Dallas To Denver Road Trip Planner
Dallas To Denver Road Trip Planner
If you’re planning a road trip from Dallas to Denver, get ready for an epic adventure. This route will take you through the heart of America and you’ll be able to explore a variety of attractions, hidden gems, food scenes, and more along the way. Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, there’s something for everyone on this trip. Here is your comprehensive travel guide to help you plan the perfect Dallas to Denver road trip.
Top Attractions
One of the must-visit attractions on this route is the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. This iconic art installation features ten Cadillacs buried nose-down in the ground and is a popular spot for photo ops. Another top attraction is the Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, where you can hike, camp, and enjoy stunning views of the mountains.
Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences, make sure to visit the Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Texas. This hidden gem is the second-largest canyon in the United States and offers hiking, horseback riding, and camping. Another hidden gem is the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, which features unique rock formations and stunning views.
Food Scene
No road trip is complete without trying some local cuisine. In Fort Worth, Texas, make sure to try some authentic Tex-Mex at Joe T. Garcia’s. In Denver, check out the food hall at Avanti F&B, which features a variety of local vendors and cuisines.
Budget-Friendly Tips
If you’re on a budget, consider camping at state parks instead of staying in hotels. You can also save money on food by packing snacks and making your own meals instead of eating out every meal.
Outdoor Adventures
There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures on this road trip. In Taos, New Mexico, you can go whitewater rafting on the Rio Grande. In Colorado, you can go skiing or snowboarding in the winter or hiking and mountain biking in the summer.
Historical Landmarks
One historical landmark to visit on this trip is the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas. This former mission is where the famous battle of the Texas Revolution took place. Another historical landmark is the Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado, which features ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings.
Family-Friendly Activities
If you’re traveling with kids, make sure to stop at the Children’s Museum of Denver, which features hands-on exhibits and interactive activities. You can also visit the Denver Zoo, which is home to over 4,000 animals.
Natural Wonders
One natural wonder to see on this trip is the Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado, which features the tallest sand dunes in North America. Another natural wonder is the Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico, which features over 100 caves to explore.
Vibrant Nightlife
If you’re looking for a night out, head to the Deep Ellum district in Dallas, which features live music venues and bars. In Denver, check out the RiNo (River North) district, which is known for its craft breweries and trendy restaurants.
Local Markets
One local market to check out is the Santa Fe Farmers Market in New Mexico, which features fresh produce and handmade crafts. In Denver, you can visit the Denver Central Market, which features local vendors selling everything from fresh seafood to gourmet chocolates.
Beaches and Mountains
While this road trip doesn’t take you to any beaches, you can still enjoy stunning views of the mountains. In Colorado, make sure to drive through the scenic Rocky Mountains and visit the Garden of the Gods.
Cultural Immersion
If you’re interested in immersing yourself in different cultures, stop in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This city is known for its vibrant art scene and unique architecture. You can also explore the Taos Pueblo, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Art and Music Scene
If you’re an art or music lover, make sure to visit Austin, Texas. This city is known for its live music venues and street art. You can also check out the Denver Art Museum, which features over 70,000 works of art from around the world.
Walking Tours
If you want to explore cities on foot, take a walking tour of the River Walk in San Antonio, Texas. This scenic path runs along the San Antonio River and features shops, restaurants, and historic landmarks. In Denver, take a walking tour of the LoDo (Lower Downtown) district, which is known for its historic buildings and trendy restaurants.
Architectural Marvels
One architectural marvel to see on this trip is the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri. This iconic landmark is a symbol of westward expansion and offers stunning views of the city. Another architectural marvel is the State Capitol Building in Denver, which features a gold-plated dome.
Historical Sites
If you’re interested in history, make sure to visit the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument in Montana. This site is where the Battle of Little Bighorn took place in 1876. You can also visit the Pecos National Historical Park in New Mexico, which features the ruins of a 15th-century pueblo.
Biking Routes
If you want to explore the outdoors on a bike, consider taking the Katy Trail in Missouri. This trail runs 240 miles through the heart of Missouri and features scenic views of the countryside. In Colorado, you can bike the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail, which runs 16 miles through Colorado Springs.
Wellness Retreats
If you’re looking for a wellness retreat, consider visiting Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa in New Mexico. This resort features hot springs, spa treatments, and yoga classes. You can also visit the Shambhala Mountain Center in Colorado, which offers meditation and mindfulness retreats.
Adventure Sports
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, consider going skydiving in Amarillo, Texas. You can also go ziplining in Durango, Colorado, or bungee jumping in Taos, New Mexico.
With so much to see and do on this road trip, make sure to plan ahead and allow plenty of time for exploring. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, outdoor adventures, or just having fun, there’s something for everyone on the Dallas to Denver road trip.