Scenic 10-Day Road Trip through Colorado
Colorado’s top RV loop for scenic variety.
Ready to take the open road into some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the American West? This 12-day Colorado RV road trip loops through alpine peaks, sand dunes, and high-altitude towns, giving you front-row access to some of the most scenic drives in Colorado. Whether you’re looking for rugged hikes, relaxing views, or top-notch RV camping in Colorado, this route delivers unforgettable variety—starting and ending in the gateway city of Denver.
Route
Denver ➤ Fort Collins ➤ Rocky Mountain National Park ➤ Aspen ➤ Great Sand Dunes National Park ➤ Denver
Distance
860 miles
Travel time
12 days
Highlights
Union Station, Horsetooth Reservoir, Rocky Mountains, Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Best time to travel
Winter adventures: November to February
Summer escapes: June to August
Tolls
Some toll roads apply (like E-470 and Northwest Parkway). Payment is processed via license plate or a rental transponder.
Stop 1 – Denver
Our recommendation: 2 days
Denver doesn’t ease you into Colorado—it throws the doors wide open. Backed by snow-capped peaks and buzzing with city energy, it’s where your road trip from Denver begins with clean mountain air, laid-back parks, and a downtown that hums with coffee, craft beer, and creativity. At a mile high, it’s where you ease into the altitude and let the trip settle in.
Things to Do
Nature Highlights
- Washington Park – One of Denver’s largest green spaces, perfect for bike rides, paddle boating, or relaxed afternoons under the trees.
- City Park – Home to the Denver Zoo and the Museum of Nature & Science, with open lawns and long-range mountain views.
- Sloan’s Lake – Ideal for a scenic stroll or jog around the water with views of both the city skyline and the Rockies.
Local Culture
- Union Station – Once a historic train station, now a buzzing downtown hub with cafés, cocktail bars, shops, and even a boutique hotel tucked inside.
- Meow Wolf Denver – Step into four stories of mind-bending art where neon tunnels, layered soundscapes, and surreal scenes blur the line between museum and fantasy.
- RiNo Art District – Wander through one of Denver’s most creative corners, where industrial buildings double as murals and local breweries experiment with bold flavors.
Where to Eat
Quick Bites
- Scratch Deli & Bakery (V, GF) – Casual grab-and-go spot with hot sandwiches, baked goods, and several vegetarian and gluten-free choices.
- Notchtop Bakery & Café (V, GF) – Bright and friendly café offering hearty breakfasts, veggie scrambles, and gluten-free toast and pancakes.
- Kind Coffee (VG, GF) – Local favorite for organic coffee, vegan pastries, and gluten-free breakfast burritos on a peaceful riverfront patio.
Sit-Down Restaurants
- Trailhead Restaurant (GF) – Laid-back mountain eatery known for big breakfasts, burgers, and gluten-free buns available on request.
- The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern (V, GF) – Rustic tavern with hearty meals, vegetarian-friendly entrees, and a rotating list of local Colorado beers.
- The Grubsteak Restaurant (GF) – Western-style steakhouse with wild game options like buffalo and elk, plus gluten-free buns and sides.
- Bird & Jim (V, VG, GF) – Elevated mountain dining with a seasonal menu featuring vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes made from local ingredients.
Stop 2 – Fort Collins
Our recommendation: 1 day
The hum of college bikes, the smell of malt drifting from a nearby brewery, and a golden-hour glow over Old Town’s red-brick buildings—Fort Collins doesn’t ask for attention, it earns it slowly. You’ll find plenty of things to do in Fort Collins, but what makes it memorable is the way everything feels casually dialed in: the pace, the people, even the beer.
Things to Do
Nature Highlights
- Horsetooth Reservoir – A scenic spot for hiking, kayaking, or a picnic with panoramic views—especially at sunset.
- Frank State Wildlife Area – Flat trails, birdwatching, and access to the Poudre River make this a peaceful detour for nature lovers.
- Spring Canyon Park – Family-friendly green space with open fields, a playground, and bike paths that connect to local trails.
Local Culture
- Old Town Fort Collins – A walkable downtown filled with preserved 19th-century buildings, local boutiques, and relaxed patios.
- New Belgium Brewing Company – One of America’s most iconic craft breweries offering free tours, seasonal pours, and a vibrant beer garden.
- Fort Collins Museum of Discovery – Hands-on science and history exhibits great for families or a low-key afternoon indoors.
Where to Eat
Quick Bites
- The Silver Grill Café (GF) – Cozy local diner famous for giant cinnamon rolls and hearty gluten-free breakfast options.
- Rainbow Restaurant (V, VG, GF) – Bright, casual café offering fresh vegetarian and vegan-friendly plates with gluten-free choices.
- Ginger and Baker – Modern café and bakery housed in a restored feed store, known for savory pies and locally roasted coffee.
Sit-Down Restaurants
- Coopersmith’s Pub & Brewing – Longtime local favorite pairing house-brewed ales with classic pub fare and a dog-friendly patio.
- The Still Whiskey Steaks – Upscale yet rustic steakhouse offering dry-aged cuts and Colorado whiskeys.
- Austin’s American Grill – Classic comfort food with a Western twist, including wood-grilled meats and seasonal specials.
- Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant – Lively Tex-Mex spot famous for strong margaritas, rooftop seating, and generous combo plates.
Stop 3 – Rocky Mountain National Park
Our recommendation: 3 days
As the road climbs from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park, everything else starts to fall away—noise, stress, cell service. You’ll trade skyscrapers for switchbacks, traffic for trailheads, and city lights for stargazing. Between the alpine lakes and the bugling elk, you’ll understand why spotting Rocky Mountain National Park animals is as thrilling as any summit.
Things to Do
Nature Highlights
- Forest Canyon Overlook – Just steps from the parking lot, this viewpoint opens up to a vast sweep of alpine valleys and wind-carved ridges.
- Emerald Lake Trail – Winding through dense pine forest and past glacier-fed lakes, this crowd favorite delivers nonstop mountain views and photo-worthy stops.
- Dream Lake Trail – Snowshoers love it in winter, anglers in summer—this short trail stays magical no matter the season.
- Moraine Park – Spread out beneath the stars in this wide, open meadow where elk roam freely and the night sky puts on a show.
- Trail Ridge Road – One of the most iconic scenic drives in the U.S., this high-altitude highway weaves past wildflower meadows and snow-capped vistas at over 12,000 feet.
Local Culture
- Estes Park Aerial Tramway – Ride high above the town in this seasonal tram that whisks you up Prospect Mountain for unbeatable panoramas.
- Kawuneeche Visitor Center – A quieter stop on the park’s west side offering ranger insights, maps, and a peek into the park’s lesser-known corners.
- Holzwarth Historic Site – Get a glimpse of 1920s life at this preserved dude ranch nestled along the Colorado River.
Where to Eat
Quick Bites
- Scratch Deli & Bakery (V, GF) – Casual grab-and-go spot with hot sandwiches, baked goods, and several vegetarian and gluten-free choices.
- Notchtop Bakery & Café (V, GF) – Bright and friendly café offering hearty breakfasts, veggie scrambles, and gluten-free toast and pancakes.
- Kind Coffee (VG, GF) – Local favorite for organic coffee, vegan pastries, and gluten-free breakfast burritos on a peaceful riverfront patio.
Sit-Down Restaurants
- Trailhead Restaurant (GF) – Laid-back mountain eatery known for big breakfasts, burgers, and gluten-free buns available on request.
- The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern (V, GF) – Rustic tavern with hearty meals, vegetarian-friendly entrees, and a rotating list of local Colorado beers.
- The Grubsteak Restaurant (GF) – Western-style steakhouse with wild game options like buffalo and elk, plus gluten-free buns and sides.
- Bird & Jim (V, VG, GF) – Elevated mountain dining with a seasonal menu featuring vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes made from local ingredients.
Stop 4 – Aspen
Our recommendation: 2 days
Aspen is where high-altitude meets high style, but not without heart. You might arrive expecting glamour, but you’ll stay for the quiet trails, crisp alpine air, and a deep mountain calm that lingers long after you leave. If your Colorado road trip ideas need a change of rhythm, this is where rugged adventure brushes up against a softer kind of wild.
Things to Do
Nature Highlights
- The Grottos & Devil’s Punchbowl – Just nine miles southeast of town, this short trail leads to waterfalls and natural swimming holes surrounded by smooth rock formations.
- Maroon Bells Scenic Area – Famous for a reason, this postcard-perfect spot features reflective lakes, wildflower meadows, and snow-capped twin peaks.
- Smuggler Mountain Trail – A local favorite that rewards hikers with sweeping views of Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley.
- Independence Pass – Drive or bike this seasonal mountain pass for unforgettable views and roadside photo stops at 12,095 feet.
Local Culture
- Silver Queen Gondola – Ride to the summit of Aspen Mountain for panoramic views, mountaintop yoga, or live music in summer.
- John Denver Sanctuary – A peaceful riverside garden honoring the musician with engraved lyrics and quiet walking paths.
- Aspen Art Museum – Free contemporary art museum with rotating exhibitions, rooftop views, and a stylish café.
Where to Eat
Quick Bites
- Spring Café (V, VG, GF) – Light-filled organic café with smoothies, vegan wraps, and gluten-free baked goods.
- Unravel Coffee + Bar (VG, GF) – Trendy hangout known for craft coffee, plant-based snacks, and reclaimed-wood interiors.
- Felix Roasting Co. (VG) – Sleek spot serving high-end espresso, vegan pastries, and a beautiful setting for slow mornings.
Sit-Down Restaurants
- White House Tavern (GF) – Housed in a historic miner’s cottage, this cozy tavern serves upscale comfort food with gluten-free options.
- Woody Creek Tavern (V, GF) – Quirky, colorful eatery once frequented by Hunter S. Thompson—known for local vibes and veg-friendly plates.
- BOSQ (V, VG, GF) – Refined mountain dining with a globally inspired tasting menu featuring foraged ingredients and seasonal flavors.
- Mi Chola (GF) – High-energy Mexican restaurant with bold street food flavors and gluten-free margaritas to match.
Stop 5 – Great Sand Dunes Nationalpark
Our recommendation: 3 days
Just when you think you’ve seen everything, the landscape flips into something surreal. The towering dunes of this national park ripple like desert waves, rising against the jagged backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It’s the kind of stop that defines a Colorado national parks road trip—offbeat, unforgettable, and full of pure, sandy chaos.
Things to Do
Nature Highlights
- High Dune on First Ridge – A must-do hike that leads you to panoramic views over the tallest dunes in North America.
- Medano Creek – In late spring and early summer, this seasonal creek creates a refreshing mini beach at the base of the dunes.
- Sangre de Cristo Mountains – Towering peaks lined with pine forests form a dramatic backdrop for both hiking and photography.
- Sandboarding & Sandsledding – Rent gear in nearby Alamosa or Blanca and spend the afternoon riding the soft slopes like snow.
Local Culture
- San Luis Valley Museum – Located in Alamosa, this small museum shares stories of local settlers, Native American tribes, and Hispanic heritage.
- Zapata Falls – A short hike just outside the park leads to a hidden waterfall tucked inside a rock crevasse—icy cold and worth the splash.
- Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center – Offers interactive exhibits, scenic views, and ranger tips for planning your stay.
Where to Eat
Quick Bites
- The Rubi Slipper (V, GF) – Bright, casual café serving locally roasted coffee, vegetarian breakfast burritos, and gluten-free pastries.
- San Luis Valley Brewing Company (VG, GF) – Friendly brewpub offering plant-based bar snacks and rotating taps with gluten-free beer options.
- Blessed Brews Coffee Shop (GF) – Small-town espresso bar with cozy seating and gluten-free muffins and granola bars.
Sit-Down Restaurants
- Three Barrel Brewing Company (V, GF) – Laid-back pizza and beer spot in Del Norte with vegetarian pies and gluten-free crusts.
- Calvillo’s Mexican Restaurant (GF) – Family-run favorite offering hearty New Mexican plates and gluten-free green chile options.
- The Sunflour Café (V, VG, GF) – Sweet, rustic diner in Alamosa serving scratch-made soups, salads, and vegan sandwiches.
- Mountain View Restaurant – Homestyle diner with rotating specials, local flavors, and mountain views from nearly every window.
Stop 6 – Denver
Our recommendation: 2 days
After 12 days on the road, Denver greets you with city streets and familiar comforts—but you’ve changed. With dust on your gear and stars still in your head, you’ll see the skyline differently. That’s the magic of camping in Colorado: it doesn’t just give you scenery, it gives you perspective. And RV camping in Colorado turns it into a story you’ll want to tell again.
Travel Tips for Your Road Trip through Colorado
- Prepare for mountain driving: Colorado’s high-altitude roads, such as Trail Ridge Road, can challenge vehicles with steep grades and thin air. Use lower gears on descents to prevent brake overheating and consider vehicles with all-wheel drive for better traction. For detailed guidance, refer to the Colorado Department of Transportation’s winter driving tips.
- Check real-time road conditions: Before setting out, consult the COtrip website for live traffic updates, weather alerts, and construction information. For weekend travel forecasts on I-70, visit the GoI70 traffic forecast.
- Plan fuel and rest stops: In remote areas, services can be sparse. Keep your fuel tank at least half full, carry extra water and snacks, and download offline maps. For information on facilities, explore the USDA Forest Service maps. Don’t forget to check out our RV camping packing list before you go.
- Watch for wildlife on the road: Deer and elk are common near roadways, especially at dawn and dusk. Use high beams in rural areas and stay alert. Colorado DOT’s wildlife safety tips have more info.
- Adhere to mountain driving etiquette: Utilize pull-outs to allow faster vehicles to pass, yield to uphill drivers, and provide cyclists with at least 3 feet of space. For comprehensive rules, see the Colorado DOT driver safety guidelines.
- Acclimate to high elevations: Colorado’s elevations can affect breathing and energy levels. Ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activities on your first day at higher altitudes. Visit Colorado Springs shares helpful altitude tips.
- Prepare for variable weather: Mountain weather can change rapidly. Pack layers, waterproof gear, and sun protection regardless of the season. For seasonal tips, check the National Weather Service cold weather safety page.
- Monitor UV exposure: Higher elevations mean stronger UV rays. Use sunscreen, wear hats, and protect your eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses. The EPA’s sun safety guide explains how to protect yourself year-round.
- Reserve park access in advance: Timed-entry reservations are required during peak season at Rocky Mountain National Park. Book early through Recreation.gov.
- Use the America the Beautiful pass: The annual national park pass costs $80 and grants access to all federal parks—saving money after just two visits.
- Be fire-safe: Fire bans are common. Use Colorado’s current fire danger conditions to stay informed.
- Plan around crowds and congestion: Arrive early at popular parks—ideally before 7 a.m. on summer weekends. Avoid I-70 traffic by traveling during off-peak hours.
- Pack smart for the journey: From cooking supplies to bedding, make sure your camper is fully stocked. Use our RV camping essentials checklist to get trip-ready.
Follow Leave No Trace: Stay on trails, pack out all trash, and respect fragile ecosystems. Review the 7 Leave No Trace principles.
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