There's nothing quite like the freedom, sense of discovery, and flexibility you get on a road trip, and there are few better ways to spend your summer than to embark on a Dallas to Colorado RV road trip. The route includes many stunning towns, like Wichita Falls, where you'll want to stop and go antique hunting, and Amarillo with its historic Route 66 and the iconic Cadillac Ranch. Trinidad is where modern-day recreation meets architecture and archaeology. It would be a shame to drive by Colorado Springs without stopping for a side excursion. Of course, you'll want to stop at Breckenridge to drink in the jaw-dropping mountainous background and upscale vibe. A grand finale to a road trip from Dallas to Colorado is to spend some time at Old Colorado City.
If you enjoy the grandeur of national parks, then you'll have to make some side stops during your road trip from Dallas to Colorado. Some of America's most beautiful preserved land can be found in Colorado.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park is located just 110 miles off US-297 in Trinidad. If you make a side trip to this breathtaking region, you'll see the 750-foot Star Dune, the tallest dune in North America. Aside from viewing the stunning landscape, visitors can also cruise down the dunes. On hot days, kids can enjoy splashing around in Medano Creek. You might also want to try the hiking trails found on the edge of the dunes.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a great place to visit if you don't mind taking a western Colorado detour from your road trip. This park includes the iconic 2,000-foot Black Canyon of the Gunnison, a fascinating, rugged-looking canyon that retains the feeling of being untouched. You might consider strolling along the short hiking trails on the rim or simply gazing out over the canyon and appreciating the majestic scenery below. Since this park is located just 75 miles southeast of Grand Junction, you can easily tour the canyon and the nearby Colorado National Monument on a day tour.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is perhaps the most popular national park that you can add to your road trip itinerary from Dallas to Colorado. Boasting more than 100 peaks over 10,000 feet, Rocky Mountain is perfect for hiking. The startlingly high mountain peaks, abundant wildlife, alpine lakes, and vast forests offer visitors beautiful year-round sights. If you're lucky, you might also spot deer, bighorn sheep, elk, and other critters. It would be best to tour Rocky Mountain during summer as there are a variety of outdoor activities you can enjoy, from horseback riding and camping to bouldering and fishing.
Mesa Verde National Park
End your road trip from Dallas to Colorado in style with a visit to Mesa Verde National Park, situated just 292 miles west of Trinidad via US-160W. The park's main attraction is Cliff Palace. With impressively conserved ruins and a dramatic setting, Cliff Palace is one of the most awe-inspiring dwellings in Colorado. You can go on a guided tour of the numerous archeological sites within the park. Before heading out to the Mesa, you might want to check road conditions first.
There are some incredible state park options that you might want to add to your Dallas to Colorado RV road trip.
Caprock Canyons State Park
Caprock Canyons State Park is one of the first stops you want to make after you begin your road trip. Depending on the weather, you can go biking or hiking on the 90 miles of trail. Campers will particularly love this park as their campsites range from hike-in primitive sites to drive-up sites with electricity. Besides marveling at the undulating plains, you can ride horses, geocache, or take a scenic drive along the Mesa Trail.
Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Cheyenne Mountain State Park is another must-visit place on your road trip from Dallas to Colorado. Perched 44 miles north of Pueblo, this park offers day-use picnicking spots, an archery range, 61 campgrounds, and 20 miles of accessible trails for biking, wildlife viewing, and hiking.
Spinney Mountain State Park
Consider stopping at Spinney Mountain State Park if you want to try your luck in gold medal trout fishing. The park also offers the prettiest opportunities for boating and wildlife-watching. It is best to visit this park during the summer as the lake tends to freeze in winter.
Staunton State Park
Located just 70 miles north of Colorado Springs, Staunton State Park is a hiker's paradise. This is Colorado's newest state park, and it offers breathtaking views, abundant flora and fauna, and rich Colorado history. Visitors can also enjoy several multi-use trails for mountain biking, horse riding, and group picnicking. Geocaching is another outdoor activity that adventurers will love.
Barr Lake State Park
Known as the premier bird-watching region, Barr Lake State Park is another great option on your Dallas to Colorado RV road trip. Nature lovers will particularly love this park as there are multiple outdoor activities to enjoy: archery, hunting, boating, and fishing at Barr Lake. You can watch over 300 species of birds from a boat on the northeast end of the lake, on the Eagle Express, or from the bliss of a lakeside gazebo.
Cadillac Ranch
You'll reach Amarillo just five hours after leaving Dallas. This tiny and unassuming city in West Texas is home to Cadillac Ranch, the world-famous colorful art installation. Old Cadillacs, planted nose-first into the ground, line up artistically in this ranch. Grab a can of paint and craft your own spray graffiti on the cars. Bring your children to climb on the Cadillacs, run through the accessible interiors, and paint whatever they want. Photograph enthusiasts will also enjoy the animated canvas before them.
Wonderland Amusement Park
All types of adventure await you and your family if you stop at Wonderland Amusement Park in Amarillo. Roller coasters, including the Mouse Trap and the Texas Tornado, will have you screaming in delight or fright. If it's a hot summer afternoon, be sure to splash in the water rides. The Big Splash Log Plume and the Pipeline Plunge will cool you down and excite you all at the same time. Other activities for visitors include bumper cars, mini-golf, and a couple of less-intense water rides.
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is another unique landscape that you can't afford to miss on your Dallas to Colorado road trip. Designated as a National Natural Landmark, it is comprised of rugged stone towers and fins protruding 300 feet from the ground, with rock boulders and giant piles completing the scene. Visitors can get near the impressive rock formations and stroll through the mind-blowing terrain. You might also want to try biking along the designated trails, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Stop by the Garden of the Gods Park Visitor & Nature Center and watch a 20-minute video about the park's geology.
Pikes Peak in Pike San Isabel Forest
Located just 12 miles from Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak is one of the most toured mountains on earth. This snow-capped peak stands at 14,115 feet above the ground. Unlike many mountain summits that are inaccessible to the typical road tripper, you can drive to the height of these mountains on the Pikes Peak Highway, which is off Highway 24. Aside from beautiful views, the area offers recreational treats, including fishing and biking.
While making side stops during your road trip itinerary from Dallas to Colorado might add a few hours to your schedule, it's worth it. There are many gorgeous towns to camp along this route. Plus, there are plenty of host beautiful campgrounds, and you can find dump stations in Colorado and dump stations in Texas.
Amarillo
Known as the "Yellow Rose of Texas," Amarillo is a great place for an overnight stay. When you stop here, explore the many unique museums related to West Texas culture, such as the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum and the Quarter Horse Museum. Consider staying at one of the roadside campgrounds.
Pueblo
Discover hidden treasures, magnificent sights, and historical monuments when you stop at Pueblo. Cozy campgrounds exist nearby, so you can spend a night or two here.
Colorado Springs
Renowned for its stunning landscapes, canyons, mesas, forests, and rivers, Colorado Springs is a great place to visit. There are many gorgeous campgrounds in the nearby area where you can spend the night.
A road trip from Dallas to Colorado is a bucket list journey that you should definitely consider on your next outing. The landscapes in Texas and Colorado are terrific, making the trip as breathtaking as the destinations themselves. It's the perfect year-round journey for road trippers and families alike, and you can rent an RV in Dallas to enjoy the scenery along the way. Of course, you can make the most of your trip back to Dallas by renting an RV in Colorado on RVshare.com.
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