Texas to Utah Road Trip Itinerary

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My family and I took a couple of road trips from Texas to Utah. On a road trip to the west, we made our first excursion there. Then there was the second when we went to Moab, Utah, via Colorado and back through New Mexico.

On our first trip, we drove from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Moab, Utah. Then, before moving on to Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park, we stopped in Salt Lake City and Logan. 

In this article, I will share our second road trip from Texas to Utah via Colorado and back via New Mexico. It was the summer my sister’s family from Indonesia came to stay with us.

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When planning a road trip, I want to include as many destinations or daytime activities as possible. The accommodations are only for sleeping and showering. It’s not a trip where you can say, “Been there, done that.” We stop, and not only to take pictures.

Let’s check the distance and travel time from Texas to Utah now. We then go on to the itinerary.  

Texas to Utah Road Trip Time & Distance

My family lives about an hour away in the south of Dallas. For this article, I’ll choose Dallas as a starting point. Moab was the other place I put when I looked at the map because that is where we’re heading in Utah.

As a result, Google Maps will inform you that the distance between Dallas and Moab is 1,009 miles, and the estimated driving duration is 15 hours and 45 minutes. While Utah is in mountain time, the destination is in a separate time zone.

It is a long drive and recommended to stay the night along the route due to the distance. That’s what we did exactly, but it took us longer than a single night to travel to Moab. Before reaching Moab, we stopped for a night in New Mexico and then traveled across Colorado for seven days.

Please find our Texas to Utah road trip itinerary below for future reference.

Texas to Utah Road Trip Itinerary

After my sister’s husband returned to Indonesia, we took my sister and her kids to Colorado and Utah. They had never been there before, and we thought they would enjoy the trip.

Here’s our Texas to Utah road trip itinerary via Colorado.

Texas to New Mexico – Day 1

Destination: Raton, New Mexico.

Distance: 576 miles

Driving time: 9 hr (destination is in a different time zone) 

Accommodation: Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Raton

On the first day of our trip, we drove straight to Capulin Volcano National Monument in Capulin, New Mexico. 

Usually, we would make a stop in Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle. Since we had stopped there on our road trip to the Grand Canyon a few days before this trip, we decided to skip the city.

If you haven’t been to Amarillo, there are three things that you can’t miss in Amarillo on your drive through town. The Big Texan, Cadillac Ranch, and Route 66 Historic District.

Capulin is an extinct cinder cone volcano. You can drive to the summit, then hike down to the crater’s base. The Capulin volcano has one of the nation’s darkest night sky, and you can view four separate states from its rim.

The cost of admission is $35 with a Capulin Volcano Annual Pass, $20 for private vehicles, $15 for individual motorcycles, and $10 for people arriving on foot or by bicycle. Alternately, utilize your annual and lifetime interagency passes for America the Beautiful. 

From here, we continued for about 35 miles to Raton, still in New Mexico, where we stayed for a night. 

If you travel in an RV or travel trailer, the Capulin Camp & RV Park is located right across the highway. We did tent camping a couple of times there, and there are cabins, too. During our stay, the restrooms were clean, and the WiFi connection was good. In the morning, we woke up to a Capulin Volcano view. The only downside of this park is it is loud. It’s right by the highway, and 18-wheelers pass by all night. You will need ear-plugs or noise-canceling headphones. However, I do not know if you can hear it from inside the cabin or the trailer.

New Mexico to Colorado – Day 2

Destination: Great Sand Dunes National Park in Alamosa, Colorado.

Distance: 176 miles

Driving Time: 4 hr

Accommodation: Hampton Inn Alamosa, CO.

According to Google, the quickest way to get to Great Sand Dunes National Park is via I-25 N and US-160 W. Compared to our path, it is two hours faster. Although we might have taken that route, we choose to travel via US-64 West and US Highway 285 North, passing via Cimarron, Eagle Nest, and Taos. You might wish to use our route if you have a Boy Scout in your home.

The Philmont Scout Ranch is in Cimarron. Every Scout desires to go backpacking at Philmont, and it serves as the base for such activity. We wanted to show our son the location for the first time.

When we visited Cimarron, the National Scouting Museum was ready to open. One of the exhibits had a spelling error that I hope was resolved. The museum location was previously in Irving, Texas.

Visit the Kit Carson Museum at Rayado while you’re there. On New Mexico Highway 21, it is seven miles south of Philmont’s main headquarters. Staff members at the museum dress historically and provide demonstrations of frontier trades like farming, farming, shooting, and blacksmithing. Our son had the opportunity to practice blacksmithing with his cousins. In the summertime, it is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm and is free to enter. After that, we passed through the Tooth of Time.

We ate lunch at the Village of Eagle Nest before moving to Taos. It is a tiny vacation and summer home area in Colfax County, New Mexico. A starting point for the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway. 

Although we only drove through downtown Taos, we did make a stop at the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. It is the second highest bridge in the U.S. Highway System and the fifth highest bridge in the country. You can see the bridge in several Hollywood films, like Paul, Terminator Salvation, Natural Born Killers, Wild Hogs, and White Sands.

If you go here, don’t forget to grab a cold coffee, milkshakes, or ice cream from The Bus Stop Ice Cream and Coffee Shop, parked not too far from the entrance to the bridge viewing area.

After checking in at the hotel, we drove to Sand Dunes. It was a perfect time because the sun was no longer in the sky. The sky was still bright, but the temperature was cooling down.

Great Sand Dunes National Park to Colorado Springs – Day 3

Destination: Colorado Springs

Distance: 235 miles

Driving time: 5 hr 30 min 

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Colorado Springs North, an IHG Hotel

After breakfast, we went back to the park for more fun on the sand. We rent the saucer and the board for sledding from Great Sand Dunes Oasis, located right before the park sign. Then back to the hotel for a shower before continuing to Colorado Springs.

As I already stated, I enjoy stopping along the way and taking detours. So I was on this trip.

We departed Alamosa by taking US-160 East to I-25 North. On the highway, we made a northerly turn in the direction of Denver. We took CO-165 N to Rye to stop at Bishop Castle after leaving Colorado City. Road trippers like to include this one-person continuing castle project in their schedule.

We continued on CO-165 West from Bishop Castle and followed CO-67 North to Phantom Canyon Road in Fremont County. One of Colorado’s most beautiful and storied roads is Phantom Canyon Road. It runs between Canon City and Victor along the same path as the Florence & Cripple Creek Railroad, constructed in 1894 during the height of the gold rush. Even after multiple trips on this road, we prefer it over staying on I-25 N.

When we arrived in Victor, we parked and strolled around this tiny mining settlement. Victor is a national historic district. Following the legalization of gambling in 1991, Cripple Creek, another mining town, came back to life.

After that, we continue on CO-67 N until we reach Divide. To go to Colorado Springs, we then drove onto US-24 E.

After dinner and checking in at the hotel, we immediately went to bed because it was a long drive.

Colorado Springs (Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak) – Day 4

Today, we went to Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, the two most popular places in Colorado Springs. To ensure you secure a parking spot when you visit Garden of the Gods, try to come before 8 am. Once you’ve finished exploring the park, you can go to the visitor center.

After lunch, we drove to Pikes Peak. Any trip to Colorado Springs must include a stop at this 14,115-foot mountain peak. Without traffic, the 19-mile trip there and back will take between 1.5 and 2 hours. 

There are many overlooks where you can stop to take in the scenery or go for a short trek. However, save Crystal Creek Reservoir for the return trip.

The summit road became a toll road several years ago. If there are more than five people in the car, there is an extra price for each adult or child. They charge per person, and each carload up to 5 passengers. Here’s the link for the Pikes Peak toll road.

One more thing.  The highway has no gas stations in its path. Make sure you fill up your tank or that it is at least halfway full.

Colorado Springs to Denver – Day 5

Distance: 70.5 miles

Driving time: 1 hr 10 min

Fortunately, Colorado Springs and Denver are only an hour apart. But that doesn’t include traffic. So plan on spending more time on the road.

We went to the 16th Street Mall in Denver. It is close to Denver’s central business district. Here, we walked, went shopping, and had lunch. Additionally, we ventured a little bit to view the Capitol Building and the Big Blue Bear at the Denver Convention Center. The entire 16th Street Mall serves by a free shuttle. It provides a good view of the whole 16th Street Mall.

We stopped at the Castlerock outlet center on the way back. On occasion, we enjoy doing a little shopping when traveling.

Colorado Springs to Mount Evans – Day 6

Distance: 126 miles

Driving time: 3 hr 20 min

It was a bit of a drive today from Colorado Springs. We traveled I-70 W to CO-103 S in Idaho Springs to reach the entrance to Mount Evans after traveling north on I-25 N into Denver.

North America’s highest paved road is the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. The road typically opens due to snow from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Although it’s a lovely drive, it’s not for the weak of the heart.

A quick quarter-mile trail leads to the 14,264-foot summit after you reach the summit. Enjoy the breathtaking vistas of the mountain ranges while doing this. Remember to locate a sign that reads, “Mt. Evans. 14,264 ft.” Your loved ones will believe you’ve ascended one of the fourteeners. Hehe.

There are a lot of mountain goats in this area. Don’t forget to look out for a marmot on the ascent.

You must currently make an online reservation to Mount Evans. Mount Evans + All Recreation Sites Vehicle Ticket is $15, and the Mt. Goliath Nature Center and Summit of Mount Evans Interpretive Area Ticket is $10. Also, you can use your America the Beautiful annual pass. When booking online, there is a $2 non-refundable fee.

Be aware that thunderstorms frequently occur here in the afternoon. To avoid the storm, it is best to visit and leave the mountain before midday.

Colorado Springs to Rocky Mountain National Park – Day 7

Distance: 137 miles

Driving time: 2 hr 40 min

Rocky Mountain National Park is another long day trip from Colorado Springs, but it’s worth the trek.

We went the day before July 4th, which, according to the park ranger we met at Moraine Park Discovery Center, is one of the busiest days in the park. Everyone who came to the park wanted to take the Trail Ridge Road up to the summit. Instead, the Park Ranger advised that we begin at Old Fall River Road. We took his advice, and I believe it was the wisest move to make when you only make a day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park in the summer.

After Rocky Mountain, we stopped at Estes Park’s Stanley Hotel. It is a location where Stephen King found inspiration for his well-known work, The Shining. The hotel has since installed a hedge labyrinth in the front yard where guests can act out the scenario where Jack Torrance chases Danny Torrance.

Then, while enjoying ice cream and chocolate, we headed downtown to see elk. 

Colorado Springs to Paint Mines Interpretive Park – Day 8

Distance: 36.9 miles

Driving time: 50 min

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

We just so happened to be here over the Fourth of July. We visited Calhan’s Paint Mines Interpretive Park in the morning. You can see layers of colorful clay there that Native Americans used to create paint. The park also has spires and hoodoos.

We took in the Fourth of July festivities at Lone Tree, which is about 50 minutes from Colorado Springs, in the afternoon. There, where my buddy and her husband reside, they have already purchased advance tickets for us. The celebration was wonderful up until the storm arrived. Thankfully, it stopped in the evening so that we could take in the breathtaking fireworks show.

Colorado Springs to Utah – Day 9

Destination: Moab

Distance: 420 miles

Driving time: 6 hr 40 min

Accomodation: Cabin at Moab Rim RV Campark

We bid beautiful Colorado farewell today and welcomed Utah!

As when we traveled to Mount Evans, we turned onto I-70 W after following I-25 N. However, we continued on I-70 West and made a brief detour to Vail. Although it wasn’t on my schedule, it ended up being a lovely visit. 

Colorado’s Vail is a stunning alpine town. It is an Alpine ski resort with Bavarian influences.

We made a stop at the visitor center to look for things to do during our hour-long visit. The clerk suggested we go to Betty Ford Alpine Garden and we weren’t at all left disappointed. The hour we had was the only thing I regretted. I wish we could make it longer. 

We arrived in Moab late in the afternoon, and it was really hot! Although summer is ideal if you have a full-time student at home, spring and fall are the greatest times to visit Moab.

Moab has pricey hotels. The ones that are still available if you wait to book as we did will cost $300 and up for a night. At Moab Rim RV Campark, we discovered a cabin with communal bathrooms and complete air conditioning. The bathroom and the room were both spotless.

We checked in, rested for a little, and then headed to Arches National Park. I knew where to go first for this brief window of time before it got dark because we’d been to Arches previously. To see the sunset, we proceeded to the Windows Section.

We stopped in town for dinner on the way back to the cabin.

Moab – Day 10

Destination: Arches National Park & Canyonlands National Park

We returned to Arches National Park before 8 am. First, we went to Balanced Rock and Double Arch. After making stops at Sand Dune Arch and Skyline Arch, we continued to Devil’s Garden. We hiked to Landscape Arch, the longest arch in the country, in the Devil’s Garden region. In the late afternoon, we arrived back at the car. The temperature was already 106°F. It was hot!

Then, after making a brief stop at Courthouse Tower & Park Avenue, we returned to town.

We visited the local Moab Rock Shop after lunch. If you enter from Arches’ direction, it will be on your left side. We frequently stopped here because both my husband and son enjoy rocks.

We returned to the cabin for a siesta because it was too hot outside. Even going for a walk around town was too exhausting for us. 

After supper, we drove to Canyonlands National Park. It’s about 30.2 miles (35 min) from downtown Moab to the entrance. We stopped at a few overlooks. 

Make sure to visit Mesa Arch if you go to Canyonlands. The view from the arch is breathtaking. Although we have never had the chance to see Mesa Arch at sunrise, it is particularly stunning then.

Read the following link for detailed information on your 2 days visit in Arches National Park.

And following is the link to the must-see arches in Arches National Park.

Moab to Colorado – Day 11

Destination: Mesa Verde National Park in Cortez, Colorado.

Distance: 145 miles

Driving time: 2 hr 50 min

Accommodation: Mesa Verde RV Resort 

Early in the morning, we left the cabin for Arches National Park again. This time we went hiking to the Delicate Arch, the most famous arch in the park. The most famous natural stone arch in the world! 

Since this trail is quite popular, try to depart no later than six in the morning. When you come late, finding a parking space is difficult.

The trail is roughly 3 miles (4.8 km) long in total. You will complete the challenging path in two to three hours. This trail has some exposure to heights and ascends a steep, slick rock slope for 480 feet (146 meters). Hiking here is like hiking the Summit Trail in Enchanted Rock, Texas Hill Country, but three times challenging.

We still had time to take showers before departing from Moab. Before you climb to the Delicate Arch, be sure to check your check-out time. When you return to the car, you will soak with sweat. You want to take a shower. Believe me.

Then we began our trip home. Mesa Verde National Park near Cortez, Colorado, was our first stop.

When we arrived in Cortez, we drove straight to Mesa Verde National Park. We had the opportunity to visit every location in the park and even take the Cliff Palace Tour.

The cabin at Mesa Verde RV Resort, across the street from the National Park, served as lodging for the night. The children enjoyed swimming at the resort, and the accommodation was spotless.

Colorado to New Mexico – Day 12

Destination: Tucumcari, New Mexico.

Distance: 437 miles

Driving time: 7 hr 10 min

Accommodation: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Tucumcari

Initially, we were going to travel to White Sands National Park in Alamogordo and Carlsbad Cavern National Park. But the heat in Moab was killing us. So we decided to go home. After traveling as far as we could, we slept the night in Tucumcari.

New Mexico to Texas – Day 13

Destination: Dallas, Texas

Distance: 476 miles 

Driving time: 7 hr 10 min (destinations is in a different time zone)

One of the original Route 66 highways is Tucumcari Boulevard. We took a drive through the town to explore the remains of Mother Road Route 66 before heading out for Dallas. 

Then it’s back home to the south of Dallas, Texas!

Although Moab became hot, everyone enjoyed themselves. I wanted to revisit White Sands National Park, but it was too hot. We haven’t been there in a very long time.

Well, I hope our Texas to Utah road trip itinerary will come in handy for your next road trip from Dallas! You will have a great time visiting three states in one road trip. 

Enjoy travel, enjoy road tripping!