Roadtrip with RVshare Colorado Springs to Capitol Reef National Park

There are quite a few national parks and monuments to see as you explore the West during this Colorado Springs to Capitol Reef National Park road trip. Driving from one destination to the other can easily take a week or more if you thoroughly explore the area. Before you leave Colorado Springs, make sure to visit some of the highlights in the city, like the Garden of the Gods and the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum. 

Nearby National Parks

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is the first national park that you will visit on this Colorado Springs to Capitol Reef National Park RV road trip. It is located about two miles from Denver, and it's a majestic park that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. There are six mountains in the park that you can hike, including one that is more than 14,000 feet in height. There are waterfalls and overlooks that you can explore by hiking or taking a scenic drive through the park.

Arches National Park

Arches National Park has more than 2,000 natural arches made from sandstone, and because of this, it is one of the most photographed areas in the country. You can hike one of the various trails in the park or take a scenic drive and get some breathtaking pictures. Some amazing pictures can be taken at sunrise and sunset when the light hits the arches and the rock formations at an angle, making this park a must for your Colorado Springs to Capitol Reef National Park road trip itinerary.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is the largest national park in Utah. It is a hidden gem that is often overlooked, but it features a lot of scenic views. Grand View Point is quite impressive, and it overlooks the vast canyon that gives the park its name. Also, take the time to hike to Mesa Arch at sunrise for a stunning view of the La Sal Mountains. White Rim Road is a scenic drive option that offers a great alternative to hiking.

Bryce Canyon National Park

If, after completing your road trip from Colorado Springs to Capitol Reef National Park, you are up for driving another two hours or so southwest, you can also visit Bryce Canyon National Park. This park is famous for its vast collection of hoodoos, which are irregular columns of rock. In fact, Bryce Canyon boasts the highest concentration of these structures anywhere in the world. There are also four main viewpoints, Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration, and Bryce, which will enable you to view incredible geologic structures and diverse wildlife.

Nearby State Parks

Chatfield State Park

Chatfield State Park is a 3,895-acre park that is located southwest of Denver. Since there is a reservoir at the park, it is a great location to enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming. Boats are available for rental at the marina, and other activities to enjoy include biking, hiking, and horseback riding on the 26 miles of trails in the park.

Cherry Creek State Park

At Cherry Creek State Park near Denver, you can hike or bike the 35 miles of trails that are available and enjoy trail rides and riding lessons on horseback. There is a boat launch that is great for anglers to enjoy fishing in the reservoir, and in the winter, ice fishing is even possible. Waterfowl frequent the park, so bring your binoculars.

Green River State Park

Green River State Park is an oasis in the Utah desert that allows you to enjoy river rafting adventures, swimming, and fishing. Biking and hiking are also enjoyed in the park, and there is a nine-hole golf course where you can practice your swing. This is a great location to go bird-watching since several bird species live near the park's waterways.

Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley State Park is a great place to visit if you want to study the night sky. It is one of the darkest parks in the country, so you can see more of the Milky Way. Hiking and cycling are enjoyed in the park, but there is also a competitive disc golf course that you can try your hand at while you are visiting during your Colorado Springs to Capitol Reef National Park road trip.

Along the Way

North Pole Colorado Santa’s Workshop

North Pole Colorado Santa's Workshop is an amusement park that is great for families to enjoy. It has family rides and rides that are strictly for the kids to enjoy. 

Georgetown Lake

Make a stop at Georgetown Lake during this road trip from Colorado Springs to Capitol Reef National Park. It is made from a dam that was built at the turn of the 20th century to provide water and electric power to the residents of the town. At the lake, you can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, and more. In the winter, ice fishing, ice diving, and ice racing are permitted.

Betty Ford Alpine Garden

If you enjoy walking through gardens and conservatories, add the Betty Ford Alpine Garden in Vail to your Colorado Springs to Capitol Reef National Park road trip itinerary. There are programs and family activities that you can take part in every day. You can take tours to learn about the gardens during your visit or simply explore the exhibits on your own. There is also a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs. 

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

Denver

Denver is the first major city that you will want to include on your Colorado Springs to Capitol Reef National Park RV road trip. The city has a little bit of everything, so you will easily find activities for your entire family to enjoy. Some highlights that can be found in Denver include the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Botanical Gardens, the Molly Brown House Museum, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. 

With so much to see and do in the city, finding a Denver campground will allow you to stay in the area for a night or two to see more. In addition, there are several dump stations in the area where you can get rid of your wastewater. 

Grand Junction

In Mesa County, you will want to stop by Grand Junction before crossing the border into Utah. While visiting the area, make sure to see the Colorado National Monument, James M. Robb - Colorado River State Park, and Dominguez Canyon for a bit of outdoor enjoyment. You can also explore the Museum of Western Colorado, Grand Junction Motor Speedway, and the Avalon Theater.

Make sure that you consider nearby campgrounds to lay your head to rest at night. Junction West RV Park has a relaxing atmosphere with a playground and a splash pad for kids. Grand Junction KOA has mini-golf for the family to enjoy as well as other amenities. Both RV parks also offer free dump station use to guests staying at one of their campsites.

Moab

Before you finish your Colorado Springs to Capitol Reef National Park road trip, stop in Moab. This can be where you make camp as you visit the national and state parks in the area. You can also take a canoe, kayak, or raft down the Colorado River or take an ATV or a bike to explore Slickrock. There is a 12-mile trail here that will test your skills on a bike and provide you with a challenging ride in the desert. 

Finding a campground in this part of Utah will give you a great base camp to visit the surrounding area. Portal RV Resort is located right in Moab, and it has spacious sites and amenities that the entire family will enjoy. Archview RV Resort and Campground is a great place to stay if you are looking for a dump station where you can get rid of your black and gray wastewater. 

Find Adventure from Colorado Springs to Capitol Reef National Park

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Colorado Springs to Capitol Reef National Park, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Colorado Springs or Capitol Reef National Park.