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The Best Colorado National Park Road Trip for 7 to 10 Days

This Colorado National Park road trip features mountains, waterfalls, canyons and sand dunes.

Mountain summits soaring to 14,000 feet, the tallest sand dunes in North America, ancient archeological sites — it’s all in the plans on this Colorado national parks road trip. The Centennial State has 13 National Park Service units, one World Heritage Site, and endless outdoor playgrounds of peaks, canyons and lakes.

This Colorado road trip itinerary focuses on the four national parks with options to visit a few incredible national monuments, too. You’ll need at least a week to squeeze them all in at a fast pace. We’ve included ideas for everything from a 7 day Colorado road trip to a 10 day Colorado itinerary.

The routes below assume you’re starting in Denver, but you could also easily depart from Colorado Springs or Grand Junction. Or, jump in anywhere else along the loop if you’re driving in from another state. Use the included Colorado road trip map to locate each park and the other featured attractions.

We’ve broken this guide into four parts — a handy map, itinerary options, a list of Colorado road trip stops, and a tips and FAQ section. 

We can’t wait for you to get out and explore this incredible state!

Colorado Road Trip Map

Colorado National Park Road Trip Options

7 day colorado road trip from denver.

Day 1 : Peak to Peak Scenic Byway to Rocky Mountain National Park Day 2 : Rocky Mountain National Park and Trail Ridge Road Day 3 : Colorado National Monument Day 4 : Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Million Dollar Highway Day 5 : Mesa Verde National Park Day 6 : Great Sand Dunes National Park Day 7 : Great Sand Dunes to Colorado Springs to Denver

8 Day Itinerary for Colorado

Day 1 : Peak to Peak to Rocky Mountain National Park Day 2 : Rocky Mountain National Park Day 3 : Trail Ridge Road to Grand Junction  Day 4 : Colorado National Monument and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Day 5 : Million Dollar Highway to Ouray, Silverton and Durango Day 6 : Mesa Verde National Park Day 7 : Great Sand Dunes National Park Day 8 : Great Sand Dunes to Colorado Springs to Denver

9 Day Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Peak to Peak Scenic Byway to Estes Park Day 2 : Rocky Mountain National Park Day 3 : Trail Ridge Road to Grand Junction  Day 4 : Colorado National Monument to Black Canyon of the Gunnison Day 5 : Million Dollar Highway to Ouray, Silverton and Durango Day 6 : Mesa Verde National Park and Canyon of the Ancients Day 8 : Great Sand Dunes to Colorado Springs Day 9 : Colorado Springs and Denver

10 Day Colorado Itinerary

Day 1 : Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway Day 2 : Rocky Mountain National Park Day 3 : Trail Ridge Road to Grand Junction  Day 4 : Colorado National Monument and Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP Day 5 : Million Dollar Highway to Ouray, Silverton and Durango Day 6 : Canyon of Ancients National Monument and Hovenweep National Monument Day 7 : Mesa Verde National Park Day 8 : Great Sand Dunes National Park Day 9 : Colorado Springs Day 10 : Colorado Springs to Denver

Colorado National Parks Road Trip Stops

Scenic Drive: Peak to Peak Scenic Byway

From Denver, the most direct route to Rocky Mountain National Park is through the university town of Boulder. But taking the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway instead will only add an hour to the trip, not counting stops. The 55-mile road runs from Black Hawk to Estes Park, the perfect base for visiting Rocky Mountain. With a full day, you can make stops in old mining towns like Golden on the outskirts of Denver and Nederland on the Peak to Peak or hike a trail in the Wild Basin section of the National Park on the way in. You’ll also want to pull over for photos of Saint Catherine’s Chapel on the Rock and stroll around Lily Lake . 

If you have enough time to hike, the Twin Sisters Summit trailhead is across the road from Lily Lake. The 7.4-mile round trip hike leads 2,338 feet up to a panoramic view of Longs Peak and the Continental Divide. Recommended time : Half to full day

The best base for a Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, Estes Park has a walkable downtown shopping and dining district on Elkhorn Avenue. It’s also known for the historic Stanley Hotel , the inspiration for Stephen King’s “The Shining.” The Estes Park Aerial Tramway, open from late May through September, glides up to the summit of Prospect Mountain for sweeping vistas over the town.

Recommended time : One to three days in Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park

If you enjoy hiking, you could easily spend three days or more in Rocky Mountain National Park. But for your first visit on a Colorado road trip, concentrate on the Bear Lake Corridor . The nearly 10-mile long Bear Lake Road has popular hikes like the Emerald Lake Trail (3.6 miles, moderate) to Nymph, Dream and Emerald lakes, the Bear Lake Loop (0.5 miles, easy), the Alberta Falls Trail (1.7 miles, easy) where you can continue on to Mills Lake (5 miles, moderate), the Bierstadt Lake Trail (2.8 miles, moderate), and the Sprague Lake Loop (0.5, easy). Another favorite, the hike to Cub Lake (4.6 miles, moderate) is also nearby in the Moraine Park area.

With just one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, split your time between a couple of hikes from the Bear Lake and Glacier Gorge Trailhead and the drive on Trail Ridge Road. For two days , spend a full day along Bear Lake Road and then either do a loop of the gravel Old Fall River Road and Trail Ridge Road or head out of the park on Trail Ridge Road with stops to hike. If you have three days , add in the Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway and a waterfall hike in the Wild Basin region.

Reservations for Rocky Mountain National Park and the Bear Lake Corridor are required between late May and early October and sell out fast. Go online ahead of your visit to book an entry time. Read over the details here . 

Recommended time : One to three days

Read more about visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in winter

Scenic Drive: Trail Ridge Road

Trail Ridge Road is both the western access to Rocky Mountain Park and an attraction of its own. The thrilling route full of hairpin turns spans nearly 50 miles between Estes Park on the east side and Grand Lake on the west, hitting an elevation of 12,183 feet at its peak. On a shorter itinerary, you can simply enjoy the scenery from overlooks and the Alpine Visitor Center , which has a cafe and viewing deck. Or, with more time, add in hikes like the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge (4 miles, moderate) or the Alpine Ridge Trail (0.5 miles, easy). Allow at least 2 hours to drive out of the park this way without long stops.

Grand Lake at the end of Trail Ridge Road has lodges and restaurants on the shores of Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake.

Recommended time : Half to full day

Colorado National Monument

The drive from Rocky Mountain’s Grand Lake Area to Colorado National Monumen t is a little over 4 hours, but it’s worth it to see the cool red rock formations at this park near the Utah border. Located just outside the city of Grand Junction, the national monument has a 23-mile scenic drive with pull-offs to enjoy the views of sandstone monoliths in the canyon.

Plan to spend at least half a day on Rim Rock Drive with stops to hike the Window Rock Trail, Otto’s Trail, Canyon Rim Trail, and Coke Ovens Trail, all an easy mile or less. With a little more time, add on the Devil’s Kitchen Trail (1.5 miles, moderate) to a natural bolder grotto on the park’s east side.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

The Gunnison River weaves through dark rugged cliffs and rock spires at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, located about 70 miles from Grand Junction on the western side of the state. The gorge has a north and south rim you can visit, but it takes more than 2 hours to drive from one to the other.

On a Colorado national park road trip, aim for the more developed South Rim, where a 7-mile paved road with a dozen overlooks traces the edge of the canyon. The easiest lookouts to reach are Tomichi Point near the entrance, Gunnison Point at the South Rim Visitor Center, and Sunset View near the end of the drive. Others require a short walk, like Chasm View, where the canyon dramatically narrows, and the Painted wall, where pale streaks swipe across the dark cliffs.

A half day at this park is usually long enough to take in the scenery at a few lookouts. You can add on some hiking with a longer visit, but all of the official trails on this rim are 2 miles and under.

This is the least visited of the four big parks on this Colorado national parks itinerary, so you should definitely stop by if you have enough time.

Scenic Drive: Million Dollar Highway

U.S. Route 550 is one of the best ways to get from the Black Canyon of the Gunnison to Durango and Mesa Verde National Park, and it also happens to be one of the prettiest drives in the state.

A 25-mile stretch between the mountain towns of Ouray and Silverton known as the Million Dollar Highway weaves through a gorge along steep, unguarded cliffs. There aren’t many places to stop along the way, but the drive is both breathtaking and nail-biting. 

If you have enough time, plan to pause in Ouray, known as the Switzerland of America, for hot springs and waterfalls, and Silverton for Victorian buildings and mining history. Both villages have endless outdoor recreation and a charming downtown district.

Recommended time : Half to full day, longer to stay overnight in Ouray or Silverton

Mesa Verde National Park

Ancient cliff dwellings built into the mountains of southwest Colorado are preserved in Mesa Verde National Park. Some of these archeological remains of the Ancestral Pueblo can be seen up close on ranger-led tours and self-guided hikes.

With a full day in the park, reserve a tour of Long House and the Cliff House Palace, hike the 1-mile trail to Step House, and drive Mesa Top Loop to see five different cliff dwellings from the Sun Point View. The old Park Point Fire Lookout at the highest spot in the park is the perfect spot to watch the sunset with panoramas of mountains and deserts.

Mesa Verde is definitely a must-see on a Colorado national parks road trip.

Recommended time : One day

Canyon of the Ancients National Monument

Located west of Mesa Verde near the Utah border, the Canyon of the Ancients National Monument has thousands of archaeological sites — thought to be the highest density in the U.S. For a quick visit, Stop by the Anasazi Heritage Center for history and culture exhibits from the Ancestral Puebloan and the Escalante Pueblo and Dominguez Pueblo sites just outside the building.

If you have more time, head to the Lowry Pueblo, the only developed area in the park with informative signs, or the Painted Hand Pueblo for tower ruins perched atop a rock. The remote 170,000-acre national monument is in the desert with rugged roads and no services.

Recommended time : Half day

Hovenweep National Monument

Hovenweep National Monument spans 20 miles of the Colorado and Utah border near the Canyon of the Ancients and preserves six prehistoric communities. The villages are all spaced out, so most visitors head to the more developed area around the Square Tower Group, built between A.D. 1200 to 1300. This zone has the park’s visitor center, paved roads, and a primitive 2-mile loop trail to see the ruins. 

The other five units — Cajon, Holly, Horseshoe, Hackberry and Cutthroat Castle — are very remote and difficult to reach.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

The 30 square miles of dune fields at Great Sand Dunes National Park reach peaks of nearly 750 feet high. Located in south-central Colorado, the park has alpine lakes, forests and wetlands, but most people come for the giant pile of sand.

You only need a couple of hours here for the most popular activity — sandboarding down the hills. Hiking the ridges to peaks of the dunes can take a little longer. There are no official trails in the sand, but it takes about 2 hours roundtrip to reach the 693-foot top of High Dune and 6 hours or longer to climb up Hidden Dune or Star Dune, tied as the two tallest dunes in North America at 741 feet.

In Spring, Medano Creek forms at the base of the dunes and makes for a beach-like experience.

Colorado Springs

Just 70 miles south of Denver, Colorado Springs makes a great addition to a Colorado road trip itinerary, with some must-see natural attractions on the west side of the city. With a half to a full day, you can drive or ride a cog train to the 14,115-high top of Pikes Peak for 360-degree views of mountains, lakes and Colorado Springs below.

Next, head to Garden of the Gods for a scenic drive and paved walking paths. One of the best free things to do in Colorado, the park is known for its massive red rocks, spires and boulders that jut up from the landscape. 

With any extra time, check out the shops and cafes in the historic downtown district of Old Colorado City and visit cliff dwellings and mineral springs in Manitou Springs.

Recommended time : Half day to two days

The capital and largest city in Colorado, Denver could be its own mini vacation. But for a quick stop on a Colorado national park road trip, there are a few spots to keep on your radar.

If you haven’t spent any time in downtown Denver, be sure to check out historic Denver Union Station, the shops and eateries in Larimer Square, and the grounds of the State Capitol building. There are tons of museums in the city if you need to escape indoors, including the Denver Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and the Molly Brown House Museum.

On the outskirts of the city, drive the scenic loop at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge for a chance to spot bison and deer, head over to the town of Golden for mining history and breweries, or visit the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater to hike or catch a concert.

Tips for a Colorado Itinerary

Where do you fly into for a Colorado road trip?

The largest major airport in Colorado is Denver International Airport. From here, you can rent a car for your Colorado national park road trip and make the loop on this itinerary. There is also a smaller airport in Colorado Springs and regional airports in Eagle County near Vail, Grand Junction, Montrose, Telluride, and a few other spots.

What national parks are in Colorado?

Colorado has four national parks and over a dozen total National Park Service units, including national monuments, national historic sites, and national recreation areas. This Colorado national park road trip includes Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado National Monument, Hovenweep National Monument, and Canyon of the Ancients National Monument.

This list of national parks in the U.S. is organized by state so you can quickly find parks nearby.

How many days for a road trip in Colorado?

I recommend a minimum 7-day Colorado road trip to squeeze in all four national parks, but a 9 or 10-day Colorado road trip would be better. With less than a week in Colorado, it would be best to focus on just a couple of parks — Rocky Mountain could easily fill 3 to 5 days on its own or a short western Colorado road trip could include Mesa Verde, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Colorado National Monument.

On an extended trip, you could combine Colorado with a Grand Circle road trip to Utah and Arizona .

What is the road trip distance?

The total distance for the full Colorado national park road trip described above is approximately 1,300 miles round trip from Denver, not counting some extra driving in each park. This clocks in at somewhere around 25 hours on the road.

Best season for a Colorado national park road trip?

Colorado is incredibly beautiful in every season, but some activities are best saved for certain times of the year. This Colorado national parks road trip is best from late spring to early fall when the mountain roads are all open. You could make some route adaptations outside of these months, but you’ll miss out on gems like Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, which typically closes for the season sometime in October.

Since this Colorado road trip itinerary covers a variety of climates, I like a late September or early October visit when the aspens turn golden in the mountains and the weather has cooled a little at the canyons and sand dunes.

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Best of Colorado Road Trip Featuring 5 National Park Sites

Fantastic towns, high peaks and national park sites dominate this tour through colorado..

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Wander the state that has inspired artists, writers and a national anthem on this mesmerizing Colorado road trip.

Katherine Lee Bates wrote the lyrics to America the Beautiful standing atop Pikes Peak in Colorado. “Oh beautiful, for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain. For purple mountain majesties, above the fruited plain.”

The song that has become an American anthem was meant to sum up the country as a whole, but standing atop Pikes Peak, Bates knew what anyone who visits Colorado quickly realizes: here you’ll find some of the best the U.S. has to offer.

This road trip covers the best of the best as you visit all four Colorado national parks and countless incredible sights in between. See the spacious skies of Denver, before driving north towards Lyons and Estes Park on the doorstep to Rocky Mountain National Park, passing amber-colored fields along the way.

The park is home to spectacular peaks that are the embodiment of purple mountain majesties. Catch sight of them on Trail Ridge Road, before staying outside the park in Grand Lake. Head west towards Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park where you’ll discover a fruited plain on the road between Hotchkiss and Paonia, dotted with vineyards producing Colorado wine.

Make your way south to Mesa Verde and then east to Great Sand Dunes, seeing the tallest dune in North America on your visit. Then, it’s time to soak in the very same view that inspired Bates from Pikes Peak’s 14,115-foot summit.

As you circle the state, you’ll experience what so many have come to love about Colorado. From peaceful deserts to crashing waterfalls, from tiny hamlets to college towns and from sand to snow that clings to the highest peaks even in the summer, you’ll discover a feeling that can only be described as magic.

Road Trip Map

Start: Denver

A Denver Local’s Perfect Day in the Mile High As more and more people discover how great Colorado is, my childhood friends and I joke that we’re unicorns, having been born and raised in the Denver area. There’s nowhere I can make recommendations on with quite as much authority as Denver.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Home to herds of elk, majestic moose and Longs Peak that summits at 14,000 feet, Rocky Mountain National Park is a hiker’s and wildlife-watcher’s paradise. In the summer, you’ll travel across the park on its highest road, Trail Ridge Road  that connects the park’s two gateway towns, Estes Park on the east and Grand Lake on the west. The road is closed in winter due to snow, at which time visitors travel south to reach the opposite side of Rocky.

Boutique Basecamps on the East Side

Great Getaways at Lyons Looking for a small historic town near Rocky Mountain National Park but far from crowds? Head to Lyons, a charming 2,000-resident artsy town with great cuisine. Here’s 10 reasons to stop .

In the Park

2-Days in Rocky Mountain National Park Only have 48 hours? Make the most of your time by following  our itinerary covering both sides of the park .

2-Day Eco-Friendly Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary We’ve put together ideas for a two-day vacation to help you  become a more sustainable traveler .

GuideAlong Tour App Download the Rocky Mountain National Park tour app that’s like listening to a tour guide in your car. GyPSy Guide automatically plays interesting and entertaining commentary as you go .

West Side Stories

Grand Adventures Leaning up against Rocky Mountain National Park’s west side, Grand County, home to Winter Park Mountain Resort and Grand Lake, offers unparalleled outdoor opportunities.  See our list of thrilling, nature and water adventures .

Central City

Hidden Colorado Gems in Central City When gold was discovered in Central City, Colorado , in 1859, it transformed a pine-forested area tucked in the mountains into one of the West’s fanciest cities. Known early in its history as “the richest square mile on Earth,” it was home to an opulent opera house and one of the most luxurious hotels in the West.

Summit County

Natural Retreats Summit County In the heart of Colorado’s mountains, between gorgeous national parks like Rocky Mountain and Black Canyon of the Gunnison, is Summit County. Stay in your home away from home in towns like Breckenridge, Frisco and Keystone .

Colorado State Parks

See a Triple Waterfall While Colorado’s national parks might steal the spotlight, its 42 Colorado state parks shouldn’t be overlooked. These beautiful public lands are often less crowded and just as beautiful. Here are 8 of our favorite picks .

Colorado National Monument

On the central edge of Colorado sits Colorado National Monument , a spectacular, crumbling stretch of land filled with decaying red rock and deep canyons. Best known for its vistas from the 23-mile scenic drive (or road bike ride) on Rim Rock Drive, the park also is a great place to hike, watch wildlife (such as desert bighorn sheep, coyotes and golden eagles) and stargaze.

Singletrack, World-Famous Pizza and a Headless Chicken in Fruita The charming city of Fruita is the place to headquarter your trip to Colorado National Monument. An outdoor adventurer’s paradise, it’s still held on to its small-town feel. And, best yet, its vibrant downtown is located just minutes from the monument’s entrance.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Carved through solid granite over countless millennia, the canyon walls of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park plunge an awe-inspiring 2,700 feet to the river below in western Colorado. Intrepid hikers and rock climbers can venture into the depths on several very steep, unmaintained trails. Other visitors prefer to peer into the chasm from a network of trails lining the north and south rims. Anglers love this place for its gold-medal water for trout fishing.

Find Adventure in Every Direction in Montrose, Colorado Gateway to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park , Montrose is where trails, water sports and local food abound.

Best Small Towns on Colorado’s Western Slope are in Delta County Explore the uncrowded side of Colorado in small towns like Delta, Cedaredge and Paonia at the doorstep of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

Mesa Verde National Park

48 Hours in Mesa Verde Only have 48 hours to explore Mesa Verde National Park? Stick to our detailed itinerary to hit all the most important stops. There’s more to do beyond the main attraction of touring ancient cliff ruins. Take a hike, gaze from a fire tower or have dinner with a view.

Living History Surrounding Mesa Verde National Park See incredible archaeological sites beyond Mesa Verde, sip local wines and learn about Native American culture in southwestern Colorado’s Mesa Verde Country .

Two Hidden Towns Along the Silver Thread Scenic Byway

Charming Creede One of Colorado’s best-kept secrets, Creede offers incredible theater, downtown charm and fun outdoor activities . Take a stroll through this colorful historic downtown nestled in one of the most striking mountain settings you’ll ever see.

Keeping Up with South Fork Bring a car, ATV, jeep or bike. The area offers hundreds of miles of trails designated for motorized traffic and scenic drives . These trails and roads will take you to mountain peaks and amazing vistas of the San Luis Valley, to creek bottoms and dense forest growth.

Scenic Train Ride

Take a Journey through Time on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Board the train for a full day of jaw-dropping views from Antonito, Colorado to Chama, New Mexico. If you didn’t know better, you might think you’d been transported back to 1880.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

48 Hours in Great Sand Dunes National Park Make your time in the park count with our detailed itinerary . This other-worldly park boasts the tallest sand dunes in North America.

Adventure in Alamosa Whether you’re looking for exploration on the sand dunes, a laid-back afternoon on the town or an evening under the stars, Alamosa has something for everyone

4 Places to Shoot in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve It’s hard to understand this park’s scale. But don’t be daunted—we asked professional photographer Andre Costantini where to approach the dunes for the best photos .

Hike Through a Forest to Mosca Pass at Great Sand Dunes National Park Escape the summer heat on  this shady trail overlooking the giant dunes in southeast Colorado.

6 Adventures in Colorado Springs From Bigfoot sightings to a National Natural Landmark to the iconic mountain that inspired Katharine Lee Bates’ “America the Beautiful”, Colorado Springs has everything the Centennial State is known for.

Colorado’s Easiest Summit Summit of one of Colorado’s famous 14,000-foot peaks (known as 14ers) the easy way by driving up the Pikes Peak Highway all the way to the top.

Adventures in Manitou Spirings A quirky little town that will steal your heart in a minute, Manitou Springs attracts hundreds of travelers thanks to its healing springs and beautiful location at the base of Pikes Peak.

End: Denver

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The Ultimate Colorado National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

Are you looking for the perfect outdoor Colorado adventure? If your answer is yes, then a road trip through Colorado’s national parks should be at the top of your list. Uncover the hidden gems of each park’s stunning landscape.

Me and my family love exploring the parks in Colorado. The scenery is beautiful, the hiking is top-notch, and there is so much history to explore. We have been to Colorado on multiple road trips. Every trip is an amazing experience.

Four Colorado National Parks

• Great Sand Dunes National Park
• Mesa Verde National Park
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park

Buy a national parks pass.

For only $80, make the most of this Colorado National Parks road trip with an America the Beautiful pass! You can purchase an America the Beautiful pass in person from NPS sites or online.

With this 12-month pass, you can get everyone in your car into sites that charge per car. If a site charges admission per person, the pass covers you and 3 additional adults. Children 15 and under are free

Colorado National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

Are you ready for an unforgettable national park trip that will leave you with memories for a lifetime? Here is everything that you need to know to plan an epic Colorado National Parks road trip!

Denver to Great Sand Dunes

Fly into Denver and enjoy the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop while taking in some of the great attractions in the city. Then, hop in your rental car and take a scenic 1.5-hour drive south to Colorado Springs.

Colorado Springs

Once there, consider driving to the top of Pikes Peak to take in its beautiful views. Check out some of the other popular things to do in Colorado Springs including visiting Garden of the Gods Park and seeing The Broadmoor Seven Falls before continuing your drive.

To add another NPS site to this national park itinerary, take some time to explore the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument.

If you are looking for some out-of-the-ordinary thrills, you should head next to Canon City to check out the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. You can also take a leisurely ride on a train as it makes its way through the legendary Royal Gorge or up your adrenaline level by whitewater rafting down the Arkansas River.

Once you are done in this area, it is about 3 hours to Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Spend some time at one of nature’s most unique and awe-inspiring wonders – Great Sand Dunes National Park ! Its vast dunes of sand stretch for over 30 square miles, with some reaching heights of 750 feet!

Activities such as hiking, camping, horseback riding, sand sledding, and stargazing are all popular ways to explore this unique landscape. With its stunning views and diverse wildlife, Great Sand Dunes National Park offers something for everyone!

Things to Do at Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park is located in the San Luis Valley and is a spectacular natural wonder with many things to do on your visit.

Medano Creek

Visitors can take advantage of activities like splashing in the refreshing waters of Medano Creek, a seasonal flow of water from snow melt in the mountains. Starting in late April there is usually a small flow but it picks up going into late May and early June. This is one of the busiest times at Medano Creek and you can expect parking lots to fill up. In late June the water flow begins to retreat toward the mountains and will no longer flow near the Dunes Parking Lot.

Sand Sledding

Popular activities in the park include sand sledding and sandboarding on some of the largest dunes in North America. If you are up to the task, you could also try summiting Star Dune, the tallest dune in North America.

Stargazers will love the park after dark. In 2019, Great Sand Dunes National Park was certified as an International Dark Sky Park. The darkness at night, away from city lights, will leave you with awe-inspiring views of the Milky Way and more stars than you can count.

Medano Pass

Another major attraction is the 22-mile Medano Pass Primitive Road. Only accessible by high-clearance 4×4 vehicles, the road crosses Medano Creek nine times and can offer spectacular views of bighorn sheep and other wildlife.

Drive from Great Sand Dunes to Mesa Verde

Continuing on your road trip, you will head west about 200 miles to Mesa Verde National Park. It is an easy route with very few turns to navigate.

There are several worthy stops along the way, most notably Pagosa Springs and Chimney Rock. Pagosa Springs offers numerous outdoor activities, from the world’s deepest hot springs to off-roading, snowmobiling, and fishing. Chimney Rock is most famous for its historic Ancestral Puebloan structures, but visitors can also enjoy viewing wild horses or joining an interpretive tour.

Finally, no trip through these beautiful Colorado landscapes is complete without taking the scenic Durango Railroad’s Cascade Canyon Express train route on a century-old steam locomotive through towering spires and deep canyons. The train leaves the station at 9:45 AM. Plan to stay a night in Durango to do this unforgettable experience.

Mesa Verde National Park is another incredible destination on this Colorado itinerary. This park is home to some of North America’s most impressive archaeological sites and structures, cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Puebloans over 700 years ago.

Visitors can explore these amazing ruins, take part in interpretive tours, hike along trails with stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and more! A visit to Mesa Verde National Park promises an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after your Colorado road trip ends.

Things to Do at Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park is a must-see beauty located in southwestern Colorado. The park, established as a U.S. National Park in 1906, preserves some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings and archeological sites in the United States. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.

Hiking and Driving

Visitors can choose from several hiking areas at Mesa Verde such as the Morefield Campground, Chapin Mesa, or Wetherill Mesa trails. Or, take the self-guided Mesa Top Loop Road Auto Tour to discover spectacular scenic views of the area.

Cliff Dwelling Tours

If you prefer touring the majestic cliff dwellings, there are several great options to choose from. There are self-guided, ranger-assisted, and ranger-led tours to various cliff dwellings. These tours range in difficulty so it is best to pick one that suits your abilities.

Advance ticket purchases are required for most of these tours so it is best to check RECREATION.GOV for information. Tickets are available starting 14 days in advance so it is best to have a plan and be logged in and ready to purchase the moment they go on sale.

Enjoying the beauty of this park is not just limited to daylight hours. As an International Dark Sky Park, Mesa Verde National Park can offer some incredible star-gazing opportunities! If you are staying in the park you can do this from Morefield Campground, Far View Lodge, or take advantage of one of the numerous overlooks along the park road.

Drive from Mesa Verde to Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Making your way from Mesa Verde National Park to Black Canyon of the Gunnison is an amazing road trip through some beautiful scenery. On this 4-hour journey, there are two routes you can take.

Route 1: National Monuments and Telluride

The first route takes you past national monuments and the picturesque mountain town of Telluride. Start this leg of your journey with a stop at Yucca House National Monument and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. If you are interested in learning more about the Ancestral Puebloan people, both of these sights have great information and are archeological sights that are not to be missed!

Next, take Highway 145 to Telluride. Here you can enjoy the shops and restaurants downtown before hopping on the free gondola ride to Mountain Village. Do even more shopping before riding back to Telluride. Drive towards Ridgway and then north to Montrose. Montrose is a great place to base yourself for a visit to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

Route 2: Million Dollar Highway

The second option from Mesa Verde National Park to Black Canyon of the Gunnison is to take the San Juan Scenic Byway to Ridgway then north to Montrose.

To start this route, drive back to Durango. Then, go north to the small town of Silverton. Head underground on the Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour or stay above ground and grab a bite to eat at one of the locally owned eateries.

Next, drive along the famous Million Dollar Highway to Ouray. Ouray has a variety of sights to see and things to do including the 6-mile Ouray perimeter trail above the town, Bear Creek and Cascade Falls, and Ouray Hot Springs.

Once you are ready to continue the adventure, keep driving north to Ridgway then Montrose.

For nature lovers and adventurers, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in western Colorado is an awe-inspiring destination. Whether you take a leisurely drive down South Rim Road or embark on one of many hiking trails, this park offers incredible views that will leave you speechless.

Things to do at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

From short hikes to backcountry treks through its famed dark canyon walls, this national park promises something for everyone!

South Rim Visitor Center

Kick off your adventure at the South Rim Visitor Center. With interactive exhibits and educational programs, there is a plethora of things for visitors to do here that will help you familiarize yourself with Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Knowledgeable park rangers are more than eager to respond to any inquiries about the region’s hiking trails or other recreational activities.

South Rim Road

For those looking to experience the best of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, a leisurely drive along its enchanting South Rim Road is an absolute must. Spanning seven miles, this picturesque route presents you with majestic vistas at every turn.

Embrace the beauty that awaits you by making stops at Tomichi Point, Gunnison Point, Chasm View, Painted Wall View, and Sunset View.

South Rim Hikes

The South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a great spot for hikers looking to explore the scenery. From easy strolls along nature trails to more strenuous treks deep into the canyon walls, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to get their fill of adventure.

Three popular hiking trails in the park include Rim Rock Nature Trail, Cedar Point Nature Trail, and Warner Point Nature Trail. Each offers its own unique experience and covers a different area of the park.

Inner Canyon

Adventure-seekers looking for a true challenge should explore the trails that guide them down into the canyon’s depths! Choose one of these three hikes.

Gunnison Route: A universally beloved trail that is perfect for first-timers seeking an inner canyon experience. It boasts 1.5 miles of hiking and descends 1800 feet in elevation. Expect this trek to take 4 hours in total.

Tomichi Route: For those ready to push themselves further, try Tomichi with its one-mile length and 1960-foot drop. Plan on 6 hours altogether to finish this excursion.

Warner Route: This is the longest and most rigorous trail. It is highly recommended to pack overnight supplies to complete this trek. It spans 2.75 miles with 2722 feet of vertical drop, taking an average of 6.5 hours in total!

In order to hike into the inner canyon, you must have a Wilderness Use Permit which is distributed on a first-come-first-served basis at the Visitor Center just 1.5 hours before closing the day before—otherwise, permits can be acquired on the day of your planned adventure.

Stargazers, prepare to be amazed! Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has been certified as an International Dark Sky Park and provides a mesmerizing view of stars after dark. Join in by bringing your own telescope, participating in a ranger-led program, or visiting during the annual Astro Fest event.

North Rim Road

If you want to get away from the crowds, try taking a scenic drive on the North Rim Road. There are 6 overlooks and plenty of spectacular views to enjoy. This area of the park is less developed and takes 2-3 hours to get to from the South Rim. North Rim Road is closed in the winter.

North Rim Hikes

Although there are not as many trails, the North Rim offers some great hikes. You can enjoy a short 1/3-mile hike on the Chasm View Nature Trail. If you’re looking for a longer hike, the North Vista Trail is a 3-mile round trip to Exclamation Point that you can continue on to Green Mountain for a total of 7 miles.

Like the South Rim, the North Rim offers a few hikes into the canyon. Pick up a permit the day of your hike to enjoy Pinyon Draw, Long Draw, and Slide Draw trails. All these hikes are strenuous and will take between 4.5 to 5.5 hours to complete.

Drive from Black Canyon to Rocky Mountain

The next portion of this Colorado road trip is to make the 5-hour drive to Grand Lake, Colorado located on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park.

• Colorado National Monument

With its breathtaking views, Colorado National Monument along the way provides an ideal chance to admire the spectacularly rugged terrain that makes up this amazing landscape. Even if you don’t stop for a hike, driving along the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive is worth it.

Glenwood Springs

After that, carry on your journey and experience Glenwood Springs. Well renowned for its natural hot springs, this is the perfect place to unwind and recharge. Whether you choose the Glenwood Hot Springs or Iron Mountain Hot Springs, you are sure to have a great time.

Other things to do in Glenwood Springs include Glenwood Caverns & Adventure Park, a hike to Hanging Lake, and whitewater rafting in Glenwood Canyon. Once you are finished relaxing in the hot springs or going on another adrenaline-filled adventure, continue your trip heading east.

If you’re looking for a direct route to Grand Lake, that option is available. However, if you’d like to take in some more of the scenic beauty along the way and are open to a slight detour, consider passing through Vail. Take a walk around the charming Vail Village, ride the scenic gondola, or go for a hike or two.

From Vail, it is a 2-hour drive to Grand Lake. The town and lake of the same name form the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park from the west.

At the lake, you can enjoy the sand beach or enter the chilly waters. Take advantage of the nearby rentals to get out on the water with kayaks, paddleboards, paddle boats, and more.

Later, explore Grand Avenue and the historic boardwalk while browsing through the shops and restaurants, or watch a performance at the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre.

Finally, start your journey into the fourth Colorado national park of this road trip.

Rocky Mountain National Park is an outdoor lover’s paradise! Whether you’re looking to go on some breathtaking hikes or take a relaxing scenic drive through the picturesque landscape, Rocky Mountain National Park has something for everyone.

Nestled on the towering Continental Divide, adventure awaits within this serene mountain paradise.

Things to do at Rocky Mountain National Park

From awe-inspiring hikes to unforgettable wildlife spotting, Rocky Mountain National Park offers an array of thrilling experiences for everyone!

Scenic Drives

One of the highlights of Rocky Mountain National Park is simply driving through the mountains. Every twist and turn of the road offers stunning views and the chance to catch wildlife in its natural environment.

Trail Ridge Road is the main highway through the park and stretches 48 miles from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake at the west entrance. This road reaches a staggering 12,183 feet in elevation at its highest point and also crosses the Continental Divide at Milner Pass.

If you want to experience a more historic route, look no further than Old Fall River Road. This mostly gravel trail opened in 1920 and is the first path taken by automobiles in the park. At the 15 mph speed limit, this 11-mile road is meant to be enjoyed as you take in the closeness of nature much like our ancestors would have.

With 16 lake hikes, 7 waterfall hikes, and 5 summit hikes, Rocky Mountain National Park is a dreamscape of rocky crags, looming snow-capped peaks, and verdant evergreen forests. This playground of nature offers several fantastic hikes that range from short, easy loops to strenuous summit treks.

For those who simply want to explore a beautiful lake tucked away in the mountains, there are options such as Bear Lake, Cub Lake, and Bluebird lake.

Hikers wanting more out of their visit can explore some of the breathtaking waterfalls such as Adams Falls, Cascade Falls, and Ouzel Falls.

Lastly, if daring hikers yearn for an ultimate Rocky Mountain experience then Deer Mountain, Flattop Mountain, and Twin Sisters Peaks provide just that! Summit one of these peaks for the ultimate experience.

Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll on level ground or are looking for the rush of an adrenaline-pumping journey up steep terrain, Rocky Mountain National Park has you covered.

Rocky Mountain National Park Reservations

Rocky Mountain National Park has introduced a timed entry permit system . This is required from the end of May through late October.

Drive from Rocky Mountain to Denver

The last leg of this Colorado National Parks road trip is taking the 1.5-hour drive from Estes Park to Denver. Before you leave Estes Park, explore the historic (and supposedly haunted) Stanley Hotel.

Drive to Boulder to have some outdoor adventures including hiking at Flagstaff Mountain and an exciting tube ride down Boulder Creek. End your adventure with a warm beverage in the iconic Persian Dushanbe Teahouse.

Boulder is the last stop before driving back to the airport to head home. I hope you have the best time completing this Colorado National Park road trip.

Colorado National Parks Road Trip Tips

Here are some tips to help you plan the best Colorado National Parks road trip.

How many days do you need for Colorado national parks?

Depending on how long you have, a minimum of one to two days should be allocated for each Colorado national park – although three or even four days at Rocky Mountain National Park would be better. Plan one free day to get between each park to leave some time for bonus stops along the way.

What is the best time of year to visit Colorado National Parks?

If you’re looking for a time of year that generally has the best weather to make the most out of your visit, May through September are the ideal months. During this period, you’re sure to have good driving conditions and plenty of sunshine so you can make the most of each day.

The closest airport to fly into for this Colorado National Parks road trip is Denver International Airport. Denver International Airport (DIA) is Colorado’s largest airport and the primary hub for the Rocky Mountain region. There are plenty of rental car companies available at the airport.

Final Thoughts: Colorado National Parks Road Trip

Home to some of the United States’ most picturesque national parks, Colorado is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. From Great Sand Dunes National Park and its magnificent shifting dunes to Mesa Verde National Park with its spectacular cliff dwellings, Colorado offers plenty of sites for exploration.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park will not disappoint with its challenging hikes and awe-inspiring canyons. Lastly, explore Rocky Mountain National Park with its gorgeous mountain views and diverse wildlife. Exploring these four Colorado national parks is sure to be an unforgettable experience!

More Information on Each Colorado National Park:

Caitlin is a passionate traveler and the founder of Twin Family Travels, a blog helping families with planning trips both big and small. As a mom of twins, Caitlin loves spending time together as a family. She finds joy in discovering new places from day trips to far-away destinations. Hiking beautiful trails and meandering through museums are some of her favorite ways to spend her time. She provides valuable tips and recommendations that assist others in planning wonderful travel experiences.

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How to Plan an Epic Colorado National Park Road Trip

They don’t call it Colorful Colorado without reason. Colorado is home to a wide range of ecosystems, from the dramatic alpine landscapes of the Rocky Mountains to the high plains of the east and deserts of the southwest. Add in a four-season climate, plenty of precipitation, and a few million years of geological history, and it’s no surprise that there are some places in Colorado that deserve national park status.

Colorado is home to four national parks:

• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
• Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
• Mesa Verde National Park
• Rocky Mountain National Park

These are just 10% of the 41 national parks in the West , but they cover the gamut of natural wonders. If you want to them all, you’re not alone! I’ve visited all four of Colorado’s national parks and think a road trip is a great way to do the same on one trip.

Though my family lived in Colorado for 10 years, I never personally called it “home.” Instead, I visited several times each year, and had the chance to explore the state with my family. Mr. V and I also took our honeymoon road trip through Colorado in the summer of 2020, and visited several of these parks. Together, all of that experience inspired me to put together an itinerary where you could visit all of Colorado’s national parks on a single road trip.

If you’re ready to take a Colorado National Park road trip and explore the colorful, diverse, fascinating natural sights of the Centennial State, read on. Here’s all you need to know for an epic road trip.

Through my site and especially in this national parks post, I promote travel to lands that are the traditional lands of Indigenous and First Nations peoples. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to explore  Native Land .

This post was originally published in January 2021, and was updated most recently in October 2023.

Table of Contents

Colorado National Park Road Trip Overview

Before jumping into the day-by-day itinerary for this Colorado national park road trip, I wanted to give a quick overview. As you can see from the above map (which I built with Roadtrippers Plus;  you can get $5 off Plus by  clicking this link  and using code BTR5QTP ), this road trip will take you across most of the state!

Here are some other tips to help you plan this road trip:

• This road trip only works in the summer , between May and September. From October through April (depending on the park), several of the park roads are partially or completely closed. You won’t be able to do any of the cool stuff I recommend!
• With the exception of Rocky Mountain National Park, all of Colorado’s other national parks are far from services . Plan ahead – make sure you have enough food, water, and gas before setting out into any of the parks on those days.
• Pack and dress for weather extremes . Colorado has huge elevation changes in different parts of the state – and you’ll be crossing them each day. In the desert or high desert, which covers parts of this trip, temperatures might rise to a sweltering 100°F during the day, and drop to near-freezing at night. (I’ll add my Southwest packing list link once it’s live!)

If you have other questions after reading the detailed itinerary below, let me know in the comments!

One last tip to make the most of this road trip? Snag an America the Beautiful Pass for This Colorado National Park road trip.

You definitely want to buy an America the Beautiful Pass for this trip to save some money. If you don’t have one, you’ll pay $120 to access all four parks (Black Canyon of the Gunnison ($30), Great Sand Dunes ($25), Mesa Verde ($30), Rocky Mountain ($35)).

An annual  America the Beautiful Pass  is $80.  This gets you into every national park and all fee-collecting federal lands. I got my first America the Beautiful pass in 2019 and it’s saved me a ton.  You can get the  America the Beautiful Pass from REI .

Read my full review of why the America the Beautiful Pass is worth it .

Day 1: Denver to Estes Park

• Total Drive Time: 90 minutes
• Where to Stay: For Denver, the Magnolia Hotel is a great option ( book on Booking.com or Hotels.com ). In Estes Park, stay in the Stanely Hotel if you’re brave enough ( book on Booking.com ), or opt for this less spooky Rocky Mountain VRBO .

On the first day of your Colorado national park road trip, it’s actually a short day and includes no national parks! That’s because Rocky Mountain National Park , which is on the itinerary for tomorrow, is a bit out of the way on the pretty loop I was able to create connecting the three other Colorado national parks.

Today the goal is to get from Denver to Estes Park , which is a beautiful drive up into the Rocky Mountains. I used to visit Estes Park all the time with my family when they lived in Colorado; the town itself is fun to explore too if you have time. In particular, stroll along the main street and be sure to stop by the Stanley Hotel – the haunted inspiration for The Shining .

For dinner, I can’t recommend Nepal’s Cafe highly enough. This Nepalese restaurant is off the main street but serves some of the best momos I’ve ever had.

Day 2: Rocky Mountain National Park

• Total Drive Time: Variable depending on how much of the park you visit today.
• Where to Stay: Stay a second night in your Estes Park accommodation.

As you’ll see, one day is not enough in any of Colorado’s national parks. But, since you’re trying to visit all four in a single road trip, you’ll only get a sample of each one.

Rocky Mountain is one such park that you could probably spend a lifetime exploring – there are over 300 miles of hiking trails, after all! But, with just one day, here’s what I suggest:

• Depending on the season, catch the sunrise in the park. Two popular spots are Rainbow Curve or Sprague Lake .
• Visit the Alpine Visitor Center , which sits at nearly 12,000 feet in elevation. The drive to/from the visitor center is full of iconic pullouts and photo spots.
• Go for a hike! One great option is the hike to Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes . It’s 3.6 miles round trip from the Bear Lake Trailhead, but an easy-moderate hike.
• Spot wildlife in Kawuneeche Valley . It’s common to see moose, elk, and other hoofed creatures in Rocky Mountain National Park.
• Go stargazing. There are pullouts along Trail Ridge Road that are easy spots to see the night sky on your way out of the park after sunset.

Obviously, this barely scratches the surface, but if you try these activities, you’ll have a full day and likely be ready to plan a return trip!

Day 3: Estes Park to Grand Junction

• Total Drive Time: 5 hours, 15 minutes
• Where to Stay: The Bookcliffs B&B is a good non-chain option ( book on Booking.com or Hotels.com ) or try this cute downtown loft on VRBO.

Day #3 of this Colorado national park road trip is a driving day – it’s actually the longest day of driving during the whole itinerary. You need to backtrack a little out of the Rockies back onto the east side, then cross again on I-70 to make your way to Grand Junction.

I-70 isn’t the most stimulating, but it’s a bit better than some other parts of the interstate system (I’m lookin’ at you, 360 flat, straight miles of I-80 in Nebraska that I drove a dozen times in college…). You’ll actually pass through Vail which is a great spot to stop for lunch.

There’s nothing else planned for the day, so when you arrive in Grand Junction you can explore. Colorado National Monument is just outside of town, as are a number of wineries if that’s more your style.

Day 4: Grand Junction to Black Canyon of the Gunnison to Durango

• Total Drive Time: 4 hours, 30 minutes
• Where to Stay: The Durango Lodge is a good spot within walking distance of downtown and budget-friendly too ( book directly or on Hotels.com ), or this cool updated historic home near downtown.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is the least-visited of Colorado’s four national parks and regularly ranks among the less-visited parks in the country. I actually loved it when we visited in 2020 because there were so few other people there (even on a summer afternoon!).

It’s a 75-minute drive from Grand Junction to Black Canyon; if you’re really ambitious, you could set out to try and catch the sunrise above the canyon but it’s not necessary. You’ll be visiting the South Rim for the day; the North Rim is good for a return visit as it’s harder to reach and has fewer services.

Visiting Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

I recommend arriving by 9-10am at the latest, and plan to set out by 2-3pm so you make it to Durango before the sun sets. Here’s what to do during your two-thirds of a day here:

• Stop by the South Rim Visitor Center . There are facilities here and a short walk takes you to Gunnison Point with its view of the namesake river and canyon.
• Explore the pull-outs along Rim Drive Rd. These include Pulpit Rock Overlook , Devil’s Lookout (which made Mr. V pretty nervous!), and the must-see Painted Wall View .
• Hike Cedar Point Nature Trail . This 0.66-mile out-and-back easy hike has interpretive signs and gives another incredible view of the 2,250-foot-high Painted Wall.
• If you’re up for a “real” hike, the moderate 1.5-mile out-and-back Warner Point Trail takes you out along the south rim with 360-degree views.
• Picnic at one of the dozen+ areas along the south rim before setting back out of the park.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its stargazing too and holds an Astronomy Festival each year; it doesn’t work to stay late in the park on this itinerary though! (You’ll just have to plan a return trip…)

Crossing the San Juan Mountains

Making your way south from Black Canyon of the Gunnison, you’ll pass through the mountain town of Ouray (which I want to go back and visit and write about separately…) and into the San Juan Mountains.

If you’re a mining nerd like me, you’ll love this part of the drive: there are silver mines dotting the mountainsides and tons of history. (I picked up a copy of Mines, Miners, and Much More in Durango to dive into it more!)

After driving through the mountains you’ll descend into Durango, your stop for the next two nights.

Day 5: Mesa Verde National Park

• Total Drive Time: 40 minutes each way to/from the park plus however long you spend in the park
• Where to Stay: Stay in your Durango accommodations for a second night.

It’s a short drive west from Durango to Mesa Verde National Park. Mesa Verde is an incredible geologic and ecologic formation – its name perfectly describes it as the green mesa . Ancestral Puebloan peoples were drawn to this area because of its unique combination of environment, food sources, and defensible home positions, which is why they built their dwellings right into the cliffs of the mesa.

Visiting Mesa Verde National Park

It takes a fair amount of time to drive the long mesa from end to end, so give yourself the whole day to explore it all. There are also two parts of Mesa Verde: Chapin Mesa and Wetherill Mesa. With only one day, I recommend sticking to Chapin Mesa, and here’s what to do:

• Stop by the Mesa Verde Visitor & Research Center where you can learn more about how the mesa formed and the people who called it home – then disappeared, abandoning their cliff dwellings nearly 1,000 years ago.
• Head out onto Chapin Mesa , and stop at the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum .
• View nearby Spruce Tree House from the overlooks (the site itself is closed due to rock falls).
• If you have the energy and it’s not too hot yet, Petroglyph Point Trail is a great 2.4-mile loop hike with fantastic archaeological sites.
• Make your way onto the Mesa Top Loop (one of two sections of Chapin Mesa) and stop by the pit houses and Sun Palace .
• If you’re able to arrange an afternoon ranger-led hike into this site, it’s 1000% worth it. (This is still on my bucket list!)
• Explore other sites including Balcony House and the Far View Sites as you make your way back out of the park. There are a number of great overlooks too, if you want to watch the sunset from somewhere like Park Point Overlook .

There’s still a whole other section of the park to explore (Wetherill Mesa), so don’t be surprised if you want to plan a return trip to Mesa Verde too!

Day 6: Durango to Great Sand Dunes National Park

• Total Drive Time: 3 hours, 30 minutes
• Where to Stay: Great Sand Dunes Lodge is a good/the only option if you don’t want to camp ( book on Booking.com or Hotels.com ).

While today has a bit of driving, I recommend combining it with your visit to Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. The drive is too short to take up the full day, and Great Sand Dunes can be done in a half-day. Here’s how to do it:

• After making the 3.5-hour drive east from Durango to Great Sand Dunes, you’ll want to start exploring. Stop at Oasis Store on the way to the park entrance to rent sandboards.
• Once you’re in the park, start with lunch. There are a number of picnic areas along Madano Creek and the main road, so drive up and find an empty spot.
• Next, head back to the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center where you can get oriented and learn about conditions on the dunes that day.
• If the day is hot, you’ll need to pass the time to let the dunes cool down (up to 150°F!). In this case, Montville Nature Trail is a good 0.5-mile loop or Wellington Ditch Trail can work if you’re looking for more distance.
• After the sand begins to cool, it’s time for dune hiking and sandboarding ! You can hike and sandboard on any dune that doesn’t have vegetation. From the main parking area, it’s a 1-1.5 mile hike into the dunes to find a good spot.
• Great Sand Dunes is an excellent spot for stargazing with little development in the area. The National Park Service has tips on planning a stargazing trip onto the Dunes .

And with that, you’ve visited all four Colorado national parks in one road trip! It’s time to return to your accommodation for the night.

Day 7: Great Sand Dunes to Denver

• Total Drive Time: 4 hours
• Where to Stay: None, unless you need another night in Denver. (Refer to my suggestion above!)

Your final day is a four-hour drive from Great Sand Dunes back to Denver to return your rental car and head home. It’s a nice drive up the eastern side of the Rockies; you can break it up with a stop in Colorado Springs to visit the Garden of the Gods .

And there you have it – an epic seven-day road trip across colorful Colorado and visiting all four of the state’s national parks (and many other natural wonders too!). I sometimes get asked about making this trip in a shorter time, and I’ll admit: it’s tricky. You could shorten it up a bit by combining days 1 & 2, but any less time than that and you won’t have enough time to enjoy the parks you’re driving all this way to visit!

Do you have questions about this Colorado National Park road trip or how to plan your own? Let me know in the comments!

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I was born on the East Coast, grew up in Alaska, lived on the West Coast as an adult, and currently call the Midwest home. I share travel resources and stories based on my personal experience and knowledge.

27 Comments

Thank you for the great 7-day itinerary to visit Colorado’s NPs! I’m wondering if you happen to have any suggestions on how one could build upon this itinerary with an additional 3 days (i.e., 10 days instead of 7)? The goal would be to take in additional beautiful scenery (e.g., state parks perhaps? other scenic areas/drives perhaps?, etc.). Thank you for any insights or suggestions you might have.

Great question! Here’s what I would do for a 10-day Colorado national park road trip itinerary:

I hope that helps!

Thank you for your prompt response. A couple of years ago, we were fortunate enough to visit the Utah NPs. We greatly enjoyed that trip (and highly recommend those NPs!). If one were to add three days to your above 7- day itinerary for Colorado’s NPs, any thoughts on where you’d add the days for a more leisurely-paced trip? Thanks.

I’d spend a full day in Black Canyon (and a second night in Grand Junction), as well as at least a full day in Denver either before or at the end. I hope that helps!

Thanks! It does.

Barbara Ivanko

Hi! Great guide , I am following it as we speak to plan a summer trip. Question: what is the reason for stopping for the night in Grand Junction, rather than just driving 6 hours to lodging near Black Canyon?

You certainly could do that, Barbara! I wanted to keep the day shorter and Grand Junction has some fun things to offer too, but what you suggest is definitely a good option.

Flying into DEN and trying to hit all National Parks which park would you recommend we drive direct to first?

It’s up to you, Ashley! I recommended counterclockwise in this post, but it doesn’t really matter!

I would add MONUMENT, stsrt with Moab,then slots and Bryce then loop back to GJ on the way back, to Colorado. Veronica

Thanks for your advice, Veronica. My goal with this post was to stay entirely within Colorado though – so I don’t advise any of the Utah parks or Monument Valley in this particular road trip itinerary.

Hi Valerie! Thanks so much for sharing your advise and your adventures! We are flying in at 7:00am into Denver and are planning on spending 1 full day in Estes Park/Rocky NP. Due to the first 2 days melding into 1, we are thinking that we might add in Arches NP after we get to Grand Junction. We are unsure if we are only going to do a day trip for Arches or stay the night there and then return to Grand Junction to Black Canyon of the Gunnison to Durango. Just looking for advise if you think that is the best way to do it. Thanks! M

Thanks for reaching out, MT. You could definitely add a day to Moab (the base for Arches/Canyonland), and then visit both of those parks if you wanted to. Here are some posts to help you plan: https://www.valerievalise.com//one-day-arches-national-park/ https://www.valerievalise.com//one-day-canyonlands-national-park/ https://www.valerievalise.com//one-day-arches-canyonlands/

Great Road trip. I am starting out at Denver airport and I would like to add New Mexico to see the national parks and back to Denver to fly out . Would you recommend this same route and do you have any advice on New Mexico Also do you have a recommendation on white water rafting place for a family of teenagers . Thank you and Gid Bless

I have this guide for seeing the New Mexico parks: https://www.valerievalise.com//texas-new-mexico-national-parks-road-trip/

Your itinerary sounds great! We’ll be driving to Colorado from Gallup. We’re only going to Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes and Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Is one route (clockwise or counterclockwise) preferable? Hoping to keep driving time to 4-5 hours. We’ll be heading to the Grand Canyon when we leave Colorado.

Thanks for reading, Kate! I’m not sure it will make a ton of sense, but counter-clockwise will make the most sense if you want to do the full loop.

Hi Valerie, Do you have any suggestions if you have less than 7 days? I would love to hit as many parks as possible but unfortunately we do not have the time. We will have 5 days. Or do you have any other places you recommend for a 5 day trip if this Colorado itinerary is not duable?

Thanks for reading, Haylee! If you only have 5 days, I’d cut out the section about going to Rocky Mountain National Park as that’s two days.

How would you recommend arriving in Denver, and road tripping to Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Canyonlands, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes? Would you hit Canyonlands before or after BCG?

Angela Seymour

We are planning on driving our RV and towing a car. Would we be able to follow your itinerary? Also do you have a list of camp grounds that would coordinate with your itinerary? I appreciate your advice.

Sorry, I don’t have any campground suggestions, but you can absolutely follow this route with an RV.

Thanks for sharing! Weather still seems iffy in rocky mountain. Contemplating going clockwise since we may not be able to visit. We’re flying into denver and renting a car.. don’t feel to comfortable in the snow as an LA girl. Do you think Rocky NP is still worth a visit to beaver meadows?

When are you visiting?

Next week! May 12-16

Hmmm, I don’t know that it matters really; since RMNP is sort a “spur” off the loop of the other three parks (at least with the route I recommend), I’d probably just do the loop in either direction, and save RMNP for last and see how the weather is once you get there.

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Colorado National Park Road Trip: Explore 4 Parks in One Week!

Do you know about the other three fascinating National Parks in Colorado? Well, as huge fans of the famous Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, we are embarrassed to admit neither did we. So we set off on a Colorado National Park Road Trip to check out Great Sand Dunes National Park, Mesa Verde National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Read on for this truly epic road trip! Caution: you’ll want to start planning your adventure exploring the unexpected.

Itinerary for Your Colorado National Park Road Trip

This road trip to all 4 Colorado National Parks could easily be completed in one vacation week, starting on Saturday and ending on Sunday. In the itinerary below, you’ll find the travel days are pretty laid back. You won’t find yourself exhausted at the end of the week.

We’ve also made a few notes recommending extra days if you have more time as this trip would be a lot of fun to expand to 2 weeks!

1 Week Itinerary for Colorado National Park Road Trip

Day 1: Leave Denver and Drive to Great Sand Dunes National Park (have an extra day? Insert a day exploring Colorado Springs here) Day 2: Full Day to Explore Great Sand Dunes National Park Day 3: Drive to Mesa Verde, stopping along Highway 160. Consider a stop in Durango for a historic train ride. Day 4: Full Day to Explore Mesa Verde National Park Day 5: Drive to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, exploring along the way. Consider a stop in Telluride. Day 6: Full Day to Explore Black Canyon of the Gunnison Day 7: Drive to Rocky Mountain National Park (have an extra day? Explore around Gunnison and stop at the Taylor Reservoir for world-class trout fishing.) Day 8: Explore Rocky Mountain National Park (have an extra day? You could easily spend 3 full days in Rocky Mountain National Park… it’s that big!) Day 9: Explore RMNP in the morning and head back to Denver in the afternoon

Park # 1: Visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park

When I told Brad that Great Sand Dunes would be the first stop on our Colorado National Park Road Trip he literally rolled his eyes. “Really! Why?” And my very lame answer was that I wanted to check it off our National Park list. I promised we’d be in and out in a few hours.

Little did we know that this park would be a day of play and more fun than a roll of bubble wrap. We were giggling like little kids before the day was over. Today we enthusiastically recommend a day in Great Sand Dunes National Park to anyone planning to road trip through Colorado.

Getting to Great Sand Dunes National Park from Denver

Great Sand Dunes National Park is about 4 hours out of Denver (our starting point), so we figured we could make it a quick lunch stop. For our Colorado National Park Road Trip, from Denver to get to Great Sand Dunes National Park, there are two driving options.

• Option 1  follows Interstate 25 through Colorado Springs. It’s a great choice if you have an extra day to spend in that fantastic city. (Love, love, love Colorado Springs!) But it can be a rather dull 4-hour interstate drive if you are not stopping along the way.

• Option Two  – The scenic route across the top of the mountains along Highway 285. This route was beautiful as we traveled along the mountain ridges. If we were to choose again, I would pick this stunning route all over. However, let me add a few warnings: Per GPS, both ways are 4 hours long. Of course, that’s not necessarily true in real life. This route is mostly two lanes and heavy truck traffic. If there is an accident (as we encountered), you might have to sit awhile. As in any rural area, bathrooms are few and far between! 4 hours without a bathroom stop doesn’t work for this gal, so when we found a little roadside diner, we bought coffee to use the bathroom.

Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park

See the tallest sand dunes in North America at Great Sand Dunes National Park, just north of Alamosa, Colorado. Here you’ll find some of the largest living sand dunes on Earth. Their height makes this place unique; 700 feet tall (almost two football fields!) and extremely steep (about 45 degrees).

If you’re into sandboarding, this is a great place to bring your board and enjoy the rolling waves of sand. The view from atop the dunes alone makes it worthy of a visit.

The best part of this park is you are encouraged to “mess up” the landscape! Usually, when you hike in a National Park, there is an overwhelming emphasis on leave no trace behind, right? Well, here, mother nature is going to clean up right after you. By that, I am referring to the number one activity on the sand dunes: sliding down the dune as if it were snow.

And graffiti is welcome. Stomp out your name in the side of a dune for fun pictures. By morning the winds will have blown and smoothed away all your markings. Two hours quickly turned into a full day as we climbed up and down the dunes, leaving our mark in the sand.

Plan Your Itinerary for Great Sand Dunes National Park

There are many other fun things to do, and it was a shame we only planned 1/2 day here. If you can swing a couple of days, you will get a chance for a truly unique experience. Here’s what you should include in your road trip itinerary for your Great Sand Dunes National Park stop.

• Climb to the top of the Sand Dunes, and slide down. You’ll find families enjoying the steep sand dunes with everything from cardboard boxes to those old-fashioned flying saucer sleds.
• Hike the dunes, which cover over 30 square miles. There are no trails since the wind wipes the surface clean daily, so wander wherever you like.
• Experience solitude in this dark sky park. The lack of ambient light at night makes stargazing opportunities here some of the best anywhere on Earth. The Milky Way is glorious most nights from mid-summer to early fall.
• Raft the Medano Creek – A sure-fire way to work up an appetite after a day in the sand is to take a walk along Medano Creek. This stream is carved deep into the sand, creating beautiful scenery and great places to wade. Spring and early summer mean the water is flowing fast, perfect for light family rafting and tubing.
• Hike forest trails – Yes, there are forested trails within the park where you can find excellent relief on a hot summer day. A popular hike is the Montville Nature Trail, a relic of an early settlement.
• Drive Medano Pass Primitive Road – 4 Wheel Drive with a high lift is required for this adventure due to the soft sands and creek bed crossings. This road is a challenging 22-mile route linking the Great Sand Dunes with Colorado State Highway 69 and takes 3-4 hours to traverse. Note the road is closed in winter and often in spring for high water. However, if you are game for this trip, you will likely find bighorn sheep and wilderness few experiences.

Tips for your Great Sand Dunes Itinerary

👍 The sand surface temperature can be up to 150 degrees on a summer day, so plan your adventure early or later in the day to avoid the extreme summer heat. And of course, wear sunscreen. Please make sure you are prepared for hiking in hot weather .

👍 Rafting and sledding can be very inexpensive family activities. You’ll see a lot of dollar store blow-up rafts in the water. And for sledding, if you don’t have a smooth bottom sled, a shiny piece of cardboard will work.

👍 Great Sand Dunes is fairly pet friendly . Just make sure you are clear on where dogs are not allowed in the park.

Park #2: Mesa Verde National Park

I first went to Mesa Verde in fifth grade, and the recollection of those structures is still vivid. So I was eager to show Brad this marvel on our Colorado National Park Road Trip.

There is something very different and unique about Mesa Verde. Perhaps it’s because the structures are in such good shape that you can clearly imagine the ancient cliff dwellers living and working in them.

Getting to Mesa Verde National Park

Having stayed too long at Great Sand Dunes, we scooted West on Highway 160 towards  Mesa Verde National Park . To get to Mesa Verde National Park from Great Sand Dunes, it is a straight drive West on Highway 160.

The trip takes about 4 hours if you don’t stop. But you will want to stop at several of the pull-offs along the way to enjoy the amazing views.

This gorgeous route through the Rio Grande and the San Juan National Forests is worth dawdling to enjoy. In hindsight, had we known how much fun we’d have at Great Sand Dunes and how beautiful this drive would be, we would have camped along this route. There were many National Forest Campgrounds along Highway 160.

Instead, we had an exhausting push for 4 hours to our Mesa Verde campground. So little time… so much to see!

Things to Do In Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park is a popular national park in Colorado. It’s also one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings, with over 5,000 archaeological sites that date back to 1300 CE. There are several tours for visitors and many great hikes on trails through the pinyon pine forest around Mesa Verde Village.

Visiting Mesa Verde generally takes a full day. Make sure you start with a full tank of gas as it is a long drive to the homes of the ancient Pueblo People. The winding road along the mesa is about 20 miles of stunning view after stunning view. And that’s before you arrive at any of the cliff dwellings.

Plan Your Mesa Verde Itinerary

Here are some tips for making your trip to Mesa Verde National Park as memorable as possible:

• Take a tour of Cliff Palace or Balcony House – these two structures offer amazing views! You can view the cliff dwellings for free from the overlooks, but I’d urge you to purchase a ticket to one of the ranger-guided tours and drop right into these homes. We toured Cliff Palace and were thrilled with the knowledge the ranger guides shared. And it’s beyond cool to walk through the rooms! These and 4 other house tours require the advance purchase of tickets. You can get tickets up to 14 days in advance at Recreation.gov .  Note there is no internet or cell service in the park, so make sure you print hard copies or take a photo of your ticket.
• Self-tour several Mesa Top Sites like Cedar Tree Tower and Sun Temple for a different view of cliff dwelling life. These ruins and others are found along the Chapin Mesa Loop.
• Hiking – There are almost a dozen hikes under 3 miles  that take you to other ruins and more amazing views. Consider hiking Petroglyph Point Trail to a petroglyph panel or a shorter walk to Farming Terrace Trail, where you can see how check dams were used in farming.

Tips for Visiting Mesa Verde

👍 There is no gas available in Mesa Verde National Park. Fill up before arriving at the park since you’ll be doing a lot of driving. Foodservice is limited in the park, so a cooler with beverages and snacks is a good idea. You can usually get lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants in the park, but on busy days the wait might belong.

👍 Pet access is very limited in Mesa Verde. No pets are allowed on most trails and in none of the ruins.

👍 Mesa Verde National Park is a very popular place, and it can get crowded during the summer months. Plan accordingly when making your trip here! We also recommend visiting the park on a weekday if possible; this will decrease your chances of running into large crowds!

👍 Download the Mesa Verde Tour from GuideAlong before you go. You’ll be driving a lot of lonely miles in this park with very little information about the sites you’ll be passing. GuideAlong’s Mesa Verde tour plays on your phone and covers over 100 points of interest with a very engaging narrative.

Don’t Let the Planning Overwhelm You!

Plan your perfect trip to Rocky Mountain National Park!

Check out our complete digital Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park. This is written specifically for the first time visitor to make your trip planning easy! Over 90 pages of things to do and see on your adventure. Plus get pro tips for planning your adventure.

Start planning immediately with Digital Download!

Park # 3: Visiting Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

If we were to give Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park a human persona, it would be that of a wrinkled and wise old woman. As you drive through the park, you just know that this old woman has millions of years worth of stories to tell.

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is perhaps the most unique among National Parks in that it is not especially crowded, yet it offers a wealth of unexpected beauty.

Getting to Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Travel time between Mesa Verde and Black Canyon of the Gunnison is only a 4-hour drive North-East through the gorgeous San Juan National Forest. However, we extended this trip into a full-day excursion by adding a stop to explore Telluride. We enjoyed a gondola ride to the top of the ski slope and lunch on the mountain top at Tomboy Tavern.

After that, we hiked part of the trail to Bridal Veil Falls, a stunning waterfall with a drop of 365 feet. Then we strolled around Telluride’s historic downtown. It was a great way to spend a relaxing day.

Much to my chagrin, Brad loves to follow a National Forest campground sign and see where it goes. After driving for 20 minutes down country roads, he was right again, and we found a great campsite near a small fishing lake. We slept under a bright full moon and the view of the mountains out our tent opening was unimaginable.

The next morning we started to set up for breakfast when the winds suddenly changed. You could tell something nasty was about to happen! We broke camp in 5 minutes, throwing everything into the back of our car and left camp just as the storm broke loose. Whew!

We found a little country store where Brad was able to get some coffee. You know, one of those places that sell everything including the kitchen sink. Since we were there, he also grabbed a fishing license because, well, you never know when you’ll need one.

The store owner gave us directions to a cute little restaurant for breakfast and then we were off to Black Canyons of the Gunnison National Park.

Things to Do in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a must-see spot for anyone on vacation in Colorado. It’s an impressive gorge with views like no other. The Gunnison River carved a deep, steep-walled gorge through Precambrian rock and formed the canyon’s floor.

With its spectacular drops and the striped Painted Wall cliff, the magnificent Black Canyon may be viewed from routes and trails along the north and south rims.

Plan your Black Canyon of the Gunnison Itinerary

• Drive down East Portal Road to the Bottom of the Canyon – Here, you descend to the canyon floor and drive right up to the Gunnison River. It is incredible to stand at the bottom and look up at the towering canyon walls that this river has carved. It’s a very steep drive with a 16% grade, so I was glad we had our 4 wheel drive SUV when we drove back up. It’s rare to have access to the bottom of a deep canyon-like you find in this park. Don’t miss this drive! There’s a parking place for towed campers at the top to make it easier for RVers. We had planned to camp next to the river in the East Portal Campground, with 15 semi-primitive first come, first serve sites. But I backed out when there weren’t any other campers and bear signs were everywhere. Someday I might get over this bear phobia, but then again, maybe not!
• Drive Scenic South Rim – On our trip, it felt like we had the place to ourselves because there were so few cars in the pull-offs. Most pull-offs had short hikes that led to amazing overlooks. This was definitely a photo kind of day! Plan for a couple of hours for the scenic drive. With the lack of crowds, this is the place to step back and admire the work of nature.
• Watch for Wildlife – Perhaps because there are fewer crowds, or maybe the wild terrain created by the vertical walls, wildlife is abundant in this park. You are likely to see mule deer and cottontail rabbits in the brush. Mountain lions and bears also make their home here. The steep walls are home to bighorn sheep. We found a campsite for the night in South Rim Campground. Although, we had to pass on our first campsite choice because a deer was guarding it. Perhaps she had a baby nearby!
• View amazing stars at night – Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP is definitely in the middle of “nowhere”. The nights are very black, which earned it a designation as an International Dark Sky Park. September brings the Black Canyon Astronomy Festival, where you can learn from astronomers.
• Fish the Gold Medal Water & Wild Trout Water – Trout Fishing in the Gunnison River is famous. Of course, Brad had to try his hand before we left the park. You’ll find fishing lodges all along the river as you follow it East.
• Hiking – You’ll find many short trails that are family-friendly along the scenic drives. Hiking to the river is more challenging so make sure you prepare with the right equipment and trail information.

Tips for visiting Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

👍 Since this isn’t a busy park, it’s not too hard to get a campsite. However, lodging is pretty limited nearby. Look East towards the town of Gunnison for lodging options, where you’ll find rentals and fishing cabins.

👍 As in many places on our Colorado National Parks Road Trip, cell service is pretty much nonexistent in Black Canyon of the Gunnison. If possible, pay your Entrance Fee online as the gates are staffed for limited hours. Don’t forget to print your receipt out.

Park #4 Rocky Mountain National Park

No Colorado National Park Road Trip would be complete without a stop in Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s one of our favorite parks, and we’ve spent many vacations exploring it. Wildlife is abundant and hiking is terrific here. Sadly, we didn’t make it to RMNP on this road trip through Colorado, but there is no reason why you shouldn’t.

Getting to Rocky Mountain National Park

From Black Canyon of the Gunnison to Rocky Mountain National Park, it’s about a 5 1/2 hour drive over the continental divide. Just to break it up a little for you, it’s 4 hours to Denver. And then from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park, it’s only another 1 1/2 hours. Other than the traffic around Denver, this is an amazing drive. The scenery can’t be beat!

After we left Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, we stopped in the town of Gunnison just in time for lunch at the  Ol’ Miner Steakhouse . There is an excellent selection of restaurants along the main drag; you’re sure to find something for any palate.

Also, along the main street of Gunnison, you will find a variety of hunting and fishing outfitters tucked in between little specialty shops.

After lunch, we headed North out of Gunnison and grabbed a great campsite in the Gunnison National Forest along Rt 742. Fishing along the Taylor River is infamous. In addition to fishing cabins, there are ½ dozen National Forest Service Campgrounds along the river. These were all large wooded campsites, suitable for both tents and RVs.

We found the perfect spot and Brad wandered off to fish for a bit. According to the camp hosts, bears had been sighted in the neighboring campground the night before. I made sure Brad took the fish cleanings to the farthest away dumpster before we went to bed!

Not far up Rt 742, we landed at Taylor Reservoir. The marina offers coin-operated showers, which we immediately enjoyed! Then Brad spent several hours fishing while I enjoyed a book on the beach. It was the most relaxing day of the whole trip.

We continued to work our way towards Denver and crossed the Continental Divide at Cottonwood Pass. Our expectation was this would be “the road less traveled”. Yup, not really! The road was full of folks heading out from Denver for the coming weekend. We joked that every vehicle was a Subaru with either a bike or kayak or both on top!

Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park has something suitable for everyone of all ages and abilities to enjoy. The mountain views are astounding! You’ll find over 300 miles of hiking paths, wildflowers, animals, and starry nights.

Plan your Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary

• Drive Trail Ridge Road , the highway to the sky! This 48-mile long highway cuts through the heart of the Rockies. The views are amazing so don’t forget your camera!
• Take a Hike – The most popular activity at the park is hiking. Enjoy trails that range from super easy like Lily Lake or Sprague Lake Nature Trails to all-day hikes. Our favorite is the hike to Sky Pond . Another popular hike is the trail to Ouzel Falls , which passes 3 different waterfalls. And the hike to Cub Lake is full of wildlife!
• Check out the Wildlife – Mule deer and grazing Elk are abundant in the park and easy to see. With a little more effort, you can find Moose . Spring brings Big Horn Sheep down from the high elevations. Of course, there are dozens of other critters, including black bears and marmots.

For more ideas on things to do- check out our post on 9 Amazing Things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park ! Or if you are visiting in autumn you’ll want to read 7 Reasons to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park in the Fall . To make it easy for you we created a One Day In RMNP Itinerary , check it out.

Tips for Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park

👍 This park is extremely busy, so a little planning is required. The National Park Service continues to test ways to control traffic, including requiring timed entry passes for certain months and places. Make sure you check their website before heading out, so you don’t find yourself at the gate unable to get in on that particular day.

👍 Planning also goes for finding the best lodging near RMNP park and the best campgrounds in the Rocky Mountain National Park . It’s hard to get a last-minute hotel or campsite pretty much any time of the year. Summer is super busy, but spring the snow melts brings out new babies and rushing waterfalls that attract visitors. Fall Colors Explode in the Park so autumn is incredibly popular. So get those reservations as soon as you have your dates.

👍 You’ll discover a lot of hidden details about RMNP if you download GuideAlong’s audio tour before you go. We love that it helps navigate through the park while sharing the history or explaining the nature as you pass points of interest.

Tips for Maximizing Your National Park Road Trip

Colorado offers 4 national parks that are full of natural beauty and rich history. If you’re going on a road trip through Colorado, here’s what you should do to ensure you have a great time at each park.

1) Get a map from the visitor center at each park – they’ll have maps available free of charge plus lots of information including hours, fees, things to do, and more.

2) Check out the National Park Service website for each park before you go. You can find information about the history of each park, what you’ll see on your visit, where to stay nearby, hours of operation, entrance fees, and activities available at each park.

3) Print out or pull up the map on your phone before you go . You can use quiet road time between parks to plan ahead. Having a map in hand will help get you around the park easier.

4) Stock up on food and drink s – many National Parks, including Great Sand Dunes and Black Canyon of the Gunnison, do not have stores or shops nearby, so make sure you come prepared with a cooler filled with snacks and beverages. Even Mesa Verde is pretty limited in access to food services most of the time.

5) Have a plan for your days – plan your days around the things that interest you most, split up some of the more popular attractions over two days if you have time, plus don’t be afraid to stop and enjoy the scenery, activities or wildlife on your way around the park.

6) Don’t be afraid to ask – the park rangers love to share their favorite parts of the park with visitors. Their passion for National Parks is why they became a ranger in the first place.

7) Treat yourself to a sunset – in between exploring the day and checking out the views, you’ll be exhausted. Go ahead and find the perfect spot for a picnic dinner and take in a sunset. It’s been scientifically proven: sunsets make people happy, so this is sure to make everyone in your family enjoy their time even more!

8) Bring your camera – National Parks are some of the most photogenic places in the world, and you know we love a good pic! If you want to capture the memories, make sure you have a camera or phone with long battery life because there’s a good chance you’ll be snapping away almost the entire time.

9) Plan for camping or lodging – it can be hard to get last-minute lodgings in many places so avoid the risk of not having a place to stay by making reservations ahead.

10) Start early or stay late . The park will be less crowded in the early morning and evening hours, plus you can take advantage of great views when it’s not quite so hot.

11) Entertain Your Crew while on the road. Check out our article on the Best Travel Games for Adults for dozens of ideas to keep busy during long drives. I also like to take along a Novel Set in the National Park we are visiting to fill quiet time. If you are bringing your dog along, we have Tips for Successful Road Trip with Your Dog too!

A road trip to the National Parks in Colorado is a great way to see some of this state’s most beautiful and iconic landscapes. If you plan ahead with these tips on how to maximize your experience at each park, it will be easier than ever before!  Don’t forget that sunsets make people happy–so go out for an amazing picnic dinner after exploring one of these parks and enjoy this natural beauty right by its side.

For more of our National Park Road Trip Adventures, complete with itineraries and things for you to do check out these posts:

• Utah National Park Road Trip: 5 Parks in 5 Days
• West Texas and New Mexico National Park Road Trip: 7 Days, 4 Parks

The Authors: Hey, we are Ladona and Brad, avid campers and hikers. We are crazy about getting outdoors at every possible moment and have decades of experience exploring nature. Our current goal is to visit all 63 US National Parks and just completed #42. WooHoo! Our mission is to help you plan your own adventures and create memories beyond your imagination!