12-Day Colorado National Parks Road Trip Itinerary
Embark on an unforgettable 12-day journey through Colorado’s breathtaking national parks. This road trip will take you to Rocky Mountain National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Mesa Verde National Park, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Along the way, you’ll also visit iconic Colorado destinations like Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods, and Pikes Peak. Get ready to explore diverse landscapes, marvel at awe-inspiring vistas, and immerse yourself in Colorado’s rich cultural heritage.
Total driving time: Approximately 26 hours
Estimated miles driven: Approximately 1,290 miles
Day 1: Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park
Driving distance: 77 miles (124 km)
Estimated driving time: 1.5 hours
Arrive in Denver, rent a car, and drive to Rocky Mountain National Park. Spend the day hiking and exploring the park’s scenic trails, such as the Emerald Lake Trail or Bear Lake Trail. Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife, including elk, moose, and bighorn sheep.
Lodging and Dining Options:
Day 2: Rocky Mountain National Park
Continue exploring Rocky Mountain National Park. Drive Trail Ridge Road, which reaches an elevation of 12,183 feet, for stunning views of the Continental Divide. Make stops at popular viewpoints such as Forest Canyon Overlook, Rainbow Curve, and the Alpine Visitor Center.
Overnight accommodations can be the same as the previous day.
Day 3: Rocky Mountain National Park to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Driving distance: 234 miles (377 km)
Estimated driving time: 3.5 hours
Drive to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. Explore the dunes and nearby mountains, and cool off at Medano Creek if you’re visiting during the summer months.
Lodging and Dining Options:
Day 4: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Spend another day exploring Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Hike to the top of the dunes for incredible views, or try your hand at sandboarding or sand sledding. Rent gear from a nearby outfitter, such as the Great Sand Dunes Oasis, before hitting the slopes.
Overnight accommodations can be the same as the previous day.
Day 5: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve to Mesa Verde National Park
Driving distance: 214 miles (344 km)
Estimated driving time: 4.5 hours
Drive to Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its ancient Native American cliff dwellings. Spend the afternoon exploring the park and learning about the area’s history through ranger-led tours and the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum.
Lodging and Dining Options:
Day 6: Mesa Verde National Park
Spend another day exploring Mesa Verde National Park. Visit iconic cliff dwellings such as Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Long House through guided tours or self-guided exploration. Don’t miss the Petroglyph Point Trail, which offers a glimpse of ancient rock art.
Overnight accommodations can be the same as the previous day.
Day 7: Mesa Verde National Park to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Driving distance: 172 miles (277 km)
Estimated driving time: 3.5 hours
Drive to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, known for its rugged terrain and deep canyon. Spend the day hiking and exploring the park’s trails, such as the Oak Flat Loop Trail or the Rim Rock Nature Trail. Be sure to stop by the South Rim Visitor Center for information and exhibits about the park.
Lodging and Dining Options:
Day 8: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Spend another day exploring Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Drive the South Rim Road for scenic views and overlooks, such as Pulpit Rock Overlook, Chasm View, and Sunset View. For those seeking more adventure, consider booking a ranger-guided boat tour of the canyon.
Overnight accommodations can be the same as the previous day.
Day 9: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to Colorado Springs
Driving distance: 255 miles (410 km)
Estimated driving time: 5 hours
Drive to Colorado Springs and visit Garden of the Gods, a stunning park with towering red rock formations. Take a leisurely walk or a guided tour through the park, and stop by the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center to learn about the park’s geology, ecology, and history.
Lodging and Dining Options:
Day 10: Colorado Springs – Pikes Peak
Visit Pikes Peak, a 14,115-foot mountain with incredible views. Take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway or drive to the summit via the Pikes Peak Highway. Enjoy stunning vistas, hike around the summit area, and grab a bite to eat at the Summit House.
Overnight accommodations can be the same as the previous day.
Day 11: Colorado Springs to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Driving distance: 173 miles (278 km)
Estimated driving time: 3.5 hours
Drive back to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve for another day of hiking and exploring the dunes. Consider visiting Zapata Falls, a beautiful waterfall tucked away in the mountains just south of the park.
Overnight accommodations can be the same as for Day 3 and Day 4.
Day 12: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve to Denver
Driving distance: 236 miles (380 km)
Estimated driving time: 4 hours
Drive back to Denver and return the rental car. Take some time to explore the city, if time allows, before departing for your onward journey. Don’t forget to check out attractions like the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Zoo, or Larimer Square, the city’s oldest and most historic block.
Final Thoughts
This 12-day Colorado National Parks road trip itinerary showcases the incredible beauty and diverse landscapes of the state. From the towering peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park to the unique sand dunes of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, you’ll experience breathtaking vistas and unforgettable adventures. With stops in iconic locations like Mesa Verde National Park, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and Colorado Springs, you’ll return home with a wealth of memories and an appreciation for Colorado’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
