Colorado National Parks Road Trip!

Colorado is home to some of the most diverse and awe-inspiring national parks in North America. From the towering peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park to the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde, this state has something for every type of adventurer. If you’re looking for the ultimate Colorado national park road trip, this 12-day itinerary covers all four of Colorado’s national parks: Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Mesa Verde.

Each park is incredibly unique, and with this road trip, you’ll get to experience high-altitude tundra, golden sand dunes, deep and ominous canyon walls, and historical cliff dwellings. So, grab your gear and get ready for an unforgettable Colorado adventure!

Podcast Episode Overview

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are exploring the beauty of Colorado’s National Parks! We’re sharing an epic 12-day road trip itinerary that takes you through four incredible parks: Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Mesa Verde.

We’ll be hitting the highlights of each park, sharing tips for planning your trip, and even throwing in a fun van life twist with a curated mixtape of Colorado-based artists. So, buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Here’s what we will cover:

The perfect road trip route for hitting must-see parks and hidden gems
Highlights of each park so you know exactly what to expect and what not to miss!
The fascinating gateway towns that you can explore on your way
Our best tips for maximizing your time in each park, so you don’t miss a single breathtaking view
Important things that you’ll want to keep in mind to make the most of your trip

We hope you will enjoy hearing our ultimate itinerary for these four gorgeous Colorado national parks! If you need any help planning your trip, make sure you head over to DirtInMyShoes.com and check out our park itineraries!

For your task for today, head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know which of these Colorado parks you are most excited to explore!

Listen to the Full Podcast Episode:

How to Travel This Road Trip

This road trip is best completed in the summer months or early fall when all park roads and high-elevation routes are open. The ideal starting point is Denver International Airport, as it provides the easiest access to the first stop: Rocky Mountain National Park.

For summer and early fall travelers, it’s recommended to complete this loop counterclockwise as outlined in this itinerary, beginning in Rocky Mountain National Park, heading west to Black Canyon of the Gunnison, south to Mesa Verde, and then east to Great Sand Dunes before returning to Denver via Colorado Springs. If you’re traveling in late spring, when some mountain passes may still have snow, consider reversing the route to allow more time for the higher-elevation roads to thaw.

A rental car or camper van is ideal for this trip, as it provides the flexibility to explore scenic routes and lesser-visited areas. Be sure to plan for high-altitude conditions, especially in Rocky Mountain and Black Canyon of the Gunnison, where elevations exceed 10,000 feet. Drink plenty of water, take it slow, and be ready for some unforgettable landscapes!

Day 1: Arrive in Denver and Head to Estes Park

Your journey begins in the Mile High City, Denver, the largest city in Colorado and a hub for travelers looking to explore the Rocky Mountains. After landing at Denver International Airport, pick up your rental car and hit the road toward Estes Park, the charming gateway town to Rocky Mountain National Park. This hour-and-a-half drive immediately immerses you in the beauty of the Rockies, with towering peaks and winding mountain roads leading the way.

Since you’re heading into high-altitude terrain, take it easy and acclimate. Drink plenty of water and enjoy Estes Park’s welcoming atmosphere. If you have extra time, take a scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road or visit Sprague Lake, where you’ll get a perfect first taste of Colorado’s alpine magic.

Days 2-3: Rocky Mountain National Park

Welcome to Rocky Mountain National Park, where the air is crisp, the trails are stunning, and the wildlife is everywhere! Spend two full days exploring the breathtaking Bear Lake Corridor, hiking to Dream Lake, Emerald Lake, and Alberta Falls, some of the most picturesque spots in the park.

For an unforgettable drive, take Trail Ridge Road, one of the most scenic roads in the United States, leading you high above the Continental Divide. Stop at the Alpine Visitor Center, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and marvel at the never-ending views of the mountain peaks and tundra landscape.

If you visit in early fall, listen for elk bugling, a haunting yet beautiful sound that fills the valleys. Keep your eyes peeled for moose in the Kawuneeche Valley and bighorn sheep perched on the rocky cliffs.

For lodging, you can return to Estes Park, but if you want to escape the crowds, consider staying in Grand Lake, a quieter mountain town on the park’s west side.

Grab one of our Rocky Mountain National Park itineraries to plan your trip, or check out our free Rocky Mountain resources!

Day 4: Drive to Black Canyon of the Gunnison

After soaking up the Rocky Mountain air, it’s time for an epic drive to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. This six-hour road trip is a scenic adventure all on its own!

The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is a fantastic alternative route to take when leaving Estes Park and heading south. Instead of the standard highway, this scenic drive winds through stunning mountain landscapes, past historic mining towns, and alongside hidden gems that most travelers overlook. Along the way, you’ll pass Lily Lake and the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park, which are often quieter than the more popular spots.

If you love a bit of history, stop in Nederland or Black Hawk, where you can explore ghost towns, ride a vintage carousel, or marvel at old mining remnants. This route is especially beautiful in early fall, when the aspens turn a dazzling gold, making it one of the best scenic drives in Colorado. Plus, it’s a perfect way to ease into your next big adventure while avoiding major traffic!

Make a stop in Leadville, a historic mining town and the highest incorporated city in America. If you’re up for a break, stretch your legs in Glenwood Springs and take a dip in the famous hot springs. The journey also passes through Grand Junction, offering great mountain views and potential side trips to Colorado National Monument if you have extra time.

You’ll arrive at Black Canyon of the Gunnison in the evening, just in time to catch the sunset casting eerie shadows over the dark, dramatic cliffs.

Day 5: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Prepare for a jaw-dropping day at Black Canyon of the Gunnison, one of the least visited national parks, which means you’ll get to enjoy its rugged beauty without the crowds!

Head to the Painted Wall Overlook, where you’ll see the tallest sheer cliff face in Colorado, streaked with jagged lines that resemble lightning bolts frozen in stone. Drive the South Rim to take in the canyon walls towering over the Gunnison River, and if you’re feeling adventurous, hike the Warner Point Trail for an even more spectacular view. For a truly immersive experience, drive down the East Portal Road and see the canyon from below.

Check out our free Black Canyon of the Gunnison resources to help plan your trip!

Day 6: Drive to Mesa Verde National Park

The next stop on your adventure is Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its archeological sites and ancient cliff dwellings. This three-and-a-half-hour drive is packed with stunning scenery as you follow the famous Million Dollar Highway through the rugged San Juan Mountains.

On the way, stop in Silverton or Durango, two historic mining towns with charming main streets and Western vibes. Durango also offers an optional detour on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a famous steam-powered train ride through the mountains.

Days 7 and 8: Mesa Verde National Park

Time to step back in time at Mesa Verde National Park, where ancient cliff dwellings carved into the sandstone reveal the history of the Ancestral Puebloans. Join a tour guide-led excursion to Cliff Palace, the park’s main attraction, or test your sense of adventure at Balcony House, which requires climbing ladders and crawling through tunnels.

For a quieter experience, explore Long House or hike the Petroglyph Point Trail for incredible rock carvings.

Check out our free Mesa Verde resources to plan your trip!

Days 9 and 10: Great Sand Dunes National Park

Your next stop is Great Sand Dunes National Park, home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. This four-hour drive takes you through Pagosa Springs, a great place to unwind in natural hot springs before hitting the desert-like terrain of the dunes.

Grab a sand sled and race down the golden slopes, hike to High Dune for breathtaking views, or wade through Medano Creek if visiting in late May or early summer. Nearby, Zapata Falls offers a hidden waterfall to cool off after a day in the sun.

Check out our free Great Sand Dunes resources to help plan your trip! We also cover the best swimming hole in Great Sand Dunes in our swimming holes episode! Great Sand Dunes National Park also makes an appearance on our Grand Circle road trip!

Day 11: Drive to Denver via Colorado Springs

On your way back to Denver, take a short detour through Colorado Springs. Stop at Garden of the Gods, drive up Pikes Peak, and stroll through the vibrant downtown of Manitou Springs, a quirky little town with unique gift shops and historic charm.

Day 12: Fly Home

After an epic road trip, it’s time to fly home. Whether you’ve tackled mountain peaks, sledded down sand dunes, or explored ancient dwellings, this Colorado road trip itinerary is one for the books. Happy exploring!

Links mentioned in this podcast episode:

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