Getting from Denver to Las Vegas is easy because you can zip down the I-70 to the I-15, which goes right into the City. If you travel without stopping, it's possible to arrive in about 11 hours. As an alternative, consider taking the road less traveled by going on a Denver to Las Vegas road trip. The beautiful terrain in western Colorado and Utah is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Better yet, consider traveling via an RV so you can enjoy the campgrounds along the way.
Rocky Mountain National Park
There are 482 climbing routes in Rocky Mountain National Park, which is about 60 miles northwest of Denver. The park contains more than 75 named hiking trails ranging from less than a mile long to over 14 miles long. While the park contains no dedicated biking trails, many bikers consider the 11-mile Trail Ridge Road one of the most challenging rides in America. Over 75% of it is above the tree line with sharp drop-offs and no guard rails in many cases. Anglers can fish in many spots in this park, but they need to recognize the greenback cutback trout so that they can release it (it's highly endangered). The park is home to many threatened animals, including the Canada lynx and North American wolverine.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park, which is near Moab, Utah, contains more than 2,000 natural stone arches. Many of the arches can be seen along the 18-mile auto tour. You can drive along all the paved roads in about five hours, but there are many other ways to experience this national park. Visitors can bike along the designated roads. You can also hike in many areas of the park, and one of the best ways to see it on foot is to join a ranger-led hike. For example, you may want to go with a ranger to explore the Fiery Furnace area. On this two-mile hike, you will walk along irregular sandstone, narrow ledges, loose sand, and be on steep drop-offs. The reward of getting up close to the amazing rock formation is one you will never forget.
Capitol Reef National Park
Located about 132 miles southwest of Arches National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, is a 100-mile geologic monocline that's home to many adventure possibilities. You can find short hikes as well as longer trails through slot canyons and along narrow, twisting gorges. There are many fabulous scenic drives in this park, including options leading to the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The first settlers to live in this area moved here about 1880, and they planted orchards near Fruita. Almost 150 years later, you can see over 2,000 of these trees, including many heirloom varieties.
Zion National Park
Southern Utah's Zion National Park located 175 miles southeast of Capitol Reef National Park. Bicycling, hiking, and driving are popular ways to explore this national park, which covers 232-square miles. The skyscraping sandstone formations along the nine-mile scenic drive are breathtaking. Canyoneering is a popular sport, and if you have never tried it, then expert guides are available. You may also want to try climbing one of the sheer sandstone rocks while visiting this national park. Beautiful waterfalls often surprise visitors because of this park’s desert environment.
Eldorado Canyon State Park
Eldorado Canyon State Park is located about 10 miles south of Boulder, Colorado. Climbers from around the world come to this state park because it has over 500 technical climbs. If you are not a climber, you can still have a great time watching their heart-stopping actions. You may want to learn more about the plants that live in this park via the 1.5-mile nature trail with interpretative signage.
James M. Robb Colorado River State Park
James M. Robb Colorado River State Park, near Grand Junction, Colorado, is divided into five parts, and each section offers a unique experience. If you enjoy biking, consider starting at Corn Lake and riding on the path past orchards and vineyards until you reach Grand Junction. Corn Lake and the two lakes at Island Acres are stocked at least annually with rainbow trout. In addition to fishing, the lakes are popular paddleboarding destinations. There are wonderful hiking trails around the lakes too.
Utah Lake State Park
The largest freshwater lake in Utah is located at Utah Lake State Park. Rent from nearby vendors to go powerboating, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing on this lake. Anglers often catch their limit of channel catfish, walleye, white bass, and black bass. Pack a picnic to eat before exploring the visitors' center, which has a large display of mounted fish, arrowheads, and local historical photos.
Dead Horse Point State Park
If you're traveling with a dog, take your furry friend on the five-mile hike at Dead Horse Point State Park in Moab, Utah. As you stroll along the path, you can see the different layers deposited over time in the sheer canyon walls. This park is also a great place to go mountain biking with trails available for all ability levels. This park is quieter than many nearby national parks, which is ideal for those who want to relax and reconnect with nature. You may want to consider spending a couple of nights here while exploring all that the Moab area has to offer.
Barney Ford House Museum
Be inspired by the story of Barney Ford’s life during a visit to this home that he once owned in Breckenridge, Colorado. This estate-turned museum honors Ford, an escaped slave, entrepreneur, and civil rights leader. After getting to Colorado, he became one of the state’s wealthiest individuals through using his business savvy. The home is filled with Victorian antiques.
Trail of the Ancients
The Trail of the Ancients is a scenic byway that encourages people to experience the Colorado Plateau's archeology. There are numerous stops along the trail, including Mesa Verde National Park, Ute Mountain Tribal Park, Four Corners Monument, and Hovenweep National Monument.
Moab Giants
Come face-to-face with over 100 full-size dinosaur replicas at this park in Moab. Head inside to see the 5D PaleoAquarium, where through the magic of 3D technology, you encounter a megalodon.
San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway
This 236-mile loop in Southern Colorado introduces you to some mountain communities where mining was a way of life. Towns along this route include Durango, Mancos, Dolores, Stoner, Rico, Telluride, Ridgway, Ouray, and Silverton. Get the trail map to see suggested activities in many of the communities.
Breckenridge, Colorado
While Breckenridge, Colorado, may be best known as a winter ski destination, there is lots to do in this community throughout the year. Consider camping at Tiger Run RV Resort or Peak One Campground. Dump stations are available at Tiger Run, or check out these other Colorado dump station choices.
Grand Junction, Colorado
This Western Slope community is located right off the I-70. Grand Junction makes a great pit stop because there are lots of great Colorado campgrounds in the area. Think about staying at Junction West RV Park as they have a dump station or Monument RV Resort. There is also a dump station at James M. Robb Colorado River State Park.
Moab, Utah
The area around Moab is filled with many attractions, such as Canyonlands National Park, Moab Giants, and Arches National Park. Canyonlands RV Resort and Campground along with Slickrock Campground both are great places to stay. Consider using the dump station at Maverick or Canyonlands.
St. George, Utah
Seen as one of the gateway cities to Zion National Park, St. George offers plenty to visitors. There are at least three public spots in the area to see dinosaur footprints, including at Pioneer Park. If you can arrange your schedule right, head to the Tuacahn Center for the Arts to pick up locally made arts and crafts. Think about camping in St. George, at St. Johns RV Park and Campground or Temple View RV Resort. Dump stations in St. George are available at St. George/Hurricane KOA and at Arminen Gas LLC – Sinclair.
Going on a road trip from Denver to Las Vegas lets you reconnect with nature. You can enjoy so many different adventures, like climbing, hiking, fishing, and viewing wildlife. Get your RV packed and hit the highway with a full road trip itinerary from Denver to Las Vegas. If you do not have an RV, consider getting a rental from us here on RVshare.
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