A road trip from Dallas to Denver isn’t just a drive—it’s an adventure through some of the wildest, weirdest, and most amazing places in the Southwest.
You’ll go from big-city skylines to towering mountains, crossing deserts, and even stumbling upon a few random roadside attractions along the way.
One minute, you’ll be hiking through red rock landscapes; the next, you’ll be atop a 14,000-foot peak or sledding down massive sand dunes like you’re in the Sahara.
And the best part? This route is packed with hidden gems, legendary landmarks, and bucket-list-worthy places—so let’s go!
1. Dallas, TX
Dallas is a big, bold city packed with shiny skyscrapers, iconic BBQ joints, and enough cowboy history to make you want to buy a pair of boots.
It is located in North Texas and is home to the famous Dealey Plaza, where JFK was assassinated.
In the massive Dallas Arts District, you’ll find everything from renowned paintings at the Dallas Museum of Art to giant outdoor sculptures at Nasher Sculpture Center.
Oh, and don’t leave without trying a plate of Texas-style brisket or the original frozen margarita—Dallas is literally well-known for these.
2. Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway, TX
About 5 hours northwest of Dallas, the landscape shifts from city lights to red-rock canyons—and that’s when you know you’ve made it to Caprock Canyons State Park.
This place is all about dramatic cliffs, winding trails, and the official Texas State Bison Herd—this means you might run into a furry friend while hiking.
You can trek through the Upper Canyon Trail for insane views, bike the 64-mile Trailway, or just kick back and watch the sunset glow on the rocks.
At night, the park’s pitch-black skies go full-on planetarium mode, making it the perfect spot for stargazing.
3. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, TX
Keep heading northwest, and Palo Duro Canyon will show up like the Grand Canyon’s little sibling—still massive and jaw-dropping, just way less crowded.
This is the second-largest canyon in the U.S., stretching 120 miles long and plunging 800 feet deep, with layers of red, orange, and yellow rock.
Hiking here is next-level, with the Lighthouse Trail offering a 6-mile round-trip trek leading to a rock formation that looks exactly like a lighthouse.
Plan your visit well and catch the Texas outdoor musical, a summertime show filled with cowboy history, live horses, and fireworks, all set against the canyon walls.
4. Cadillac Ranch, TX
Roll into Amarillo, and just off Route 66, you’ll spot something that makes zero sense but is somehow completely awesome—Cadillac Ranch.
A row of ten vintage Cadillacs, half-buried nose-first in the dirt and covered in neon spray paint, makes this the most famous roadside art installation in Texas.
The fun part? You’re supposed to add your own graffiti, so grab a can of spray paint, leave your mark, and snap some photos before the next wave of travelers covers it up.
It’s weird, it’s colorful, and it’s the kind of random, only-in-America stop that makes a road trip unforgettable.
5. Taos, NM
As you cross into New Mexico, the flat plains give way to mountains and historic adobe buildings, welcoming you to the unique town of Taos.
Taos is best known for Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with multi-story adobe homes.
People have lived here for over 1,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the U.S.
Taos has long been a magnet for artists, with its vibrant galleries, creative spirit, and rich history shaping its distinct cultural scene.
Ojo Caliente Hot Springs is also just a short drive away, where you can soak in natural mineral pools and pretend you’re a Zen master.
6. Capulin Volcano National Monument, NM
Keep heading north, and out of nowhere, Capulin Volcano National Monument’s cone-shaped peak rises from the New Mexico plains.
This extinct volcano last erupted about 60,000 years ago, but today, you can drive to the rim, hike the Crater Rim Trail, and stare straight down into the ancient crater.
The views from the top are unreal—you can see three different states from up here, which makes it feel like you’ve somehow leveled up in road trip status.
And if you thought the night skies at Caprock were wild, Capulin is an official Dark Sky Park, meaning the stars here look like someone cranked the brightness up to max.
7. Fishers Peak State Park, CO
Cross into Colorado, where the dry, open landscapes give way to towering peaks, dense forests, and the refreshing air of Fishers Peak State Park.
This is Colorado’s newest state park, and its star attraction is Fishers Peak, a 9,633-foot summit that looms over Trinidad like a scene from an adventure movie.
The park is still being developed, but you can tackle the Challenger Trail, a steep climb that leads to stunning views of New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Colorado.
It’s the perfect first taste of Colorado’s epic outdoors, but don’t underestimate the altitude—up here, even a short hike will leave you breathless.
8. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, CO
Just when you think Colorado is all about mountains, Great Sand Dunes National Park flips the script with the tallest sand dunes in North America.
These massive formations look like they belong in the Sahara, yet they sit beneath snow-capped peaks, making the whole place feel like a glitch in nature’s design.
You can hike straight up the dunes (yes, it’s a leg workout), sandboard or sled down like a kid on a snow day, or cool off in Medano Creek if you visit in late spring.
And if you stick around after dark, the place turns into one of the best stargazing spots in the country, with skies so clear you’ll see the Milky Way like never before.
9. Bishop Castle, CO
Just when you think you’ve seen it all, you’ll stumble upon Bishop Castle—a place so bizarre, it feels like something out of a fantasy novel.
This towering, hand-built stone castle is the lifelong project of one man, Jim Bishop, who started stacking rocks here in the 1960s and just never stopped.
It’s got spiral staircases, metal bridges and even a fire-breathing dragon—but that’s all part of the adventure.
Climb to the top if you dare, soak in the mountain views, and appreciate the fact that one guy with a dream and a whole lot of stubbornness actually built a castle.
10. Cañon City, CO
Next up is Cañon City, a place that takes outdoor adventure to the extreme with sky-high bridges, raging rivers, and cliffs that’ll make your stomach drop.
The biggest must-see is the Royal Gorge Bridge, one of the highest suspension bridges in the world, stretching 956 feet above the Arkansas River.
If you’d rather stay closer to the ground, you can raft through the Royal Gorge’s Class IV rapids or take a scenic train ride along the river.
You can also drive along Skyline Drive, a narrow road that rides the top of a razor-thin ridge.
Basically, whether you’re here for adrenaline or just jaw-dropping scenery, Cañon City delivers—just maybe don’t look down too much.
11. Pikes Peak, CO
From canyons and rivers to one of the most famous mountains in America, it’s time to take things way, way up at Pikes Peak.
Standing at 14,115 feet, this legendary Colorado “fourteener” inspired the lyrics to “America the Beautiful,” and the breathtaking summit views make it clear why.
You can drive the 19-mile Pikes Peak Highway or ride the historic Cog Railway.
If you’re feeling hardcore, hike the Barr Trail, a brutal 13-mile climb that rewards you with ultimate bragging rights.
Also, don’t leave without trying a Pikes Peak donut at the summit—the high-altitude baking makes them extra fluffy, and after that climb, you’ve earned one (or three).
12. Denver, CO
After all that mountain madness, Denver feels like the perfect place to unwind, refuel, and soak in some city life—with a serious side of Rocky Mountain views.
Nicknamed the Mile High City (because it sits exactly 1 mile above sea level), Denver is packed with craft breweries, delicious food, and cool neighborhoods.
And if you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to nature, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is just a short drive away.
Surrounded by massive red rock formations, this legendary outdoor concert venue makes every show magical.
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