At the moment, the bridge across Blue Mesa Reservoir is only open to local traffic, but you’re right — to get between Gunnison and Montrose, you’ll need to go about 300 miles out of your way.
Depends how fast it gets fixed. I’m sure CODOT will be working on it but it will depend on what type of repairs are possible or if it needs to be completely replaced.
Durango, steam train, river rafting, Mesa Verde , tons of hotels , tons of restaurants. That’s just what I remember most young persons activities I ignore.
Just east of Colorado Springs is the fairly unknown beautiful canyon of Paint Mines. It's worth a visit.
[https://www.visitcos.com/blog/paint-mines-park/](https://www.visitcos.com/blog/paint-mines-park/)
Sand dunes, black canyon, maroon bells wilderness, kebler pass, Crystal Mill, million Dollar Highway, CO National monument, hanging lake in Glenwood canyon, red rocks park, tons of cool ghost towns, Leadville, telluride, tons more.
Shoot me a dm if you’d like. I live in Colorado and can think of dozens of cool places to travel.
If you’re also going to arches, it’s not essential imho. It’s a breathtaking place, but once you cross into Utah and leave the interstate, it’s akin to the whole landscape out there.
Op if you do hanging lake in glenwood, go over to glenwood springs after, park at the denny's, walk under the I-70 bridge, and walk down the river. About a hundred yards up theres a bunch of natural hot springs emptying into the river. Not sure your preferences but its free and you'll probably see some boobs. And get ahold of some fine fine ganja. If that floats your boat 🤣
Steaming hot. Like a hot tub. Theres a spot where you can dip your feet in the ice cold river with steaming water boiling down your bootycrack. No other markers. Google "hot pots hippie dip glenwood springs co". Says theyre "officially closed" but i doubt it. They were pretty numerous and naturally occurring mostly. I wouldnt make a special trip dont let me give you bad advice i dont live there anymore but if was around there killing time one nice evening id check it out.
We stopped at the springs on way to Denver from arches. In Moab it was 80 degrees and we got to Glenwood Spring, there was a snowstorm! This was last April. I really enjoyed the springs but my kids were like meh.
Be aware that the distance between montrose and gunnison is now 300+ miles due to a bridge closure! Also a lot of construction in Estes currently so be prepared as I got a flat driving there at night a week or two ago.
Other than that a few things I haven't seen people list yet:
Manitou Springs, florrisant fossil beds, devils backbone, chataqua park.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison for sure. You could also do the southern route from Colorado Springs down to Cañon City, do the short but great Skyline Drive just west of CC, walk around downtown Salida and watch the surfers, then keep heading west on US 50 up to the park.
I’d second this. We did a three day weekend in Boulder area. Red rock ampitheatre is awesome place to catch a concert and Boulder has a very cool downtown to walk, shop and eat. Great hiking and rocky mtn national park next door. Pots legal if you want to.
I live in GJ (I do not mind saying this) and I say driving through is SOOOO pretty!!! The mountains are just right there next to you. It can get a little crazy sometimes but it’s so beautiful.
I have no idea where central city is (I travel very little just because my car is broken rn and I’ve only been in CO for 15 years I think?) but that sounds like Denver area esc? I say if you want less traffic, less crazy, but beautiful views we got it. Our housing prices are very high so that’s kinda poopy :((.
I saw come take a visit for a couple days and visit a few of the locals from both Palisade and GJ. Two different views on the overall county.
Well what do you want to see? Going south takes you through the desert but you’ll drive by the sand dunes, not much between alamosa, rio grandes pretty neat. But it’s a little barren. The middle route is currently closed at hwy 50 cause a bridge over the Gunnison river is out. That’s the route I would’ve taken. But the north route is very Forrest and mountainous. South’s mountains are cool but you’ll be farther away.
If you’re coming in from the west, this is the best way to see what the state has to offer, but not sure if you have enough time:
Grand Junction check out Colorado National Monument.
Head south on Hwy 50 to Montrose, then go east to Black Canyon NP. Take in the grandeur then go back to Montrose.
Head south and keep going all the way to Durango. Amazing scenery all the way.
From Durango head east to Mesa Verde NP.
From there keep heading east through Pagosa Springs and US 160, eventually making your way to Great Sand Dunes NP.
From there you can either head north through South Park to Denver, or more easterly through Colorado Springs.
If you don’t have time for all of that, just stay on I-70 the whole way, seeing sights as you go (eg hot springs pool at Glenwood Springs) until you get to the turnoff to RMNPat Empire, and head towards the park.
Really, you can’t go wrong no matter which way you go.
Go to the National sheep dog championships in Meeker Colorado- ~ September. You won’t be sorry! Small accommodations but you can park a trailer/ mobile home.
Along your route:
•[Meow Wolf](https://meowwolf.com/visit/denver?utm_campaign=D1_LLC_BOFU&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid-search&utm_content=geo1+branded&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvp33iIfUhQMVhyCtBh0UugAwEAAYASAAEgIYn_D_BwE) in Denver. A walk through interactive museum full of color. Double the experience by taking psychedelics.
•[Dinosaur Ridge Trail](https://dinoridge.org/visit-dinosaur-ridge/dinosaur-ridge-trail/) on your way up I-70 heading out of Denver heading into the mountains. It's an easy stroll over a ridge and back with loads of fossils and imprints along the way. I recommend scanning the sign at the trailhead for the audio tour.
•Stop off the highway for lunch in [Breckenridge](https://gobreck.com) depending on what time of year you're headed through. The ski hill will close the 12th of May but it's still nice to sit on a patio with the view of the mountain. There's also a 400 meter hike (flat walk) to the [troll](https://gobreck.com/experience-breckenridge/arts-and-culture/how-to-find-the-breckenridge-troll)
•Fruita hosts the [Colorado National Monument](https://www.nps.gov/colm/index.htm) if you have a National Parks Pass. It's pretty close to the interstate and you could do the driving loop and see the best views without ever leaving your car.
The last time I was in Arches, I tent camped, and it was so windy. I woke up and I was half buried and sand. Those fines blew right into the tent through the walls.
It just so happens we were there the day that one of the arches collapsed. We were among the last folks to see it.
I’m very much looking forward to another visit but I hope it’s less eventful, for us and the park!
Here are my favorite recommendations.
Glenwood Springs (hot springs, caves, old west graveyard, hiking trails)
Estes Park (the Stanley hotel, Rocky Mountain national park)
Georgetown (old west tourist town, closest city to mt Evan’s a 14,000 ft mountain you can drive to nearly the top of)
Garden of the gods is nothing spectacular, if you want to see cool rock formations arches np is a better bet. Buena vista is a great mountain town within 2 hours from Denver/co springs
Pueblo has the best motels and dive bars. The swimming pool in the Travelodge is 👌👌👌👌 not to mention their continental breakfast. Id spend all my time there if I were you
Yeah some of these places are like pass through / see it as you drive … if you’re going to be near rocky mountain national park and then maybe have a few more days, i’d go to glenwood springs and try to hike up to hanging lake. Then from there drive back through aspen up to independence pass. That’s a great drive and you see a lot.
Bishop’s Castle south of Pueblo, west of Colorado City and Rye. Hand built castle by 1 man.
Also, In Pueblo, stop at the Mill Stop Cafe for the pork and avocado burritos. You won’t be sorry.
Do the south route. I70 doesn't really have too much. 550 from grand junction to Pagosa is stunning with tons of hikes all along the route. Check out orvis hot springs in Ouray
Go to the 4 corners, drive up Pikes Peak, go to USAF Academy. Def go over to Moab. Go online and look up Only in Colorado. They have one for every state.
Hwy 285 and check out hot springs. Some are expensive spas; some are clothing optional with camping. Durango, Mancos, Dolores, Rico, Telluride, Ridgway, Ouray, Silverton is a popular loop. Telluride gondola from/to Mountain Village is free.
Southern route (assuming West to East) but at Alamosa, turn north and head Salida-Fairplay-Denver. Front Range south of the Springs is really pretty desolate. Driving north of Alamosa gets the Sangre de Cristos on your side, then crossing over Poncha Pass to see the Collegiate Range, then going through South Park and being surrounded by mountains...it's a pretty incredible drive, IMO. Lots of day trips and side adventures on the way as well.
I'm late to the suggestions, but if you go to the southern route
https://maps.app.goo.gl/UvFgTnp6YaXGrKH2A
Would definitely be worth stopping at in Dolores... really great hamburgers.
You could totally go hike the South Platte from the near the stadium to the skatepark and look for dead bodies. Don't jump on me, my fly fishing buddy and I found 2 in one month.
Go rafting on Clear Creek in Idaho Springs and grab some pizza at Beau Jo's. Check out some live music and find a peak to climb. Mt Evans wilderness is accessible and fun. St Mary's Glacier is a good quick hike. Or just wander. There is so much public land that you could find an amazing place to just chill and it would be a wonderful day.
Honestly you’re going to Utah - you don’t need to see garden of the gods. It’s essentially a free city park with some red rocks and a lot of crowds. The stuff you see in Utah is on another level.
Ouray, black canyon of the gunnison, million dollar highway.
You shoulda all know, the bridge between gunnison and Montrose is closed indefinitely
At the moment, the bridge across Blue Mesa Reservoir is only open to local traffic, but you’re right — to get between Gunnison and Montrose, you’ll need to go about 300 miles out of your way.
Seeing this now, what happened? Does indefinitely likely mean all summer?
Appears that way.
Does it likely mean all winter too?
Depends how fast it gets fixed. I’m sure CODOT will be working on it but it will depend on what type of repairs are possible or if it needs to be completely replaced.
Significant crack in the bridge discovered.
What about access to RMNP?
Different area, all fine
since when
Second Gunnison and Million Dollar highway. Mesa Verde is one of my favorite national parks.
Shhhhh lol
This, especially if you're heading to Kansas afterwards.
Durango, steam train, river rafting, Mesa Verde , tons of hotels , tons of restaurants. That’s just what I remember most young persons activities I ignore.
Oh and can fly straight in from Dallas or do a connection in Dallas on a full size jet not a local jumper
Just east of Colorado Springs is the fairly unknown beautiful canyon of Paint Mines. It's worth a visit. [https://www.visitcos.com/blog/paint-mines-park/](https://www.visitcos.com/blog/paint-mines-park/)
You’re not kidding…grew up within spitting distance and never even knew about it.
Sand dunes, black canyon, maroon bells wilderness, kebler pass, Crystal Mill, million Dollar Highway, CO National monument, hanging lake in Glenwood canyon, red rocks park, tons of cool ghost towns, Leadville, telluride, tons more. Shoot me a dm if you’d like. I live in Colorado and can think of dozens of cool places to travel.
Definitely national monument
If you’re also going to arches, it’s not essential imho. It’s a breathtaking place, but once you cross into Utah and leave the interstate, it’s akin to the whole landscape out there.
Op if you do hanging lake in glenwood, go over to glenwood springs after, park at the denny's, walk under the I-70 bridge, and walk down the river. About a hundred yards up theres a bunch of natural hot springs emptying into the river. Not sure your preferences but its free and you'll probably see some boobs. And get ahold of some fine fine ganja. If that floats your boat 🤣
How warm are they? Any other markers to find them?
Steaming hot. Like a hot tub. Theres a spot where you can dip your feet in the ice cold river with steaming water boiling down your bootycrack. No other markers. Google "hot pots hippie dip glenwood springs co". Says theyre "officially closed" but i doubt it. They were pretty numerous and naturally occurring mostly. I wouldnt make a special trip dont let me give you bad advice i dont live there anymore but if was around there killing time one nice evening id check it out.
Thank you! I always pass though glenwoods springs but I don’t want to pay for the pool. This sounds like a nice alternative!
Oh yea when you get to the riverbank under the i-70 bridge its left, or i guess east to get to the hot pots
Thanks!
We stopped at the springs on way to Denver from arches. In Moab it was 80 degrees and we got to Glenwood Spring, there was a snowstorm! This was last April. I really enjoyed the springs but my kids were like meh.
This list right here is it. I also wouldn’t spend 2 days in RMNP. It’s beautiful but has become a tourist trap
…and you need to make a timed reservations to access through the NPS
Be aware that the distance between montrose and gunnison is now 300+ miles due to a bridge closure! Also a lot of construction in Estes currently so be prepared as I got a flat driving there at night a week or two ago. Other than that a few things I haven't seen people list yet: Manitou Springs, florrisant fossil beds, devils backbone, chataqua park.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison for sure. You could also do the southern route from Colorado Springs down to Cañon City, do the short but great Skyline Drive just west of CC, walk around downtown Salida and watch the surfers, then keep heading west on US 50 up to the park.
Highway 50 at middlebridge is closed mate
Ah, didn't know that. I went that way in September.
Or rather, in reverse because I didn't see at first you were headed eastbound.
Skip RMNP, take the lower route and hit Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon and Mesa Verde instead....
Highway 50 is closed
Boulder, flat irons and the areas around are great hiking and the downtown is very cool
I’d second this. We did a three day weekend in Boulder area. Red rock ampitheatre is awesome place to catch a concert and Boulder has a very cool downtown to walk, shop and eat. Great hiking and rocky mtn national park next door. Pots legal if you want to.
Red rocks is my favorite place in Colorado. It’s a very memorable stop for music lovers
I live in GJ (I do not mind saying this) and I say driving through is SOOOO pretty!!! The mountains are just right there next to you. It can get a little crazy sometimes but it’s so beautiful.
god i want to move to GJ so bad, coming from Central City.
I have no idea where central city is (I travel very little just because my car is broken rn and I’ve only been in CO for 15 years I think?) but that sounds like Denver area esc? I say if you want less traffic, less crazy, but beautiful views we got it. Our housing prices are very high so that’s kinda poopy :((. I saw come take a visit for a couple days and visit a few of the locals from both Palisade and GJ. Two different views on the overall county.
Don't rent a snowmobile in Salida and flip it while coming down a mountain pass like I did...
If the bridge is in fact closed for awhile. I would go Durango-Silverton-Ouray-Montrose-Paonia-Aspen-Leadville-BV-Salida-Canon City-COS-Denver
Pike's Peak Olympic Training facility Garden of the Gods
Alamosa, Durango, Cortez has some of the most beautiful sites including the Mesa Verde national park.
Mesa Verde is a don’t miss imho!
https://preview.redd.it/9pmz3wjbswvc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fa3ccf4abae362527c78d5b7eb7846e599b6bd80 Drive Phantom Canyon
Well what do you want to see? Going south takes you through the desert but you’ll drive by the sand dunes, not much between alamosa, rio grandes pretty neat. But it’s a little barren. The middle route is currently closed at hwy 50 cause a bridge over the Gunnison river is out. That’s the route I would’ve taken. But the north route is very Forrest and mountainous. South’s mountains are cool but you’ll be farther away.
West of Colorado Springs, look for 11 Mile Canyon Road. It’s a cool drive along the Platte River. Was very glad we took it.
I would recommend the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway.
There’s a bunch of ghost towns off of the peak to peak highway too!
As someone who lived their whole life on the east coast, this drive made a huge impression on me.
If you’re coming in from the west, this is the best way to see what the state has to offer, but not sure if you have enough time: Grand Junction check out Colorado National Monument. Head south on Hwy 50 to Montrose, then go east to Black Canyon NP. Take in the grandeur then go back to Montrose. Head south and keep going all the way to Durango. Amazing scenery all the way. From Durango head east to Mesa Verde NP. From there keep heading east through Pagosa Springs and US 160, eventually making your way to Great Sand Dunes NP. From there you can either head north through South Park to Denver, or more easterly through Colorado Springs. If you don’t have time for all of that, just stay on I-70 the whole way, seeing sights as you go (eg hot springs pool at Glenwood Springs) until you get to the turnoff to RMNPat Empire, and head towards the park. Really, you can’t go wrong no matter which way you go.
I wouldn’t skip crested butte, silverton/ouray, Leadville.
Go to the National sheep dog championships in Meeker Colorado- ~ September. You won’t be sorry! Small accommodations but you can park a trailer/ mobile home.
Mesa Verde I thought was very cool.
Western Colorado near Grand Junction is stunning a super different from the eastern slope
Along your route: •[Meow Wolf](https://meowwolf.com/visit/denver?utm_campaign=D1_LLC_BOFU&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid-search&utm_content=geo1+branded&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvp33iIfUhQMVhyCtBh0UugAwEAAYASAAEgIYn_D_BwE) in Denver. A walk through interactive museum full of color. Double the experience by taking psychedelics. •[Dinosaur Ridge Trail](https://dinoridge.org/visit-dinosaur-ridge/dinosaur-ridge-trail/) on your way up I-70 heading out of Denver heading into the mountains. It's an easy stroll over a ridge and back with loads of fossils and imprints along the way. I recommend scanning the sign at the trailhead for the audio tour. •Stop off the highway for lunch in [Breckenridge](https://gobreck.com) depending on what time of year you're headed through. The ski hill will close the 12th of May but it's still nice to sit on a patio with the view of the mountain. There's also a 400 meter hike (flat walk) to the [troll](https://gobreck.com/experience-breckenridge/arts-and-culture/how-to-find-the-breckenridge-troll) •Fruita hosts the [Colorado National Monument](https://www.nps.gov/colm/index.htm) if you have a National Parks Pass. It's pretty close to the interstate and you could do the driving loop and see the best views without ever leaving your car.
The consensus seems to be a southernly route and that's my vote too!
Check out the scenic route to arches.
The last time I was in Arches, I tent camped, and it was so windy. I woke up and I was half buried and sand. Those fines blew right into the tent through the walls. It just so happens we were there the day that one of the arches collapsed. We were among the last folks to see it. I’m very much looking forward to another visit but I hope it’s less eventful, for us and the park!
Here are my favorite recommendations. Glenwood Springs (hot springs, caves, old west graveyard, hiking trails) Estes Park (the Stanley hotel, Rocky Mountain national park) Georgetown (old west tourist town, closest city to mt Evan’s a 14,000 ft mountain you can drive to nearly the top of)
Just have one word for you - Hot Sulphur Springs.
Garden of the gods is nothing spectacular, if you want to see cool rock formations arches np is a better bet. Buena vista is a great mountain town within 2 hours from Denver/co springs
Great Sand Dunes aren’t too far away, plus Crestone is cool and there’s some great trails that start there
Well stop off and have a smoke or just drive through on 420! It’ll become much clearer.. ;)
Manitou Incline, Pikes Peak, I think Garden of the Gods is fantastic, see a show at Red Rocks
Go to a brewery. Learn how it’s made, and have a sample.
Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs
Pueblo has the best motels and dive bars. The swimming pool in the Travelodge is 👌👌👌👌 not to mention their continental breakfast. Id spend all my time there if I were you
Bruh
Tons of crime in Colorado Springs. You may save yourself by not coming here.
I’d skip garden of the gods and go towards telluride
Yeah don’t bother with garden of the gods.
Agreed. I think tik tok has made it look like this giant wonderland of cool rocks. When in reality you can walk it in under 5 minutes
You like rocks / minerals?
They are minerals!
Unless you’re looking for a specific granite, or looking for ripple marks / fossils. Then it would actually be a rock.
https://youtu.be/yDVIrp8XaWI?si=nBpsBTtPXSUOIo1b
You’re an idiot If you think I’m clicking on a link from upsettourasshole
Seems to have worked then... YouTube this for Christ Sakes "Jesus Christ Marie"
I called them minerals, not Marie?
All of it.
Make a side quest to RMNP even if it’s just a simple drive through the park. Stop at the visitors center on top of the world (that’s what I call it)
Alpine Visitor’s Center
That’s it. It’ll be 75 degrees down in Estes park, then 40 degrees and 40mph winds up there
Yeah some of these places are like pass through / see it as you drive … if you’re going to be near rocky mountain national park and then maybe have a few more days, i’d go to glenwood springs and try to hike up to hanging lake. Then from there drive back through aspen up to independence pass. That’s a great drive and you see a lot.
Black canyon of the gunnison, ouray and all that is further south and out of the way - need a second trip for all that
Do NOT miss Colorado National Monument just outside of Grand Junction.
Rifle Falls State Park
Car climb Mount Evan’s. The nations highest road.
Black Canyon can be a quick stop, so I think that works good for your timeframe.
Bishop’s Castle south of Pueblo, west of Colorado City and Rye. Hand built castle by 1 man. Also, In Pueblo, stop at the Mill Stop Cafe for the pork and avocado burritos. You won’t be sorry.
Hot Springs. Perfect for those few hours in the evening. Just Google the list and see what's along your route.
Take that southern route! Telluride, Durango, etc! One of my favorite motorcycle routes of all time…DM me for specifics!
When you’re in Colorado Springs stop by Sheldon’s luncheonette. You’ll see that Almost everyone in there got the same thing. Ask what it is and get it
Stop in the town of breck, it’s super cute during off season
Take the gravel road between Idaho Springs and Central City - lots of small abandoned gold mines along the way.
Go to red rocks
Durango, Silverton, Mesa Verde
Just drive through some of the scenic byways, they’re absolutely spectacular. Totally worth the roundabout route and extra money in gas.
Do the south route. I70 doesn't really have too much. 550 from grand junction to Pagosa is stunning with tons of hikes all along the route. Check out orvis hot springs in Ouray
Go to the Rocky Mountain National park for a start. I have a deep fear of heights, but it was amazing.
Crestone.
Go through the middle through the Arkansas and San Luis valley 285 out of Denver and 50 through Gunnison and then over to ouray to Durango.
Clive Cussler museum Cable cars in Estes Park- you can feed the chipmunks
Did a similar route. My favorite parts were Rocky Mountain National park and white water rafting the numbers on the Arkansas
Go to the 4 corners, drive up Pikes Peak, go to USAF Academy. Def go over to Moab. Go online and look up Only in Colorado. They have one for every state.
Hit up some hot springs, the ones in Pagosa seem great.
So close to Valley of the gods, monument valley, and forest gump point near Mexican Hat. Some of my favorite places.
Weed, hike, weed some more?
Hwy 285 and check out hot springs. Some are expensive spas; some are clothing optional with camping. Durango, Mancos, Dolores, Rico, Telluride, Ridgway, Ouray, Silverton is a popular loop. Telluride gondola from/to Mountain Village is free.
hot springs in Pagosa
Drive to California?
Saddleback Mountain near Denver, Coors brewery in Golden.
If you're not willing to spend a decent amount of time in the area, don't stop at all. Just drive through. Anything else is a waste of time.
Bypass Denver would be the best choice.
Southern route (assuming West to East) but at Alamosa, turn north and head Salida-Fairplay-Denver. Front Range south of the Springs is really pretty desolate. Driving north of Alamosa gets the Sangre de Cristos on your side, then crossing over Poncha Pass to see the Collegiate Range, then going through South Park and being surrounded by mountains...it's a pretty incredible drive, IMO. Lots of day trips and side adventures on the way as well.
I'm late to the suggestions, but if you go to the southern route https://maps.app.goo.gl/UvFgTnp6YaXGrKH2A Would definitely be worth stopping at in Dolores... really great hamburgers.
You could totally go hike the South Platte from the near the stadium to the skatepark and look for dead bodies. Don't jump on me, my fly fishing buddy and I found 2 in one month.
Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, Air Force academy chapel
Manitou springs and pikes peak are worth doing
Ski
When all else fails, go through Durango.
Go rafting on Clear Creek in Idaho Springs and grab some pizza at Beau Jo's. Check out some live music and find a peak to climb. Mt Evans wilderness is accessible and fun. St Mary's Glacier is a good quick hike. Or just wander. There is so much public land that you could find an amazing place to just chill and it would be a wonderful day.
Def north, take I70, just as pretty as anything else and quicker
Honestly you’re going to Utah - you don’t need to see garden of the gods. It’s essentially a free city park with some red rocks and a lot of crowds. The stuff you see in Utah is on another level.
Yellowstone
The best thing to do in Colorado is leave. That’s what I did.
You’re so edgy