When it comes to road trips, there are a lot of different routes you can take. But one of our favorites is the road trip from Denver to Santa Fe. During this trip, the scenery is beautiful, the people are friendly, and you can have a great time. If you’re thinking about taking a road trip, we highly recommend it!
If you are looking for adventure then take a road trip from Denver to Santa Fe and explore all the amazing sights and sounds that Colorado and New Mexico have to offer! From the Rocky Mountains to the Rio Grande, there’s so much to see and do on this journey. So fill up the tank, put on your seatbelt, and hit the road!
In this blog post, we will share some valuable information with you that will be super helpful for you. So, without wasting any time, let’s just begin:
The answer is simple: because it’s an incredibly beautiful drive! Not to mention, it’s a great way to see some of America’s best scenery.
The trip from Denver to Santa Fe is about 500 miles, and it takes about 7-8 hours to drive (depending on traffic and weather conditions). But trust us, it’s worth it.Here are some of the highlights you can expect to see along the way:
The Rocky Mountains
Of course, no road trip from Denver would be complete without driving through the Rocky Mountains. The views are simply breathtaking.This world-famous park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, and bears. You’ll also find beautiful hiking trails, waterfalls, and mountain views.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
These massive dunes are the tallest in North America, and you can even sled down them in the winter!
The Great Plains
Once you get past the mountains, you’ll enter the Great Plains. This vast expanse of grassland is a sight to behold.
New Mexico desert
The drive from Denver to Santa Fe takes you through the heart of the New Mexico desert. This is a completely different landscape from anything you’ve ever seen before.
Santa Fe
And of course, the destination of this road trip is the beautiful city of Santa Fe. With its quaint adobe buildings and stunning scenery, Santa Fe is a truly unique place.
Pre-planning your road trip from Denver to Santa Fe
If you’re planning a road trip from Denver to Santa Fe, here are a few things to keep in mind.
The first thing you’ll need to do is decide how you’re going to get there. Are you going to drive? If so, how long will the drive take? What route will you take?
Once you’ve decided how you’re going to get there, it’s time to start planning your route. If you’re driving, you’ll need to map out your route and figure out where you’re going to stop along the way.
Once you’ve figured out your route, it’s time to start planning your stops. If you’re driving, you’ll want to decide where you’re going to stop for gas, food, and restroom breaks.
If you’re staying in a hotel, you’ll need to decide which hotel you’re going to stay in. There are plenty of hotels in Santa Fe, so you should be able to find one that’s right for you.
If you’re camping, you’ll need to decide where you’re going to camp. There are plenty of camping spots in Santa Fe, so you should be able to find one that’s right for you.
Once you’ve figured out your accommodations, it’s time to start planning your activities. What do you want to do while you’re in Santa Fe?
Packing for your road trip from Denver to Santa Fe
Here are a few packing tips to help you get ready for the trip:
1. First and foremost, make sure your vehicle is in good working order. This means having a reliable car or RV, and making sure it’s been serviced recently. You don’t want to be stranded on the side of the road!
2. Pack snacks and drinks for the drive. You’ll want to keep your energy up, so pack some healthy snacks and drinks to keep you going.
3. Bring along a map of the route. This will come in handy if you need to make any detours or take any side trips.
4. Pack comfortable clothes for the drive. You’ll be spending a lot of time in the car, so make sure you’re comfortable.
5. Don’t over pack. You don’t need to bring everything with you on your trip. Just bring the essentials and leave the rest at home.
6. Finally, don’t forget your camera! This road trip is sure to be full of amazing scenery, so make sure you capture it all.
Driving to Santa Fe from Denver
The journey from Denver to Santa Fe takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in the country. The first part of the drive takes you through the Rocky Mountains, where you’ll be treated to views of snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and wildlife. As you descend into the Rio Grande Valley, the landscape changes to desert, with red rock formations and cactus-studded hills. The final leg of the journey takes you through the Jemez Mountains, where you’ll have the chance to see some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world.
The drive from Denver to Santa Fe is about 500 miles, so it’s a bit of a long haul. But trust us, it’s worth it. This route takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of Colorado and New Mexico.
Starting in Denver, you’ll head south on I-25 through Colorado Springs. From there, you’ll enter into New Mexico and continue on I-25 all the way to Santa Fe. Along the way, you’ll pass through some truly stunning scenery.
If you’re looking for a place to stop and stretch your legs, there are plenty of options. The Great Sand Dunes National Park is a must-see, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains offer some stunning views. You’ll also pass by the Santa Fe Ski Area, so if you’re feeling adventurous, you can always stop for a day of skiing or snowboarding.
Once you finally reach Santa Fe, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best food and culture in the Southwest. Santa Fe is home to some of the best Mexican food in the country, so be sure to sample some of the local cuisine. And of course, no visit to Santa Fe would be complete without taking in a bit of the city’s renowned art and culture.
Best route from Denver to Santa Fe
The best route from Denver to Santa Fe is to take I-25 South to Colorado Springs. From there, take US-24 West through the town of Woodland Park and over the pass. US-24 will eventually turn into US-285 South, which will take you right into Santa Fe. The drive is about 4.5 hours in total.
If you’re looking for a scenic route, consider taking the Santa Fe Trail from Denver. The Santa Fe Trail is a beautiful, historic road that takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in Colorado. The drive is about 6-7 hours.
Either way you go, you’re in for a treat. Santa Fe is a beautiful city with a rich culture and history. There’s plenty to see and do, so you’re sure to have a great time.
What are some things to see and do along the way from Denver to Santa Fe?
Denver to Santa Fe is a long and winding road, but there are plenty of things to see and do along the way. Here are just a few of the highlights:
Pikes Peak
Pikes Peak is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Colorado, and for good reason. At over 14,000 feet, it is the highest peak in the state and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Royal Gorge Bridge
The Royal Gorge Bridge is one of the most impressive feats of engineering in the world. Spanning over 1,000 feet across and over a mile high, it is the highest bridge in North America.
Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde is home to some of the best-preserved ancient Native American ruins in the country. Visitors can explore cliff dwellings and see how the ancient people of the area lived.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Sand Dunes is one of the most unique landscapes in the United States. With towering dunes that reach over 750 feet high, it is a must-see for any road trip.
Garden of the Gods
The Garden of the Gods is a must-see when visiting Colorado Springs. This beautiful park is home to red sandstone formations, as well as a variety of plants and wildlife. You can explore the park by foot, bike, or car. There are also a number of ranger-led programs available.
Rio Grande Gorge
The Rio Grande Gorge is a spectacular sight. The gorge is home to a variety of plants and animals, as well as stunning views of the Rio Grande River. You can explore the gorge by foot, bike, or car. There are also a number of ranger-led programs available.
Bandelier National Monument
The Bandelier National Monument is a must-see for anyone visiting New Mexico. This park is home to a variety of ancient ruins, as well as stunning views of the surrounding area. You can explore the park by foot, bike, or car. There are also a number of ranger-led programs available.
Best Hotels along the way from Denver to Santa Fe
There’s no need to spend a fortune on hotels when traveling from Denver to Santa Fe. Here are some of the best hotels along the way that won’t break the bank.
Brown Palace
In Denver, the Brown Palace is a great option. This historic hotel has been around since 1892 and is located in the heart of downtown. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, and the staff is extremely friendly and helpful.
Ramada Plaza Denver North
This hotel is located just north of Denver and offers easy access to I-25. It features an outdoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center.
Hampton Inn & Suites
Just outside of Denver in Aurora, the Hampton Inn & Suites is a great choice. This hotel is new and modern, and it’s just a short drive from the city. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the breakfast buffet is delicious.
Colorado Springs
As you head south from Denver, you’ll eventually reach Colorado Springs. The Antlers Hotel is a great option here. This hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers easy access to all of the attractions Colorado Springs is known for. The rooms are comfortable and the staff is friendly, and the hotel is even pet-friendly.
St. Regis Aspen Resort
The St. Regis Aspen Resort in Aspen, Colorado: This luxurious resort is located in the heart of Aspen and features ski-in/ski-out access, a world-class spa, and five-star dining.
Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch
This Ritz-Carlton property is located in the Rocky Mountains and offers ski-in/ski-out access, a spa, and an on-site golf course.
Riverwalk Hotel
Once you reach Pueblo, you’ll find the Riverwalk Hotel. This hotel is located right on the Arkansas River and offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding mountains. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the staff is incredibly friendly.
Best Western Plus Trinidad Inn & Suites
You’ll then reach Trinidad, where you’ll find the Best Western Plus Trinidad Inn & Suites. This hotel is located in the heart of Trinidad and offers easy access to all of the town’s attractions. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the staff is incredibly friendly.
The Drury Plaza Hotel
As you continue south from Trinidad, you’ll eventually reach Santa Fe. The Drury Plaza Hotel is a great option here. This hotel is located in the heart of Santa Fe and offers easy access to all of the city’s attractions. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the staff is incredibly friendly.
El Dorado Hotel
This historic hotel is located in the heart of Santa Fe and offers a variety of dining options, a spa, and an on-site casino.
Best restaurants to take rest along the way from Denver to Santa Fe
When you’re driving from Denver to Santa Fe, there are plenty of great places to stop and grab a bite. Here are some of our favorites:
The Kitchenette
This little spot in downtown Denver is perfect for a quick bite. The menu is small but everything is fresh and delicious. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is cozy.
The Sink
This Boulder institution is always packed but it’s worth the wait. The burgers are some of the best in the state and the fries are delicious. The milkshakes are also very popular.
The Cherry Cricket
This Denver favorite is known for its great burgers and wings. The Cricket is always busy but it’s worth the wait. The food is great and the atmosphere is fun.
The Buckhorn Exchange
This historic Denver restaurant is known for its delicious steak and Rocky Mountain oysters. The Buckhorn is always busy but it’s worth the wait. The food is great and the atmosphere is unique.
The Little Nook
This cute little spot in Denver’s Highlands neighborhood is perfect for a quick bite. The menu is small but everything is fresh and delicious. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is cozy.
Root Down
This Denver favorite is known for its great food and eclectic atmosphere. The Root Down is always busy but it’s worth the wait. The food is great and the atmosphere is unique.
Black Eyed Pea
This Denver institution is known for its great food and friendly atmosphere. The Black Eyed Pea is always busy but it’s worth the wait. The food is great and the atmosphere is fun.
The Fort
This historic restaurant in Morrison is known for its great food and stunning views. The Fort is always busy but it’s worth the wait. The food is great and the atmosphere is unique.
These are just a few of our favorite places to stop and grab a bite when you’re driving from Denver to Santa Fe. There are plenty of other great places to eat along the way, so make sure to explore and find your own favorites.
Gas stations on a road trip from Denver to Santa Fe
As you plan your road trip from Denver to Santa Fe, you’ll want to know where the best gas stations are. Here’s a quick guide to help you out.
The first thing to keep in mind is that you’ll want to fill up before you hit the open road. If you’re starting in Denver, there are a few different options for gas stations.
One of the most convenient is the Shell station on Colfax Avenue. This station is open 24 hours a day, so you can fill up before you head out on your trip.
Another option is the Conoco on Broadway. This station is also open 24 hours, and it’s a good place to stop if you need to get some snacks or drinks for the road.
Once you’re out of Denver, you’ll want to keep an eye out for gas stations along I-25. There are a few different options, but one of the best is the Pilot Flying J. This station has everything you need for a long road trip, including a cafe, a convenience store, and even a truck stop.
If you’re looking for a more scenic route, you can take I-70 West through the mountains. This route will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Colorado, and you’ll find a few different gas stations along the way. One of the best is the Chevron in Silverthorne. This station has a great view of the mountains, and it’s a great place to stop for a break.
Once you’re in Santa Fe, you’ll want to fill up before you head out on the open road. There are a few different options for gas stations in Santa Fe, but one of the best is the Shell on Cerrillos Road. This station is open 24 hours, and it’s a great place to stop for a quick break.
Whether you’re looking for convenience or scenery, there are plenty of gas stations to choose from on your road trip from Denver to Santa Fe. With a little planning, you can make sure you have everything you need for a safe and enjoyable journey.
The best way to see the country is by road trip and there is no better road trip than from Denver to Santa Fe. This trip will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, and you will get to experience the different cultures and lifestyles of the people who live there. Whether you are looking for a relaxing vacation or an adventure, this trip is sure to please you.
We had a great time on our road trip from Denver to Santa Fe! We saw some amazing scenery and met some great people along the way. We would definitely recommend this trip to anyone looking for a great adventure.
I’m James Brad, the founder of Travare. I’m a traveler and lover of all things travel. I started Travare because I wanted to share my passion for travel with the world.
