Roadtrip with RVshare Houston to Colorado Springs

Taking a road trip from Houston to Colorado Springs provides many possibilities for great views and fun detours. There are multiple major cities along your path, beginning with your starting city of Houston. Houston is home to the Space Center Houston, the Houston Grand Opera and the Historic District, and it's also close to Galveston Bay on the Gulf of Mexico. You'll drive through many differing environments, from the hot and humid city of Houston to the hot and arid Texas Panhandle and ultimately to the cooler high altitudes of Colorado. You'll also have your pick of national and state parks, historical sites, cultural venues and recreational outings. 

Nearby National Parks

Your Houston to Colorado Springs RV road trip only runs through three states, but it's still around 1,000 miles long. You'll have the chance to visit two nearby national parks on your route, with the first park having a focus on history and the second possessing a significant natural importance. 

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park serves to preserve the legacy of the Spanish missions that were established throughout the southwestern United States and the northern states of Mexico. There are four missions that are under the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park umbrella: Mission San Jose, Mission Concepcion, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada. They were founded by Spanish missionaries as fortified missions to serve and protect the surrounding populace and convert them to Catholicism. These missions are in separate locations in San Antonio and are connected by nature trails, urban streets, and roads. Visitors can tour the historic missions, which are still active parishes.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is the ultimate destination for anyone visiting the state of Colorado. The Rocky Mountains are home to towering mountain peaks, subalpine and alpine woods, tundra, rivers, and cascading falls. Along with the diverse habitats to see, visitors to the park may encounter animals like mountain goats, marmots, bighorn sheep, moose, and elk. The park has more than 100 mountaintops that are over 11,000 feet high, including the "fourteener" Longs Peak, which is above 14,000 in elevation. The Continental Divide is the hydrological divide that separates the watersheds that feed the Pacific Ocean from the ones that drain into the Atlantic. This divide runs from the Bering Sea in the north to the Straits of Magellan in the south and bisects the park. Trail Ridge Road is a popular route of access through the park and is the highest paved highway in North America.

Nearby State Parks

Your Houston to Colorado Springs road trip can include stops at any one of the many state parks along your route. This trip will take about at least a day and a half. Staying a day or longer at a state park will not only allow you to rest, but it will also afford you the chance to see many unique natural preserves.

Brazos Bend State Park

You'll find many species of wildlife among the diverse ecosystems in Brazos Bend State Park like deer, armadillos, raccoons, otters, alligators, and more than 30 species of waterfowl and migratory birds. This Houston-area park is comprised of 4,897 acres and contains wetlands, coastal prairies, forests, and lakes and runs alongside the Brazos River. There are more than 37 miles of trails, including 13 miles of multi-use trails. Visitors can fish in the lakes and do not need a fishing license in the park. The George Observatory is a satellite facility of the Houston Museum of Natural Sciences and contains three domed telescopes, the largest of which has an aperture of 36 inches.

Caprock Canyons State Park

Caprock Canyons State Park is an excellent place to stay while visiting Palo Duro Canyon. It's smaller than Palo Duro State Park and has a more intimate and quiet atmosphere. The park is located between Amarillo and Lubbock and is home to the official Texas state bison herd, which was designated in 1997. You can see the bison, enjoy water activities on Lake Theo, and walk along nature trails. The surrounding red sandstone cliffs set a beautiful backdrop from every point in the park. 

Lake Pueblo State Park

Lake Pueblo State Park offers a multitude of water-based activities on Lake Pueblo. You can sail, paddle, waterski, tube, or just splash around. There are two marinas with boat ramps and full-service amenities. The park is near the town of Pueblo and is an hour from Colorado Springs. It has 10,000 acres overall and 60 miles of shoreline, and you can catch a great view of the Arkansas River from the dam above. As you walk along the trails, you'll pass through stands of 200-year-old junipers and see great views of the Wet Mountains, Greenhorn Mountains, and Pikes Peak.

Along the Way

Six Flags Over Texas

Spending a day at Six Flags Over Texas in Dallas makes for a fun stop during the first leg of your road trip from Houston to Colorado. The older members of your group will love the thrills of riding HARLEY QUINN Spinsanity, CATWOMAN Whip and El Diablo, the world's largest loop rollercoaster. The younger members will have a blast in the Looney Tunes children's area, and everyone will enjoy the shows and other family-style entertainment.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Palo Duro Canyon State Park is the place to be to experience the nearby natural attraction of Palo Duro Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the U.S. Located near Amarillo, the park contains unique rock formations and many historical sites of interest. You'll experience a descent of 800 feet into the canyon floor if you hike into the canyon, and there are many other hiking and biking trails throughout the park. You can also enjoy great views from your RV as you drive along the more than 16 miles of paved roads.

Pikes Peak

Pikes Peak is a must-see destination on your road trip itinerary from Houston to Colorado. Known as "America's Mountain," Pikes Peak is the inspiration for the song, "America the Beautiful." It's located near Colorado Springs and is accessible via Pikes Peak Highway. You can also reach Pikes Peak by the cog railway or by hiking up one of the many available trails to the peak. The most-traveled trail to the top is the Barr Trail, which is 13 miles long and gains 8,000 feet in elevation.

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

There are many large urban cities along your road trip from Houston to Colorado Springs. Each of these cities has its own personality, but you can be assured of finding fun, food and rest at each as well.

Dallas

Dallas is the third-largest city in Texas and the ninth-largest city in the U.S. You'll find much to occupy you if you take the time to stop here en route, such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden and many more attractions. You'll also enjoy the fine dining, especially at night in the Deep Ellum district. If you want to stay at a family-friendly RV park, then Hidden Cove Park & Marina offers lots of boating fun with boats and equipment rentals. There are several options for dump stations in the Dallas area.

Wichita Falls

You'll pass through Wichita Falls a few miles after you leave Dallas. This city is a worthwhile place to visit and features many parks, museums, and entertainment options. The Wichita River runs through the city, and Lucy Park provides the entire family with lots of fun near the river. This large park has a playground, a man-made waterfall, a pool, exhibits, and a nature center. If you're looking for a campground for your RV, the Wichita Falls RV Park has plenty of family-friendly amenities. The park is also near convenient dump stations if you need one. 

Amarillo

The city of Amarillo is in the northern panhandle of Texas and close to many local attractions, such as Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Route 66 and Cadillac Ranch. Route 66 runs through historic downtown Amarillo and features great shopping and dining options. If you have the time, a day trip to Palo Duro Canyon is definitely one that should be on your agenda. Palo Duro Rim RV campground is located 18 miles from Amarillo and has cool zip-lines and close access to Pikes Peak. There are many dump stations you can take advantage of in the local areas as well.

Find Adventure from Houston to Colorado Springs

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Houston to Colorado Springs, 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 Houston or Colorado Springs.