Epic Family Road Trip from Texas to Colorado

Are you ready to hit the road from Texas to Colorado? If you are looking for a change of scenery with breathtaking views, traveling to Colorado Springs and Breckenridge on a six-day road trip is your answer.

Our family jumped in the truck and went on an impromptu Summer road trip to Colorado. We visited Colorado Springs and Breckenridge, Colorado. We also made pit stops to visit friends in Golden, Colorado, and Amarillo, Texas.

Although flights from Dallas to Colorado flights are more affordable right now, driving to Colorado from Texas is a sight to be seen. The beauty of the open road with a background of beautiful mountains is indescribable. Grab our free Road Trip Bingo game to keep the kids entertained and get yourself to Colorado!

Our Texas to Colorado Road Trip 

Our six-day road trip from Texas to Colorado was packed with adventure, great food with plenty to do for all of our family. Find out if this family road trip is right for you!  

Need help reserving your hotels and resorts? Hire a travel planner like I did to save you time and stress at no additional cost to you.

Driving to Colorado from Texas Tips

Our family spent 38 hours and drove 1,828 miles roundtrip in my husband’s truck during the six-day excursion. I will admit, that sounds awful; however, my kids behaved most of the time. Since we left early on day one, they slept a good part of the way. We broke up the trip with attractions, restaurants, and sightseeing. We sang to the Hamilton soundtrack a LOT, which drove my husband nuts (I think he secretly likes it though).

How expensive is it to take a Summer road trip to Colorado?

Traveling from Texas to Colorado isn’t too expensive thanks to the lower cost of gas. We saved money on food by bringing a ton of snacks and water we could take with us on hikes. Where we splurged was dining and the Epic Discovery attraction for the rides. Many parks and outdoor attractions are free admissions. Hiring a travel planner to find the best hotel deals helps too!

Our Budget for a Family of Four (2020): 

• Lodging: $800
• Attractions: $275
• Fuel for Ram 1500 EcoDiesel: $200 (Note this was 2020 pricing on gas)
• Dining: $225
• Approximate total: $1,500

Dallas to Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Dallas to Colorado Springs 

Driving Distance & Duration: 11 hours+ (724 miles) 
(all distance times are approximate and do not include stops for bathroom breaks, gas stations, etc.)

With most of our family road trips, the first day we wake up early and hit the road. With small children, it’s easier to have them sleep most of the drive to avoid tantrums and get the most time on the road. 

We left the Dallas area at 3:30 am to get to Colorado Springs the first day. Some road trippers prefer breaking up the day first by staying in Amarillo, TX on Day 1, but we opted to finish our trip with the Texas destination.

Read more about how Colorado Springs is handling COVID-19

Quick lunch in Colorado Springs: We arrived one hour before check-in, so we stumbled upon a cute restaurant called The Pub Dog. We were the only ones without a dog, but we enjoyed the company of some furry friends outdoors. The food and drinks were tasty too! 

Hotel check-in:  Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn

I liked this hotel because it was clean. It was the least expensive of our hotel stays. However, the room was super tiny and we felt like we were on top of each other. I was okay with that because we spent more time outdoors than indoors. This hotel also serves free breakfast which saved us money.

Pikes Peak (3-4 hours, Adult (16+): $15 | Child (6-15): $5 | Carload up to 5 people: $50)

Exploring America’s Mountain was our first destination and one of the most memorable of the trip. Had my husband told me how high up we would be driving I probably would have chickened out. Although there were some moments of our drive I thought our truck could easily fall off the mountain, the view at the top was something I have never seen in my entire life. It was also 43 degrees and cold. If heaven is on Earth, it could possibly look like the scenes I saw at Pikes Peak. Absolutely stunning and worth the thrills to get there.

Tips: Make sure your car has a minimum of 1/2 tank of gas, drink plenty of fluids to avoid elevation sickness, and drive down the mountain in low gear or low range. Let your transmission do the work to avoid overheating the brakes.

Day 2: Colorado Springs

Breakfast at the hotel

Garden of the Gods (3-4 hours, FREE)

There is so much to do at Garden of the Gods. You could spend days there if you wanted. Since we had a toddler in tow, we were more limited in what we could do, but we still enjoyed our hike and exploring.

Garden of the Gods Park is a registered National Natural Landmark. We enjoyed the dramatic views, 300′ towering sandstone rock formations and simply taking in nature together. We saw others horseback riding, and riding bikes throughout the park. There isn’t a shortage of things to do here. If I had more time I would’ve spent more of it here.

Cave of the Winds (3-4 hours, price varies depending on activities)

Eager to get into cooler temperatures, we booked a cave tour near Manitou Springs where the Great Spirit of the Wind resided. This family tour lasted 45 minutes. We learned about the history and geology of the cave. (Cave Tours tickets)

The kids enjoyed panning for gemstones while we took in the breathtaking views of the attraction. Cave of the Winds also has a challenge course, zip lines, and more for kids of all ages to enjoy.

Dinner: Crystal Park Cantina 

Ready to relax and enjoy some food, we stumbled upon the cutest restaurant that served Mexican food. The service was amazing and this kid-friendly spot was just what we needed to refuel and sit back.

If we had an extra day in Colorado Springs, I would have loved to visit Seven Falls and Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Day 3: Colorado Springs to Breckenridge

Breakfast at the hotel.

Driving distance/duration: 2 hours (105 miles) 

This two-hour drive from Colorado Springs to Breckenridge is stunning! The internet reception is not great, so the scenic views help the time go by. 

Hotel check-in: Marriott Mountain Valley Lodge 

This was my favorite place to stay. It was very clean and spacious. Loved having the kitchen and dining area. The kids loved having their own pull-out bed to enjoy movies at night. The view from the room was stunning as well!

Once we got settled, we walked a short distance to check out the charm of Main Street Breckenridge. The streets were closed allowing patrons to dine outside and walk freely. I fell in love instantly. There are over 200 shops and boutiques on Main Street and Ridge street.

We had lunch at Downstairs at Eric’s. This is a family sports bar and arcade. Sadly, the arcade is closed but the pizza and burgers are amazing!

Main Street Breckenridge is filled with creative photo opportunities and kid-friendly play structures. The Blue River Plaza is a great central location where older kids can splash in the shallows of the Blue River and toddlers can play in sandboxes and mini play area.

With no plans in mind, we came across The Canteen Tap House and Tavern for dinner. The tacos were tasty and I enjoyed drinking a Spicy Donkey cocktail out of an actual canteen. That was a first!

Day 4: Breckenridge

This was the first day we didn’t get in a car at all. We simply walked everywhere! We started our day off with a full tummy thanks to the Blue Moose Restaurant. They only take cash by the way.

After breakfast, we took the Breck Connect Gondola to our next destination, Epic Discovery. 

At Peak 8 Base Camp we took a ride on the Gold Runner Coaster and Alpine Slides. If it hadn’t started raining, we would have enjoyed some of their other attractions. This was so much fun and the kids enjoyed it!

We hopped on the gondola again and saw real moose. It was incredible! All that activity and high elevation made us thirsty and hungry. Cue Rita’s Taco Bar. Definitely did not disappoint!

After our lunch, the Main Street Breckenridge shopping continued. I visited the typical souvenir shops, The Cheese Shop, and several candy shops for the kids! (They guilted me into it!)

Meanwhile, my husband waited in line for what seemed like an eternity at Crepes A La Cart. I was skeptical, but it lived up to the hype.

Our day ended with pool time at the resort for the kids. Parent pro tip: wear the kids out so they sleep better in hotels.

If we had an extra day I would have loved to check out these hiking trails in Breckenridge.

Day 5: Breckenridge to Golden

Driving distance/duration: 1.5 hours (72 miles) 

Lions Park was the perfect place to meet our dear friends we hadn’t seen in a long time. The kids played while we all caught up in cool temps! Everyone is so active outside in Colorado!

Golden Farmers Market was nearby. I didn’t have a chance to check it out, but it looked fun. Happens every Saturday.

Day 5: Golden, CO to Amarillo, TX

This drive included a lot of sing a longs and technology to keep the kids entertained. Honestly, they slept again considering they were worn out from playing at the park.

Driving distance/duration: 7 hours (439 miles) 

Hotel check-in: Holiday Inn Express West

I don’t have much to say about this hotel because we arrived at midnight, slept, and left early. It was very clean and the design was pretty. Not so fun, someone calling a noise complaint on us when we were unpacking. Must have thin walls because this time the kids were not loud. Surprisingly!

Day 6: Amarillo to Dallas

Breakfast on the go so we could spend more time hiking!

We have friends that live in Amarillo and have private access to Palo Duro Canyon. While catching up, we enjoyed hiking and exploring a nearby cave. I would love to take another road trip to Palo Duro Canyon and camp overnight to experience more of this stunning place.

If we had more time: I would’ve loved to visit the infamous Cadillac Ranch for some Instagram-worthy photos.

Back to Dallas

Driving distance/duration: 5.5 hours (366 miles) 

I’ve always been wary of going skiing. I have never been. I always chose a sunny place over being cold. That being said, now that I have experienced Colorado in the Summer, I am excited and curious to see the beauty of the mountains in the winter.

Never say never, traveling opens your heart and mind in unexplainable ways.

Need life to slow down? Need to reconnect with yourself and your family?

Head to the mountains!

If you love this Texas to Colorado family road trip itinerary, head over to my Pinterest where I am sharing the best road trip for families. Check out our road trip review to Margaritaville Lake Conroe resort.