Roadtrip with RVshare Chicago to Durango

A Chicago to Durango road trip is a long one and will take around two days of driving through the four states of Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and Colorado. The route begins near Lake Michigan and ends with a drive through the majestic mountain ranges of Colorado before arriving in Durango in the southeastern pocket of the state. Rolling hills, plains, prairie grass, cornfields, rivers, and mountains await you on this epic road trip from Chicago to Durango. This route places you along some of the same paths that the pioneers took in their covered wagons as they moved west, and you can see much of the same landscapes that met their eyes. 

Nearby National Parks

Indiana Sand Dunes National Park

At the beginning of your road trip from Chicago to Durango, you have the opportunity to visit one of the National Park Service's newest national parks, Indiana Sand Dunes National Park. Indiana Sand Dunes National Park started life as a state park in 1926, became a national lakeshore in 1966, and was designated as the 61st national park in 2019. Today, visitors can marvel at the tall sand dunes that line the shores of Lake Michigan and appreciate the biological diversity in the park. This 15,000-acre park is also home to hundreds of animal species and is a resting area for many migratory birds. There are sand dunes that reach 200 feet in areas, native prairie grasses and stands of white pines, and visitors can also view several historical sites inside the park. Adding this beautiful national park to your Chicago to Durango road trip itinerary is well worth your time.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is the logical site to add as a capstone to your Chicago to Durango RV road trip. This is one of the most iconic of U.S. national parks and is an enduring symbol of the western portion of North America. It lies a short distance north of Denver, which is near the end of your route. Here, you will see the majestic Rocky Mountains and diverse biomes of subalpine, alpine, and tundra. In the spring, the peaks are covered with a blanket of wildflowers, and you can see mountain goats, bighorn sheep, marmots, mule deer, and elk in all seasons. The park is home to more than 100 peaks that are higher than 11,000 feet in elevation, including Longs Peak, which is one of the mountain peaks in Colorado that are higher than 14,000 feet in elevation. The Continental Divide also runs through the park. 

Nearby State Parks

Matthiessen State Park

Be sure to stop at some of the Illinois state parks as well! Matthiessen State Park is located in the city of Oglesby, just outside of Chicago. While here, you will be able to see a variety of landscapes, such as prairies, canyons, forests, and creeks. There are also many rocky outcroppings throughout the park. There are miles of nature trails, many of which include stairs or run along the streams. 

Platte River State Park

Platte River State Park is a beautiful Nebraska state park you can explore a few miles west of Omaha, and it's a fun park for your family to visit. There are a waterfall and a spray park, and you can walk along several multi-use trails. There are also two observation towers that afford exceptional views of the Platte River below. If there are children in your party, kids ages 6 and older can ride horses on the equestrian trail. 

Lake Pueblo State Park

Lake Pueblo State Park is a water lover's mecca on Lake Pueblo in Colorado. Visitors can boat, sail, waterski, paddle, tube and swim on this large lake, and there are two marinas with boat ramps and full-service amenities. If you walk along the observatory at the top of the dam, you can enjoy great views of the Arkansas River below. There are also miles of trails that take you past stands of 200-year-old juniper trees as the trails wind around the Wet Mountains and Greenhorn Mountains. In the distance, you can see Pikes Peak, known as "America's Mountain."

Along the Way

Navy Pier

Navy Pier is one of the most visited attractions in Chicago and justifiably so. This 3,300-foot-long pier on Lake Michigan has been around for more than 100 years and has been used for private, public and military concerns over this long time. Currently, the pier is home to a wide variety of mostly entertainment venues, shops, restaurants and gardens. Visitors can take an exciting ride on the Centennial Wheel, a Ferris wheel that soars 200 feet into the air above the pier and Lake Michigan. Besides enjoying the features of the pier itself, you can also embark on a river cruise from the pier.

Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is the home of the largest indoor rainforest and desert exhibits in North America. Inside this amazing 130-acre complex, there are thousands of animals from around the world. These exhibits are exacting replications of their natural habitats, and the entirety of the indoor exhibits cover more than 7 acres. 

Pikes Peak

The towering summit of Pikes Peak is near the city of Colorado Springs and just a short drive south of Denver. This most American of natural symbols is known as "America's Mountain" and is the inspiration for the song "America the Beautiful." There are many ways to access Pikes Peak, such as hiking up part of the 13-mile Barr Trail that gains an elevation of 8,000 feet or by taking the cog railway. When you reach the 14,115-foot summit of this Colorado "fourteener," you will enjoy grabbing a donut and coffee at the Summit House at the top of the peak. On a clear day, you can see five states--Arizona, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Kansas--and often even the curvature of the earth.

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

Des Moines, IA

Des Moines is the capital city of Iowa. The State Capitol building with its gold dome is a popular site for visitors, and the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is an attractive respite from your long Chicago to Durango RV road trip. The city is home to fun amenities like museums, markets and parks, and Walnut Creek State Park is a fun park with lots of hiking trails and a nice lodge. There are many sites for taking advantage of a dump station's services while in the Des Moines area. 

Omaha, NE

Omaha is located on the Missouri River in Nebraska, close to the Iowa border. It is part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and is a popular destination because of its museums and cultural venues. It has a rich pioneer history as a waypoint for the westward movement of settlers. Visitors will also enjoy touring the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, which is a leader in conservation and features a big cat complex, an indoor jungle and desert, and rainforest exhibits. Haworth Park is next to the Missouri River and has baseball diamonds, playgrounds, and other amenities for kids. There are many places to find a convenient dump station if you need one. 

Denver, CO

The city of Denver is the capital of Colorado and was founded during the Old West era. Larimer Square is the city's oldest section and contains many fine examples of 19th-century architecture. The Denver Art Museum is a modern center that is renowned for its extensive collection of indigenous artifacts and the city was also home to the "unsinkable" Molly Brown of Titanic fame. Denver is near the Rocky Mountains and is a favored destination for snow sports in the winter and for hiking in all seasons. Dakota Ridge RV Park offers helpful and knowledgeable staff at the clubhouse who can help you with planning activities. If you need to utilize the services of a dump station, then one can be found at many sites around the Denver area. 

Find Adventure from Chicago to Durango

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Chicago to Durango, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Chicago or Durango.