Colorado National Parks Road Trip

Home to the highest peaks of the Rocky Mountain chain, Colorado is an outdoor lover's paradise. But don't just take our word for it; the U.S. government has dedicated four natural areas in the state as national parks, a designation reserved for only the most special and unique wilderness areas in the country. 

Explore the high-mountain paradise that is Colorado on a national parks road trip for the ages. This itinerary covers a week-long trip of eight days and seven nights, but you can easily customize it to fit your needs.

Days 1 & 2: Rocky Mountain National Park

The first stop on our Colorado national parks road trip itinerary is Rocky Mountain National Park, which covers 265,000 acres of pure Rocky Mountain splendor and is an easy drive from Denver.

Up for a hike? You’ll find more than 300 miles of hiking trails crisscrossing several different eco-systems at Rock Mountain National Park. While the park is open year-round, many of the high-altitude attractions are only accessible in the summer season. 

This park is also home to one of the oldest scenic drives in the Western USA, Old Fall River Road—a breathtaking part of any Colorado national parks itinerary with its deep forests and historic sights. 

Another great option—especially for those who want to really experience the Rockies—is Trail Ridge Road, which winds up into pure Alpine wilderness areas as it crosses the park.

Days 3 & 4: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

While Rocky Mountain National Park is Colorado's most well-known national park, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is almost completely off the tourist radar.  

That means that jaw-dropping steep cliffs and craggy peaks carved out over millions of years by the Gunnison River will be less crowded. This park is only open from April until November, so plan your Colorado national park road trip accordingly. 

While you need a wilderness pass and some basic survival equipment and skills to visit the depths of the Black Canyon, all it takes to enjoy the 12 lookout points along its rim is a vehicle. 

South Rim Road, which begins at the South Rim Visitors Center, is the perfect way to spend a day of your road trip. At night, you can grab a cozy hotel room in the nearby town of Montrose.

Days 5 & 6: Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

The windswept sands of Great Sand Dunes National Park look more like something you would expect to see in the African Sahara, not the middle of the U.S. No Colorado national parks road trip would be complete without a stop to see the largest sand dunes in the country. 

Open year-round, this special park also boasts pristine forests, wetlands, and frosty snow-covered peaks. It’s about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park. 

After a day discovering the dunes, rest your head for the night in the nearby city of Alamosa.

Days 7 & 8 - Mesa Verde National Park

Located in southwestern Colorado and about four hours by car from Great Sand Dunes National Park, lies a land of mystery and enchantment that needs to be on every Colorado national park road trip itinerary: Mesa Verde National Park. 

While the natural beauty of this 80-square-mile protected area is incredible, the main draw is the well-preserved ancient cliff dwellings of the Pueblo civilization that made the area its home around 1,300 years ago. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is best explored on foot via trails that lead to “Cliff Palace”, adobe brick complexes built into sheer rock wall.

The nearby historic art town of Durango is a fun and exciting place to make your home base for this leg of the journey. Durango is also the gateway to one of the most scenic drives in the United States, the San Juan Skyway. 

The 235-mile loop cuts through Rocky Mountain scenery and a handful of old mining towns—a picturesque ending to an epic Colorado national parks road trip.

Planning for a Colorado National Parks Road Trip

You’ll experience weather's full extremes during each season in Colorado, and even more so in the national parks as they are primarily in the high Rocky Mountains. Dress in layers to be prepared for swings in temperature, and also include supplies for very cold and hot weather. 

During the summer, you’ll want to pack plenty of water to stay hydrated, sunscreen, and a hat. In spring and fall, most parks are open and temperatures are typically mild, but always check the weather before heading out on your Colorado national park road trip journey.

Most national parks in Colorado are covered in snow during the winter (making it impossible to hike), but some parks like the Great Sand Dunes National Park are spectacular this time of year. Remember to pack essentials like blankets, a first aid kit, and even a winter preparedness kit in case you encounter a mountain-top emergency.  

Download the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts app to book your stays and get the best deals on your upcoming Colorado national parks road trip vacation.