New Mexico and Colorado National Parks Road Trip
Discover the subtle beauty of the high desert on this road trip starting in Albuquerque, New Mexico
There’s something about taking a road trip through a desert landscape that draws a person in. It’s not loud and obvious, like towering mountain peaks or ocean waves lapping on the beach. It’s quiet and subtle.
This road trip travels through New Mexico and Colorado’s high deserts and as your wheels traverse miles of highway, you’re sure to feel that gentle tug, drawing you deeper. From the terracotta-colored pueblos near Santa Fe, where the sense of history is palpable, to the alien-looking Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness outside of Farmington, you’ll start to discover the ways in which this landscape is teeming with life—both past and present—if you look closely.
In Colorado, visit Mesa Verde National Park, home to cliff dwellings and petroglyphs. Journey through the southern Rockies and notice the way desert gives way to forest as you explore towns like South Fork and Creede. Farther east lies Great Sand Dunes National Park, where a walk after dark will reveal millions of stars.
There’s gorgeous mountain vistas, alpine lakes and a sea of trees as you head north to Rocky Mountain National Park. Soak it in in towns like Winter Park and Grand Lake before driving up and over Trail Ridge Road, leaving the mountains again for the high deserts that are home to the majority of Colorado’s population. In Colorado Springs, you can drive up Pikes Peak where you’ll feel like you can see the entire world. Continue south to Trinidad to discover dinosaur tracks on your way back to New Mexico.
As you travel, you’ll experience the balance of these two landscapes that make up Colorado and New Mexico: the overt mountains, obvious in their beauty and allure, and the subtle deserts, quiet and patient, waiting to be discovered by wanderers. Both extremes are sure to leave you feeling enchanted.
Road Trip Map
Start: Albuquerque
See remnants of historic Route 66 in Albuquerque. Today, there are still a number of neon signs lining the Mother Road, which takes you through three distinct city districts. Start in Nob Hill, a hip, up-and-coming neighborhood with a youthful, collegial vibe. Grab a bite to eat at local favorite, Zacatecas Tacos & Tequila. From there, head downtown and look for the city’s best-known landmark, KiMo Theatre and Art Gallery, which opened in 1927 in Pueblo- Deco style. Every architectural detail has significance from the rain clouds to the birds. Continue driving to Old Town where you’ll find the Albuquerque BioPark, home to fishing lakes, an aquarium and botanic gardens.
Bandelier National Monument and Pecos National Historical Park
Find True New Mexico in Santa Fe County
Santa Fe is a world class destination, but there are fascinating sights dotting the stunning landscape around it. Lose the crowds and enjoy spectacular outdoor activities with these top 14 things to do.
Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness
Out of This World Adventures near Farmington
At more than a mile high in elevation, you’ll find amazing high-desert adventures around every corner in Farmington, N.M. Plus Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness area, dotted by spires, sculpted rock and colorful hills, is just 35 miles away.
Mesa Verde National Park
48 Hours in Mesa Verde
Only have 48 hours to explore Mesa Verde National Park? Stick to our detailed itinerary to hit all the most important stops. There’s more to do beyond the main attraction of touring ancient cliff ruins. Take a hike, gaze from a fire tower or have dinner with a view.
Living History Surrounding Mesa Verde National Park
See incredible archaeological sites beyond Mesa Verde, sip local wines and learn about Native American culture in southwestern Colorado’s Mesa Verde Country.
Two Hidden Towns Along the Silver Thread Scenic Byway
Charming Creede
One of Colorado’s best-kept secrets, Creede offers incredible theater, downtown charm and fun outdoor activities. Take a stroll through this colorful historic downtown nestled in one of the most striking mountain settings you’ll ever see.
Keeping Up with South Fork
Bring a car, ATV, jeep or bike. The area offers hundreds of miles of trails designated for motorized traffic and scenic drives. These trails and roads will take you to mountain peaks and amazing vistas of the San Luis Valley, to creek bottoms and dense forest growth.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
48 Hours in Great Sand Dunes National Park
Make your time in the park count with our detailed itinerary! This other-worldly park boasts the tallest sand dunes in North America.
Only in Alamosa
This unique town in southern Colorado is home to a beach with mountain views, a huge bison herd adn some of the most unique craft beer you’ll find in the state. Here are our favorite things that you can only do in Alamosa.
Hike Through a Forest to Mosca Pass at Great Sand Dunes National Park
Escape the summer heat on this shady trail overlooking the giant dunes in southeast Colorado.
Rocky Mountain National Park
At the West Entrance
Grand Adventures
Leaning up against Rocky Mountain National Park’s west side, Grand County, home to Winter Park Mountain Resort and Grand Lake, offers unparalleled outdoor opportunities. See our list of thrilling, nature and water adventures.
Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains
Just 20 minutes from the park’s West Entrance, which sits in Grand Lake, Colo., lies Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains, a new 200-acre resort with unparalleled amenities for the area. There’s actually so much to do on property that it may be hard to leave it.
In the Park
48 Hours in Rocky Mountain National Park
Only have 48 hours? Make the most of your time by following our itinerary covering both sides of the park.
GyPSy Guide Audio Driving Tour
Download the Rocky Mountain National Park tour app that’s like having a tour guide in your car. GyPSy Guide automatically plays interesting and entertaining commentary as you go.
Exit the Park at Estes Park, the East Entrance
Colorado’s Front Range
Fun, Family-Friendly RV and Cabin Resort in Larkspur
Stay in a wonderful family-friendly camping resort at Jellystone Park Larkspur. With multiple pools and family-friendly amenities, it has fun covered for the kids and sleek, modern amenities and accommodations for adults.
6 Adventures in Colorado Springs
From Bigfoot sightings to driving to the top of a 14,000-foot-peak, Colorado Springs is a place to spend several days. Here are our itinerary ideas for an unforgettable trip.
Drive the Pikes Peak Highway to the Summit
Point your wheels to the Pikes Peak Highway to reach Pikes Peak, the only 14,000-foot peak in Colorado that you can drive all the way up to the summit.
Southeast Colorado
Enjoy the Ride in Trinidad, Colorado
Scenic drives, two state parks and strolls through a historic downtown await in Trinidad, Colo. Explore an extinct volcano and check out Kit Carson’s coat at this town on the edge of Colorado’s border with New Mexico.