On this Denver to Santa Fe road trip, go from mountains and sand dunes in Colorado to hot springs in the desert.
Savor the true beauty of nature on this incredible Denver to Santa Fe road trip. This route takes you through forests and canyons with splendid stops along the way. You’ll be driving through mountainous terrain and winding roads as you make your way south to lovely Santa Fe, New Mexico with each stop better than the last one.
Stops
1. Denver, CO
2. Staunton State Park
3. Great Sand Dunes National Park
4. Ojo Caliente, NM
5. Taos, NM
6. Santa Fe, NM
Info at a glance
- 5-day trip
- Type of route: Nature
- 6 stops along the route
- 458 miles of driving
Highlights
- Explore the culture and natural beauty surrounding Denver.
- Take in the greenery in Staunton State Park.
- Explore Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.
- See ancient dwellings at Taos Pueblo.
- Take a walking tour of Santa Fe.
Getting to the start
The road trip starts in Denver, Colorado, and ends in Santa Fe, New Mexico. If you’re coming from outside the region, it’s best to fly into Denver International Airport and rent a car, as driving is the best way to see everything. While you could take I-25 through Colorado Springs into Denver, we have a more scenic route that you’re sure to love. Taking US Highway 6 west across Lakewood and then picking up Highway 470 will take you through forests.
When to Visit
The best time for a road trip from Denver to Santa Fe is between September and November. The hotel rates are cheaper than summer, and you might even save on other travel. It can get chilly in Santa Fe and along the route, so it’s important to pack clothes that you can layer like scarves, lightweight clothes and fleece jackets. Make certain you have a rain jacket, too, and don’t forget the hiking shoes.
Driving tips
Since the road trip from Denver to Santa Fe is a scenic route through mountains, be sure to mind the street signs that warn you of curves, bridges and possible falling debris. With SIXT, it is easy to rent an SUV, meant for such road trips. Pay attention to the speed limit as you go through certain towns as they might be lower. Seat belts should be worn at all times, and it’s illegal to use a cell phone while driving. It’s also a good idea to study a map to better understand the roads.
What to know about the route
For the 360-mile road trip from Denver to Santa Fe, you’ll pass many parks with gorgeous vistas. Early on, you’ll see William F. Hayden Green Mountain Park, Forsberg Park and Red Rocks Park. All have amazing hiking trails so you might want to take a break from driving to check them out. Once you pass Mt. Falcon, you’ll begin to see mountains on both sides of the road, and if it’s later in the year, you’ll see fantastic color in the leaves. Further along, look for the enormous Staunton State Park to your right, and green meadows and wildflowers on all sides. Right in the center of the journey is Great Sand Dunes National Park in southern Colorado. Climb the enormous sand dunes and feel like you’re in a foreign desert. Soon you’ll cross over into New Mexico and the terrain once again changes. You’ll pass through Taos and it’s worth stopping, as the city has a rich history to explore. You’ll end in Santa Fe where you can explore Southwestern culture. If you’re renting a vehicle for the drive, choose an SUV in Denver to handle the different kinds of terrain you’ll encounter.
Denver, CO
Denver is a thriving city full of culture, music, and art, and there are always things to see and do here. Be sure to visit the American Museum of Western Art located in the legendary Navarre Building. Downtown is full of bustling restaurants with award-winning cuisine to suit every palate.
Points of interest
About 15 miles from Denver, Green Mountain Park is right on the route and it’s worth making a stop. The park has more than 2,400 acres of green space, with a daunting network of trails for biking and hiking, and the Green Mountain Trail is especially fun to hike for a spectacular view of Denver.
Where to eat, drink and sleep
Denver has some of the finest restaurants in the state, and you’ll find a bit of everything. You can find options where the meat, seafood and vegetables are locally sourced, and the 16th Street mall is a good place to start. For hotels, a good choice is Aloft Downtown.
Sixt Insider Tip
Hike to the 6,800-foot summit of Green Mountain to get a 360-degree view of Denver and the surrounding park. Look for wildlife like coyotes, mule deer, eagles, and hawks along the way. You might even see a bobcat. Also, explore the meadows as they are full of colorful wildflowers that fill the air with fragrant aromas. Your best bet is to get a park map to study the many different paths and hiking trails.
From Denver to Staunton State Park (39 miles)
The next stop is Staunton State Park, just 30 minutes away along US Highway 285 south. This park is not to be missed for its granite cliffs and diverse hiking paths.
Staunton State Park
This is Colorado’s newest state park and it is unique in many ways. It’s an outdoor adventure gold mine with activities of every type. You can ride on horseback through rugged mountain trails, snowboard, hike, fish and rappel from rocks. Staunton State Park is worth visiting for the natural vistas alone.
Sixt Insider Tip
If you enjoy equestrian activities, be sure to inquire about horseback riding throughout the park. It’s a real treat to be able to meander through the miles of trails, taking your time to stop and look around. If you are new to rock climbing, the park can help arrange a guide to show you the basics.
From Staunton State Park to Great Sand Dunes National Park (187 miles)
On the way to the next stop, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, take highways 285 S and 17 S and enjoy views of the forests and mountains before being able to see some giant sand dunes. If you need something to eat, you can stop in one of the small towns along the way like Nathrop or Moffat.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
As you enter the national park and preserve, you may not be prepared for the enormity of the sand dunes you will encounter. You can hike and climb on the huge mounds of sand like Star Dune before enjoying the more typical Colorado scenery nearby like forests, mountains, alpine lakes and wetlands.
Sixt Insider Tip
Unlike most other national parks, you can see Great Sand Dunes National Park 24/7, year-round. If you want to sleep with a view of the dunes, you can book a site in Piñon Flats Campground, which is open from April through October.
From Great Sand Dunes State Park to Ojo Caliente (121 miles)
The scenery will change as you once again head south on Highway 285 and you will start to see more rock and sand than forests. There are still parks to explore like the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge. Yet your next stop is one of the coolest on the road trip. Ojo Caliente, New Mexico, is a hidden oasis of historical mineral water pools that are as warm as a hot tub.
Ojo Caliente, NM
Ojo Caliente is a secluded oasis of natural hot mineral spas. Native Americans consider the area sacred, and the legendary waters are known to soothe, heal, and transform whoever soaks in them. There is a reason we put this stop toward the end, as a chance to relax after all the driving. The hot springs at Ojo Caliente are some of the oldest in the world.
Sixt Insider Tip
Ojo is not only known for its hot springs. Visit the Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa for a day of pampering. The full-service spa has everything for the mind and body. Get a clay mask facial or a full body massage. The Artesian Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with award-winning food choices designed to be healthy and delicious.
From Ojo Caliente to Taos (41 miles)
As you drive east to the next stop, Taos, notice the unique rock formations and all the sand. Taos has a unique history and memorable architecture that reflect desert life. Distinctive restaurants, music and many art cafes and galleries can be found throughout the city.
Taos, NM
Taos is so spectacular you’ll find it difficult to just spend a day there. It’s a city full of art communities and clay adobe structures, but it’s also known for the famous Taos Ski Valley resort and the historic Taos Pueblo. Its landscape, with mountains and vast open spaces, is picture-perfect.
Points of interest
If you’re visiting during ski season, check out Taos Ski Valley for a full day of mountain challenges. For outdoor adventure, there is kayaking, white water rafting, hiking, as well as fishing and camping. Visit Taos Pueblo just north of Taos proper to see one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the US.
Where to eat, drink and sleep
When in Taos you should try dishes featuring Hatch green chiles, a New Mexico specialty. For a stay you’ll never forget, try the Adobe and Pines Inn Bed and Breakfast in Taos. This hacienda is made of clay and wood, and the furnishings are distinctly Taos.
Sixt Insider Tip
The best time to visit Taos is in September and November. You’ll save on your trip as the normal season is summer, so hotels will be cheaper and airfare as well. The weather is cool so bring clothes suitable for layering, but there are times when the weather heats up during the day. Hiking boots, of course, are a necessity if you plan to venture into the mountains.
From Taos to Santa Fe (70 miles)
Next, you’ll make the short drive to Santa Fe via highways 65, 84 and 285. Along the way you can see more pueblos in Nambe and Tesuque if you need a break to stretch or just want to see something unique to the Southwest.
Santa Fe, NM
Santa Fe is America’s oldest capital city, with many migrations of people over the centuries. The city is known for its health and wellness roots, yet also for its dreamers and artists. Set against the Sangre de Cristo mountains, the location is like a painting. Don’t miss the sunsets over the Jemez range.
Points of interest
Learn all about Santa Fe’s diverse history with a tour or visit one of the many museums such as the Center for Contemporary Arts Santa Fe, El Museo Cultural de Santa Fe and El Rancho de las Golondrinas. The city is full of art and artists and you can find their work all over the city.
Where to eat, drink and sleep
Santa Fe has many unique bed and breakfasts in and around the city center. The Antigua Inn is a great choice and is close to everything. The downtown area has many eclectic food choices with award-winning restaurants that serve up dishes with more Hatch green chiles and Mexican and Native American influences.
Sixt Insider Tip
Santa Fe is foodie heaven, and you can sample the local cuisine with Food Tour New Mexico. Try delicious regional favorites and learn all about the culture behind the food. Another fun way to try the local dishes is the Restaurant Walks at the Santa Fe School of Cooking.
