Get ready to hit the open road as we embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the American Southwest. Our Southwest road trip begins in the bustling urban landscapes of Denver and Boulder, where city life meets mountain majesty. We'll then conquer the iconic Rocky Mountains, wander through the enchanting Garden of the Gods, embark on a scenic train ride through the Royal Gorge, and even ride the sandy waves at the Great Sand Dunes National Park.
But the adventure doesn't end there. As we venture south, we'll cross into New Mexico, where the historic charm of Santa Fe and the ancient traditions of Taos Pueblo await. Join us as we uncover the hidden treasures, both old and new, on this epic road trip from Colorado to New Mexico."
A 6-Day Southwest roadtrip through Colorado & New Mexico State
Day 1: Denver & Red Rocks Park
Denver
Denver is the capital and largest city in the state of Colorado, with a population of over 700,000. It is located in an area in the South Platte River Valley, near the famous Rocky Mountain range. The city is known as the Mile High City, as it is located at an elevation of exactly 1 mile above sea level.
What to do in Denver in one day:
1. Civic Center: This is one of the most interesting and famous areas in the city of Denver. Civic Center is a neighborhood in Denver known for being the center of civic life in the city, with numerous arts, government and cultural institutions, as well as numerous festivals, parades and protests throughout the year. Civic Center Park is a beautiful public park with statues, a fountain, beautiful gardens, a Greek amphitheater, a memorial and the Voorhies Memorial.
2. Capitol: The Colorado State Capitol is home to the Governor of the State of Colorado and the State Legislature. Inspired by the Capitol in Washington DC, the building was constructed in the 1890s of white granite and opened in 1894. The beautiful gilded dome was constructed with gold leaf detailing.
Hours: The Capitol is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm,
3. 16th Street Mall: The 16th Street Mall is an approximately 1.5-mile-long space that stretches from 16th Street in downtown Denver, Wewatta Street (at Union Station) to the intersection of 16th Avenue and Broadway (at Civic Center Station). In this space there are more than 300 varied stores, more than 50 restaurants, and more than 1,000 shops.
4. LoDo & Union Station: LoDo is the acronym for Lower Downtown, one of the downtown neighborhoods and one of Denver's oldest settlements. As the city grew, it became necessary to build railroads to connect the city with the rest of the United States. Thus, in 1881, Union Station, the central station, was built, from which the city increasingly developed. Today, LoDo is a historic mixed-use district known for its nightlife, which serves as a successful example of urban reinvestment and revitalization. The neighborhood is filled with restaurants, bars, cafes and stores.
5. Larimer Square: Known as the historic heart of Denver, Larimer Square is a charming stretch of cobblestone streets filled with boutique stores, art galleries, gourmet restaurants and lively bars. This quaint neighborhood is the ideal place to stroll, shop and enjoy the city's lively nightlife scene.
Red Rocks Park
On the outskirts of Denver, we stopped at Red Rocks Park, a park known for its red sandstone landscapes.
There you will find the Red Rocks Amphitheater, a huge amphitheater built into the stone where outdoor concerts are held.
We just found it closed for a concert, but the park has several free parking lots and trails through the rocks.
Day 2: Garden of the Gods & Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Garden of the Gods
The Garden of the Gods has rock formations of bright red and orange sandstone that are a spectacle and challenge for hikers, cyclists and climbers.
Most striking is an impressive range of reddish rock formations that hide more than 300 million years of geological evolution, following the narrowing of tectonic plates and the impact of weathering. The mountains and their capricious shapes, which arouse so much fascination, are the result of the superimposition of sedimentary rocks. Today, petroglyphs or cave paintings (symbolic designs, mostly made during the Neolithic period) are still preserved in some of the rock cavities.
The park is great if you want to be in the middle of nature and have a good time. Besides, the entrance is free!
The tour is a loop with several stops. We were there for a short time but these were our favorite stops:
Main Parking Lot
Siamese Twins Trail: This is an easy 1-mile roundtrip, with less than a 150-foot rise.
Balanced Rock
All aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad: A must-do experience to add to your Southwest road trip
Embark on an unforgettable experience aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. Located in Cañon City, Colorado, visitors will enjoy a breathtaking two-hour journey through the majestic Royal Gorge. As the only passenger train traveling through this beautiful canyon, the Royal Gorge Route provides breathtaking views.
What's more, the best part is that all passengers, regardless of their class, can enjoy unobstructed views of the breathtaking scenery from the open-air car.
Please note: the train does not turn around at the end of the line. It simply stops for a ten-minute break and continues the journey back to the station in reverse.
There are 3 ticket options: Coach, Deluxe and Vista Dome. We didn't want to eat or drink anything so we chose the Coach ticket. You are in a traditional passenger train style seating but the views are amazing. Also, since you have access to the open coach at the end you are outside more time than in your seat. The Coach ticket cost us $104 per person.
We then headed to our next State: New Mexico
Day 3: Santa Fé & Pueblo Taos
For our day 3 of this road trip, we woke up in Santa Fe, New Mexico. We only had one morning to visit this beautiful city. so if you only have a short time here's a detailed itinerary of what to do in Santa Fe:
Santa Fe Plaza
The historic heart of Santa Fe, the Plaza is surrounded by adobe buildings and offers a charming atmosphere. Start your morning here to absorb the city's essence.
Explore the Palace of the Governors, the oldest continuously used public building in the United States, showcasing regional history. Visit local artisans displaying Native American crafts under the portal.
Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi:
Located near the Plaza, this cathedral is a prominent landmark with a rich history. The current structure dates back to the late 19th century and features beautiful stained glass windows.
Take a moment to appreciate the architecture and step inside to experience the serene ambiance of this historic cathedral.
Loretto Chapel
Known for its mysterious spiral staircase, the Loretto Chapel is a Gothic-style chapel that dates back to the late 19th century ($5 to enter).
Marvel at the intricate design of the spiral staircase, often referred to as the "Miraculous Stair." Learn about the chapel's history and the legend surrounding the staircase.
Breakfast recommendation: French Pastry Shop & Restaurant Restaurant recommendation: Tomasita's Santa Fe New Mexican Restaurant |
After exploring Santa Fe we headed North towards Pueblo Taos. A must-visit if you are in New Mexico.
Pueblo Taos, nestled at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in northern New Mexico, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its centuries-old adobe structures and Native American culture.
The Taos Pueblo itself is a living community, continuously inhabited for over a thousand years. When visiting, explore the multi-storied adobe buildings, particularly the North House and the iconic San Geronimo Church, both dating back to the late 18th century. San Geronimo Church, with its distinctive silhouette against the mountains, showcases a blend of Pueblo and Spanish Colonial architectural styles.
Additionally, take the opportunity to engage with the residents, learn about their traditions, and appreciate the craftsmanship in the art galleries, where intricate handmade jewelry, pottery, and textiles are on display. The spiritual and historical significance of Pueblo Taos makes it a captivating destination, offering a unique window into Native American heritage.
$15 per person
Recommendation: take the guided tour where a local will explain everything in detail.
After a full day exploring New Mexico, we started again our road trip back to Colorado: Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Sand Dunes Lodge: best place to stay to enjoy the views of the Great Sand Dunes National Park (beautiful sunset). We stayed in the dome tent, which was amazing. Very clean and comfortable. Shared facilities were also very clean.   |
Day 4: Great Sand Dunes National Park, Aspen & Vail
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Located in the desert of the San Luis Valley, the Great Colorado Sand Dunes were created more than 440,000 years ago when a huge body of water called Lake Alamosa suddenly dried up, and the wind blew the sand left behind into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where it began to form taller and taller mounds. Today they are the tallest in North America, reaching heights of up to 230 meters.
Walking among these sand mountains is simply thrilling, which is why hiking is one of the main activities in the park. We did some hiking but we rented a sand board and it was an incredible experience, highly recommended!
The heat generated by the reflection of the sun makes the sand can be very hot, so it is recommended to wear shoes when hiking, and do not forget the sunscreen, the park is located at 2,470 meters above sea level.
You can see more information in this link. The entrance fee is $25 per car. If you have the National Parks annual pass it is included.
Aspen & Vail
Aspen and Vail, two jewels of the Colorado Rockies, offer a unique blend of natural beauty and luxury that's sure to captivate any traveler. In Aspen, you'll discover a charming mountain town with a thriving cultural scene, from world-class music festivals to art galleries, all set against a backdrop of majestic peaks. Vail, on the other hand, presents a stunning alpine oasis with an upscale ambiance, where you can embrace outdoor adventures like hiking and mountain biking or simply unwind in its picturesque villages. Whether you're seeking the high-energy vibe of Aspen or the refined tranquility of Vail, these destinations epitomize the enchanting allure of the Rocky Mountains year-round.
Hotel Snow Mountain Ranch: is a reasonably priced place to stay near the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The location is great for winter activities. It is quite a large property which has dedicated facilities for each activity (dining, sleeping, swimming, skiing, reading, archery!, etc.) |
Day 5: Rocky Mountains National Park
For our fourth day, we wanted to spend the full day in the Rockies. For those with just one day to explore the wonders of Rocky Mountain National Park (like we did), an efficient itinerary is key. Start your adventure at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center, if you are in the west side of the park. A good way to start your day to get valuable insights from park rangers.
To take into account before going: Timed-entry permits are required from late May through mid-October during peak hours (5am-6pm for the Bear Lake Road Corridor and 9am-2pm for the rest of the park), unless you have a camping permit, are part of a guided tour, or are entering via the Hiker Shuttle. The timed-entry permits need to be purchased in advance online. They specify which day and what time you are allowed to enter. They cannot be purchased at the entrance stations to the national park.
Once we got the permit we headed into the park. We made several stops before reaching the Bear Lake Road Corridor. The following stops were our favorites:
Continental Divide
Alpine Visitor Center
Forest Canyon Overlook
After having a quick lunch we headed to Bear Lake Road Corridor. To take into account before you go to this area, it tends to get very full and parking is difficult during summer. For this reason, the National Park has a free shuttle service from one of the first parking lots to the top. When we went it was low season so we parked directly on the top.
Bear Lake Road Corridor area has many different hikes. We wanted to spend the afternoon hiking so we did 3 hikes:
Bear Lake: A serene and picturesque location nestled against the grandeur of the Rockies. Here, you can embark on the Bear Lake Trail, a short and scenic loop that offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Just 256ft from the parking lot.
Short stop at Nymph Lake: 0.5miles
Dream Lake Hike: Proceed on the Dream Lake Trail, a 1.1-mile ascent from Bear Lake. This trail leads you to the ethereal Dream Lake, with its crystalline waters reflecting the towering Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain.
Lake Haiyaha Hike: Continue your adventure with the Lake Haiyaha hike, a 3.2-mile round-trip trail featuring intriguing boulder fields and a pristine mountain lake. The journey is well worth the breathtaking destination.
Before leaving the Rockies, we wanted to see the sunset and try to see mooses. We asked in different visitor centers to know which place was the best to see mooses. Most of the rangers told us that the best place to spot Mooses is Sprague Lake Sunset. A serene spot renowned for its stunning sunsets. Keep your eyes peeled for moose, which are often spotted in the area, creating a magical ending to your Rocky Mountain adventure.
We were very lucky and spotted 4 mooses:
Before you go to Rockies National Park:
Weather Preparedness: The Rockies' weather can be unpredictable, so dress in layers and bring rain gear.
Altitude Considerations: Be mindful of the high elevation; stay hydrated and take it easy if you're not acclimated.
Wildlife Etiquette: Keep a safe distance from wildlife, and don't feed or approach them.
Time & Park Pass: Ensure you have the required park pass for entry, available at the visitor center or online in advance.
Day 6: Boulder & Denver
Our last stop in this road trip was Boulder. This last destination surprised us for good and we would have loved to explore it much more. With the mountains as a backdrop and populated with bike paths, cozy cafes and sports stores, Boulder tempts you to stay more than a day! However, we only had one afternoon so we headed to the heart of the city: Pearl Street Mall, a pedestrian promenade with dozens of independent stores, restaurants, street artists...
Restaurant recommendation: Avanti Food and Beverage, Boulder - International fare served in a modern food court with a rooftop terrace, plus cocktails & beer.
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