Road Trip from Dallas to Colorado

Epic Road Trip Itinerary from Texas to Colorado

Explore Colorado Springs amazing outdoors.  Hit the slopes at Breckenridge Ski Resort.
Discover stunning Colorado’s must-sees and hidden gems along the way!

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Why Colorado?

Colorado is an incredible State to explore year-round. Think snow in the winter and mild-weather in the summer – does someone else fell like escaping the heat during the excruciating Texas summers?

Colorado’s landscaping is stunning. A jaw-dropping scenery that will leave you breathless curve after curve. It is a travel destination that, if is still not, should be in your bucket list for sure!

I took a road trip from Dallas to Colorado last Spring Break. As one of the objectives of the trip was snowboarding, the route I choose was the one that takes you to the Ski Resorts near Denver through Colorado Springs. 

Breckenridge Ski Resort was my final destination. But of course, I took advantage to explore as many stops along the way as I could : ) And many of them were way above my expectations – it didn’t expect to find such stunning places within a driving distance from Dallas!

Here I share with you my favorite places to visit between Dallas, Colorado Springs and Breckenridge. The suggested itinerary bellow is not the one I took. But an improved version with only the places I loved the most. The route I would take if I ever did this trip again. 

How many days do I need for this road trip?

This road trip is perfect to be taken whenever you have at least one full week off (2 weekends + 1 week). I would consider roughly 4 days on the road exploring the stops mentioned in this post, 2 to 3 days in Colorado Springs and 2 to 3 days in Breckenridge. 

But you can adjust and adapt it to best suit your needs. Or even do it partially. 

Colorado Springs has enough amazing attractions to justify a road trip by itself, so if skiing is not a priority skip the Denver-Breckenridge stretch of this trip.

And skiing in Breckenridge is also reason enough to hit the road! If this is your top 1 priority, reduce the time spent in Colorado Springs to a single day – Garden of Gods and Pikes Peak are the must-sees there in this case. 

So, dig in! Explore the ideas bellow, make your own itinerary and embark on an epic road trip to be remembered years to come.

PART 1: Dallas to Trinidad, Colorado

Trinidad was my first destination in this road trip. I used this city only for lodging to recharge my batteries for the next day.

The 9-hour drive was a bit of a stretch, I admit. But I did take my time and made a lot of stops along the way to rest, refresh, stretch my legs and enjoy the journey, so it was not bad at all. 

And driving all the way to Trinidad left me pretty close to the places I wanted to visit the following day.

Alternative: take a break in Amarillo Instead.

Another very good possibility for lodging is spending the first night is Amarillo, about 5h 30m from Dallas (roughly the midpoint of the trip). The only reason why I didn’t do that was because I had already been to Amarillo twice – all roads take you to Amarillo lol. But you haven’t been there yet, go for it!

In this case, spare half a day to visit the main attractions in Amarillo – Historic Route 66, Cadillac Ranch and Big Texan Steak House – and half a day to hike the iconic Lighthouse Trail at the nearby Palo Duro Canyon.  Find here details on how to explore Amarillo and Palo Duro Canyon (destination # 1).

Things to do and see between Dallas and Trinidad, Colorado

No matter where you decide to stay, these are the stops I recommend between Dallas and Trinidad

1. Amarillo

(5h 20m from Dallas)

Leave Dallas early in the morning and stop by the Big Texan Steak Ranch for lunch. It is always special. Although it can be sometimes a little chaotic – it’s a well-known touristic destination – food is good, they have affordable lunch specials and all the times I went there I could witness some lost soul trying their 72 oz challenge – it is fun! 

If you want to explore Amarillo further, check here things to do in Amarillo (destination # 1). Top things to do include the iconic Cadillac Ranch and Historic Route 66.

2. US 87 Scenic Route and Capulin Volcano National Monument

(2h 50m from Amarillo)

Road Trip Dallas Colorado Capulin Volcano

From Amarillo take Hwy 87 towards Raton, NM. It is a more scenic old mountain country route and takes you through Capulin Volcano. 

You can see the volcano from the road and take a slight detour to get there. It used to be possible to drive up Capulin Volcano National Monument and then walk into the volcano crater, but the road is currently closed for repairs and is expected to reopen in 2020. Check here the current status before taking the detour.

Drive then into Colorado towards Trinidad through Raton Pass. Trinidad is about 50 minutes away from Capulin Volcano.

3. Trinidad

(0h 50m from Capulin Volcano)

Spend the night in Trinidad, Colorado, to gather some energy for the following day. This is what I did and, as I was short on time, I unfortunately I didn’t get to explore around. 

But if you have some extra days or energy left, a stroll through downtown Trinidad and its Victorian architecture and hiking Simpson’s Rest are the items I have on my bucket list for a future visit. Find here some more ideas on what to do in Trinidad. 

PART 2: Trinidad to Colorado Springs

Road Trip Dallas Colorado Springs

Plan to spend the day on the road exploring amazing spots between Trinidad and Colorado Springs. If you are departing from Amarillo instead, make sure to come through US 87 scenic drive.

Things to do and see between Trinidad and Colorado Springs

This stretch of the trip is simply amazing. The attractions you’ll find bellow are not to be missed:

1. Highway of Legends

If you enjoy slow paced road trips and scenic roads, take the road less traveled in your way to the next stop.

Instead of taking I-25 towards the Bishop Castle, drive through the scenic Highway of Legends, bordering the Spanish Peaks. 

To do so, put the town of Stonewall as your destination in the GPS (and from there add the Bishop Castle as the final destination). It will take you through Hwy 12 and the towns of Stonewall, Cuchara and La Veta. For a detailed map with recommended stops along the way, click here.

Beware that this route adds 1h 30m to your trip (excluding the eventual stops along the way). So, skip it if you are on a tight schedule or if driving around is just not your thing.

2. Bishop Castle and Lake Isabel Forest

(1h 20m from Trinidad through I-25/ 2h 40m through the Highway of Legends

Road Trip Dallas Colorado Bishop Castle
Photo by Hustvedt [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]

From Trinidad head to Bishop Castle, an unique structure built stone by stone by one man. 

It is an interesting stop in your way to the Royal Gorge Bridge Park and takes you there through Lake Isabel Forest. It’s a more scenic drive than the route on Interstate 25, through Pueblo, and adds only about 15-20 minutes to your trip. 

3. Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

(1h 20m from Bishop Castle)

Road Trip Dallas Colorado Royal Gorge Bridge Park

The Royal Gorge Bridge is a must stop in Colorado. Don’t skip it under any circumstances! It is the tallest Suspension Bridge in America. It crosses over a canyon and the views are breathtaking.

Cross the Royal Gorge Bridge walking and riding the gondola are awe-inspiring adventures. Park admission includes unlimited gondola rides and there are also extra activities – such as the zipline and SkyCoaster – to be considered by the brave of heart.

4. Skyline Drive

(0h 20m from Royal Gorge Bridge Park)

Photo by Jeffrey Beall [CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)]

Ready for some more adrenaline? Head to nearby Skyline Drive and take the scariest drive of your life. 

It is a one-way very narrow road with cliffs on both sides. It has 2.6 miles, no turning backs – you got to be sure you want to do it – and gives you amazing panoramic views of its surroundings.

Be careful, drive slowly, follow the signs and you should be good – I’m here to tell the story, so chances are you’ll survive too. Go if you love adventures and exploring unique places – this is a true Colorado hidden gem and a one of a kind road! Stay away if you are afraid of heights though. 

Afterwards hit the road and drive about one hour to reach your destination for the night and upcoming days, Colorado Springs.

PART 3: Colorado Springs

(1h 00m from Skyline Drive)

How many days in Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs is the ultimate outdoors’ lover paradise. It offers enough amazing things to do to keep you awed and entertained for quite a while. Plan to spend at least 2 to 3 days there to cover all the must-see places bellow.

Where to stay in Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs is sort of a large city surrounded by nature.

For lodging, try to stay in the neighboring Manitou Springs, a charming mountain town right by most of the nature spots recommended in this post. Or at Old Colorado City, a lively historic district not far from Manitou Springs.

Things to do In Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs offers tons of incredible things to do. The following attractions are the must-visit places in the city surroundings.

If you don’t have enough time to cover them all and need to make choices, my personal faves in Colorado Springs are the Garden of Gods and Pikes Peak Drive. 

1. Garden of Gods

If you only have time to do one thing in Colorado Springs, visit the Garden of Gods. Don’t miss it.

The Garden of Gods is a jaw-dropping designated National Natural Landmark. The landscaping is magical, with Colorado’s iconic red rocks contrasting with the mountains in the background. And, if you are lucky, with some snow during winter. And it is surprisingly a free attraction!

It’s a place to just stroll around – think paved trails – hike or climbing (proper gear and permit required for climbing).

For a leisure walk, take the Central Garden Trail, a 1.5-mile easy trail, wheelchair accessible, that takes you through the main rock formations. If you love a challenge, take the Garden of the Gods Loop Trail, a 3.7-mile trail circling all Garden of Gods formations. Check here other trail options.

2. Pikes Peak

Drive up Pikes Peak. The drive is breathtaking and takes you to the top of Pikes Peak, the highest summit in the southern portion of the Rocky Mountains. The views are stunning.

Pikes Peak is opened year-round, weather permitting (check conditions before heading there). Pikes Peak Highway takes you to the summit. In high season – May through September – a shuttle is offered from mile 16 due to limited parking at the top.

There used to be a Railway going up Pikes Peak, currently not operating. It is expected to get back on track on 2020 – fingers crossed!

3. Manitou Incline Trail

Photo by Ixbrian [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]

Are you up for a challenge? Are you (really really) fit? Climb up Manitou Incline, right by Pikes Peak.

An old cable car track with 2,744 steps and a 2000 feet elevation gain, Manitou Incline is a 1-mile extreme trail which attracts advanced hikers from all over the country. 

To hike it, make sure to adjust to the high altitude of Colorado Springs first. And bring plenty of water and energy snacks. Beware that there is a “false summit” at the intersection with Barr Trail, about 300 steps before the real one! 

The trail is free and open to the public. There is a free parking and free shuttle departing from 10 Old Mans Trail.

4. Cave of the Winds

Cave of The Winds Road Trip Dallas Colorado

Go underground and embark on a cave tour at Cave of the Winds

There are 3 tours to choose from ranging from 45 minutes to 2 hours. The most basic tour – Discovery Tour – is family friendly, lasts about one hour and take you through 15 cave chambers. For more adrenaline, some mud and crawling, take the Lantern Tour or Cave 101.

The Cave of the Winds also offers climbing, a zip line and a virtual reality theater. 

5. Seven Falls

Seven Falls Road Trip Dallas Colorado

Beautiful place nestled in a canyon, with 7 waterfalls and a steep staircase with 224 steps. Walk it up and have gorgeous views from the falls (play the video here).

There is also an elevator to go up to the overlooking area in case you don’t want to or can’t climb up the stairs. The Broadmoor Seven Falls also offers a restaurant on-site, if you plan to eat there make reservations in advance specially during high season. Broadmoor Seven Falls also offers hiking trails and a zip-line. 

Parking is free and far from the attraction. There is a free shuttle that takes you to the base of the waterfalls from there.

6. Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs Road Trip Dallas Colorado
David Shankbone [CC BY 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)]

Manitou Springs is a tiny and lovely town by the Rocky Mountains foothills. It’s very close to most of the places suggested in this article and can be your prefect hub to explore the area.

Whether you decide to stay in Manitou Springs or not, make sure to spare sometime to wander through the town. 

Take a leisure walk through Manitou Springs shops and galleries. Visit the Miramont Castle and Museum and maybe have lunch – or a Victorian Tea – at the Queen’s Parlour Tearoom on site. Have fondue at the charming Mona Lisa Fondue Restaurant. Or a bite and wine at the fun Swirl. For a beer – or even dinner – try Manitou Brewing Co.

The nearby Manitou Cliff Dwellings, a one-of-a-kind museum of Native American culture with relocated Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, is another interesting thing to do in Manitou Springs. 

7. Old Colorado City

Old Colorado City is a designated National Historic District full of shops, art galleries and restaurants. Also located close to the outdoor attractions of Colorado Springs, is another good option for lodging.

It is also a foodie’s paradise, with excellent no-chain dining options. For amazing pies, try Pizzeria Rustica. If you like Mediterranean food, you’ll love Jake and Telly’s Greek Taverna. Or go for something different and taste Ethiopian food at Uchenna Ethiopian Restaurant.

PART 4: Breckenridge

(2h 00m from Colorado Springs)

Breckenridge Ski Resort Road Trip Dallas Colorado

From Colorado Springs, head to Breckenridge, a charming old-mining town at the base of the Rocky Mountains. 

You have two options to get there from Colorado Springs: through the mountains or through the Denver. The route through the mountains is more scenic. The one that goes through Denver allows a quick stop at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater, an outdoor concert venue with an amazing natural backdrop and trails. 

I would suggest you take both, one in your way to Breckenridge and one in your way back.

Things to do in Breckenridge

Year-round enjoy the historic and lively Main Street. Take in the upscale vibe and jaw-dropping mountainous background. Stroll through Victorian buildings, shops, galleries and eateries. Walk it up and down or use the free trolley.

Taste local crafted-beer and spirits Breckenridge Brewery, Après Handcrafted Libations and Breckenridge Distillery’s downtown tasting room. 

For dinner, try the Twist, Relish and Hearthstone, all top-rated restaurants offering amazing mountains views. 

Check next the best things to to in winter and summertime in Breckenridge:

Winter in Breckenridge, CO

In wintertime, Breckenridge it is the skier’s paradise:  it is home to the world-class Breckenridge Ski Resort, accessible from Breckenridge through a free gondola. If you love skiing or snowboard, this is your place.

For a free and fun family activity in Breckenridge, go sledding at Carter Park (bring your own sled). At the nearby Frisco Adventure Park, try snowtubing.

Another winter activities in and around Breckenridge include snowshoeing, snowmobile and dog sledding.

Summer in Breckenridge, CO

Photo by Dave Dugdale/ Flickr

During summer, hiking, mountain biking and water sports are popular things to do in Breckenridge. 

Hike McCullough Gulch Trail, one of the most popular hiking trails with lakes and waterfalls along the way. For easy family friends hike leaving right from downtown Breckenridge, try Carter Park, Burro Trail and Sawmill Trail.

Rent a stand-up paddle board and head to Maggie Pond, at the end of the Blue River, to cruise it with the majestic mountains as your backdrop. Embark on a white water rafting adventure.

From late June to early September, hop on the free gondola and head to Epic Discover, a seasonal adventure park offering everything from zip lines to alpine slides.

Summing Up

A road trip to Colorado is a bucket list style trip you should take at least once in your lifetime. The state’s landscaping is superb, making the journey as jaw-dropping as the destinations themselves.

It is the perfect destination year-round and you can take it from Dallas whenever you have 1+ week available.

The itinerary detailed in this post has Colorado Springs and Breckenridge as final destinations. You can do it all or adjust according to your needs – and even skip the last part and make it a road trip between Dallas and Colorado Springs.

In your way between Dallas and Colorado Springs, enjoy amazing stops along the way: Amarillo, Capulin Volcano, Highway of Legends, Bishop Castle, Royal Gorge Bridge and Skyline Drive.

In Colorado Springs, make sure to explore the Garden of Gods, Pikes Peak, Manitou Incline, Cave of the Winds, Seven Falls, Manitou Springs and Old Colorado City.

In Breckenridge, enjoy snow activities such as skiing, snowboarding, sledding, snowshoeing and dog sledding in the winter. And outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and water sports during summer.

I hope the ideas you’ll find in this post help you to make the most of your trip from Dallas to Colorado!

Now go, make your plans and remember to get back here to share your experience. 

Have you ever done this route before? Are you planning to do it soon? What are your thoughts about this road trip itinerary? Please leave a comment bellow! 

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