If you’re looking to escape the Texas heat and experience stunning mountain landscapes, breathtaking scenic drives, and world-class skiing, a road trip from Dallas to Colorado is exactly what you need.
The 880-mile road trip from Dallas to Colorado (specifically to Breckenridge) takes approximately 13-14 hours to drive. Key stops include Amarillo, Capulin Volcano, Trinidad, Bishop Castle, Royal Gorge Bridge, Colorado Springs, and finally Breckenridge.

How Far is Colorado from Dallas & How Long Will the Road Trip Take?

The road trip from Dallas to Breckenridge covers approximately 820 miles and takes about 12-13 hours to complete. While you could technically make the drive in one very long day, it’s recommended to split the journey across 7-10 days to fully enjoy all the attractions along the way.

The most direct route follows I-25 through Texas and into Colorado, but there are several scenic detours worth taking, particularly once you reach Colorado. The route offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and numerous natural attractions right along the main path.

With that said, the drive through Colorado can be challenging during winter months due to snow and ice, so always check weather conditions and road closures before departing, especially if heading to ski destinations like Breckenridge.

Nonstop Drive: 🚗 883 miles
Driving Time: ⏱️ 13-14 hours

Best Routes from Dallas to Colorado

There are several routes you can choose from that are convenient for you and your destination. It depends on your factors of choice like speed, scenic views, and roadside attractions. Here is a list of the best routes you can explore:

Route 1:Via I-35 N and I-70 W (Most direct & Fastest)

This is one of the direct routes you can explore with moderate scenic views. 
Route & Distance: I-35 N from Dallas → I-40 W (through Oklahoma) → I-70 W to Denver or I-25 N to Colorado Springs with a distance of about 600-625 miles with an estimated drive time of 9-10 hours.

Route 2: Via US-287 N (direct but scenic route with more stops)

This is one of the direct routes with more scenic routes and more stops.
Route & Distance: US-287 North through Fort Worth → Amarillo → Lamar → Pueblo → Colorado Springs / Denver with a distance of about 620-650 miles with an estimated drive time of 10-11 hours.

Route 3: Via US-82 W and US-64 W (for a more scenic mountain view and nature view)

This is the best route for nature lovers where you can enjoy alluring views of mountains and nature.
Route & Distance: Dallas → US-82 W to Lubbock → US-64 W through New Mexico → Santa Fe → Colorado Springs / Denver with a distance of 670 miles and an estimated time of 11-12 hours.

Route 4: Via US-84 W and US-64 W (with more Scenic views & Cultural Route)

This route is filled with a lot of roadside attractions with a merge of history, culture, and natural views.
Route & Distance: Dallas → US-84 W to Lubbock → US-64 W → Amarillo → Lamar → Pueblo → Colorado Springs / Denver with a distance of 650-675 miles and an estimated time of 10-11 hours.

Route 5: The Southern Route Through Lubbock and Amarillo (Less crowded with scenic views)

This route is suitable for explorers who love isolated and less explored routes with a lot of scenic views and major highways.
Route & Distance: Dallas → US-82 W → US-84 W → Amarillo → Colorado Springs / Denver with a distance of 650-700 miles and an estimated time of 10-11 hours.

The Best Places to Stop Between Dallas to Colorado

The road trip from Dallas to Colorado is a one-of-a-kind experience you can have in your life. There are so many phenomenal places you can visit along your journey. Whether you are looking for natural beauty, scenic views, beautiful landmarks, fun adventure, or delicious food spots you can find everything on this road trip.

Dallas to Amarillo(Within 6 hours of journey and a distance of 38 miles)

This route consists of various segments to explore with a blend of quaint towns, expansive landscapes, and beautiful landmarks.

• Gainesville-Frank Buck Zoo: A family-oriented zoo where you can see a lot of wildlife species and enjoy an excellent location for a coffee break on your road trip.
• Vernon: A Red River Valley Museum that gives you an insight into the region’s agriculture and its cultural past and features local exhibits.
• Amarillo: A Cadillac church renowned as one of the American roadside attractions it showcases a series of half-buried Cadillacs adorned with graffiti.

Amarillo to Denver with an approximate distance of 300 miles

• Route 66 Museum:This museum is situated in Tucumari, a small town located on the famous Route 66. This museum showcases the history of iconic and vintage cars, signs, and memorabilia.
• Tucumcari Mountain: It is a beautiful landmark that is perfect for photography and to enjoy the natural and alluring view of the mountain.
• Blue Hole, Santa Rosa: It is a natural spring with blue vibrant water perfect for diving, swimming, feeling refreshed, and chilling. It is a perfect spot to take a break and enjoy the serene beauty of the water.
• Capulin Volcanic National Monument: It is located in northeast New Mexico. This place shows the panoramic views of the surrounding plains. It is about 40 miles and it is one of the unique places you can ever visit during a road trip.
• Downtown Trinidad: It is a small town famous for its charming, historic area where you can hop on to beautiful cafes, and shops and to take relax from your tiring journey.

Denver & Colorado Spring Area

It comes when you are in Colorado and about to reach Colorado where you can see a variety of places to explore surrounding astonishing cultural features and incredible heritage and views.

• Red Rocks Amphitheatre: This is the famous outdoor adventure that is so beautiful and incredible in its own way. It is a great place to hike and enjoy the stunning views of rocks.
• Denver Botanic Garden: It is a nature lover spot you can find in the middle of the city. You can see a variety of plants from all over the world in one single place.
• Denver Art Museum: This place is known for its outstanding and striking architecture. Here, you can explore Native American Art to contemporary artworks.
• Garden of the Gods: This place is famous for its red rock formations that show stunning views and amazing hiking trails of the surrounding area including Pikes Peak.
• Manitou Springs: It is a town near Colorado Springs, known for its historic mineral springs and unique shops to explore the cultural heritage and beauty.

Best Place to Shop Between Dallas to Colorado

There are several amazing places in between your road trip that you can explore according to your desired and specific choices. Here are some famous shopping places from local shops to boutiques that you can explore along the way:

• Sikes Senter Mall in Wichita Falls (3111 Midwestern Parkway): This place is approximately 2 hours from Dallas. It is a nice place for a quick pit stop where you can hop for a regional shopping experience and some amazing department stores like Dillard’s and JCPenny.
• Downtown Wichita Falls: This place is known for its local as well as luxurious shopping experience. You can find a variety of local shops as well as antique stores and boutiques. It is a great place to buy something local, vintage, and high-class as well.
• Westgate Mall(7701 W 45th Ave, Amarillo): This place is the largest shopping place in Amarillo that features some popular brands to buy clothes, shoes, and accessories.
• Santa Fe Plaza(Downtown Santa Fe, NM): This place is one of the nice shopping hubs where you can explore amazing artisan galleries, jewelry shops, and boutiques. You can find luxurious as well as locally made goods.

Where to Spend Nights and Take Breaks

Dallas to Colorado is a long hour journey where you need to take some stoppages and a night stay depending on your ease. If you want your road trip to be more comfortable and relaxing, take short breaks and a night stay specifically. Here are the lists of some good spots which you can choose according to the region.

Amarillo

This is a great place which is 3.5 hours away from Wichita Falls to spend the night if you’re seeking a longer break, as it can offer you a long range of spots like Cadillac Ranch and great dining options. If you are looking for a great place to eat & rest then Cadillac Ranch and Big Texan Steak Ranch and places like The Courtyard, Holiday Inn and Drury Inn can be good places to stay.

Tucumcari

Tucumcari is a fun place located 1.5 hours from Amarillo, a retro Route 66 town with a mix of old-school motels and roadside attractions. Places like Roote 66 Museum & Tucumcari Mountain can be good choices to eat and rest and Blue Swallow Motel & Holiday Inn are good places to stay.

Santa Rosa

This place is 1 hour away from Tucumcari and is known for its blue hole and Route 66 heritage. A place like Blue Hole is one of the good options to eat & Comfort Inn Santa Rosa & Motel 6 Santa Rosa are good options to Stay and rest.

Best Time to Visit

If you are considering visiting Dallas to Colorado you can choose any weather according to your plan. Both Dallas and Colorado have distinct weathers but you can plan your trip in any weather considering your ease.

Spring (March to May)

You can choose this season because of its mild temperature that varies between 15-30 deg. C. Making it best for outdoor activities like hiking and enjoying gardens and lakes, Scenic beauties, less crowd, and mountains.

Fall (September to November)

Dallas enjoys moderate temperatures in the fall, which makes it a great time to explore the city. The Aspen trees in Colorado turn a brilliant gold in September and October, especially in higher elevations. You can enjoy major Scenic drives like Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway and San Juan Mountains around this season to enjoy the fall foliage.

Summer (June to August)

Summer can be the best time to explore Dallas and Colorado because you can experience major outdoor activities like hiking, camping, white-water rafting, or mountain biking. Summer is one of the best times to enjoy festivals like the International Film Festival and Colorado Springs Pioneers Day.

Winters(December to February)

Winter is especially famous for skiing and snowboarding in Colorado with luxurious world-class ski resorts like Vail, Breckenridge, and Aspen offering great slopes. You can also enjoy winter festivals here like light displays, holiday markets, Denver’s Holiday Lights and Colorado Springs hosts the Festival of Lights.

Things To Do in Colorado

On your way from Dallas to Colorado, you can stop at Palo Duro Canyon State Park near Amarillo, Texas. This stunning canyon is the second-largest in the U.S. after the Grand Canyon, offering miles of hiking trails and stunning rock formations. Once in Colorado, visit Rocky Mountain National Park to experience the state’s famous mountain scenery. Hike to alpine lakes, spot wildlife like elk and bighorn sheep, and take in the views from Trail Ridge Road. In the town of Breckenridge, explore the historic downtown district and hit the slopes at one of the premier ski resorts.