The Best Stops On A Colorado To Texas Road Trip

There are many major cities in both Colorado and Texas, perfect for starting or ending a road trip. One of the best road trip routes from Colorado to Texas is from Estes Park, Colorado, to San Antonio, Texas. If you do not want to start so far north in Colorado, Colorado Springs is another fantastic area to start a road trip to Texas. There are a lot of incredible sights along the way, including National Parks, the country’s 2nd largest canyon, Historic Route 66, plenty of small towns, and some great cities with plenty of things to see and do. 

The most direct route from Estes Park to San Antonio, Texas, is just shy of 1000 miles (15.5 hours) if you were to drive straight through. But of course, a road trip is only as good as the stops you make along the way! I recommend 10-14 days to complete this road trip to give yourself plenty of time for all of the places to visit between Colorado and Texas.

In this post, I highlight the best road trip stops along a drive starting near Estes Park, CO, and ending in San Antonio, Texas.

Estes Park

Located near the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is one of the best places to visit between Colorado and Texas. At 7,500 feet above sea level, it has a small-town vibe, incredible mountain views, and a ton of scenic drives. 

Enjoy a moderate hike up Kruger Rock – this path will lead you 9,300 feet above sea level. At the top, you’ll see stunning views of the entire town, the Mummy Range to the north, Longs Peak in the south, and the Continental Divide between them!

If you love all things spooky, take a tour of The Stanley Hotel, which inspired Stephen King’s The Shining. Legend has it that this hotel is haunted—experience it after dark on a Stanley Night Tour.

You can also walk along Elkhorn Avenue, located in downtown Estes Park. This walkable street boasts over 200 stores, restaurants, and attractions. It’s a perfect area to unwind with a relaxing cup of joe!

Rocky Mountain National Park

You could easily spend three days inside Rocky Mountain National Park and still not experience everything it offers! At this national park, you can explore five glaciers, 11,000-foot peaks, and 150 alpine lakes. Start at the Alpine Visitor Center for panoramic views – over 11,000 feet above sea level!

One of the best hiking trails in this park is the Emerald Lake Trail, which stretches about 3.5 miles round-trip and follows the edge of a stunning alpine lake with dramatic mountain views. Be sure to visit Andrews Glacier, which is perfect for beginner mountaineers. In the summer, this is also a great spot for wildflower viewing.

If you’re an experienced hiker, Longs Peak is worth exploring – it’s the highest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park at over 14,000 feet. Through the Keyhole Route, it is possible to climb this summit in one day, but you can camp at the base of this peak to turn it into a two-day adventure!

Denver

As one of the most beautiful cities in the United States, Denver has several popular attractions and is one of the best places to visit between Colorado and Texas. Watching a concert at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater should be at the top of your Denver bucket list – catch a seat in the back for incredible sunset views over the city skyline and red rocks.

Red Rocks Park also has several hiking trails. The Trading Post Trail is a great option, spanning only 1.5 miles and showcasing gorgeous rust-colored Buttes.

If you’re traveling with the whole family, the Denver Zoo is a fun-visit – it’s home to over 4,000 animals and 2 million visitors every year. The Denver Botanic Gardens, with over 50 gardens, and the Downtown Aquarium, are other amazing attractions for the family.

Colorado Springs

Nestled at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs has incredible natural beauty and should be part of any Colorado road trip itinerary. This town is best known for the Garden of the Gods park, home to red rock formations, hiking trails, and the towering 14,114-foot Pikes Peak.

Outside of Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs has several museums and attractions. The 60,000-square-foot US Olympic and Paralympic Museum is home to 12 galleries and several displays on Olympic history.

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is another popular attraction, perfect for the entire family. You can even feed the giraffes while you’re here!

Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods showcases 300 million years of geological history and otherworldly red rock formations – you’ll want to bring your camera for this one!

Check out the Siamese Twins Trail, a short round trip path that will lead you to a massive rock formation with a fantastic view of Pikes Peak. The Perkins Garden Trail is another favorite, accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

This park’s main road goes right past Balanced Rock, an enormous boulder that looks like it might tip over at any second. Be sure to snap a picture!

Pikes Peak

The most notable attraction within Garden of the Gods is Pikes Peak, rising 14,000 feet into the sky – this is a must on any Colorado Springs road trip. You can go on a 19-mile scenic drive to the top of this mountain or opt to hike to the top for more of a challenge.

A shuttle bus will take you to the top of this national natural landmark, starting on the Pikes Peak Highway at mile 7. This is an easier option than the steep drive to the summit.

Manitou Springs

Just six miles west of Colorado Springs, this small mountain town is one of the best places to visit between Colorado and Texas. If you’re up for a challenging hike, check out the Manitou Incline – this hike gains 2,000 feet of elevation in less than a mile!

History lovers can visit the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, which have been around for 800 years. The Manitou Mineral Springs are another must-visit – these hot springs were once believed to have healing properties.

Be sure to spend some time strolling around the quirky and colorful downtown area. You’ll find several art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants in this neighborhood. Stop into The Garden of the Gods Trading Post for unique handmade items. If you’re a foodie, you can’t go wrong with the free olive oil samples at The Olive Tap.

Bishop Castle

Jim Bishop has been building the Bishop Castle, one of the most exciting monuments in Colorado, for the past 60 years. This incredible structure has three stories of rooms, including a Grand Ballroom, whimsical towers, and bridges with panoramic views.

This castle even has a “fire-breathing dragon,” a sculpture that sits 80 feet above the Grand Ballroom and literally breathes fire due to a hot air balloon burner placed in its throat.

Cañon City & the Royal Gorge Route Railroad

With tons of outdoor activities, Cañon City is a fun spot to spend the day. Start at Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, home to the highest suspension bridge in the United States. Walking across the bridge, you’ll see breathtaking views of the Royal Gorge and the Arkansas River flowing beneath it.

One of the best ways to experience the Royal Gorge is on a ride with the Royal Gorge Railroad. Not only will you see incredible views from your comfortable seat, but you’ll get to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner aboard the train.

For those who want more of a thrill, the Arkansas River is one of the best places for whitewater rafting. A guided river rafting tour is the best and safest way to experience this river up close.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

With the tallest dunes on the continent, Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the best places to visit between Colorado and Texas. Star Dune and Hidden Dune are this park’s most impressive sand dunes–they both climb to 741 feet.

Other than climbing the dunes, sand sledding or sandboarding is one of the best ways to experience this park. Bring your board with you, and check the weather. You’ll want to bring tons of water, sunscreen, and a windproof jacket to protect you from the stinging sensation of wind-blown sand.

Capulin Volcano National Monument (New Mexico)

The Capulin Volcano National Monument is home to a massive extinct volcano, which you can see even miles away from the park. Start by driving to the top of the volcano for panoramic views!

This land has about 5 miles of trails, so it’s a great pit stop as you’re driving from Colorado to Texas. For a paved, one-mile loop around the rim of the volcano, the Crater Rim Trail won’t disappoint.

Head to the bottom of the Capulin’s Crater on the .2-mile Crater Vent Trail. To experience the volcano’s lava flow, walk the 1-mile lava flow trail.

Caprock Canyons State Park

Caprock Canyons State Park encompasses 15,000 acres of land in Briscoe County, Texas. Within this park, you can enjoy over 90 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. You’ll find easy trails like the Mesa Trail and super challenging routes like Haynes Ridge Overlook Trail.

After a long hike, be sure to cool off in the 120-acre surface Lake Theo – this water is perfect for fishing, swimming, and boating.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” Palo Duro Canyon State Park is home to the second largest canyon in the United States, so it’s one of the best places to visit between Colorado and Texas.

Located in the Texas Panhandle, this park is packed with spectacular views, historical sites, and miles of hiking and biking trails—the 16 marked trails range from easy and flat to longer and rugged. No matter which one you choose, you’ll see ancient landslides, caverns, and wildlife viewing areas.

Amarillo

This small town is home to some quirky attractions and some iconic Route 66 roadside attractions. Historic Route 66 runs right through the Texas Panhandle and Amarillo. Bring a can of spray paint and visit Cadillac Ranch to leave your tag on one of the 18 buried Cadillacs. If you need a bite to eat, head to The Big Texan Steak Ranch, home of the 72-oz steak-eating challenge.

If you love aviation and space history, visit the Texas Air & Space Museum. The museum provides educational opportunities and showcases artifacts related to the history of aviation and space exploration.

Or relax at the Amarillo Botanical Gardens, which features a diverse collection of plants, including native species and exotic varieties.

Wichita Falls, TX

Situated in north Texas, Wichita Falls is one of the best places to visit on a road trip between Colorado and Texas. This medium-sized town has several attractions, like Lucy Park. This park covers 178 acres in the city center and is filled with cottonwood trees, pecan trees, and other native flora and fauna. It’s a great place to take a walk on a pleasant day.

The World’s Littlest Skyscraper is another fun attraction, standing 40 feet tall and 18 by 12 feet. Located in the historic downtown area, this small red brick building is a fun place to stop for a picture.

Wichita Falls is also known for its local mural scene. Check out Cleopatra’s Eyes, located at the corner of 8th and Burnett, along with other scenes like gorillas, parrots, and trains.

Fort Worth

A stop in Fort Worth is a must for authentic Texas charm and unique activities. Visit the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, where visitors can witness daily cattle drives, explore old Western-style saloons, shop for cowboy gear, and even attend a rodeo, all in a setting that feels like a step back in time.

Billy Bob’s Texas is another must-see stop in Fort Worth. Known as the “World’s Largest Honky Tonk,” Billy Bob’s Texas is a legendary venue where visitors can enjoy live country music, dance, and even watch indoor professional bull riding.

If you love museums, head to Fort Worth’s Cultural District, which is home to world-class museums, including the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. These institutions house impressive collections ranging from classical masterpieces to contemporary works.

The oldest botanic garden in Texas is also located in Fort Worth. The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is a lush 120-acre space that features a variety of themed gardens, including the serene Japanese Garden. It is a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city, perfect for stretching your legs after a long drive!

Dallas

There are plenty of day trips to take from Dallas, which makes it a great home base for exploring North Central Texas. With so much to do, it would be easy to spend a week in Dallas and still not see everything it has to offer! Start at the Dallas Museum of Art, housing ancient art pieces from Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

The Sixth Floor Museum and Dealey Plaza is another must-visit – this was the site of John F. Kennedy’s assassination and details his life and legacy through several exhibits.

If you’re here with the whole family, spend the day at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. With 18,000 square feet of educational displays and hands-on exhibits, like dinosaur skeletons and scavenger hunts, this museum is perfect for visitors of all ages. 

Waco

For a small-town atmosphere with big-city attractions, Waco is one of the best places to visit in Texas. If you love interior design, start at Magnolia Market at the Silos. Chip and Joanna Gaines, hosts of the show Fixer Upper, curated this collection of boutiques offering home goods, gifts, and apparel. The Silos offer a mix of home decor shops, a bakery, food trucks, a garden, and open spaces perfect for relaxing or playing games.

The Dr. Pepper Museum is another fun Waco attraction. This museum details the history of Dr Pepper and its invention in Waco. Tour the three-story Dr. Pepper Factory while you’re here. You’ll even get a free Dr. Pepper with the price of admission!

Another intriguing attraction in Waco is the Waco Mammoth National Monument. This paleontological site is home to the remains of a nursery herd of Columbian mammoths, offering a rare glimpse into the Ice Age. The site is the only recorded discovery of a herd of mammoths in the world.

You can also visit the Texas Ranger hall of fame and museum, and get a better glimpse into the history and legacy of the Texas Rangers, one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the country.

Austin

As the state capital of Texas, Austin has plenty to offer. Explore the Texas State Capitol building, which rises 14 feet taller than the US Capitol in Washington, DC!

If you love outdoor recreation, spend the day at Zilker Park, home to the Zilker Botanical Gardens, Umlauf Sculpture Garden, and the Barton Springs Pool. Barton Springs is particularly refreshing on a hot summer day – this natural spring never gets hotter than 70 degrees!

Austin is also known for its live music scene – you can catch a show at Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater. Sixth Street also has countless live music joints, including Maggie Mae’s and Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar. This is the best place to see up-and-coming talent!

San Antonio

The final destination on this list is San Antonio. This major city in south-central Texas is best known for its San Antonio Riverwalk. You’ll find dozens of restaurants, sidewalk cafes, and boutique hotels along the Riverwalk – it even connects Brackenridge Park with the San Antonio Museum of Art.

Another popular historical site is the Alamo, located just a short walk from the Riverwalk. While this was once a Franciscan mission, it was the site of a major battle in which 189 Texans lost their lives. You can explore the Long Barrack (the Alamo’s oldest building), restored historic cannons, and the Alamo Exhibit, which showcases over 500 artifacts.

***

A road trip from Colorado to Texas is a journey filled with diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique experiences that highlight the best of the American Southwest. From the stunning natural beauty of Colorado’s mountains to the rich cultural heritage and iconic landmarks of Texas, each stop along the open road offers its own special charm!

Where else should I go on my next Colorado to Texas road trip? Let me know in the comments below!