Best Road Trips From Colorado Springs

Found in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, head out from Colorado Springs to discover state parks, charming mountain towns, or some of the most famous national parks in the region.

Top Road Trip Destinations From Colorado Springs

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Our rankings are based only on editorial opinion, not any commercial consideration.
Summer Sunset at Sprague Lake - A panoramic Summer sunset view at Sprague Lake, with high peaks of Continental Divide rising at shore, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA.

🚗 150 miles ⏱️ 3 hours

Explore the stunning landscapes and wildlife of Rocky Mountain National Park, with breath taking mountain views and miles of hiking trails.

You can drive through Rocky Mountain National Park, with this journey taking you from Beaver Meadows Entrance to Grand Lake.

Denver, Colorado, USA downtown with the City Park in the foreground and the skyline in the distance.
2.

Denver

🚗 70 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 20 minutes

Discover the vibrant city of Denver, known for its cultural attractions, craft breweries and bustling downtown area.

Along the way why not stop to wander around impressive Castle Rock, or learn more about mining history at Western Museum of Mining and Industry.

Panoramic view of colourful buildings lit by golden sunlight through clouds, surrounded by mountains with snow and pine trees
3.

Vail

🚗 98 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 35 minutes

Experience the charm of Vail, a pretty mountain town renowned for its world-class skiing, upscale stores, and scenic beauty.

A historic stop off at South Park City and City Museum are interesting places to head en route, or thrills at Frisco Adventure Park a little further on.

Great Sand Dunes National Park Colorado at Sunset

🚗 170 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 40 minutes

Take on an adventure to Great Sand Dunes National Park, where you can witness towering dunes as you hike through the impressive landscape.

Pueblo is an ideal stopover en route, with attractions including Historic Arkansas Riverwalk, and El Pueblo History Museum to visit.

Night time view of Milky Way Galaxy panorama over a lit Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park, Utah

🚗 470 miles ⏱️ 8 hours, 10 minutes

Discover the red rock landscapes and stunning arch formations of Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. An unrivalled setting for hiking, photography, and exploring.

You are spoilt for choice of where to stop along this trip. Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway near Vail is a particular favorite!

Old vintage wood signboard with text saying Welcome to Santa Fe hanging on a branch

🚗 330 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 50 minutes

Immerse yourself in the culture and art scene of Santa Fe, known for its historic architecture, eclectic galleries, and delicious New Mexican dishes.

This exciting journey takes in sites including historical sites in Pueblo, and the mining history in Walsenburg.

Breckenridge Colorado mountain view, with snow glistening in the bright sun and a blue sky above

🚗 105 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 15 minutes

Discover the charming mountain town of Breckenridge, offering world-class skiing in the winter and outdoor adventures, dining, and shopping year-round.

You'll be heading on an interesting journey en route, with stops at interesting Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument and South Park City to enjoy.

A road winds towards Downtown Estes Park, with The Stanley Hotel and Rocky Mountains in background on a sunny fall afternoon

🚗 155 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 40 minutes

Explore the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park, offering stunning mountain scenery and plenty of outdoor fun for the whole family.

This is a family-favorite route, with stops at Castle Rock, Denver Zoo and the Butterfly Pavilion to stop off at along the way.

Man with white cowboy hat riding a black horse overlooking John Ford's Point and canyons

🚗 480 miles ⏱️ 8 hours, 30 minutes

Marvel at the iconic red rock formations of Monument Valley, featured in countless films, and awe-inspiring beauty of the American Southwest.

Make sure to stop off at stunning Pagosa Springs and impressive Chimney Rock National Monument, before you reach Monument Valley.

Red historic Argo Gold Mine, Mill and Tunnel in Idaho Springs, Colorado, with disused old machinery in the foreground

🚗 100 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 50 minutes

Experience the historic charm of Idaho Springs, nestled in the Rocky Mountains, known for its hot springs, outdoor adventures, and quaint downtown area.

Around halfway along this route make sure to take in the views with a visit to Castle Rock.

Dawn's First Light Royal Gorge Bridge in Canon City.

🚗 45 miles ⏱️ 1 hour

Embark on an adventure in Cañon City, known for its beauty, thrilling whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River, and the historic Royal Gorge Bridge.

Make sure to visit scenic Cheyenne Mountain State Park as you head towards Cañon City. The ideal pitstop en route.

Side road full of trees at the Golden Gate Canyon State Parks, Colorado in autumn with mist not totally covering the mountain background

🚗 110 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 10 minutes

Explore the natural beauty of Golden Gate Canyon State Park, brimming with hiking trails, scenic views, and the chance for camping and wildlife viewing just outside of Denver.

Dinosaur Ridge and William F Hayden Green Mountain Park are both great stop offs as you head along this historic and scenic route.

Red colored unique buildings of Taos, framed by autumn foliage
13.

Taos

🚗 280 miles ⏱️ 5 hours

Discover the artistic and cultural hub of Taos, known for its historic architecture, arts scene, and outdoor opportunities in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Make sure to check out the out-of-this-world UFO Watchtower about halfway along this journey. An art installation not to be missed!

The view from the summit of Pikes Peak onto the forested mountains

🚗 30 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 10 minutes

Take on the summit of Pikes Peak, one of Colorado's iconic fourteeners, and enjoy breath taking views of the Rocky Mountains and surrounding landscapes.

Make sure to spend time at Manitou Springs, where you get a chance to marvel at the Manitou Cliff Dwellings.

A group of people white water rafting in orange and blue rafts on the Arkansas River in Salida, Colorado, surrounded by pine trees
15.

Salida

🚗 105 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 10 minutes

Explore the charming mountain town of Salida, offering outdoor adventures like whitewater rafting, hiking, and biking, as well as art galleries, breweries, and local cuisine.

Around halfway Cañon City is an ideal stop off, with the Museum of Colorado Prisons and The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey, both interesting places to head!

Aerial view with sunset across downtown Golden, Colorado
16.

Golden

🚗 82 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 30 minutes

Discover the historic town of Golden, home to the Coors Brewery, Clear Creek Whitewater Park, with the chance for hiking, biking, and climbing in the nearby foothills of the Rockies.

Check out some history in Monument along the way, visiting both Western Museum of Mining and Industry and United States Air Force Academy.

A historical cattle ranch in Westcliffe, with the backdrop of the mountains

🚗 80 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 35 minutes

Experience the calmness of Westcliffe, a small mountain town surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and a peaceful escape from city life.

On the way to Westcliffe make sure to check out Cheyenne Mountain State Park, for wildlife, hiking trails, and panoramic views of the Colorado Springs area.

Row of old-fashioned Wild West buildings that now house casinos on a partially cloudy day

🚗 50 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 20 minutes

Step back in time in Cripple Creek, a historic mining town turned casino destination, where you can explore museums, and try your luck at the gaming tables.

This scenic journey passes Manitou, with the Manitou Cliff Dwellings and Miramont Castle Museum both worth stopping by.

Longer road trips from Colorado Springs

View  down into the Grand Canyon at sunset.

🚗 830 miles ⏱️ 15 hours

You can expect an unforgettable journey to the Grand Canyon, one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders.

Las Vegas Strip with hotels and casinos lit up and the Bellagio Fountain at night

🚗 940 miles ⏱️ 16 hours

The glitz and glamour of Las Vegas is unrivalled, with iconic casinos and world-class entertainment.