A Utah and Colorado road trip will reward you with some ferociously beautiful nature views. The area is packed with unusual rock formations, national forests, snow-capped mountains, rushing rivers, archeological sites and more. There are quaint western towns and activities that run the gamut from high-end spas and gourmet cuisine to camping by a peaceful lake. These spectacular states have everything you could want to create a perfect road trip.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park is one of the “Mighty Five” national parks in the southern Utah area along with Zion, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon and Capital Reef National Park. The park is home to more that 2,000 natural arches. The most spectacular of these are Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch both pictured here.
The town of Moab is a great starting point for your road trip in these majestic states because it is just a few minutes from Arches and Canyonlands.
Canyonlands
This remarkable national park is so otherworldly and representative of the west that it has been the site of many movies. Here is the cliff that Thelma and Louise drove off in their eponymous movie. Canyonlands is bursting with buttes, rivers, mesas, ancient native American carvings and so much more.
La Sal National Forest Loop
Travelers are likely to miss this attraction because it is frequently overshadowed by the spectacular national parks nearby. Take the time to locate and enjoy the views on this loop. Pack a picnic lunch, find an overlook and take in the views of the La Sal National Forest Loop.
Mesa Verde National Park
For over 700 years, the Pueblo peoples lived in these mesas and built their homes on the cliffs. Today this precious cultural heritage is protected so it can be enjoyed by all. This is the most extensive archeological site in the United States. Mesa Verde National Park is a can’t miss destination on your Utah and Colorado road trip.
Telluride, CO
Telluride is famous as a ski resort in winter, but did you know it is also known as an ideal destination year round?
Ridgeway, CO
This cute Old West town nestled in a mountain valley is a “foodie” culture and arts center. Whether you’re looking for summer water sports or winter skiing, Ridgeway has a little bit of everything for all. It’s a great stopover on your Utah and Colorado road trip to enjoy their western hospitality.
Great Sand Dune National Park
I can guarantee this is something you have never seen (unless you’re familiar with deserts). The Great Sand Dune National Park is massive sand dunes, some several stories tall, surrounded by snowcapped mountains, wetlands, crystalline mountain lakes. Don’t be afraid to take off your shoes and walk through the little creek to get to the dunes. You can climb them or bring a snowboard to slide down a dune. A unique experience!
Salida, Colorado
Salida, Colorado bills itself as the Heart of the Rockies. It is the quintessential western-mining-town-turned-uber-cool-outdoor- adventure center. Founded in 1880, the town boasts 136 historically significant buildings from the late 1800s, the most of any town in Colorado. Salida does all it can to get visitors to stay a while offering art galleries, foodie destinations, outdoor adventure outfitters, wine festivals and hot springs to mention just a few delights. It’s the perfect place to chill out for a couple of days on your Utah and Colorado road trip.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
What the Black Canyon of the Gunnison lacks in size – it’s one of the smallest national parks – it more than makes up for in spectacular views. Some of the canyons are so deep you could fit two Empire State Buildings one on top of the other and they still wouldn’t reach the top. The canyons are so steep and deep that you may feel queasy peeking over the rim…but peek anyway for the thrill. At the bottom of the canyon are rivers creating scenes so bucolic and beautiful they are dreamlike.
Aspen, CO
Chic and trendy Aspen is not all about skiing and shopping although there’s plenty of that. It is also well-known for the natural beauty of the surrounding area. This is prime hiking territory among the aspen trees that give the town its name. Hike in the forest then chill at a luxury spa (granted, they ARE pricey). That’s a great combination of activities on the perfect Utah and Colorado road trip.
Did these photos make you want to go and start planning your Utah and Colorado road trip? Learn more about the area with these handy guides.
Let us know if we missed a beautiful spot on this Utah and Colorado road trip.
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