10 Epic Days Dallas to Colorado Springs Road Trip

A Dallas to Colorado Springs road trip will be an epic summer vacation. Are you thinking about doing it?

Disclaimer: Two Worlds Treasures is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This post may also contain affiliate links. Read my Privacy Policy for more info.

Fortunately, you have arrived at the right place, as we have done this road trip from Dallas to Colorado Springs a few times. One time we even continued to Moab, Utah, to explore Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.

Road trips to Colorado Springs are my favorite since you don’t just stop there. Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park, and other stunning locations in Colorado are all conveniently accessible as day trips.

In this post, I’ll tell you about the vacation where we took many train rides in and around Colorado Springs. After all, taking a scenic train trip in Colorado is a must-do activity when you are there.

On this Dallas to Colorado Springs road trip, we stayed in hotels and a campground. Our family enjoys camping, but hotels or Airbnbs available at the locations.

Now let’s check the distance between the two cities before moving on to the detailed itinerary.

But first, you must read these road trip hacks for families to make your trip stress-free.

Dallas to Colorado Springs Road Trip Time

Google Maps estimates that a non-stop trip from Dallas to Colorado Springs would take between 11 and 12,5 hours. The final location is in a different time zone.

However, if this is your first time driving from Dallas to Colorado Springs, I recommend stopping for the night. Before arriving in Colorado, the best place to stop on this road trip is Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle.

Let’s now discuss the detailed schedule for the drive from Dallas to Colorado Springs.

Dallas to Colorado Springs Road Trip Itinerary

After several trips to Colorado from Dallas, we managed to drive straight to Colorado without spending a night on the road.

But on this trip, we stayed the night in Amarillo. Our niece joined us, and it was her first trip to Colorado. We decided that it would be a good time to introduce her to another region of Texas.

Day 1 – Dallas to Amarillo, Texas.

Distance: 365 miles

Hours: 5 hr 30 min

Accommodation: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Amarillo Central 

As you can see, the distance between Dallas and Amarillo is rather long. Since you’ll be stopping a few times along the trip, try to leave no later than seven in the morning.

Check out my special post on the Dallas to Amarillo road trip for the itinerary. You can forgo traveling to locations off the beaten path.

Once in the Panhandle, don’t miss these top 3 things to do in Amarillo. A visit to the Big Texan Steak Ranch, Cadillac Ranch, and Route 66 Historic District.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park must be seen when in Amarillo. But given that it will be too hot in the afternoon during the summer, you might not be able to hike the famous Lighthouse Trail.

When we arrived in Palo Duro, the temperature was already in the low 90s. As a result, we didn’t stop anywhere else before driving around the canyon and walking to the Big Cave.

The Big Cave is not on the park map. As you go along Alternate Park Road 5, you’ll notice vehicles parked along the side of the road and people making their way toward a large opening formation in the distance. The large cave is there, and it’s fascinating!

In case you do not know, Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the country, right after the Grand Canyon.

Additionally, there is a TEXAS Outdoor Musical in the park during the summer. It tells tales, tribulations, and victories of the first settlers. From June 2 to August 13, the show runs on Tuesdays through Sundays. I have not watched the show that began with a barbecue feast. Visit the Texas Outdoor Musical website to learn more about the performance if you’re interested.

On this first day of your drive to Colorado Springs, I have one more thing I would want to share with you. It is a good idea to pack your lunch and eat it at the rest area before you enter Amarillo. At least you don’t have to stop at a fast food restaurant while traveling.

Day 2: Amarillo, TX to Canon City, CO.

Distance: 359 miles

Hours: 6 hr (destination is in a different time zone.)

Accommodation: Indian Springs Ranch Campground or Hampton Inn Canon City

You’ll take US-87 N through southwestern New Mexico and I-25 N through Colorado.

Make a short trip to Capulin Volcano National Monument in Capulin while traveling along US-87 N in New Mexico. You will drive roughly 2 miles to the crater rim. After reaching the summit, you can descend to the crater’s bottom.

From the volcanic rim, you will enjoy beautiful views. You can see four states and the snow-covered Rocky Mountains when the sky is clear.

If you travel with children, they can participate in the Junior Ranger Program at this National Monument. 

We frequently stop here because it’s an incredible place to stop.

You could notice distant summer storms forming after leaving Capulin. It’s a stunning display of nature! 

As soon as you arrive in Colorado, embrace the crisp blue sky!

Before making a westward turn to Canon City, your GPS may direct you to Pueblo. However, you will leave Colorado City at exit 71 and head west to Rye. You will stop at Bishop Castle, a man’s ongoing endeavor that has become a popular tourist destination offering guests an exceptional experience.

You’ll get to Canon City’s accommodations in the late afternoon. You’ll stay there for a few nights. Rest up and take in the night sky.

Day 3: Canon City

Take the Royal Gorge Train to start your day in Canon City. A magnificent train ride with breathtaking scenery along the way. Take the first one so you will see more of the city’s attractions afterward. We boarded the coach and spent most of the trip standing in the open-air car to take in the scenery.

Visit the Museum of Colorado Prisons and the Royal Gorge Regional Museum & History Center after the train excursion. The highest suspension bridge and zip line in America is at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, so you could always head there instead.

Royal Gorge is packed with adrenaline rides, like zip line, sky coaster, via Ferrata, and gondola ride. Additionally, there is a play area for children. We passed on the thrill rides since we found them terrifying, but we walked across the bridge. A few years before this trip, we drove across the bridge.

To cross the bridge, whether on foot or in a car, maybe exhilarating. Consider yourself strolling on a suspension bridge while vehicles drive by and the wind blows. And the bridge stands 956 feet (291.389 meters) above the Arkansas River.

Take Skyline Drive to return to the city. A 2.6-mile long, winding scenic route that runs along the crest of a razorback ridge with a view of Canon City. And not recommended for people who lack courage or are unfamiliar with winding mountain roads.

When you get to the city, all attractions are likely closed. Go to dinner or take a swim within your lodging. After that, relax.

Indian Springs Ranch Campground features a pool. My husband and niece entered the water and said the water was cold. Having forgotten my camera the first time they dove into the water, I made them jump again. Haha.

Day 4: Canon City to Colorado Springs

Distance: 85 miles

Hours: 2 hr 45 min

Accommodation: Kinship Landing

The quickest route from Canon City to Colorado Springs takes roughly an hour of driving on CO-115 N. However, you won’t be taking that route. You’ll take the scenic route, make a few stops, and it’ll take longer. But you will like it.

You’ll travel to Victor on Phantom Canyon Road from Canon City. One of Colorado’s most beautiful and challenging drives. You will be traveling on a gravel road that traces the path taken by the Florence & Cripple Creek Railroad, constructed in 1894 during the height of the gold rush.

The elevation gain along the route is from 5,500 to 9,500 feet. You will pass by places like bridges and tunnels that inspire you to stop and take pictures. People are encouraged to slow down and enjoy the sights because of the road conditions and narrow bridges. It’s nothing like the roads in Texas.

Take the quickest path, though, if you’re terrified of heights or unsure of your ability to complete this road. Additionally, the route is narrow, and there is two-way traffic. We once took an exciting road trip to Colorado in November, and there was snow and ice on the roads. Although the driving was tense, the scenery was breathtaking.

Victor, the City of Gold Mines, is located at the end of the road. It is a small mining community designated as a national historic district. Park and explore the area.

Then you keep driving until you reach Cripple Creek. Another mining community on the verge of dying came back to life in 1991 after gambling was made legal.

Between Victor and Cripple Creek, you will see the largest mine in Colorado. It will be to the right of you.

In Cripple Creek, there are nine casinos where you can try your luck. However, it’s not the main activity you come here to do.

Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad begins here. The 45-minute steam trip will teach you about the rich history of the gold towns. Every seventy minutes, a train departs. You will eat lunch in the city before or following the train excursion, depending on your arrival time in Cripple Creek.

Then do the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine Tour before you leave town. You will descend 1,000 feet down the earth in a vertical shaft for two minutes during the one-hour tour.

Then, as you make your way to Colorado Springs, you will pass through Divide and Woodland Park.

Visit Manitou Cliff Dwellings before you check in at the hotel and unwind for the day. You will move through and around every room that the Anasazi carved into the cliff walls. Be sure to check out the complex’s Pueblo Museum and Cave Museum.

Day 5: Colorado Springs

Your first stop for today is Garden of the Gods. Try to arrive before 8.30 am to guarantee you a parking spot at the Main Parking Lot/Central Garden. This is one of the two major areas that you don’t want to miss. The other one is the Balanced Rock Area, and you need to drive to get there.

There’s a possibility you won’t get a parking spot right away. You may need to make a loop a few times. Remember! Garden of the Gods is one of the most popular attractions in Colorado Springs. 

Once you are done exploring the rocks here, it’s time to pay a visit to the Visitor Center. I know, it’s a bit weird. But, the Visitor Center opens at 9. If you go there first, you most likely won’t be able to get a parking spot in the park.

I have a dedicated post on Garden of the Gods, but it was during our visit in their winter hours. Anyway, go check it to get a picture of spots not to miss in the park while visiting.

Next is riding the cog rail to Pikes Peak, America’s Mountain. Visiting Pikes Peak is the number 1 attraction in Colorado Springs. It’s a 3.5-hour round trip journey, and don’t forget to buy the world-famous donuts, the only donuts made at an altitude over 14,000 feet.

If you don’t feel like riding the cog rail, you can always drive your own car to Pikes Peak through Pikes Peak Highway. Or, change to shuttle midway to the top. The shuttle is free with the toll road fees.

We had driven to the summit before and after it turned to a toll road. One time when we visited with the Boy Scouts group, we only drove for a few miles and had to turn around. They closed the road because an overnight snowstorm in the mountain dropped 3 feet of snow on the road. And it was in early June. So, it’s very important to check the weather before you go to Pikes Peak.

After Pikes Peak, spend some time in downtown Manitou Springs. If you get a spot to park though. Visitors in Colorado Springs like to stroll around Manitou Springs, so it’s hard to find a parking space. We have had no luck until today.

If you don’t get a spot, check out the Seven Falls if you are up to climb 224 steps. Or, visit Helen Hunt Falls inside North Cheyenne Canon Park for free.

Day 6: Colorado Springs to Paint Mines Interpretive Park

Distance: 36.9 miles

Hours: 50 min

Address: 29950 Paint Mine Rd, Calhan, CO 80808.

On the sixth day of your Dallas to Colorado Springs road trip, you will start making a day trip from Colorado Springs. This one is not far, only around an hour away to the east.

Here at the Paint Mines, you will see layers of clay in bright colors. Native American used to collect these colorful clays to make paint. There are unique geological formations that include hoodoos and spires to be found here. No entrance fee, and you must stay on the designated trails all the time.

Back in Colorado Springs, go check the United States Air Force Academy. Then, if you are fit, do the Manitou Springs Incline. Or, visit Cave of the Winds Mountain Park.

To end the day, enjoy the sunset from the Garden of the Gods. Check out spots that you haven’t got to visit from the day before.

Summer storms occur almost every day in the mountains. They come and go fast. Therefore, expect to see double rainbows. They are very pretty! 

Day 7: Colorado Springs to Georgetown/Denver

Distance: 111 miles

Hours: 1 hr 50 min

Georgetown, a former silver mining camp, is one of the perfect day trips from Denver. In our case, from Colorado Springs. 

Victorian Buildings dotted Main Street, housed by antique stores and restaurants. It’s another beautiful walk in the National Historic Landmark District in Colorado.

But the main reason to visit Georgetown is to ride the narrow gauge train ride, the Georgetown Loop Railroad. An old-time steam locomotive chugs along the canyon hauling the train past the remains of several gold and silver mines.

After the train ride, go explore the town. Then it’s time to go to Denver.

I suggest you visit 16th Street Mall in Denver, the heart of downtown Denver. It’s less than an hour’s drive, but of course, it depends on the traffic once you get to Denver.

Park your car along the 16th Street Mall, or find a spot at parking garages nearby. Then walk or take the free shuttle rides going end to end on a 1.25 miles road. Also, venture to neighboring streets for more attractions.

Here are a few of the attractions that you can’t miss while exploring the areas: the Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Denver Branch, Big Blue Bear at the Denver Convention Center, Denver Selfie Museum, and Colorado Capitol.

(Note: I just got feedback from Money Museum that it is closed until further notice. It won’t reopen for another year or two.)

Day 8: Colorado Springs to Rocky Mountain National Park/Estes Park

Distance: 133 miles

Hours: 2 hr 30 min

A day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park is a must when you visit Denver and even Colorado Springs. Once you pass Boulder, the drive is beautiful, especially between Lyons and Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain NP.

You might be tempted to stop and explore Estes Park first, but do it after your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park. 

Everyone wants to drive on Trail Ridge all the way to the summit. So, it’s often congested during summertime. I suggest you start from one-way Old Fall River Road and once you get to the summit take the Ridge Trail to go down. This way you get to do two scenic drives in Rocky Mountain National Park. The views are amazing, and you will get to see waterfalls and wildlife along the road!

Once you arrive at the bottom, if the crowd permits, go to the Bear Lake area and do a little hike. If not, it’s time to spend some time in Estes Park.

I suggest you hit The Stanley Hotel first before strolling around town. It was in this hotel Stephen King got inspired to write The Shining. A few years ago, the hotel put a hedge maze in front of the hotel for guests and visitors to reenact the scene from the movie. One time we visited The Stanley Hotel hedge maze when it was covered with snow. Running around the maze felt like in the movie.

After the hotel, go back to town and enjoy your time. I love shopping for souvenirs at Estes Park and buying chocolate or ice cream. Then sit around the creek or the park waiting for elks to come to town. 

Just remember, it also takes 2 hours and 30 minutes to go back to Colorado Springs.

Day 9: Colorado Springs to Wichita, Kansas.

Distance: 490 miles

Hours: 7 hr 30 min (destination is in a different time zone)

Accommodation: Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview

On this road trip from Texas to Colorado Springs, we decided to go home through Kansas. A little longer, but we got to hit a couple of more states. 

Since the destination is in a different time zone, try to leave no later than 8 am. Give room for pit stops. 

Only one stop to make on the road, and that is Lindsborg in Kansas. America’s Little Sweden where you can see wild dala horses scattered in downtown areas.

Wichita is about an hour’s drive from Lindsborg. Just before you check in to the hotel, make a quick stop at Keeper of the Plains. It’s a stylized sculpture of an Indian Chief standing in downtown Wichita. The pride of the city. It is about a 2 minutes drive to the hotel.

Address: confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas Rivers, Wichita, KS.

Here is a list of more fun things to do in Wichita Kansas with your family. For future reference or if you have an extra day to spend in the city.

We like to stay at Drury Hotels because their breakfast is always good, and they have this Kickback in the evening from 5.30-7 pm. They offer hot food and cold beverages like beer, wine, mixed drinks, and soft drinks. It’s perfect for a light dinner or when you are too tired to go out to dinner. They are also pet friendly.

Another hotel that you might want to check out while in Wichita is Aloft Wichita. We stayed there on our road trip to Mount Rushmore and our dog Snoopy loved the hotel very much. He got a welcoming treat, they prepared bowls in the room, and best of all, a super thick comfy bed specially for him. Its location is not around downtown, but Wichita is not a big city, so you will arrive downtown in seconds.

Day 10: Wichita, KS to Dallas, TX.

Distance: 368 miles

Hours: 5 hr 45 min

Last day on the road. Yay!

Your last visit will be the Oklahoma City National Memorial in Oklahoma City. It’s a memorial for the Oklahoma City bombing victims back on April 19, 1995. An emotional visit, so don’t forget to bring tissues.

The National Memorial is free to visit, but you need to pay to visit the museum where you get to learn more about the history of the site.

Address: 620 N Harvey Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.

Then continue driving home. I don’t know about you, but whenever I saw the Texas welcome sign, I felt at home right away although home is still hours away. Hehe…

Packing List For Dallas To Colorado Springs Road Trip

A lightweight rain jacket is good to keep in the car since summer storms are expected to happen almost every afternoon. Or, you can always bring a poncho.

Another thing we like to bring during road trips is a water jug and we fill it full from home. That way we don’t have to buy bottled water and throw those plastic bottles at every pit stop. Also, we can always fill our water bottles from there, and it’s easy to refill the jug.

I hope this Dallas to Colorado Springs road trip guide will make your summer vacation turn into an epic journey. Enjoy your vacation in Colorado!