4 Best RV Trips in Colorado

There is something magical about a drive through the state of Colorado. The expansive mountain vistas, towering peaks, and sheer cliffs create a memorable experience for visitors whose journey takes them through the Centennial State.

And it’s not just the views that make Colorado a notable tourist destination. Spend a night camping among the pines, breathing in the fresh mountain air, and you’ll quickly fall in love with this destination.

Colorado offers visitors four national parks, over 40 state parks, and 14.5 million acres of national forests to admire and explore. With so many choices of natural beauty to see, it can be difficult to decide where to start. That’s why we’ve helped you narrow down the list. Be sure to mark your maps with these top RV destinations, each featuring unique experiences in Colorado.

The Million Dollar Highway - Ouray

Ranked one of the most scenic drives in the US, the Million Dollar Highway is part of a 70-mile stretch of road from Durango to Ouray. As you wind your way from Durango to Silverton, tackling steep ascents and descents, it is easy to see why this highway has earned accolades as the most scenic in the nation. The entire drive delivers breathtaking views of stunning peaks, sheer cliffs, tumbling waterfalls, and historical sites.

Built in the 1880s, the highway was carved into the side of the mountain to allow ore to be transported more easily from the Victorian-age mining town of Silverton to the railroad in Ouray.

On your drive, be sure to take a break in Silverton to grab a bite to eat. Here, you can immerse yourself in the area's incredible history, envisioning the level of courage and strength it would have taken to first settle in the area.

Leaving Silverton, you’ll begin the 20 miles of road officially dubbed the Million Dollar Highway. Stop along the way to visit the ghost towns of Red Mountain City and Ironton, and finally, descend into the enchanting town of Ouray.

Where to Stay

Stay in the heart of the town at the family-owned and operated 4J+1+1 RV Park.

Best Time to Visit

There is perhaps no better time in the year to visit than fall. The highway is lined with quaking aspens which turn to vibrant gold and fiery hues of orange during the autumn months.

Insider Insights

While the Million Dollar Highway will deliver unforgettable views, it is not for the faint of heart. The drive consists of incredible ascents and descents, 10 miles per hour hairpin turns, and sheer cliff edges. Without guardrails and with the extremely tight nature of this road, you’ll only want to tackle the drive only if you have strong confidence in your rig and your driving capabilities. Be sure to have your brakes inspected before tackling the drive.

The Great Sand Dunes National Park - Alamosa

As your heart rate returns to normal and you descend from the high peaks, take a break in the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Located outside of Alamosa, this national park features one of the most unique sights the state has to offer. Visitors will be stunned as they pull into the park and take note of miles of towering sand dunes tucked up against the snow-capped mountains.

The Great Sand Dunes are the tallest dunes in North America, and their stark Sahara Desert-like contrast against the lush mountains makes for an incredibly unique experience.

Visitors to the dunes can plan for a day of hiking in the sand, sandboarding, and splashing in Medano Creek. Once nighttime falls, enjoy some of the darkest skies the state has to offer.

Where to Stay

Book a stay in the National Park to get the full experience.

Best Time to Visit

Early summer is an ideal time to visit the sand dunes when the sand is cooler, and the river is flowing.

Insider Insights

Hiking in the sand dunes is no easy feat. Be sure to take it slowly, bring plenty of water, and don’t be afraid to turn around if you’re feeling tired.

Rocky Mountain National Park - Estes Park or Grand Lake

Perhaps one of the most famed national parks in the state, Rocky Mountain National Park spans 265,807 acres, featuring a stunning array of mountain environments. Hike through lush wildflower-lined meadows, ascend to the sparkling lakes of the subalpine zone, and then drive to the top of the world in the alpine zone. Here tundra barely clings to life.

With over 300 miles of trails, be sure to pack your hiking shoes. This park is one that should always be explored on foot. With trails that span difficulty levels, you can find everything from calm meadow strolls to heart-pumping ascents to 14,000-foot peaks. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, as the park is home to numerous herds of elk, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep.

Where to Stay

You can camp inside the Rocky Mountain National Park to fully immerse yourself in the experience, or opt for a stay in an RV park like Estes Park or Grand Lake to enjoy the comforts of town after a long day of hiking.

Best Time to Visit

It is hard to go wrong with a visit to the Rocky Mountain National Park. During the winter months, many of the roads become impassable, making spring, summer, and fall peak seasons for visitors.

Insider Insights

Rocky Mountain National Park can actually be accessed by two different mountain towns. Estes Park flanks the park on the eastern side and offers visitors a vast array of shops, restaurants, and pubs. On the other side of the park sits Grand Lake, a smaller but still tourist-driven mountain town situated on a stunning mountain lake.

Dinosaur National Monument - Dinosaur

Leave the lush and verdant high country behind with a visit to the Dinosaur National Monument. Walk the trails where dinosaurs once roamed and admire the incredible remains of these giants, still visibly embedded in the rocks of the park today.

A visit to this park is an entirely different experience. Situated on the border of Utah, you’ll be greeted with a remote wilderness with red desert rocks, tumbling mountain rivers, and storied history of outlaws and homesteaders. These trails allow you to experience the fossils of the dinosaurs that once walked the area and also explore the ancient petroglyphs [rock carvings] from the area’s earliest inhabitants.

Where to Stay

The park is home to six different campgrounds, three of which are located on the Colorado side of the park. Staying inside the park gives you stunning nighttime views.

Best Time to Visit

Visit in the spring or fall for the best daytime temperatures.

Insider Insights

Add to your trip’s excitement and schedule a white water rafting trip on the Yampa.

Get Ready for Your Colorado Trip with Transwest

If the high country of Colorado is calling your name, get ready for your next trip with the purchase of a new RV. At Transwest, we’ll be happy to work with you to find the right size RV for your needs. Stop by one of our many locations or give us a call.