This post is about the best places to visit on a road trip between Texas and Colorado.
The American West in the United States is nothing short of a beautiful place. From deserts to plains to bustling cities to small towns with mountains and valleys, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy. In this area there are plenty of National Parks, fun cities, quirky roadside attractions, and many other activities to entertain anyone in your group whether they love the great outdoors or enjoy exploring a new city.
How exactly this trip can go completely depends on your needs and wants, where you plan to start the trip and when you plan to end. This particular route starts in Dallas and ends in Denver. But feel free to adjust to your liking!
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Know Before You Go
- Purchase an America the Beautiful Pass. This is largely subjective as to whether you want to visit the National Parks or not, but if you do, I HIGHLY suggest buying this pass as opposed to paying the entrance fee to every park. The pass is $80 for the entire year and grants you access to every national park in the US – going to just three parks in a year costs more than just buying the pass. It’s a steal! Follow this link to purchase.
- The summer is HOT! Obviously, if you live in Texas you already know this, but if you’re visiting from out of the area be prepared for scorching hot temperatures if you take this trip in the summer. Better yet, consider visiting in late spring or early fall. This time of year means cooler temperatures but parks at high elevations in Colorado will still have roads open.
- Always have lots of water. This sort of goes with the second tip – but it is crucial that you’re always stocked with water. In the hot Texas heat, extra water can be life-saving, and you don’t want to be caught without it. Get a reusable water jug and fill it up when you can.
Dallas, TX
Our first day of the trip we will be exploring Dallas!
Activities
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
For history buffs this is a must-visit. This exhibit is all about John F Kennedy and his assassination, held in the very place Lee Harvey Oswald shot him with a sniper rifle. There are several relics here about JFK’s life, facts about his death as well as conspiracy theories surrounding the whole incident. Admission is $25 per person and can be purchased here.
Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
The Dallas Arboretum is 66 acres of gorgeous plants, flowers, and gardens including several immense seasonal displays throughout the year. This arboretum was named “One of the Most Breathtaking Gardens in the World” by Architectural Digest. Absolutely a must see if you’re in the Dallas area and love nature or just beautiful sights in general! Admission is discounted during the summer but other seasons it runs about $22. Check out more ticket information on their website.
Dallas Reunion Tower
For breathtaking 360 degree views of the city visit the Reunion Tower. The sights are unbelievable here! I personally love that you can purchase a ticket that covers both a morning and an evening viewing for the price of one with their day and night ticket. The price is a bit hefty but if you plan on visiting other classic Dallas sights like the zoo, the George W. Bush Presidential Museum, Perot Museum of Nature and Science or the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum then consider purchasing a CityPASS to save some coin.
Where to Eat
Petra and the Beast
For a more upscale experience check out Petra and the Beast. This restaurant serves American cuisine with some classic Texan favorites as well as some other eclectic options.
Cattleack Barbeque
Cattleack serves good ol’ Texan BBQ at a good price. They are only open for lunch so keep that in mind. Check out their specialty sandwiches and be sure to get a piece of the crack cake!
Where to Stay
The Bishop Arts Hotel by Bluelofts
The Bishop Arts Hotel is a great option for those who want a luxury feel while on a budget. This hotel is close to downtown making it great for exploring. There is a pool, free wifi, free parking, comfy beds, cute rooms in a good location but a quiet area.
Amarillo, TX
After visiting Dallas, you will drive about 7 hours to Amarillo, Texas. Spend the second day of your trip doing this drive as there is not much to see along the way until you arrive in Amarillo. Depending on your trip needs / wants, you could either visit the two attractions below in the same day if you leave Dallas early in the morning then end the day in Tucumcari; or, drive to Amarillo, stay the night, then spend the next day exploring these two attractions then drive to Tucumcari and spend the night there.
What I would recommend is driving to Amarillo, stay the night, then spend the next day exploring Amarillo and end the day in Tucumcari.
Keep in mind – there’s A LOT of cops on lookout in north Texas for out-of-staters just waiting to pull someone over. The speed limit changes often and rapidly, keep an eye out!
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, TX
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is the second largest canyon in the country. It is full of gorgeous red rock colors, magnificent formations, rich history and awesome hiking opportunities. There is more than 30 miles of trails waiting to be explored but if you only want to drive through, take the main route through the park and stop at the overlooks.
Cell service can be spotty. Cost to enter the park is $8 per person.
Cadillac Ranch
Cadillac Ranch is a short free stop along the way working as a great opportunity as a starter stop on your way to Tucumcari. This art installation is unique and quirky; a series of Cadillacs immersed in the ground upside down in a row. This art piece became a famous Route 66 attraction as it could be seen from the road, enticing drivers to pay a visit. And well, wouldn’t you be curious about a bunch of upside-down cars you see from half a mile away driving down the road?
Be sure to bring some spray paint!
Where to Eat
Fire Slice Pizzeria
Fire Slice Pizza is some of the best pizza in Amarillo! Dining here you will receive great service along with a cozy atmosphere. There is also a mix of specialty options here like gluten free and vegetarian.
Tucumcari, NM
Tucumcari is a historic Route 66 icon! I absolutely LOVE this little town and think it is a must-visit if you’re in the area, even if its only for a few hours. Driving through this town feels like a step back in time. There are so many neon signs, old motels, charming gift shops, and delightful restaurants in this small strip of nostalgia.
Visit the Tucumcari Historical Museum for unique antiques of the area – even things you can touch! There is also a Route 66 Museum here that is worth checking out.
Cruise around at night to check out all the vintage neon lit up in its glory. Be aware though that a lot of motels turn their signs off around 10 pm.
Where to Eat
Del’s Restaurant
An iconic restaurant along Route 66, Del’s is a great option for a delicious dinner accompanied by a refreshing drink after a long day of exploring. This establishment has been around for a very long time serving people from all over who drive along Route 66. It’s a classic stop for a reason!
Kix on 66
For Breakfast go to Kix on 66 to get a taste of an old-school diner along the old highway. Expect great food at cheap prices with nostalgic atmosphere.
Where to Stay
Blue Swallow Motel
I recommend staying at the Blue Swallow Motel here in Tucumcari, a motel established in 1939 that has kept most of that old charm throughout its life. There is also an antique car parked outside permanently under the sign making for a great photo op, especially at sunset!
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Leave Tucumcari early and head to Santa Fe, which is about a 3 hour drive.
Meow Wolf Santa Fe
Visiting Meow Wolf is an experience like no other. It is a permanent art exhibition featuring over 70 rooms created by local and community artists. In House of Eternal Return, each room in the house contains a different theme and design. You will encounter dream-like artistic creations and be amazed at the creativity that litters each of these rooms. Tickets are $40 and you could easily spend a few hours here! Be sure to check out their website for more information.
Bandelier National Monument
In the canyons north of Santa Fe lies the Bandelier National Monument. Bandelier is a preserved archaeological site full of petroglyphs, cliff and cave dwellings from the Pueblo people who once lived in the area. A cool thing about this park is you can actually climb into the cave dwellings and get an close look. Fun for both kids and adults!
During the summer prime season most of the park is accessed by shuttle bus only so keep this in mind. The entrance fee is $25 or free if you have the America the Beautiful Pass.
Where to Eat
The Ranch House
For flavorful barbeque, delicious homemade sauces, pretty scenery paired with a cocktail along with a good value, the Ranch House is your stop for lunch or dinner while exploring Santa Fe.
Where to Stay
El Rey Court
El Rey Court Motel is a great option in the Santa Fe area with good amenities that doesn’t break the bank. Here there is a pool with a poolside bar, spacious rooms with classic southwestern flair, and a good location with close proximity to downtown while still being in a quiet area.
Entering Colorado
You are now entering the Colorful State! There’s plenty to do here and loads of mountains to see. Keep reading to see the best things to do on this Texas and Colorado road trip itinerary.
Today will cover about 6 hours of driving with the day ending in Mosca, Co. Leave early to ensure you have the most time to explore today.
Capulin Volcano National Monument
Capulin Volcano National Monument is a great spot to get out and stretch your legs on the drive to Colorado. There are plenty of scenic views to be seen here along with hiking trails. Although not a large park, it is worth the stop. Most hikes are rated strenuous but you can drive the Volcano Road up to the crater rim if you would like instead.
The entrance fee is $20 or free with the America the Beautiful Pass.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park is a unique park in Mosca, Colorado featuring massive sand dunes with a beautiful mountain backdrop. This is something you wouldn’t expect to see in Colorado! You can rent a sled and slide down the sandy dunes as if you were snow sledding – its very fun! Be sure to take off your shoes and get your toes in the sand. And be aware it can be quite tiring climbing these dunes so bring some water.
This is also a great area for stargazing so when you check into your motel later in the night, don’t forget to look up!
Entrance fee is $25 or free with the America the Beautiful Pass.
Mosca is a cute little mountain town with quaint shops so do some exploring if you have the time.
Where to Eat
The Colorado Farm Brewery
This is a great little brewery located in Alamosa which is just a short drive from the park. They do not have a full kitchen but have rotating food trucks throughout the week so keep that in mind and check their Instagram before visiting if you’re hungry. The Colorado Farm Brewery is unique because all their ingredients are sourced locally on the farm!
Fun fact: The beer company MillerCoors buys some of their barley from this farm and this farm is the largest craft malt distributor in the entire world. Pretty cool for a family farm from a small town in San Luis Valley.
Lu’s Main Street Cafe
Lu’s Main Street Cafe is located in Blanco which is also a short drive from the park. This is your classic small town diner with delicious food and great service. They sell breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as milkshakes, beers and cocktails making it a great dining option.
Where to Stay
Great Sand Dunes Lodge
Right outside the park is the Great Sand Dunes Lodge. This is a simple no frills motel offering free breakfast, wifi and parking. This is a cute place with a classic cozy cabin feel to their rooms and buildings.
Colorado Springs, CO
Leave Mosca early and start heading to Colorado Springs. This drive is about 3.5 hours.
UFO Watchtower & Campground
For a fun quirky stop along the way check out the UFO Watchtower. Its a $5 fee to enter but there are some nifty things to see and fun photo ops. There is an “alien rock garden” here where you can leave a memento to commemorate your visit. If you like aliens or weird roadside attractions this will be great experience for you.
Pikes Peak
Pikes Peak is one of those once-in-a-lifetime places that you should visit. The mountain is one of Colorado’s many 14ers (14,000 ft elevation mountains) but what’s different with this one is it’s the most accessible. You can drive to the top, ride a bike, take a shuttle or cog railway and even hike. It is such a beautiful and unique experience, but be wary if you’re afraid of heights!
Driving up is the best option if you want to take your time but if you get squeamish driving around tight turns with heavy drops consider taking the cog railway: a more relaxing ride that goes through rugged parts of the forested area giving you a unique viewpoint. Admission varies according to your transportation of choice. The railway is $59+ and vehicle access is $15+.
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is an otherworldly park you have to see to believe. The formations make a beautiful sandstone rock frame against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. Its free to visit and neat to drive around in but I highly recommend stopping and taking a hike. Since this is such a popular spot, parking can be hard to find so I highly recommend taking the free shuttle that runs during the summer from the visitor center parking lot into the park. The best time to visit is either sunrise or sunset for the red rocks turn a gorgeous glow in the orange sunlight.
Where to Eat
If you want recommendations for coffee shops in the area, check out this post here.
Mountain Shadows Restaurant
For breakfast or lunch go to Mountain Shadows. This is a quaint little cafe serving large portions with cozy atmosphere. Be sure to get a cinnamon roll at this hidden gem!
Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
For an authentic Irish spot to catch some grub check out Jack Quinn’s. This is a great place located downtown in a great location to do some other exploring in the city. Inside the restaurant is fun Irish decor and relics. It can get busy sometimes for dinner especially if there is live music so consider reserving a table before going to save time.
Where to Stay
Glen Eyrie Castle & Conference Center A Ministry of the Navigators
If you ever wanted to spend the night in a castle, well, now’s your chance! This beautiful hotel features rooms in both the castle building as well as cheaper options in the next door lodge. There is free wifi and parking in addition to a snack bar/deli, terrace and garden area.
Estes Park, CO
Upon waking in Colorado Springs, start driving to Estes Park. Its a 3 hour travel time to the town so be sure to leave early for plenty of time to explore.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Estes Park is a great place to stay near the park, but if you have extra time you want to spend in the area consider checking out the other mountain towns near RMNP – they all have something unique to offer!
Rocky Mountain National Park is my favorite National Park (so far) I am always trying to go back and visit whenever I can. I highly recommend spending an extra day or two here if you have the time.
From May to October, keep in mind you need a timed entry reservation. For more information and to book your ticket, check out this website here. Try to book early!
Some must see areas of the park are: Bear Lake, Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road. Some roads in the park (especially Trail Ridge Road) close during winter because of hazardous road conditions. Be sure to check the park’s website for the most up to date information on the status of this scenic drive.
Be on the lookout for wildlife and obey speed limit signs. Its for your safety and wildlife’s safety!
Where to Eat
Notchtop
Notchtop is a breakfast and lunch cafe offering delicious diner classics with plenty of options to pick from as well as brunch drinks. This is close to the RMNP Visitor Center and Peak to Peak Scenic Byway making it a great closeby option.
The Rock Inn
Your spot for dinner bites is the Rock Inn. Also located at the entrance of the Rocky Mountain National Park, this restaurant has several different options to please everyone in your group from smoked elk sausage to wings to salads and sandwiches as well as pizza and pasta.
Where to Stay
Coyote Mountain Lodge
Coyote Mountain Lodge is in a great location in Estes Park offering free breakfast, wifi and parking as well as a pool and ski facilities nearby. Its close to downtown yet far enough away from the hustle and bustle making it the perfect place to stay.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed this sample itinerary of some of the best stops to make on a road trip between Texas and Colorado.
With so many things to do you are sure to have a good time!
