10 Adventurous Day From Dallas to Colorado Road Trip

Summer is one of the best times to take a Dallas to Colorado road trip. The days are becoming longer, ski towns are becoming more accessible for big outdoor experiences, and who doesn’t want to escape the Texas heat?

We are lucky to frequently take road trips from Dallas to Colorado because it is one of the states that are closest to Texas. In the summer, at the end of spring, and at the end of fall. We haven’t had the opportunity to travel there over the winter because the end of year meant spending Christmas in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with families. 

Every road trip to Colorado from Dallas offered so many adventures that stayed in our memory to this today.

Our most recent excursion to Colorado from Dallas took us to the state’s southern and southwest regions. This time, we made our first trip to Colorado’s southwest mountain towns. Small towns with populations ranging from 1,000 to 19,000 people.

Although this trip originated in North Texas, where we currently reside, that doesn’t mean it is solely beneficial to Texans. It doesn’t matter where you start from as long as you make it to Colorado.

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10 Adventurous Day From Dallas to Colorado Road Trip

The summer following the outbreak was the time of this Dallas to Colorado road trip. Following the circumstances and conditions at the destinations, plans were developed and altered numerous times.

Before beginning our road journey through Colorado in Pagosa Springs, we were intended to spend the first night in the New Mexico region along the Red River. But a few days before we departed, the governor of New Mexico issued a proclamation mandating a 14-day quarantine for all visitors. Even if it is just for one night. That is definitely not good.

However, it did not deter us from taking a road trip to Colorado. We adore Colorado, and I believe that a Texas to Colorado road trip is one of the best road excursions from Texas to other states.

We looked at a map and decided to drive up north to the Oklahoma panhandle from Amarillo, Texas. Then, after leaving Campo, we traveled to Walsenburg, which is halfway between Trinidad and Pueblo, where we stayed the night.

We slept in campgrounds on this drive to Colorado for our lodging. At the moment, I didn’t feel secure enough to spend the night in a hotel room.

So, here’s our road trip plan, which covers the journey time from Dallas to Colorado. A road trip from Texas to Colorado with our dog Snoopy.

Day 1: Dallas to Walsenburg, Colorado

Distance: 633 miles

Driving hours: 9 h 30 m (different time zone at the destination)

Accommodation: Lathrop State Park

Original route: Dallas to Red River, New Mexico.

On the first day of our road trip to Colorado, we mostly focused on how to get there as quickly as possible. Again, our plans were altered. After a while, we made it through New Mexico without stopping—not even for gas.

If this will be your first time traveling by car from Texas to Colorado, I advise staying the night in Amarillo. There are a lot of things to do in Amarillo, and a hiking the Lighthouse Trail in Palo Duro Canyon State Park is one of the must-do activities. Palo Duro Canyon is the second-largest canyon in the nation behind the Grand Canyon, in case you didn’t know.

As usual, a summer thunderstorm passed over the area of Capulin, New Mexico. When you drive by the neighborhood around 1 p.m., it’s a beautiful sight to see. Slowly, the temperature fell to 56, and after the storm had passed, it had risen to the 70s.

Capulin Volcano National Monument is a fun stop along US-87 N between Amarillo and Raton, New Mexico. We visited there on multiple occasions and had a great time each time. A mother fox and her young were visible to us one summer, and on a subsequent trip, when it was nearly closing time, our son assisted the ranger in folding the American flag.

Anyway, on this first night, we wound ourselves sleeping at the home of a buddy who had recently relocated to Walsenburg from Texas. When we arrived in Colorado, we called them to make sure they were open and okay with us visiting during the pandemic.

We discovered that our campground was unlevel when we arrived at Lathrop State Park, where we were scheduled to spend the night. We made the choice between sleeping in the car and setting up camp somewhere else. However, our son immediately accepted our friends’ invitation to spend the night at their home without even turning to face us. Snoopy, our dog, had also settled on the couch. Lol.

The views from their residence made us envious. In the distance was Snowcap Mountain, and at night, the sky was dotted with many stars. I could make out the Milky Way’s faint outline, but I was too exhausted to get up during the night to see it fully.

Day 2: Walsenburg to Pagosa Springs

Distance: 162 miles

Driving hours: 3 h

Accommodation: Bruce Spruce Ranch 231 W Fork Road, Pagosa Springs, Colorado 81147.

Original route: Red River, New Mexico to Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

We traveled to Pagosa Springs after my husband assisted our friend in burying a rattlesnake that was discovered in the garage. US-160 W connects Pagosa Springs and Walsenberg.

The Highway of Legends Scenic and Historic Byway in Colorado begins at Walsenburg and runs along US-160 West. We didn’t have time to check it out, but a diversion there on the route from Denver to Texas would be ideal.

The actual Lathrop State Park is a well-liked location for boating, hiking, and horseback riding. But the park’s golf course is its main lure. Colorado State Park only has one golf course, which is located at Walsenburg. Colorado’s first state park, Lathrop, debuted in 1962.

We turned to Great Sand Dune National Park & Preserve when US-160 W passed Alamosa. When we arrived, it was just before noon, and the park was normally busy with tourists at this time of year. People came here to go sand sledding, and the dune is roomy. It’s very simple to keep your distance from people around here. Everyone looked for their own dunes even in regular times.

Before this excursion, we had already made a few trips to the Great Sand Dune National Park & Preserve. If you attend, be sure to go in the late afternoon or early morning to sled or play in the sand. The daytime heat of the sands.

One of the national parks in the United States that allows dogs is Great Sand Dune. You can bring them to the Main Use Area, where guests enjoy playing and sledding. Just keep in mind that sand that is hot to you will also be scorching to your dog’s paws.  

We traveled on US-160 W in the direction of Pagosa Springs from Alamosa.

We made the decision to take the Silver Thread Scenic Byway after arriving at South Fork, the final town before Pagosa Springs. From South Fork to Lake City, there is a 70-mile out-and-back road.

For further details and a map of the scenic route, we went to the visitor center. The clerk offered me a map and pointed out several landmarks along the route, such as waterfalls and the town of Creede’s unpaved scenic byway. When we replied that we had a minivan, he stated that should be acceptable to drive Creede’s Bachelor’s Loop.

The Silver Thread Scenic Byway is stunning, as expected. On one side of the road, there is a river, and on the other, there are rocks nearby or farther away. Each is situated on a wide open range. So lovely! I need to take my family on kayak adventure vacations in the future, I think as I watch people kayaking on the river.

I was astounded by the scene in front of us as we arrived in Creede and took the first left into Main Street. It’s a picture of a small Colorado town that I once saw in a magazine. I visited the town after having forgotten about it. What a cool thing!

Since we were short on time, we drove directly to the Bachelor’s Loop. We also stopped at a billboard when we observed a car parked in front of it to get further details. Two roads branch off from here and proceed in opposite directions. The Bachelor’s Loop is the one to the right, according to me, but my spouse says it’s the other one.

I was certain that the Bachelor’s Loop started there because I noticed a few folks riding an OHV to the right. We proceeded there, and after moving a few yards, I understood my husband was correct. Our hitch kept tripping over the ground, which made for a horrible drive. We were fortunate to locate a location to reverse our course before delving too deeply into the canyon.

After there, we continued moving to Bachelor’s Loop while gently ascending a slope on an unpaved road. Our minivan couldn’t go further after a quarter mile from the starting line. We were stranded on a curvy route when a jeep descended from overhead, then another one. The two jeeps couldn’t pass till my husband drove back. He then steered the vehicle into a tight spot with a precipice on one side. It was terrifying!

Do not attempt to complete this loop if you drive a minivan like us! From the town, rent a jeep or OHV.

After the Bachelor’s Loop, we decided to turn around and continued to Pagosa Springs. We were drained from that short drive on Bachelor’s Loop. And it was a good decision since the drive between South Fork and Pagosa Springs was up and down the mountains. We drove through Wolf Creek Pass, a high mountain pass that features a dangerous hairpin curve for six-and-a-half miles from the summit. Scary!

Fortunately, Bruce Spruce Campground was situated in a beautiful area. It helped in easing the drive’s strain. We set up our tent beneath the spruce trees, as suggested by the name. There were three other tenters in addition to us. Cabins were close to the front desk, and RV sites were across the street. It was quiet and cool. Hummingbirds were in abundance by the front office. Watching them is fascinating!

We drove to downtown Pagosa Springs after supper. A boardwalk follows the San Juan River as it flows through the city. Every time I visited a riverwalk, it brought to mind the RiverWalk in San Antonio, Texas although it didn’t appear to be the same.

On one side of the river, hotels and resorts have hot springs, while the Town of Pagosa Springs has developed a few “hot pools” on the other. The general public can use these for free. Unfortunately, we left our swimsuits in the tent. Bring towels, water shoes, and swimsuits with you when you go. Keep an eye on your dogs to prevent water consumption!

Day 3: Pagosa Springs to Lake City

Distance: 114 miles

Driving hours: 2h 30m

Accommodation: Bruce Spruce Ranch

Nothing compares to waking up in the fresh air and surrounded by nature. With natural air conditioning temps in the 50s overnight, I slept well. Snoopy was ready to use the restroom when I peered through my sleeping bag.

West Fork Forest is connected to our campground. I took Snoopy there for his morning ritual. “What if there’s a bear in this forest?” I thought after about a quarter mile. What if it approaches me? What happens if Snoopy attacks the bear? Too many ifs, so I turned around and rushed back to the campground. lol.

The Silver Thread Scenic Byway will be continued today. So we headed back towards South Fork on US-160 W. The majority of the trip was up the mountain.

Treasure Falls, which is just three minutes drive from the campground, was our first destination. After stopping, proceed to the falls on foot. You must climb all the way, but the effort is worthwhile.

We then came to a stop at Wolf Creek Pass Summit, which is 10,856 feet above sea level. We didn’t go hiking, but a few folks parked their cars here to trek some of the Continental Divide paths.

When we arrived in Creede, we did another circuit around town. The small village of Creede is physically constrained by the cliffs that surround it. There’s an Underground Mining Museum that you may wish to visit there. Unfortunately, my mild claustrophobia set in that day, preventing us from visiting the museum.

Every summer the town hosts the Creede Repertory Theater. It has both traditional and modern productions. It was “one of 10 wonderful sites to observe the lights way off Broadway,” according to USA Today. If you enjoy theater, you might want to check out this performance.

We stopped at two waterfalls on the way between Creede and Lake City. One is just a few steps from the parking lot, while the other requires a bit of a hike (½ mile round trip.) There were a few vista points, monuments, and two mountain passes. There aren’t many cars on the route, which makes for a great trip. Probably because Denver is far away from where it is located.

In and of itself, Lake City is a destination. Spend a few days here to take in Colorado’s natural beauty and great outdoors. The town was preparing to receive recognition as an International Dark Sky City while we were there. 

For a detailed guide on driving between South Fork and Lake City, please see my post on Silver Thread Scenic Byway.

I drove most of the way back to Pagosa Springs. For this Texan woman, the drive was unpleasant, particularly over Wolf Creek Pass. Haha.

Day 4: Pagosa Springs to Durango

Distance: 60.1 miles

Driving hours: 1 h 10 min

Accommodation: United Campgrounds of Durango

On the route to Durango, we stopped at Piedra Falls, one of Pagosa Springs’ most popular waterfalls. The hike to the waterfalls is easy, but the drive there is not. 

Here is your comprehensive guide to Piedra Falls.

We continued traveling on US-160 W from Pagosa Springs to Durango.

We took a detour when we saw a sign for Chimney Rock National Monument. It’s not far from the highway. Unfortunately, unfortunate that dogs are not permitted in the Chimney area. Although they had kennels, they didn’t look very nice. As a result, we decided not to visit the Chimney. In addition, the day was quite warm.

The funny thing about Chimney Rock is that despite being a National Monument, National Park passes cannot be used there. To enter, you must pay.

After pitching our tent, we decided to take a break for the remainder of the day. Since I had laundry to do, it wasn’t truly a break for me. After that, we chatted with the neighbors. A young child from Arizona became Snoopy’s new pal.

The United Campgrounds of Durango have a heated pool. Each family received 45 minutes to swim, and guests had to sign up to use it during the pandemic. I registered for the following day because we arrived late the first day.

During our visit, the WiFi connection was strong and the bathrooms were clean.

Day 5: Explore Durango

We went out for a little walk around town in the morning. On Saturday, a farmers market was taking place in the TBK Bank parking lot. We brought Snoopy for a stroll, but it turns out that dogs and pets are not permitted at the market. We came to an end and came across the sign. Oops! Sorry!

Then, we leave for Animas Overlook. We traveled seven miles uphill from the base on a rocky gravel route. The sights were breathtaking when we finally reached the peak. When driving up there, don’t forget to take the quick dog-friendly trail.

After lunch, we took a diversion to Mancos before heading to Mesa Verde National Park. There isn’t much to see in this town, so you can skip it.

Due to the pandemic, the Mesa Verde Visitor Center was shut down. It didn’t bother us because we had already visited the park a few times. All of the souvenir shops and restaurants in the Mesa Top Loop and Cliff Palace districts were shut when we arrived by car. Also absent were any rangers.

When visiting Mesa Verde, make sure to take one of the cliff-dwelling tours. The experience is cool. Reservations must be made at the visitor center by the entrance.

Keep in mind that it can get hot at the park throughout the summer. When we went, the temperature was in the low 90s.

Back at the campground, we went swimming and just relaxed until the sun went down.

Riding the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train is one of the must-do activities in Durango. Unfortunately, it did not run throughout the pandemic. It will be interesting to see them pass by from the campsite because the tracks go through the campgrounds.

More Mountain Passes on this Dallas to Colorado Road Trip

Day 6: Durango to Ouray

Distance: 70.5 miles

Driving hours: 1 h 45 min

Accommodation: 4J+1+1 RV Park & RV Campground

Our Dallas to Colorado road trip was getting more exciting. On day 6 of the trip, we drove on Million Dollar Highway. One of America’s most breathtaking picturesque drives! It connects the mountain villages of Silverton and Ouray as part of the San Juan Skyway Colorado Scenic Byway on US-550 N.

Pinkerton Hot Springs was the first stop that we almost missed. It is only around 13.5 miles (18 minutes) on the right side of the highway from Durango.

Then, you might want to check out Purgatory Resort. It’s a ski resort with a ton of entertaining summertime activities. But we didn’t go too far; just around.

Coal Bank Pass Summit was the next important halt. Here, the vistas were simply breathtaking. Head to the trailhead for Engineer Mountain on the left. You may merely take in the scenery without having to climb or ride a bike. With wildflowers covering the mountain’s base, it is quite lovely!

Molas Overlook, another important stop, was a few miles away. The views were much more stunning from here. Not only that, either. Deepen your breath and let some of the country’s purest and freshest air enter your lungs.

Then we made a stop in Silverton, a mountain town. There is an overlook where you may get a bird’s eye view of the entire town before you enter it.

Silverton is a National Historic Landmark, a stop on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad during the summer, and Animas Forks and the Alpine Loop are located there. It is also a part of the San Juan Skyway and connected to Ouray by the Million Dollar Highway.

Silverton is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts in the summer. However, due to timing, we didn’t go hiking or ride an OHV or ATV. We simply took a leisurely stroll and ate lunch in one of the establishments.

Downtown is divided into two halves. One route is asphalt, and the other is dirt and gravel, just like in western movies. Both are brimming with gorgeous structures housing shops and eateries.

We then drove on the Million Dollar Highway to Ouray. The scenery was indeed becoming breathtaking.

Old mining ruins and red and orange hues can be seen on the mountains. Once you get to Red Mountain Pass, pull over and exit the vehicle. Enjoy the breathtaking 360° views.

The road begins to descend from this point. You don’t want to miss the stunning sights up ahead, so go slowly. The Red Mountain/Idarado Gold Mine Lookout is located on the left side not far from the mountain pass. Additionally, you have to stop here.

Then the road becomes scarier. hairpin turns, steep hills, and no guardrails. You won’t forget the experience, I can guarantee you that.

Bear Creek Falls, located on the left, is your next stop. You won’t miss it because you will see the parking.

Your final stop will be at Ouray Overlook, which is just before Ouray. A sign reading “Switzerland of America” will be visible. You can see the box canyon village of Ouray from here, which is located down in the valley.

We walked into town after setting up the tent at 4J RV Campground. Only a few streets separate them, and the mountain town’s weather was pleasant.

We chatted with the neighbor when we got back to the campground, and then we rested.

Day 7: Ouray to Telluride

Distance: 49.6 miles

Driving hours: 1 h

At about twelve o’clock, we heard something substantial hit the ground. My husband and I immediately got out of bed. He said in a low voice as he glanced through the window, “It’s a bear!” It was a huge bear.

Our next-door neighbor forgot to put their cooler in the car. As a result, a bear arrived and partied for nearly an hour while searching through their cooler.

We moved to the car after the bear left, where we stayed until daylight. Thankfully, our dog Snoopy, who was in the tent with us, slept through it all without any barking or whining.

Ouray is bear country, we later discovered. The same bear (or possibly a different one?) returned with another bear to the nearby dumpster a few hours after the bear encounter. When I took Snoopy for a stroll later that afternoon, a visitor informed me that she had just seen a bear cross the road in the direction I was going. We must exercise caution or go back.

We headed to Box Canyon Falls first thing in the morning. It’s only about two miles away from the campground. When in Ouray, be sure to visit Box Canyon Falls. Although the hike to the falls is a little intimidating, it’s extremely lovely. Take the stairs down to the falls after crossing an iron bridge that has been erected along the cliff. Box Canyon Falls is stunning, and you can hear the thunderous sound of the water crashing from a distance. People who are terrified of heights shouldn’t go, in my opinion.

After that, we made the hour-long drive to Telluride in the west. Another beautiful mountain town where our dog Snoopy enjoyed a free gondola ride to Mountain Village with us. Since it’s so pleasant up there, we made the decision to just sit and unwind while eating lunch. Free WiFi is available there, and the connection was excellent. My son expressed his desire for a similar gondola ride in our flat town. Haha.

We took a stroll through Telluride before leaving. I just adore the atmosphere of this small village. Then we took a drive to the edge of town so we could park and view Bridal Veil Falls. I wanted to hike to the falls, but the return trip to Ouray would be in the dark. So we put the hike off for another trip.

We strolled to Ouray Hot Spring once we were back in Ouray. After a long day, it would be ideal to relax in the hot water, but it was shut down during the pandemic.

My favorite places are Telluride and Ouray. I intend to return within the next few years. Since we now sleep in our travel trailer, I don’t even mind returning to 4J RV Campground. The only drawback to 4J was their terrible WiFi connection.

Started Heading to Dallas

Day 8: Ouray to Gunnison

Distance: 99.1 miles

Driving hours: 2 h

Accommodation: Gunnison KOA Journey 

On the eighth day of our Dallas to Colorado road trip, we began to make our way back home. After visiting the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, we stayed a few nights in Gunnison.

Black Canyon is 48 miles from Ouray and can be reached in about an hour. The trip is similar to one to Telluride, however once in Ridgway, continue straight on US-550 N.

We’ve been to the Black Canyon before, when we did our road trip to the west several years ago. Everything still looked the same. The only difference was no park ranger at the entrance.

You can see some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Painted Wall, one of the breathtaking cliffs in the park, is the tallest cliff in Colorado at 2300 feet. The Empire State Building would extend slightly past halfway up the cliff if it were to stand on the canyon floor.

After traveling for less than two hours, we set up camp at the Gunnison KOA Journey.

On the way from the Black Canyon to Gunnison, I missed seeing one thing. A hike to Dillon Pinnacles, or at the very least a quick halt at Dillon Pinnacles Vista Point.  It takes roughly 22 minutes to get there from Gunnison. We were supposed to return the next day, but we couldn’t make it.

The Gunnison KOA Journey is situated alongside the Gunnison River. We headed to the river after dinner with the intention of going swimming. Well, we found the water to be too chilly. We observed some kayakers, who appeared to be having a good time. If you enjoy kayaking, you might give it some thought.

After supper, we drove north from the KOA. According to the travel brochures for Gunnison, there is an observatory nearby. We enjoy space, so why not go there? It’s a shame they were shut.

Then we continued driving till we arrived at Hartman Rocks Recreation Area. It serves as a great backyard for backcountry riding and is a well-known mountain biking spot. Check out this location if you enjoy mountain biking. You may learn all about the trails at the nearby bike shop, which also likely has rental bikes available.

Day 9: Gunnison to Crested Butte

Distance: 29.8 miles

Driving hours: 40 min.

Today we drove to Crested Butte, which is located north of Gunnison.

I fell in love with this tiny village of fewer than 2,000 residents right away. The charming, colorful buildings dot the old town. You can easily walk the entire distance. I immediately sensed a laid-back little town ambiance and kind people.

Visitors to Crested Butte will find enough to do. from bicycling and hiking to fishing and camping, among many other activities. We also enjoyed some of the city’s best pizzas and salads. While we were there, the wildflowers along the Oh-Be-Joyful trail were breathtaking. After all, Crested Butte is known as the “wildflower capital of Colorado.”

Check out my article on how to spend one day in Crested Butte in the summertime.

Day 10: Gunnison to Dallas

Distance: 807 miles

Driving hours: 13 h (different time zone at the destination)

Our Dallas to Colorado road trip has come to an end.

Originally, we planned to stop in Amarillo for the night before heading home. When we got to Amarillo, we still had the energy, so we decided to go home.

From Gunnison, we headed east on US-50 E toward Poncha Springs. We were mistaken when we assumed there wouldn’t be any more mountain passes. We traveled via the 11,312-foot-high Monarch Pass, which has numerous hairpin curves and a steep 7% grade. Ah, that’s stressful.

Later, I discovered that the Fast and Furious 7 movie was filmed in Monarch Pass.

Then we turned to CO-69 S passing Westcliffe before we turned to I-25 S in Walsenburg. 

The International Dark-Sky Association has named Westcliffe communities the first in Colorado to be honored for their outstanding stargazing opportunities.

The drive home from Walsenburg was similar to the first day of my road trip from Dallas to southwestern Colorado.

While the home is still 7,5 hours away, I always felt a sense of comfort when I saw the Welcome to Texas sign.

Tips For Dallas to Colorado Road Trip

We discovered that there are several mountain passes in this section of Colorado based on our initial encounter. Therefore, get ready for a mountainous drive.

Since you will be driving on some rough dirt roads, it will be better if you drive a truck or SUV.

Colorado features numerous campgrounds, including dispersed campgrounds, as well as hotels and Airbnbs. Make a reservation as soon as possible, though, as this region draws a lot of tourists from nearby states.

Summertime is a high season, and prices are greater than in Texas. You can always bring sandwiches from home for lunch on the go to save money. Additionally, bring enough food, drink, and snacks for 10 days.

However, it’s acceptable to treat yourself when traveling. On a vacation like this, we prefer to do that at least a few times.

Not to mention, we traveled while the pandemic was going on. Although there were still a lot of people about, I’m sure there were more when everything was usual.

Enjoy your road trip in southwestern Colorado!