A road trip through Colorado’s National Parks is a phenomenal way to experience the state’s breathtakingly diverse landscapes. From the highest sand dunes in North America to majestic alpine mountains, historic Puebloan dwellings, and fascinating dinosaur fossils, Colorado promises an adventure like no other. Here’s your ultimate guide to a 10+ day road trip exploring some of the state’s most iconic parks.
About This Road Trip Guide
This trip will take you through several of Colorado’s National Parks and Monuments, highlighting the best spots to explore. To make the most of your journey, plan for at least 10 days—shortening the trip will mean missing out on a lot, given the significant distances between some locations. We’ve curated suggestions to help you maximize your adventure.
Starting Your Road Trip
This looped road trip can begin and end at any point. Denver, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, and Grand Junction are all excellent starting points due to their good airport connections and amenities. Denver is a particularly strong choice, boasting a major airport, abundant rental car options, and proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park, approximately 1.5 hours away.
Ideal Timing for the Trip
The best time for this road trip is during the warmer months, as many areas close due to snow from late fall to early spring. While summer is popular, it can be hot in the desert and dune regions. September offers the perfect balance of pleasant weather, accessible services, and fewer crowds.
Additional National Park Recommendations
Expect a lot of driving and stops, but we’ve included optional side trips if you have extra time. While some monuments near Mesa Verde echo similar features, they’re skippable if you’re pressed for time. Eastern Colorado’s parks, like Sand Creek Massacre Site, are also worth a visit but may require additional travel.
Recommended Itinerary
# Day 1-2: Rocky Mountain National Park
– Day 1: Arrive early and explore Bear Lake and other recommended sites.
– Day 2: Continue hiking and driving through the park, and head to Denver for an overnight stay.
# Day 3: Denver
– Explore Capitol Hill, enjoy local cuisine at a food hall, and visit the Denver Art Museum. Drive to Colorado Springs in the evening.
# Day 4: Colorado Springs & Florissant Fossil Beds
– Spend the day exploring Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods, and the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument.
# Day 5: Great Sand Dunes National Park
– Head to Great Sand Dunes early. Try sandboarding, hike the dunes, and stay overnight in the area.
# Day 6-7: Mesa Verde National Park
– Day 6: Drive to Mesa Verde, stopping in Durango or Mancos. Do an afternoon tour of Long House and Wetherill Mesa.
– Day 7: Take additional tours such as Balcony House or Cliff Palace and explore the Archeological Museum. Overnight near Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
# Day 8: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
– Witness sunrise at the park, explore the south and north rim, and stay overnight in Grand Junction.
# Day 9: Colorado National Monument
– Spend the day driving and hiking along the Historic Rim Rock Drive. Overnight at Dinosaur National Monument.
# Day 10: Dinosaur National Monument
– Explore dinosaur fossils in the morning, check out the quarry, and drive to Steamboat Springs for the night.
# Day 11: Return to Your Starting Point
– Head back to Rocky Mountain National Park, Fort Collins, or Denver, making stops along the way as desired.
Key Destinations and Tips
– Rocky Mountain National Park: Drive the Scenic Trail Ridge Road, hike Bear Lake trails, and camp out for a magical experience.
– Denver: Enjoy art at Meow Wolf, savor pizza at Cart Driver, and stay at a convenient downtown hotel like The Maven.
– Colorado Springs: Visit the stunning Garden of the Gods, explore Pikes Peak, and dine at Marigold Café & Bakery.
– Great Sand Dunes National Park: Best visited in September for mild weather, try hiking the dunes and sandboarding.
– Mesa Verde National Park: Tour the impressive Cliff Palace and Balcony House. Stay at Morefield Campground or Far View Lodge.
– Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: View the Painted Wall and hike trails like the North Vista Trail.
– Colorado National Monument: Drive the historic Rim Rock Road and take trails like Otto’s Trail.
– Dinosaur National Monument: Touch real dinosaur bones and stargaze in one of the darkest sky areas.
Additional Suggestions
– Steamboat Springs: Enjoy hot springs, whitewater rafting, and mountain biking.
– Grand Junction: Visit Devil’s Kitchen for meals and stay at Hotel Maverick.
Embark on this Colorado road trip for an unforgettable journey through some of America’s most remarkable natural and historical treasures.