The best road trips aren’t just about the destinations. They’re about the places you discover in between.
If you’re planning a Colorado road trip this summer, chances are you’re mapping out stops like Mesa Verde National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, or the San Juan Skyway. What many travelers don’t realize is that Pagosa Springs sits right in the middle of some of southern Colorado’s most iconic routes, making it a natural overnight stop between some of southern Colorado’s most iconic destinations.
Instead of pushing through another few hours behind the wheel, spend the night somewhere you can truly recharge. Soak in the geothermal hot springs, take an evening walk along the San Juan River, grab dinner at a downtown restaurant, and wake up to a complimentary breakfast at our hotel in Pagosa Springs before getting back on the road. It may start as a convenient place to stop, but many travelers find that Pagosa Springs becomes one of the most memorable parts of their route.
The National Parks in Colorado From Pagosa Springs
Colorado is home to four incredible national parks, and Pagosa Springs sits within easy reach of three of them. Mesa Verde National Park is less than 2 hours west, Great Sand Dunes National Park is roughly 2 hours east, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is about 4 hours northwest. If your travels continue toward Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park makes an easy addition later in your trip.
Along the way, you’ll also find National Monuments like Chimney Rock, Yucca House, Hovenweep, and Florissant Fossil Beds, along with scenic byways that make the drive itself part of the adventure. Between the parks, the monuments, and the scenic byways, a Colorado road trip can last two weeks or two days, depending on how much you want to see.
Route 1: Cross Two National Parks in One Trip
This is one of southern Colorado’s classic road trips. Mesa Verde National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park are about 4 hours apart from each other, and Pagosa Springs is right in the middle. Doing both in one trip is one of the best ways to see the range of Colorado landscapes, ancient cliff dwellings on one end, the tallest sand dunes in North America on the other.
Start at either park, spend a full day exploring, then drive the crossover with a stop in Pagosa Springs. A one- or two-night stay here breaks up the drive, giving everyone a chance to reset before the next day of hiking, sightseeing, and driving.
The drive itself is a huge part of the experience. Highway 160 connects the two parks, winding through the San Juan Mountains, climbing over Wolf Creek Pass, and crossing the wide-open San Luis Valley.
If you have a little extra time, Chimney Rock National Monument is only about 20 minutes west of downtown Pagosa Springs and makes an easy stop between the two parks.
Route 2: The Snowbird Route Between the Desert and the Rockies
Every spring and fall, thousands of travelers make the drive between Arizona and Colorado. The route between Phoenix and the Rockies is a beautiful transition from desert landscapes to mountain scenery, winding through Flagstaff, across the Navajo Nation, past Four Corners, and into southern Colorado.
The drive looks different depending on when you travel. In fall, Highway 160 comes alive with golden aspen groves as the San Juan Mountains change color in late September and early October. In spring, melting snow fills the rivers, higher elevations begin to open back up, and the first wildflowers start appearing along the roadside as the landscape wakes up after winter.
Pagosa Springs sits about halfway between Phoenix and Denver, making it an easy overnight stop before continuing over Wolf Creek Pass or farther into Colorado the next day.
Route 3: Loop the San Juan Skyway
The San Juan Skyway is a 236-mile scenic loop through Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Telluride, Rico, and Cortez. Along the way, you’ll cross four mountain passes, drive through historic mining towns, and experience some of the most spectacular scenery in the state.
The Million Dollar Highway between Silverton and Ouray is the highlight for many travelers. Towering peaks, narrow mountain roads, and unforgettable views make it one of Colorado’s most famous drives.
Although Pagosa Springs isn’t directly on the Skyway, it makes an excellent starting or ending point. It also gives you a comfortable home base before or after one of Colorado’s most scenic drives, especially if you want to trade a full day behind the wheel for a soak and a good night’s rest. Drive about an hour west to Durango, spend the day exploring the loop, then return to Pagosa Springs for a relaxing evening before continuing your trip the next day.
If you’re interested in Colorado history, consider adding a ride aboard the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The vintage steam train follows the Animas River deep into the San Juan Mountains, reaching scenery you simply can’t experience from the highway.
Why Pagosa Springs Makes the Perfect Road Trip Stop
There is a reason road trippers keep landing here. After hours on the road, the best stops are the ones that give you a reason to get out of the car. Pagosa Springs offers that rare combination of natural beauty, small-town charm, and easy access to the things travelers need after a long day of driving.
From RiverWalk Inn, you can walk along the San Juan River, grab coffee in the morning, explore local shops, and find a great meal without getting back behind the wheel. Our downtown riverfront location makes it easy to park once and enjoy the best of Pagosa Springs on foot.
Of course, the hot springs are what put Pagosa Springs on the map. After hours in the car, soaking in the mineral-rich waters surrounded by mountain views feels like the perfect reset.
Even the elevation here is helpful. Pagosa Springs sits at 7,126 feet. Spending a night here helps travelers acclimate before they climb higher into the Rockies. Snowbirds coming from Phoenix appreciate the same thing on the way home, a chance to catch their breath before Wolf Creek Pass.
And when it is time to recharge for the next leg of your journey, you’ll find everything you need at RiverWalk Inn. Spend the evening by the river, relax in the indoor hot tub or cedar sauna, and settle into a thoughtfully appointed room with comfortable beds, high-end linens, and views of the gardens, river, or surrounding San Juan Mountains. In the morning, a complimentary breakfast is ready before your next destination.
Make RiverWalk Inn Your Colorado Road Trip Base
If your road trip is bringing you through southern Colorado, chances are Pagosa Springs is already on your map.
Whether you’re crossing southern Colorado or making your way between national parks, RiverWalk Inn gives you a comfortable place to rest and enjoy the destination between destinations.
Book your stay and discover why so many Colorado road trips include a stop in Pagosa Springs.
