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AI-VascoDaGama
16 Sep 2025
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Utah to Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

Utah to Colorado Road Trip Overview

Embark on a breathtaking journey from Utah’s capital, Salt Lake City, to the vibrant metropolis of Denver, Colorado. Your adventure begins with the cultural and historical highlights of Salt Lake City before heading south to the world-famous Arches National Park—home to over 2,000 natural stone arches and mesmerizing red rock formations. Nearby Moab serves as the perfect base for outdoor activities, from mountain biking to river rafting, and is also close to the dramatic canyons of Canyonlands National Park. Cross into Colorado and experience the ancient heritage preserved at Mesa Verde National Park, where you can explore stunning Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. Next, relax and take in the old Western charm of Durango, with its famous scenic railroad and vibrant arts scene. Wind your way to Ouray, nicknamed the “Switzerland of America,” renowned for its beautiful mountain vistas and thermal hot springs. Soak up mountain luxury and culture in Aspen, a world-class destination for winter sports and festivals. Conclude your trip in Denver, where you’ll find a blend of cosmopolitan delights and easy access to outdoor adventures, making this road trip an unforgettable exploration of the American West.

Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Salt Lake City, UT

    Salt Lake City offers a vibrant mix of culture, history, and stunning mountain views. It is home to the famous Salt Lake Temple, museums, great dining, and serves as a gateway to many outdoor adventures.
    Salt Lake City, UT
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  • Trip Point Pin2

    Arches National Park, UT

    Arches National Park boasts over 2,000 natural stone arches and breathtaking red rock landscapes. It's ideal for hiking, photography, and experiencing unique geological formations found nowhere else.
    Arches National Park, UT
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  • Trip Point Pin3

    Moab, UT

    Moab is an adventure hub known for its proximity to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Visitors can enjoy world-class mountain biking, rock climbing, river rafting, and a vibrant arts scene.
    Moab, UT
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  • Trip Point Pin4

    Canyonlands National Park, UT

    Canyonlands National Park offers dramatic desert landscapes carved by the Colorado River. Visitors enjoy vast canyons, towering mesas, hiking, stargazing, and unforgettable views of the natural scenery.
    Canyonlands National Park, UT
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  • Trip Point Pin5

    Mesa Verde National Park, CO

    Mesa Verde National Park is famous for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. It's a unique cultural experience where you can explore ancient history and fascinating archeological sites.
    Mesa Verde National Park, CO
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  • Trip Point Pin6

    Durango, CO

    Durango is a charming historic town known for its scenic railroad, vibrant downtown, and outdoor adventures like rafting, hiking, and skiing. The town also offers a welcoming atmosphere and unique Western heritage.
    Durango, CO
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  • Trip Point Pin7

    Ouray, CO

    Ouray is known as the 'Switzerland of America' due to its stunning mountain scenery. Visitors love its hot springs, charming Victorian architecture, scenic hiking, and world-class ice climbing.
    Ouray, CO
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  • Trip Point Pin8

    Aspen, CO

    Aspen is a world-renowned destination for skiing, outdoor recreation, and cultural events. It offers luxury resorts, beautiful mountain views, and a vibrant arts and culinary scene all year round.
    Aspen, CO
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  • Trip Point Pin9

    Denver, CO

    Denver combines urban sophistication with easy access to nature. Enjoy excellent museums, diverse dining, craft breweries, and proximity to the Rocky Mountains for endless outdoor adventure opportunities.
    Denver, CO
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Restaurants

  • Restaurant Icon

    The Blue Iguana

    3.7
    $$$$

    The Blue Iguana

    Hidden in downtown Salt Lake City, this vibrant eatery serves authentic Mexican cuisine in a colorful, quirky setting.
    3.7
    $$$$
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    Moab Garage Co.

    8.2
    $$$$

    Moab Garage Co.

    A former auto garage turned hip café in Moab, known for its creative breakfast fare and gelato, perfect for a refueling stop.
    8.2
    $$$$
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    Metate Room at Mesa Verde

    3.8

    Metate Room at Mesa Verde

    Located inside Mesa Verde National Park, this restaurant features Southwestern cuisine and stunning views of the park's mesas and canyons.
    3.8
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    Steamworks Brewing Company

    4.4
    $$$$

    Steamworks Brewing Company

    A unique brewery and restaurant in Durango with a steampunk-inspired interior, offering a wide variety of craft beers and hearty meals.
    4.4
    $$$$
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    Bon Ton Restaurant

    3.5
    $$$$

    Bon Ton Restaurant

    Nestled in historic Ouray, this charming spot offers gourmet American cuisine in a Victorian-era setting, plus an impressive wine list.
    3.5
    $$$$
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Hotels

  • Hotel Icon

    The Peery Hotel

    7

    The Peery Hotel

    Historic boutique hotel in Salt Lake City with vintage charm and modern amenities, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
    7
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    Red Cliffs Lodge

    4.7

    Red Cliffs Lodge

    Unique riverside lodge near Moab boasting spectacular red rock views, horseback riding, and a working winery.
    4.7
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    Far View Lodge

    3.9

    Far View Lodge

    Located inside Mesa Verde National Park, this lodge offers unparalleled access to archaeological sites and breathtaking mesa vistas.
    3.9
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    The Strater Hotel

    3.9

    The Strater Hotel

    An ornate historic hotel in Durango featuring antique decor, period furnishings, and even live ragtime piano in its lobby bar.
    3.9
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    The Hotel Telluride

    8.3
    $$$$

    The Hotel Telluride

    A cozy alpine-style retreat in Telluride with rustic-chic rooms, mountain views, and easy access to hiking and skiing.
    8.3
    $$$$
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Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    Chevelle with special guests Asking Alexandria and Dead Poet Society

    Chevelle with special guests Asking Alexandria and Dead Poet Society

    The event will take place at Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park in Grand Junction.
    Map IconAmphitheater at Las Colonias Park in Grand Junction (27.01 mi)
    Calendar Icon18 Sep 2025
    Website IconVisit Website
    Picture for Chevelle with special guests Asking Alexandria and Dead Poet Society
  • Event Icon

    A.J. Croce Presents CROCE PLAYS CROCE

    A.J. Croce Presents CROCE PLAYS CROCE

    The event will take place at Avalon Theatre in Grand Junction.
    Map IconAvalon Theatre in Grand Junction (27.85 mi)
    Calendar Icon18 Sep 2025
    Website IconVisit Website
    Picture for A.J. Croce Presents CROCE PLAYS CROCE
  • Event Icon

    Hot Tuna Acoustic

    Hot Tuna Acoustic

    The event will take place at Avalon Theatre in Grand Junction.
    Map IconAvalon Theatre in Grand Junction (27.85 mi)
    Calendar Icon19 Sep 2025
    Website IconVisit Website
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  • Event Icon

    Community Concerts of the Grand Valley 25-26

    Community Concerts of the Grand Valley 25-26

    The event will take place at Avalon Theatre in Grand Junction.
    Map IconAvalon Theatre in Grand Junction (27.85 mi)
    Calendar IconN/A
    Website IconVisit Website
    Picture for Community Concerts of the Grand Valley 25-26
  • Event Icon

    The Mexican Brass

    The Mexican Brass

    The event will take place at Avalon Theatre in Grand Junction.
    Map IconAvalon Theatre in Grand Junction (27.85 mi)
    Calendar Icon25 Sep 2025
    Website IconVisit Website
    Picture for The Mexican Brass
  • Event Icon

    CWB Presents: Beauty and the Beast

    CWB Presents: Beauty and the Beast

    A fresh and imaginative take on the classic tale, Beauty and the Beast blends original choreography with compelling storytelling and rich character work. This premiere production captures the magic, romance, and transformation at the heart of the bel...
    Map IconAvalon Theatre in Grand Junction (27.85 mi)
    Calendar Icon4 Oct 2025
    Website IconVisit Website
    Picture for CWB Presents: Beauty and the Beast
  • Event Icon

    The Rocky Horror Picture Show - Interactive Movie

    The Rocky Horror Picture Show - Interactive Movie

    In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transvestite scientist. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, includ...
    Map IconAvalon Theatre in Grand Junction (27.85 mi)
    Calendar Icon12 Oct 2025
    Website IconVisit Website
    Picture for The Rocky Horror Picture Show - Interactive Movie

Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    Whether you enjoy traveling by motorcycle, car, or recreational vehicle this is your destination for everything related to road trips! ... Hey everyone! My friend and I (both ...

    First-Time Road Trip Through Utah & Colorado Is This Itinerary Too Packed?

    Whether you enjoy traveling by motorcycle, car, or recreational vehicle this is your destination for everything related to road trips! ... Hey everyone! My friend and I (both ...

    /r/roadtrip
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Whether you enjoy traveling by ... related to road trips! ... A community for those who love National Parks... anywhere in the world! ... For Backpackers who Hike with Camping...

    Utah/Colorado Trip Itinerary Ideas for a First Timer

    Whether you enjoy traveling by ... related to road trips! ... A community for those who love National Parks... anywhere in the world! ... For Backpackers who Hike with Camping...

    /r/nationalparks
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Much more scenic than the bleakness of I 70 at the Utah Colorado border. ... Not sure if its possible to work it in but the drive from Edwards to Twin Lake is a majestic drive...

    How should we change/improve our Colorado/Utah road trip?

    Much more scenic than the bleakness of I 70 at the Utah Colorado border. ... Not sure if its possible to work it in but the drive from Edwards to Twin Lake is a majestic drive...

    /r/roadtrip
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Need help narrowing down places to visit in Utah/Colorado and camping options. Flying from Finland to Denver in 2 weeks! ... /r/roadtrip is your source for everything road tri...

    October 25-29 road trip- Utah or Colorado?

    Need help narrowing down places to visit in Utah/Colorado and camping options. Flying from Finland to Denver in 2 weeks! ... /r/roadtrip is your source for everything road tri...

    /r/roadtrip
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    43 votes, 81 comments. 4M subscribers in the roadtrip community. /r/roadtrip is your source for everything road trip related. Whether you enjoy

    4 Week Sept-Oct roadtrip through Colorado and Utah. Details in comments

    43 votes, 81 comments. 4M subscribers in the roadtrip community. /r/roadtrip is your source for everything road trip related. Whether you enjoy

    /r/roadtrip
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Colorado and Utah trip to begin the summer! ... /r/roadtrip is your source for everything road trip related.

    Tips/places to visit for roadtrip from Denver, Colorado to SLC, Utah

    Colorado and Utah trip to begin the summer! ... /r/roadtrip is your source for everything road trip related.

    /r/roadtrip
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Lastly for all of the national parks you might need reservations You should do less and enjoy more and make a second trip to see what you cant. I would do colorado all in one ...

    First-Time Road Trip Through Utah & Colorado Is This Itinerary Too Packed?

    Lastly for all of the national parks you might need reservations You should do less and enjoy more and make a second trip to see what you cant. I would do colorado all in one ...

    /r/Utah
    View on RedditView on Reddit

Music for Your Journey

  • Music Icon

    Eagles - Take It Easy - 2013 Remaster

    Eagles - Take It Easy - 2013 Remaster

    A classic American road trip anthem that captures the spirit of travel and adventure, perfect for open roads.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    A timeless song celebrating the joy and freedom of travel, ideal for kicking off your journey.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live
  • Music Icon

    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    An upbeat, energetic track that adds excitement and drive to any road trip playlist.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway
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    Rusted Root - Send Me on My Way

    Rusted Root - Send Me on My Way

    Its optimistic vibe and catchy rhythm make it perfect for seeing new landscapes through your car window.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Rusted Root - Send Me on My Way
  • Music Icon

    Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way - 2004 Remaster

    Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way - 2004 Remaster

    An empowering tune encouraging independence and adventure, fitting for exploring new places.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way - 2004 Remaster
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    Of Monsters and Men - Mountain Sound

    Of Monsters and Men - Mountain Sound

    A joyful, uplifting song that pairs wonderfully with majestic mountain scenery like Colorado's.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Of Monsters and Men - Mountain Sound
  • Music Icon

    Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home

    Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home

    A soulful track evoking a sense of belonging among beautiful vistas and winding roads.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home
  • Music Icon

    Geek Music - America, F**K Yeah! (From "Team America World Police")

    Geek Music - America, F**K Yeah! (From "Team America World Police")

    A reflective, poetic song about traveling across the country, adding depth to the journey.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Geek Music - America, F**K Yeah! (From "Team America World Police")
  • Music Icon

    Yellowcard - Light Up The Sky

    Yellowcard - Light Up The Sky

    This energetic song adds motivation and enthusiasm, great for sunrise drives or late night adventures.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Yellowcard - Light Up The Sky
  • Music Icon

    Roger Miller - King Of The Road

    Roger Miller - King Of The Road

    A classic, laid-back tune celebrating life on the road, ideal for passing through small towns and highways.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Roger Miller - King Of The Road