Utah and Colorado National Parks Road Trip

Updated June 5, 2025 02:13PM

Trace the mighty Colorado River from eastern Utah to its headwaters in Rocky Mountain National Park on this Utah to Colorado road trip.

Snowcapped peaks and evergreen trees might comprise your mental image of Colorado, but gorgeous rivers and mesmerizing sandstone canyons also wind their way through the state. “Colorado” is a Spanish adjective meaning “ruddy.” It’s the color of the walls that guard the Yampa River in Dinosaur National Monument and the sandstone spires that rise from Colorado National Monument. It’s also often the color of the storied Colorado River as it flows through the southwestern U.S., eventually forming the Grand Canyon.

On this road trip, you’ll trace the river and its tributaries across Utah and Colorado, seeing all the ways in which water has shaped the land. Start in Salt Lake City before heading to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area where the Green River has been dammed to form a reservoir that’s ideal for paddleboarding. Further west, raft the Yampa River through Dinosaur National Monument and discover wild horses near Craig.

Visit Colorado’s incredible state parks, like Steamboat Lake, as you make your way to Rocky Mountain National Park’s western side where the Colorado River’s headwaters are found. Learn to capture the state’s most popular national park away from the crowds with our photography guide. Then, trace the river across the Rockies as it picks up tributaries and steam, flowing past beautiful Colorado National Monument before it crosses into Utah. Swing south to Moab, where two incredible national parks await.

Along the way you’ll find every shade of red, from deep tones that are almost purple to bright oranges. When you scroll through your camera roll, you’ll quickly realize that while mountain blues and spruce greens also make up the state’s color palette, there’s a reason it was named for its reds.

Road Trip Map

Start: Salt Lake City

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

Desert Oasis
Straddling the Utah and Wyoming border, Flaming Gorge truly is an oasis amid red-rock cliffs, towering ponderosa pine forests and groves of aspen trees. Just below the dam on the Green River is “The Aquariumn” named so because the green waters are so clear you can see rainbow trout swimming past you to depths as great as 15 or so feet.

Why Your Next National Park Trip Should Be in an RV
Level up your national park adventures with an RV or camper van rental from Outdoorsy.

Dinosaur National Monument

Wall of Dinosaur Bones on the Colorado-Utah Border
A massive piece of protected land at the northern state border of Colorado and Utah, sits one of the world’s richest dinosaur deposits.

Lose the Crowds in Meeker, Colorado
Meeker is in undiscovered gem and a mecca for incredible outdoor recreation like hiking, OHV riding, fishing, skijor and more.

Roam Around in Rangely, Colorado
Explore the high desert in northwest Colorado from this charming town, renowned for its exceptional landscape, thrilling adventures and ancient history.

Jurassic Journey in Moffat County
Tucked in the northwestern corner of Colorado with views that rival those of the Grand Canyon, is the unexpected Dinosaur National Monument surrounded by Craig’s small-town charm.

Raft the Desert West’s Best River Stretches with OARS
Read these tips to incredible rafting trips for families, thrill seekers and those just looking for relaxation amid some of the country’s best scenery in Utah and Colorado.

Steamboat Lake State Park

This alpine park 29 miles north of Steamboat Springs has so much to offer year round, but winter might just be the best time to visit. Read more about Steamboat Lake and other Colorado State Parks worth a stop on your road trip.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Get on the Water at Grand Lake
At Rocky Mountain’s west entrance lies Grand Lake, Colorado’s largest and deepest natural lake in the state. Paddle or motorboat on the water, check out the local arts scene and be perfectly poised for a day in the park.

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.

Elevate Your Rocky Mountain Experience with a Stay at Trailborn
These two Estes Park hotels bring thoughtful design to your national park adventure.

Alpine Start
Photographer Mike Kvackay is one of Denver’s most adventurous photographers, capturing stunning images of Rocky Mountain National Park from 14,000-foot peaks and frozen alpine lakes. Here’s how he does it, plus tips on getting the perfect sunrise shot from our friends at Tamron.

GuideAlong Audio Driving Tour
Download the Rocky Mountain National Park tour app that’s like having a tour guide in your car. GuideAlong automatically plays interesting and entertaining commentary as you go.

Colorado National Monument

On the central edge of Colorado sits Colorado National Monument, a spectacular, crumbling stretch of land filled with decaying red rock and deep canyons.

Singletrack, World-Famous Pizza and a Headless Chicken in Fruita
The charming city of Fruita is the place to headquarter your trip to Colorado National Monument. An outdoor adventurer’s paradise, it’s still held on to its small-town feel. And, best yet, its vibrant downtown is located just minutes from the monument’s entrance.

Discover Western History with the Museums of Western Colorado in Grand Junction
From the Jurassic period when dinosaurs roamed the region to the area’s first human inhabitants and the settlers who turned Grand Junction’s high desert into fertile farmland, there’s so much to explore if you want a deeper look at the West.

Arches and Canyonlands National Parks

5 Stops on Arches National Park’s Scenic Drive
Don’t miss the best roadside stops inside this national park filled with natural stone arches. Here are five awe-inspiring formations that can be seen from the road or after a short stroll.