Road trips are way more fun than air travel!
One of the best things about living in Denver is the accessibility to so many insanely awesome locations! You can find some really cool spots less than an hour away, but there are also places that are a bit further to get to that are definitely worth the drive.
Whether you're traveling by RV or car, there are plenty of really cool road trips you can take. While I have spent a lot of time in airports, with long security lines and limited bags, these days, I prefer a classic road trip if it's manageable. Let's take a look at a few of these spots!
Telluride and Ouray, Colorado
While Telluride is still in the state of Colorado, it'll take around 6.5 hours to get there from Denver. This mountain town is beautiful and features a ski resort, which I visited this past winter, and it was absolutely worth the drive. I've also heard, unsurprisingly, that it is beautiful in the summertime, and I know some people who have camped there. You can enjoy hikes, mountain biking, festivals, and more during the summer at Telluride.
It is also around an hour away from the town of Ouray, which is referred to as "The Switzerland of America." Some people have said it's even prettier than Telluride, and Telluride is stunning. Why not throw both of these spots into the same road trip?
Santa Fe, New Mexico
If you're looking to check out a different state, New Mexico is a beautiful option that takes close to 6 hours from Denver. I almost went here this spring, but I'm looking to actually visit soon. New Mexico is also gorgeous and really great for camping. Santa Fe is also the home of the original Meow Wolf! (Side note: If you haven't been to the Denver location, it's a crazy cool experience you gotta check out!). I've also heard that Sante Fe has some incredible food, which is always a fun part of a vacation.
White Sands National Park, New Mexico
If you're going on a road trip with multiple stops, this is the perfect spot to hit after Santa Fe. While we have our own sand dunes here in Colorado (which was my first camping trip here), these ones have their own unique touch. The "sand" here is technically not even sand. Instead, it is made up of fine gypsum crystals, which are actually used to make chalk and plaster. The photos of this spot look insane and the stark white color sets it apart from the dunes here in Colorado. While backcountry camping at the park is currently unavailable, you can find a spot to camp nearby! This trip will take around 8 hours and 40 minutes from Denver.
Grand Teton National Park, WY
My group of friends has been talking about visiting the Tetons. This trip takes around 7 hours and 40 minutes. It has become an increasingly popular destination over the years, and I look forward to visiting at some point. One thing to keep in mind about camping here is that it is bear country. You will want to be prepared and take proper precautions when camping in a place like this.
These are just a few spots that are a bit of a drive from Denver, but totally worth the road trip. I've been getting more and more into camping since moving here, and I love the opportunities to constantly visit new places that are a drive away.
