Best Road Trips From Colorado Springs

Found in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, head out from Colorado Springs to discover state parks, charming mountain towns, or some of the most famous national parks in the region.

Top Road Trip Destinations From Colorado Springs

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Our rankings are based only on editorial opinion, not any commercial consideration.
Summer Sunset at Sprague Lake - A panoramic Summer sunset view at Sprague Lake, with high peaks of Continental Divide rising at shore, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA.

πŸš— 150 miles ⏱️ 3 hours

Explore the stunning landscapes and wildlife of Rocky Mountain National Park, with breath taking mountain views and miles of hiking trails.

Denver, Colorado, USA downtown with the City Park in the foreground and the skyline in the distance.
2.

Denver

πŸš— 70 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 20 minutes

Discover the vibrant city of Denver, known for its cultural attractions, craft breweries and bustling downtown area.

Panoramic view of colourful buildings lit by golden sunlight through clouds, surrounded by mountains with snow and pine trees
3.

Vail

πŸš— 98 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 35 minutes

Experience the charm of Vail, a pretty mountain town renowned for its world-class skiing, upscale stores, and scenic beauty.

Great Sand Dunes National Park Colorado at Sunset
4.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

πŸš— 170 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 40 minutes

Take on an adventure to Great Sand Dunes National Park, where you can witness towering dunes as you hike through the impressive landscape.

Night time view of Milky Way Galaxy panorama over a lit Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park, Utah

πŸš— 470 miles ⏱️ 8 hours, 10 minutes

Discover the red rock landscapes and stunning arch formations of Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. An unrivalled setting for hiking, photography, and exploring.

Old vintage wood signboard with text saying Welcome to Santa Fe hanging on a branch
6.

Santa Fe

πŸš— 330 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 50 minutes

Immerse yourself in the culture and art scene of Santa Fe, known for its historic architecture, eclectic galleries, and delicious New Mexican dishes.

Breckenridge Colorado mountain view, with snow glistening in the bright sun and a blue sky above
7.

Breckenridge

πŸš— 105 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 15 minutes

Discover the charming mountain town of Breckenridge, offering world-class skiing in the winter and outdoor adventures, dining, and shopping year-round.

A road winds towards Downtown Estes Park, with The Stanley Hotel and Rocky Mountains in background on a sunny fall afternoon
8.

Estes Park

πŸš— 155 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 40 minutes

Explore the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park, offering stunning mountain scenery and plenty of outdoor fun for the whole family.

Man with white cowboy hat riding a black horse overlooking John Ford's Point and canyons
9.

Monument Valley

πŸš— 480 miles ⏱️ 8 hours, 30 minutes

Marvel at the iconic red rock formations of Monument Valley, featured in countless films, and awe-inspiring beauty of the American Southwest.

Red historic Argo Gold Mine, Mill and Tunnel in Idaho Springs, Colorado, with disused old machinery in the foreground
10.

Idaho Springs

πŸš— 100 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 50 minutes

Experience the historic charm of Idaho Springs, nestled in the Rocky Mountains, known for its hot springs, outdoor adventures, and quaint downtown area.

Dawn's First Light Royal Gorge Bridge in Canon City.
11.

CaΓ±on City

πŸš— 45 miles ⏱️ 1 hour

Embark on an adventure in CaΓ±on City, known for its beauty, thrilling whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River, and the historic Royal Gorge Bridge.

Side road full of trees at the Golden Gate Canyon State Parks, Colorado in autumn with mist not totally covering the mountain background
12.

Golden Gate Canyon State Parks

πŸš— 110 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 10 minutes

Explore the natural beauty of Golden Gate Canyon State Park, brimming with hiking trails, scenic views, and the chance for camping and wildlife viewing just outside of Denver.

Red colored unique buildings of Taos, framed by autumn foliage
13.

Taos

πŸš— 280 miles ⏱️ 5 hours

Discover the artistic and cultural hub of Taos, known for its historic architecture, arts scene, and outdoor opportunities in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

The view from the summit of Pikes Peak onto the forested mountains
14.

Pikes Peak

πŸš— 30 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 10 minutes

Take on the summit of Pikes Peak, one of Colorado's iconic fourteeners, and enjoy breath taking views of the Rocky Mountains and surrounding landscapes.

A group of people white water rafting in orange and blue rafts on the Arkansas River in Salida, Colorado, surrounded by pine trees
15.

Salida

πŸš— 105 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 10 minutes

Explore the charming mountain town of Salida, offering outdoor adventures like whitewater rafting, hiking, and biking, as well as art galleries, breweries, and local cuisine.

Aerial view with sunset across downtown Golden, Colorado
16.

Golden

πŸš— 82 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 30 minutes

Discover the historic town of Golden, home to the Coors Brewery, Clear Creek Whitewater Park, with the chance for hiking, biking, and climbing in the nearby foothills of the Rockies.

A historical cattle ranch in Westcliffe, with the backdrop of the mountains

πŸš— 80 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 35 minutes

Experience the calmness of Westcliffe, a small mountain town surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and a peaceful escape from city life.

Row of old-fashioned Wild West buildings that now house casinos on a partially cloudy day

πŸš— 50 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 20 minutes

Step back in time in Cripple Creek, a historic mining town turned casino destination, where you can explore museums, and try your luck at the gaming tables.

Longer road trips from Colorado Springs

View  down into the Grand Canyon at sunset.

πŸš— 830 miles ⏱️ 15 hours

You can expect an unforgettable journey to the Grand Canyon, one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders.

Las Vegas Strip with hotels and casinos lit up and the Bellagio Fountain at night

πŸš— 940 miles ⏱️ 16 hours

The glitz and glamour of Las Vegas is unrivalled, with iconic casinos and world-class entertainment.