Colorado RV Vacations for the Family
An 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 family-favorite routes along scenic byways, historic sites and national parks and monuments.
An 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 family-favorite routes along scenic byways, historic sites and national parks and monuments.
Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic & Historic Byway
Distance (one way): 129 miles
Estimated Driving Time Without Stops: 3 hours
Beginning/Ending Points: Cumbres Pass, Alamosa
Route Summary: The 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.
Sights & 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
Dinosaur Diamond Scenic & 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.
Sights & Stops: Grand Junction, Colorado National Monument, Fruita, Colorado Welcome Center at Fruita, Highline Lake State Park, Dinosaur, Colorado Welcome Center at Dinosaur, Dinosaur National Monument
Santa Fe Trail Scenic & 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.
Sights & Stops: Trinidad, Trinidad Lake State Park, Comanche National Grassland, Fort Carson, La Junta, Rocky Ford, Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site, Las Animas, John Martin Reservoir State Park, Welcome Center at Lamar
Trail of the Ancients Scenic & 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 pinyon 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 the Trail of the Ancients scenic and historic byway.
Sights & Stops: Cortez, Colorado Welcome Center at Cortez, Mesa Verde National Park, Dolores, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
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Photo: Colorado National Monument.
