So many people want to visit Colorado because of its stunning scenery. This state has everything a traveler could want, whether they’re a foodie, culture vulture, or fan of the great outdoors. If you happen to be as fascinated by the Centennial State as we are, how about you finally pay a visit to one of its unique areas? By doing so, not only will you be able to enjoy nature, but you’ll also be able to learn more about its rich history. However, as no place here is the same, we thought we’d give you some ideas about which ones are especially worth visiting. That being said, we have rounded up what we believe are the ten best RV trips to take in Colorado. The one thing is clear, though – regardless of where you choose to go, you won’t be making a mistake.
RV Trips to Take in Colorado That Will Blow Your Mind
Before we move on to the places you absolutely need to visit once in CO, we’d like to remind you that you’ll naturally need to bring your gear with you for the whole journey to be a success. And by gear, we are, of course, referring to the camping equipment. Packing such gear differs from packing regular luggage. Additionally, as tents, sleeping bags, and similar items are prone to getting dirty, you must thoroughly clean them before putting them in the backpack. With these essentials on how to pack camping gear covered, let’s see which trips you need these for!
# 1 Dinosaur National Monument
Do you want to feel like you’ve gone back in time? If so, you might want to take a trip to Dinosaur National Monument – a spot located on the border between Utah and Colorado.
It’s none other than archaeological artifacts that have made the area famous. Those who love going fossil hunting will be happy to know there is a place for them here, and it goes by Harpers Corner Trail. Nevertheless, it’s not only fossils that you can find in the area. Some popular activities include skiing cross-country, snowmobiling, rafting, and hiking. On the other hand, if breathtaking views are what you are desperate to see, we recommend driving to Harpers Corner Drive. We promise you won’t be disappointed.
But that’s not all! During the hot months, visitors can ride shuttles to the Quarry Exhibit Hall, which has a wall of over 1,500 dinosaur bones. Among the kinds that you can observe are Apatosaurus, Allosaurus, Diplodocus, Camarasaurus, and Stegosaurus. Moreover, the tale of these creatures has been graphically depicted through the 80-foot-long mural.
#2 Mesa Verde National Park
The list of the best RV trips in Colorado wouldn’t be complete without the Mesa Verde National Park. The area is home to over 600 cliff houses and 5,000 other archaeological structures. Tours given by park rangers are often the only way to get to certain areas, and they can include a lot of walking, climbing, and even crawling.
If you are not much of a hiker, drive along the Mesa Top Loop Road. This 6-mile drive offers short, easily-accessible paved routes to 12 archaeological sites, one of which is Sun Point View.
With over 600 cliff houses, Mesa Verde National Park is undoubtedly the most unique of all RV trips to take in Colorado.
#3 Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs sits at 6,035 feet, just east of the Rocky Mountains. This may come as a surprise, but Colorado Springs, despite its height, isn’t considered to be a popular ski resort. Regardless, there are plenty of other places to visit and things to do within its glorious borders. A couple of popular destinations here include:
- Pike’s Peak
- The Garden of the Gods
- The Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
#4 Rocky Mountain National Park
And that brings us to Rocky Mountain National Park – one of the US’s most popular and visited national parks! It extends over 415 square miles and features a multitude of amazing spots. With more than 300 miles of trails, this place is a true hiker’s paradise! And once you feel like you need rest, you can get it at one of the nearby spas and/or hot springs.
Rocky Mountains National Park is considered one of the most popular national parks in the US!
#5 Great Sand Dunes National Park
Located in the shadow of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Great Sand Dunes National Park offers a wide variety of outdoor activities.
You may go hiking, horseback riding, or even ride a bike around the park to see the various ecosystems it is home to.
#6 Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs is a beautiful spot for nature lovers. Its proximity to working ranches and its namesake hot springs. There is a lot to do in the region, too! During the winter, visitors can take advantage of over 3,000 skiable acres. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do in the summer! In fact, during this season, both fishing and camping are highly sought after – hence the Steamboat Springs making it one of our favorite RV trips to take in Colorado.
#7 Crested Butte
Crested Butte is renowned for its harsh terrain and steep slopes and is known as the wildflower capital of Colorado. It’s because of this that, during the winter, the destination sees thousands of skiers of all levels. In addition to skiing, Crested Butte has hundreds of miles of biking trails that are just perfect for exploring on a bike. And if you want to experience the area in summer, we recommend visiting in July as that’s when the annual Wildflower Festival is held!
#8 Glenwood Springs
In the Rocky Mountains, bordered by the White River National Forest, sits Glenwood Springs, Colorado, famous for its hot springs. The nearby Glenwood Canyon is home to the beautiful Hanging Lake and the historic Glenwood Caverns.
Glenwood Hot Springs, with its two outdoor pools and the Spa of the Rockies, is widely regarded as the finest hot springs resort in Colorado. On the other hand, Iron Mountain Hot Springs, located further downstream on the Colorado River, is home to sixteen individual natural spring pools. This makes it an ideal place to choose if utter relaxation is what you are looking for.
Those who want to experience the best hot springs should take their RV to Glenwood Springs.
#9 Clear Creek County
Clear Creek County, located west of Denver, is worth a visit if you happen to be a history buff. Cities in the mountains, such as Idaho Springs (the site of the first major gold discovery) and boomtowns like Empire, Georgetown, and Silver Plume, are all rich in history and culture. However, suppose you aren’t only interested in taking a trip down memory lane. In that case, you can always make it your business to discover local breweries and distilleries or stroll around the area’s many galleries and shops.
# 10 Let’s End the Best RV Trips to Take in Colorado with Denver
Concluding our list of the best RV trips to take in Colorado is Denver – the state’s most populous metropolis and cultural epicenter. Though the city’s outdoor activities are abundant, visitors shouldn’t overlook its museums, sports arenas, shopping centers, restaurants, and breweries. If you want to experience Denver in its full glory, we recommend driving along the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. Here you can spend the day soaking in the sights of the Rockies. And trust us when we say that the view cannot be matched!
Author’s Bio:
Sally Jefferson is a freelance writer and traveler. She’s spent the last couple of years on the road, going from one place to the other. She feels that traveling has opened up new horizons for her, and she has a goal to visit every country in the world.
