Epic Denver to Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary
If you’re looking for some of the most awe-inspiring natural sites in the United States, you’ll find plenty on a Denver to Grand Canyon road trip!
West West vibes in Moab, Utah
From snow covered mountain peaks to brightly colored desert landscapes, this road trip has incredible things around every bend.
I’ve focused in on sites that are appealing for the entire family, so even the youngest travelers can join in on the hiking, sightseeing, and exploring.
Below, you’ll find 3 major route options for your Denver to Grand Canyon road trip, as well as a day by day itinerary of the route I recommend for your family travels.
Additionally, you’ll find suggestions on what to see and do at each stop, where to stay (with hotel and camping options), and tips for getting the most out of each day.
In short, I’ve done all of the hard work for you on this trip, so the only thing you’re left to determine is who’s riding shotgun!
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3 Options for Your Denver to Grand Canyon Road Trip
There are many ways to cut through Colorado to get into Utah and Arizona on this road trip. We’ve crisscrossed all over those states on our travels, and there are pros and cons to all of the routes.
Below, you’ll find the 3 most likely routes that you’d want to take, along with the suggestion that I think allows you to see and do the most.
Option 1: South out of Denver to Colorado Springs, then west via Highway 160
Option 1 for the Denver to Grand Canyon road trip
Pros for this route:
You’ll go through Colorado Springs and see Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak. You could also do a short day trip over to Victor, Colorado, to learn about gold mining and to visit Rita the Rock Planter troll.
You’ll drive right by Cañon City where you can go on the Royal Gorge Railroad and cross the Royal Gorge by gondola.
You’ll go right past Great Sand Dunes National Park in Alamosa on Highway 160. If you decide on this route, we recommend spending one day in Great Sand Dunes National Park!
You’ll be able to stop at Four Corners Monument.
You’ll go through the adorable Pagosa Springs, Colorado, and will be able to explore Chimney Rock National Monument. Also in this area of Colorado is Mesa Verde National Park and Million Dollar Highway.
Cons for this route:
It’s the longest of the 3 options with a total drive time of 11 hours and 50 minutes.
You don’t get the full effect of the Rocky Mountains since you’re driving on the southern part and will skirt most of the dramatic views.
You’re on Highway 160 for most of the drive, which is often a 2 lane, remote road. It’s pretty, but there aren’t a lot of places to stop for gas, food, or attractions, especially once you’re past the Four Corners Monument.
Option 2: Southwest out of Denver to Saguache, then west via Highway 160
Option 2 for the Denver to Grand Canyon road trip
Pros for this route:
You’ll make your way through the heart of Colorado’s ski country as you pass by multiple 14-ers, including Mount Lincoln near Breckenridge and Mount Antero near St. Elmo.
The proximity of this route to cute towns like Saguache and Salida means you’ve got a plethora of options for skiing, hiking, and exploring multiple national forests.
You’ll get to visit Four Corners Monument.
It clocks in at 11 hours and 16 minutes if driven through in one go (not recommended), making it the second fastest route.
Cons for this route:
Once you’re outside of Denver, you’re mostly on 2 lane roads.
Highway 285 through the Rockies is beautiful, but it includes some steep climbs and descents. It can also be treacherous during the colder months, thanks to the abundance of snow that this area gets.
Option 3: RECOMMENDED! West out of Denver, then south on Highway 191
Option 3 for your Denver to Grand Canyon road trip
Pros for this route:
You get to experience a wide variety of Colorado’s natural beauty from ski resorts to broad plains.
You’ll drive through 3 states—Colorado, Arizona, and Utah—instead of just two as in the other routes.
This allows you to see even more variation in landscape, animals, and plant life.
You’ll be able to see the incredible Monument Valley, which isn’t (easily) possible on the other 2 routes.
You get to add in Moab, Utah, and Arches National Park, which are two of our family’s favorite places in the West.
At 11 hours, this route is also the most direct, which means you spend more time sightseeing and less time driving overall.
Cons for this route:
You’ll miss southern Colorado, Colorado Springs, and the Four Corners Monument.
You’re traveling on I-70 west, which is known for its poor road condition and the daunting 6% incline for 12 miles as you approach the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel at the Continental Divide.
If you’re planning a road trip with a camper, you need RV Life Trip Wizard. I use this for all of my pre-planning, and it has been a lifesaver: I can set fuel stops, check bridge heights, read RV park reviews, and set the best course for my trip.
Daily Itinerary for the Best Denver, Colorado, to Grand Canyon Road Trip
Start: Denver
After you’ve spent a few days exploring the best kid friendly things to do in Denver, you’re ready to head out on your epic family road trip.
Denver is such a great city, so don’t forget to build in time to explore it.
In the lounge at the Hotel Teatro
Where to Stay: Hotel Teatro in the LoDo section of Denver. Upscale, but laid back with a vintage library vibe.
Where to Camp: If you’re camping, you’ll need to stay outside of the city as there aren’t any campgrounds in the city limits.
We recommend the Clear Creek RV Park in Golden, Colorado. This park is also the perfect start to your road trip, which sees you spending your first night in Golden.
Alternatively, you can try boondocking at one of the city’s big box stores, but that will only serve you for a night.
We’ve done overnight RV parking at Cabela’s to great success, so you can try the one in Thornton, north of Denver.
Day 1: Denver, Colorado, to Golden, Colorado
Today is your first day on the road, but don’t worry: we’re off to an easy start.
You’ll head out by heading west on I-70 out of Denver.
First, you’ll spend time at the fascinating Dinosaur Ridge, which is a must-visit for kids and the dino obsessed of all ages.
Here, you can see fossilized dinosaur tracks, let your kids play in the dig areas, take guided tours of the property, and hike 2 separate loops.
Then, head back across I-70 to the adorable town of Golden, where the entire family can enjoy the afternoon.
On the far side of Golden is Lookout Mountain, where you’ll be treated to stunning views of the city and beyond.
You’ll also find the small but well done Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave here, which is a fun addition for kids interested in the Wild West.
Finish out the evening at Mountain Toad Brewing in downtown Golden.
This small brewery has plenty of beverage options for the adults, a quiet patio for the family, and a delicious rotation of food trucks.
Miles driven today: 25
Where to Stay: The Golden Hotel in downtown Golden. Right by Clear Creek in the heart of downtown within walking distance of shops and parks.
Where to Camp: the Clear Creek RV Park in Golden, Colorado
Day 2: Golden, Colorado, to Breckenridge, Colorado
Continue heading west on I-70 today as you begin your climb towards Loveland Pass.
For those of you from the flatter parts of the US like I am, this section will be the most intense of the entire road trip.
There is a seemingly never ending 6% grade on either side of the pass, which is made all the more intense if you’re pulling a travel trailer or driving an RV.
Go slow, use those lower gears, and hang out with the 18-wheelers if necessary!
However, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Rockies as you make your way across the Continental Divide at more than 11,000 feet above sea level.
While the scenery is more than enough to keep you occupied, you’ve also got some great options for today’s road trip stops.
Quaint Georgetown looks like something out of a Western as it embraces its Gold Rush past.
On board the Georgetown Loop Railroad
Your kids will love the Georgetown Loop Railroad, which allows them to see the gold mines of this town’s past up close.
Then, explore around the historic downtown area before joining a tour of the Capital Prize Gold Mine.
If you want a more challenging experience while you’re in this area of Colorado, Square Top Mountain has some great hiking that is good for more experienced hikers and older kids. Try out the beautiful Square Top Mountain trail for a challenging, but memorable day of hiking. It’s not quite a 14’er, but it’s really close (clocking in at 13,794 feet!).
The Camping Kiddos on Main Street in Breckenridge, Colorado
Finally, head towards the famed ski resort of Breckenridge, where you’ll spend the night.
If you have time, explore a bit around Breckenridge.
If you’re hungry, I’d suggest dinner at the Blue Ridge Bistro, which has a casual, modern vibe with delicious American food—and a good kids menu, too.
Miles driven today: 72
Where to Stay: Residence Inn Breckenridge if you’re not skiing as it is walkable to downtown.
Where to Camp: Tiger Run RV Resort. Just outside of Breckenridge on the Frisco side, which makes it easy to hop back on I-70.
Day 3: Breckenridge, Colorado, to Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Grab a coffee at Mountain View Coffee Bar on Main Street and then browse through the shops in downtown Breckenridge.
If you’re visiting during ski season, add another day or two onto your road trip so you can get a taste of what this town in known for.
Don’t linger too long as you’ve got more fun awaiting you in Glenwood Springs.
Enjoying the beautiful hot springs at Glenwood Springs
If you do nothing else while you’re in Glenwood Springs, visit the hot springs in the center of town.
The spring fed pools are large and have varying degrees of heat depending on which you choose.
Taking off on the alpine coaster at Glenwood Caverns
My kids loved this place, and, even though it rained for the first part of our visit, we stayed nice and toasty in the hot springs!
If you can add one more day in Glenwood Springs, I highly, highly recommend the nearby Glenwood Caverns.
Glenwood Caverns has so much that families will enjoy: you start your visit with a gondola ride to the top of the mountain, then you can ride an alpine coaster, go on a cave tour or play laser tag.
Miles driven today: 96 miles
Where to Stay: the Hotel Colorado. Fascinating 120-year-old hotel within walking distance of the hot springs
Where to Camp: Although it’s a little ways out of town, the Glenwood Springs West KOA campground is worth the drive. Right on the Colorado River with lots of kid-friendly amenities.
Day 4: Glenwood Springs, Colorado, to Moab, Utah
Next, hop back onto I-70 for your last stretch on the highway.
In fact, you won’t see a major interstate again on this trip, for better or for worse.
Our favorite little cowgirl at Sun Outdoors Canyonlands
If you have time on your journey today, I recommend stopping in Grand Junction to do both the Dinosaur Journey Museum and the Colorado National Monument.
The Dinosaur Journey Museum is small but fascinating, and we easily spent a few hours here with our kids.
They can compare their height to that of an apatasaurus’ leg, stamp dinosaur feet in a sand box, learn about erosion and earthquakes, and watch volunteers carefully work with found fossils.
At the Colorado National Monument, you’ll see beautiful red rock cliffs as you drive the Rim Rock road through the heart of the park.
Don’t forget to let your kids earn their Junior Ranger badges to add to their collection.
If you want to extend your trip in Grand Junction more, plan to go on a few of the Colorado National Monument short hiking trails.
Another great way to extend your time in this area is to explore further down CO 550, which ends in Grand Junction, but travels south down to Montrose, where you’ll find Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and Ouray, where the Million Dollar Highway begins. It’s also home to the beautiful and kid-friendly Cascade Falls trail.
Miles driven today: 198 miles
Where to Stay: Sun Outdoors Canyonlands just north of Moab. Cute 1 room casitas in a campground with fire pit and views of the La Sal Mountains.
Where to Camp: also the Sun Outdoors Canyonlands! Property includes on-site gas station, pull through sites and clean bath houses.
Day 5: Moab, Utah
Today, the only place you’re driving is around town!
At Arches National Park with my daughter
Moab is a great place to spend an extra day as there’s so much for the adventurous family to do.
If nothing else, follow my itinerary for an epic 1 day in Arches National Park.
This national park has wonderful hikes at a variety of intensities, and kids will love that there are natural sand pits for digging.
Moab also has other wonderful hikes, like the Corona Arch and Bowtie Arch hikes outside of town on Route 279. If you’re planning to do this hike, I’ve compiled a complete guide to Corona Arch trail with tips on parking, trail conditions, and items to bring.
Don’t forget to grab the Arches National Park tour on the GuideAlong app, which comes highly recommended.
This GPS-based tour highlights history, geology, and wildlife depending on which area of the park you’re in.
Dinosaur-obsessed kids will enjoy the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail just north of Moab, which is one of our picks for best hikes outside of Arches.
This trail is located down a dirt road and is pretty quiet for most of the year, but it allows you to walk feet from fossil embedded in the cliff face!
If you’re staying at Sun Outdoors Canyonlands, you can explore the old church and pioneer wagon onsite, which your kids will like.
Miles driven today: 0
Explore even more in this incredible town with my 3 Days in Moab itinerary. Or, compare Arches vs. Canyonlands in our head-to-head guide!
Day 6: Moab, Utah to Mexican Hat, Utah
Stay goodbye to Moab and head into the remote desert landscapes of southeastern Utah.
Hiking in Mexican Hat, Utah
This otherworldly location is packed with adventure—and incredible views—so prepare to stop constantly.
You’ll pass through the La Sal Mountains as you head out of Moab, then the landscape slowly changes to the reds and oranges of the desert as you drive into the Navajo Nation.
For a good place to stop and explore, I’d recommend Blanding, Utah, which has the excellent Dinosaur Museum and the Nations of the Four Corners Cultural Center.
At the Dinosaur Museum, your kids will love the full size replicas of dinosaurs, fossilized eggs and skin, and colorful displays of dinosaur skeletons.
The Four Corners Cultural Center is a great place to learn about the people who have shaped this area’s history.
The outdoor trails and exhibits tell the stories of the Navajo, Ute, Paiute, and Anasazi, as well as the pioneers and Mexican explorers.
Your kids can stretch their legs while they learn about thousands of years of history and culture.
Miles driven today: 148 miles
Where to Stay: the yurts on the San Juan River (book through the San Juan Inn)
Where to Camp: Monument Valley KOA if you want to be nearest the entrance to Monument Valley; Goosenecks State Park if you want to be centrally located to everything in this area
Day 7: Monument Valley
Our daughter at Monument Valley
This is another area on the road trip that deserves its own day.
The Monument Valley drive takes at least an hour or two—but I promise that you’ll want more time than that to get out and explore the tribal park.
Plus, there’s so much more to do in this area for families, including hiking, scenic overlooks, and petroglyph spotting.
Check out my full guide to Monument Valley with kids, which also has tips on what to do outside of the tribal park.
Miles driven today: 0
Day 8: Mexican Hat, Utah to Grand Canyon, Arizona
We’re almost there!
The last leg of the Denver to Grand Canyon National Park road trip is filled with surprising landscapes that vary from grassy fields to imposing red rock formations.
Much of this drive is located inside of the Navajo Nation, so you’ll often see ranches, houses, and businesses dot the dusty landscape.
Note: From Kayenta to Tuba City on Highway 160 is very rural with little support in the way of gas, water, or food. Fill up before you hit this stretch.
Once you reach Cameron, Arizona, you’ll turn off Highway 160 onto Desert View Drive, which will take you to the east entrance of the Grand Canyon.
Before you get to the entrance, you’ll see a few overlooks on the right side of the road if you’d like to take a peek at the Colorado River.
The Grand Canyon is incredible!
While those views are pretty, nothing compares to the national park itself.
Prepare yourself to be dazzled by this incredible natural formation!
From hiking to ranger programs, I’ve got even more suggestions on what to do while visiting the Grand Canyon with kids.
Don’t forget to download the Grand Canyon tour on your GuideAlong app.
You’ll get in-real-time suggestions on what trailheads are coming up, fun facts about wildlife, and the history of the park.
Plus, the app doesn’t use cell service after you’ve downloaded your tour, which is great as the Grand Canyon doesn’t always have the best signal.
If you’re only planning to stay one day in Grand Canyon, my focused itinerary shares tips on how to make the most of your limited time in the park while still ensuring that you see and do all of the essentials.
If you’d rather extend your time in the national park to get a wider view of what’s here, check out my suggestions on how to spend 7 days in Grand Canyon.
Here, you’ll be able to dive much more deeply into the history, geology, hiking, and ranger programs available on the South Rim and beyond.
After you’ve explored the Grand Canyon, head elsewhere in the state: I’d recommend adding a visit to the historic Route 66 towns of Winslow and Holbrook AZ.
Miles driven today: 165
Where to Stay: Bright Angel Lodge. Historic log cabin-style lodge steps from the South Rim.
Where to Camp: Trailer Village RV Park. The only full-hookups in the national park.
Looking for another epic Western U.S. road trip? Check out the itinerary for our Santa Fe to White Sands road trip!
