In October of 2022, we flew to Iowa to purchase our brand-new travel rig, a Ford F-350 Super Duty Lariat Tremor (follow its build and our adventures on Instagram @traveling_nobodys - end of shameless plug here). After a brief stop in Nebraska to visit family, we high-tailed it through the rest of the Cornhusker state and wound up in the Northeast corner of Colorado, which we deemed to be the beginning of the truck’s shakedown trip home. This was our first time driving through Colorado and we could not have asked for a better time to explore the state’s diverse landscapes, made even more spectacular with the kaleidoscope of fall colors that were on full display. Running from corner (NE) to corner (SW) this route only scratches the surface of what Colorado has to offer and we look forward to finding our way back there sooner rather than later.
After a seven plus hour drive behind us, it was time to slow things down and enjoy the ride as they say. What better way to do that then with a tasty meal and frosty beverage to cheers the start of our new adventure.
This is a great little brewery that calls an old Cadillac dealership/repair shop home and serves classic Americana dishes with a gourmet spin alongside a hearty beer menu. The relaxed vintage vibe fits nicely with the surrounding refurbished brick buildings of the historic downtown in Sterling, CO.
Add to
Details
With full bellies and a better state of mind it was time to settle into camp for the evening. We found a decent spot tucked amongst golden Cottonwood and Elm trees that made a nice refuge in an endless sea of short grass prairies.
Managed by the Forest Service, the national grasslands boast 193,000 plus acres of land contained in a thirty by sixty-mile area open year-round for people to explore. However, the area is also mixed with private land, State of Colorado ownership, and the Central Plains Experimental Range so make sure to consult a Motor Vehicle Use Map before venturing out as some two-tracks are closed to the public.
Add to
Details
Day 2: Colroado Springs
Once arriving in Colorado Springs, we took the scenic drive through Disney's Radiator Springs, uh we mean Garden of the Gods with an obligatory stop at Balanced Rock.
Entrance into the park is free and you can explore it several separate ways including by car, bike, or on foot depending on how much time you have. Another bonus is that it is dog friendly, so everyone in the family can enjoy it. Check out their website to see all the park has to offer and plan your visit. Or pop into their visitor and nature center for guidance while peeping views of some of the park’s iconic features.
Add to
Details
Next up a long-time bucket list item. Yep, you guessed it, we drove the 19-mile twisty-turny road to the 14,111-foot summit of America's mountain, Pike's Peak. With sweeping views and limited guard rails this drive will get your heart pumping - just mind your brakes on the way down!
Tickets are $15 per person and reservations are required from May through September.
P.S. We didn't know this at the time but apparently the donuts are a must. You are welcome!
Add to
Details
What better way to end an epic day then with a burger and beer, and another beer, and some cookies.
This brewery has a large family friendly outdoor patio complete with cornhole and fire pits to lounge around. Plus, with five different food vendors there's something for everyone.
Add to
Details
Day 3: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Before hitting the road grab a coffee, delicious bagel sandwich, and homemade pop tart (yes you read that correctly, homemade pop tarts!) in Woodland Park, CO.
A cute, artsy café with a cozy atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a hot cup of coffee (or Macha Latte) and a satisfying breakfast with views of Pike’s Peak.
Add to
Details
If you're like us, then you will feel a little itch to get out and get some exercise after being couped up in the car for a few days. So, if you hit all twelve overlooks on the south rim like we did then you will be ready to sit down and relax again. Honestly, it was worth it!
If you are expecting Grand Canyon vibes then think again, this canyon is steeper and narrower offering closer views of the canyon walls, but a dizzying perspective of the floor below. After scoping stunning view during the day make sure to stay overnight as it is an International Dark Sky Park and provides an equally spectacular landscape in the evening as well.
Besides learning about the impressive force of nature and the quirky adventures of us humans, there is a great display about what sets the Black Canyon of the Gunnison apart from other monumental canyons across the US.
Add to
Details
Protip: If you have the time and are not in a ginormous RV, then make sure to drive the East Portal Road.
Day 4: The San Juan Skyway Scenic Drive
Beginning and ending at Ridgeway State Park this 235-mile loop takes you through high mountain passes, quintessential old mining towns, and jaw dropping scenery. As to fit the trip route we only explored half the loop, but they do not call this section the Million Dollar Highway for nothing!
Not only is this place the “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Colorado” it is also designated as a national historic district with many well-preserved buildings from the early gold mining days. So, whether you hit the locally owned shops and restaurants on the main street or the premier hiking trails and other adventure opportunities in the surrounding mountains you will only be disappointed because you do not have enough time to see and do all this place has to offer.
Add to
Details
You must be sensing a theme by now, but in our humble opinion microbreweries are wonderful places to stop, hangout, and grab a bite to eat. Most offer thoughtfully crafted menus which range from quick bites to full meals and sometimes have handcrafted non-alcoholic drinks too. They also usually have great outdoor patios, and their relaxed environments are perfect for road weary travelers to sit back and take in their surroundings.
Their rooftop patio offered fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. Plus, the staff was friendly, the food was delicious, and the drinks were cold - what more could you want?
Add to
Details
Protip: Make sure not to miss the Red Mountain Mining Interpretive Site on the way out of town. Or the chance to spot those crazy enough to tackle the infamous Black Bear Pass 4x4 Trail.
Another designated national historic district due to it’s gold mining past, Silverton is the only incorporated town in the remote San Juan Mountain Range. While we are sure this place is bustling with tourist during the summer months the town almost seemed sleepy and shuttered itself quite early when we were there in the late fall.
Add to
Details
Just east of Silverton’s Main Street is the start of the Alpine Loop, a 63-mile unpaved road that cuts through the San Juan Forest via two mountain passes (Engineer and Cinnamon), past two ghost towns (Animas Forks and Capitol City) and ends near Ouray (or Lake City if you cut the route short). However, you do not have to tackle the entire route to delve into some of the area’s past, just a few miles down the corrugated gravel road you will come across the Mayflower Mill and the Old Hundred Mine.
Note: All-wheel drive or 4x4 is necessary, and a higher-clearance vehicle is recommended if you attempt the entire loop.
The mine offers tours daily and there is a short offshoot loop that takes you through the remanence of the mining operation, see if you can spot the Old Hundred Boarding House that sits precariously on the side of the mountain.
Add to
Details
Next up the small mountain town of Durango, home to one of the most popular heritage railroads in North America. Even if you don’t plan to take a ride, stop in at the Durango Depot and free D&S Roundhouse Museum which is pact to the rafters with artifacts and exhibits displaying the area’s railroad and mining history.
A highlight of this place is that you can get up close and personal with the trains staged outside the depot and the engines on display in the museum, plus they let you peak into the working railyard that is complete with a 65-foot turntable bridge located just outside the roundhouse.
Add to
Details
For a small-town Durango sure has a big nightlife with tons of restaurants and bars to choose from throughout its historic Main Avenue. We opted for one of our favorite meals while traveling, Thai fried rice, hearty and filing you just cannot go wrong. Needing to waddle off our overindulgence, we took a brisk stroll through the streets, peaking in at the shops and other offerings before settling on a spot to catch the game (Go Pads!) and people watch before calling it a day.
We highly suggest you order online as they only offer takeout service. However, they do have a nice patio complete with heat lamps where you can scarf down your food and enjoy the live music from the nearby bar.
The handcrafted Root Beer made with local Honeyville honey was top notch!
Add to
Details
Day 5: Mesa Verde National Park
As you approach the park from the east via the town of Mancos, CO it seems very unassuming, especially when the mesa top is shrouded in a layer of clouds as it was for us. It is not until after you ascend a 21-mile steep, narrow, and winding road that you reach the first cliff dwelling and realize this park has so much to offer. Designated a World Heritage Site that protects the cultural history of over 26 pueblos and tribes, it is also an International Dark Sky Park, and home to many rare plant and animal species not found anywhere else in the world. Needless to say you will walk away from the park with a renewed sense of wonder and deep appreciation for the past.
The beautiful wool blankets on the beds were perfect for snuggling under, as we watched through the large picture window as the impending storm rolled in over the Cuesta. Thankfully, we had ear plugs because we were in a corner room and the ripping wind sounded like it was going to take the roof off. Another downside to the weather was that it made the bathroom cold, and no amount of time could help heat up the shower water.
Add to
Details
Taking a break from pub food and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches we decided to treat ourselves to something a little more refined.
We would be lying if we said we were not drooling a little bit thinking about all the delicious dishes we had here. You really cannot go wrong with anything on the menu, plus the wait staff was extremely professional and friendly. Round out the experience with the large bank of windows that offered magnificent views of the sunset over the Cuesta.
Add to
Details
Pro Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for wild horses. We were lucky enough to spot two while having breakfast at the Far View Terrace. Having said that, please do not approach or feed ANY wildlife EVER.
Day 6: Tribal Lands
Congratulations, if you have read this far then we are at the Southwest corner of Colorado and sadly at the end of this route. However, we still need to get home to Southern California so consider the rest of the places listed below as bonus content.
A tourist trap at it’s finest! You pay $8 per person (not vehicle) to stand in line so you can take a photo or two of you standing in four states at once. Do not get us wrong the novelty of it is worth doing once but check your expectations at the door.
Add to
Details
We have mixed feeling about this next place. Canyon de Chelly (pronounced Shay) splits into two drivable rims with a total of nine overlooks divided between the two sides. The wind carved red rock, historical ruins nestled in the cliffsides, and large spires jetting up from the canyon floor were quite beautiful, especially with a fresh dusting of snow. However, unlike other national monuments there is no posted signage describing the significance of each overlook. Instead, there were only signs warning you about vehicle break ins and illegal vending which left us with an uneasy feeling, and we did not enjoy each spot for too long.
Pro Tip: We didn’t learn this until later, but you can purchase a booklet at the visitor center that tells you the history of the area and facts about each of the overlooks.
This national monument was unlike any other we have been to before as the canyon runs in tandem with Navajo land, so one wrong turn off the main road and you are trespassing on private property. Additionally, the interior of the canyon is also off limits unless you purchase a guided tour through a private company registered with the Navajo Parks and Recreation Department.
Add to
Details
With the day ending and temperatures dropping we opted to stay at the lodge rather than camping and when we woke up to snow the next morning, we were happy with our decision.
Operated by the Navajo Nation Hospitality Enterprise the lodge is the only accommodations available in the National Monument. Built on the site of an old trading post it does have a dated feel, but the room was clean, warm, and dry so we really do not have much to complain about. As for the onsite restaurant - unless you enjoy high school cafeteria style food, we highly suggest you have alternative options on hand for your meals.
Add to
Details
Day 7: Petrified Forest National Park
Get ready to channel your nerdy, overly enthusiastic, seventh grade science teacher because this national park is going to get your geological juices flowing (pun intended)! If you think you are just going to stare at a whole bunch of rocks, well then you are right, but they are very cool rocks because they use to be trees so that is amazing, huh?
As the saying goes, “all good things must come to an end” and regrettably this was our last noteworthy spot of the trip before stopping over in Flagstaff, AZ and then on toward home. Thank you for road tripping with us through beautiful Colorado (and parts of Arizona)! We hope our journey and this board gave you inspiration to create a similar adventure of your own. In the meantime – get out, go explore, and leave it cleaner than you found it. Sincerely, The Nobodys.
