resources such as blogs , websites , or apps that provide suggestions and tips for the best routes, destinations, attractions, activities, and accommodations. You can also customize your itinerary according to your own interests and preferences. You can also use this article as a guide for planning your trip.
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