FAMILY RV VACATIONS
Whether navigating along the mesas of the Western Slope, the rolling prairies of the Eastern Plains, or the high-altitude switchbacks that traverse the Rocky Mountains, a RV trip through Colorado means inspiring views and unmatched experiences.
Colorado’s myriad roadways all lead to adventure, but if you need a few ideas to get started, consider these tried-and-true routes.
Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic and Historic Byway
Distance (one way): 129 miles
Estimated Driving Time Without Stops: 3 hours
Beginning/Ending Points: Cumbres Pass, Alamosa
Route Summary: Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic and Historic Byway zigzags through the beautiful San Luis Valley. The route eventually rises into the southern San Juan Mountains, where evergreens dominate the landscape.
The Sights and Stops
Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railway, San Luis and Stations of the Cross Shrine, Fort Garland, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, San Luis State Park, Alamosa
Pawnee Pioneer Trails Scenic and Historic Byway
Distance (one way): 128 miles
Estimated Driving Time Without Stops: 3 hours
Beginning/Ending Points: Ault, Fort Morgan, Sterling
Route Summary: It won’t take long to be amazed by the Pawnee National Grassland. Meadowlarks sing from their perches, pronghorn graze in the distance and the flat tops of the Pawnee Buttes jut up, dominating the horizon.
Note: Much of this road is packed dirt and caution should be exercised in heavy rain or snowy conditions.
The Sights and Stops
Ault, Pawnee National Grassland, Pawnee Buttes, Fort Morgan, Sterling , Overland Trail Museum
Dinosaur Diamond Scenic and Historic Byway
Distance (Colorado section, one way): 134 miles
Estimated Driving Time Without Stops: 4 hours
Beginning/Ending Points: Grand Junction, Dinosaur
Route Summary: Dinosaur Diamond travels through Colorado’s Western Slope, where vineyards spread beneath the foot of tawny-colored mesas. The northern tip of the route passes near Dinosaur National Monument, where, in addition to spectacular fossil finds, rivers oxbow through the land, inviting river rafters to take paddle in hand and ride the rapids. Outside Fruita, along the southern section, take a detour into Colorado National Monument to marvel at its sandstone spires and bluffs.
The Sights and Stops
Grand Junction, Colorado National Monument, Fruita, Colorado Welcome Center at Fruita, Highline Lake State Park, Canyon Pintado, Dinosaur, Colorado Welcome Center at Dinosaur, Dinosaur National Monument
Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway
Distance (one way): 188 miles
Estimated Driving Time Without Stops: 4 hours
Beginning/Ending Points: Trinidad, Lamar
Route Summary: The Santa Fe Trail was one of the nation’s first major routes west. While a good portion of the trail runs through Colorado’s prairie, the original path spanned 900 miles and reached from Missouri to New Mexico. This route was so heavily used and integral to the country’s western migration, that original wagon ruts left by pioneers more than 150 years ago can still be seen along sections of the trail. While traveling this historic byway, watch for pronghorn on the prairie – the fastest land mammal in the western hemisphere.
The Sights and Stops
Welcome Center at Trinidad, Trinidad, Trinidad State Park, Comanche National Grassland, Fort Carson, La Junta, Rocky Ford, Bent’s Old Fort, Las Animas, John Martin Reservoir State Park, Welcome Center at Lamar
Trail of the Ancients Scenic and Historic Byway
Distance (one way): 114 miles
Estimated Driving Time Without Stops: 3 hours
Beginning/Ending Points: Colorado/Utah border
Route Summary: In a landscape of red and ochre sandstone, mesas, buttes and hills are dotted with the dark green of piñon juniper pine. In the distance, the deep blue San Juan Mountains cut the horizon. Cliff dwellings tucked away in canyon alcoves and rock art decorating the sandstone are a few of the many highlights to investigate along this byway.
The Sights and Stops
Yucca House National Monument, Cortez, Colorado Welcome Center at Cortez, Mesa Verde National Park, Dolores, Anasazi Heritage Center, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
For more routes or additional information on Colorado’s Scenic and Historic Byways, visit Colorado.com/ScenicByways and Coloradobyways.org
< Back to Articles
   |
