Road Trip | Indie Campers

Stop 1: Colorado Springs

Worth a visit:

Garden of the Gods Park: Hike, cycle, or climb some of the most breathtaking rock formations in the area. Admission to the park is free.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo ($$): Built into a mountain, this zoo is home to hundreds of species including some endangered. Prices vary depending on the day and time you visit.
Pikes Peak: The highest summit of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains — the views from this peak are not to be underestimated.

Where to Eat:

Juniper Valley Ranch ($$): Family-style meals with a cosy atmosphere and some of the best fried chicken in the area
Lake Terrace Dining Room ($$$): Sunday brunch here is revered by tourists, locals, and resort guests alike
Shuga's ($$): With an eclectic, globally inspired menu, the food here matches the decor for its cosy but hodgepodge aesthetic

Where to Park for the Night:

There's something for everyone in Colorado Springs.

Located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is known for its lively tourist attractions and rugged natural beauty. Whether you're into food, hiking, shopping, or pub-crawling, you'll find plenty to do here for couples, families or solo travellers alike.

Those who love the outdoors will go wild for the scenery. Colorado Springs is home to rushing rivers and rugged lakes, all of which can be explored on foot, by canoe or on a zip wire through the trees.

If you prefer indoor fun, the city hosts a number of shopping centres, theatres, museums, art galleries and performance venues.

Stop 2: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Worth a visit:

Star Dune: This is the highest dune in the United States. Hiking to the peak is a mission but one that’s well worth the effort
Sandboarding (€€€): This is exactly what it sounds like. Hire a sandboard and head onto the sand for a bit of extreme fun under the intense sun
Ranger Programme: Attend a ranger programme and get to know the area from an expert. These sessions are free and run three times a week

Where to Eat:

Oasis Restaurant and Store (€): This is the only place to eat within 40 km (25 miles) of the park. It’s open April through October

Park here for the Night:

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Parking ($): There are a number of car parks throughout the park, however, some are only accessible via 4x4. It’s best to visit the visitor centre before you set off and check the road conditions carefully.

Take in the huge sand dunes!

The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in southern Colorado is known for its massive sand dunes and for the seasonal Medano Creek at their base. Its highest dune rises to around 230 metres and visitors are invited to climb and explore any part of the 78 square kilometre dune field.
The park is criss-crossed with trails that lead to wetlands, forests and alpine lakes including Medano Lake, which hosts trout and tundra wildlife. Whether you fancy a hike or want to try your hand at snowboarding on sand, this national park is well worth a visit.

Entrance to the park starts at US$25.

Stop 3: Mesa Verde National Park

Worth a visit:

Cliff Dwelling ($): Attend a ranger-led tour of an Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwelling and experience the past like never before
Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum ($): This museum is an excellent way to learn more about the area. Take in a film, explore ancient artefacts, and read up on those who used to live in the area
Petroglyph Point Trail: Petroglyph Point Trail is the only way to see petroglyphs in the park

Where to Eat:

Metate Room ($$): Just off the lobby of the Far View Lodge, this comfortable restaurant offers excellent views and a great menu
Far View Terrace Cafe ($): A simple, full-service café with excellent views

Indulge your inner history buff

This unique park is well-known for its incredible history and amazing sights. For over 700 years, the Ancestral Pueblo people lived and thrived in the cliffs of Mesa Verde and on the surrounding mesas. Nowadays, Mesa Verde National Park protects the impressive cultural heritage of 26 tribes and gives visitors great insight into the past.

In this slice of the past, you can tour ancient dwellings, take in petroglyphs, and learn more about the area at the on-site museum. The park is also home to a wide range of wildlife, so there’s plenty to spot as you explore the surroundings.

The entrance fee to the park is $20.

Stop 4: Rocky Mountain National Park

Worth a visit:

Trail Ridge Road: The highest paved through road in the national park system, this road features dozens of viewpoints and is the starting point for many walks
Forest Canyon Overlook: Stand at 11,716 feet (3,570 metres) and gaze out over Longs Peak, Stones Peak, Hayden Gorge, and Gorge Lakes
Longs Peak: This hike is extremely strenuous but well worth it for the experience and the views.

Where to Eat:

Trailhead Restaurant ($$): A mountainside eatery with rustic décor and some of the best burgers and steaks in the area
The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern ($$): Featuring live music and outdoor seating, this is a great tavern with a brilliant vibe

Take in a stunning view

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the United States. It boasts 60 mountain peaks over 12,000 feet (about 3,700 metres), with its highest, Longs Peak, topping out at over 14,000 feet (around 4,270 metres). As you can imagine, the views from these peaks are well worth the walk to get to them.

The Continental Divide runs north to south through the park and can be crossed either on foot or via the Trail Ridge Road – the highest paved road in the national park system.

There are several ecological zones within the park. The highest is the alpine tundra, where temperatures drop and wildlife becomes scarce. Just below that is the subalpine zone, known for its forests and lakes. Finally, the lowest zone features lush meadows and plenty of wildlife.

Whether you're into walking or climbing, Rocky Mountain National Park is full of adventure and stunning views.