United States

If you’re looking for a fun and unique vacation idea this year, consider a Texas to Colorado road trip. Both states have tons of beautiful outdoor destinations to admire and both have big cities to explore.

You’ll get to visit national parks, city parks, quirky roadside attractions, and more. This Texas to Colorado road trip itinerary starts in Houston, Texas and ends in Denver, Colorado. This trip can be completed over the course of 5 to 7 days, or longer if you have the time.

I’ve included nine destinations as suggestions to help you plan your trip, but you can always add more or less depending on your own interests. That’s the beauty of a road trip after all, you can go where you want.

Let’s get started.

Texas to Colorado Road Trip

A few quick notes on this Texas to Colorado road trip.

Your Texas to Colorado road trip time will vary depending on how long you elect to spend in each destination and how much time you have for the trip.

The drive time from Houston to Denver is 16 hours without stops. I have included approximate drive times between each stop along the route so you know how long it will take to get from one destination to the next.

Consider adding additional stops, or removing some, to fit your interests. For example, if you’d much rather spend more time in Austin but don’t care much to visit Houston, you can always make this an Austin to Denver road trip or just an Austin to Colorado road trip instead.

The main advantage of taking a road trip is that you get to go wherever you want. So remain flexible during the trip so you can pivot or change plans if you see something interesting.

Drive safe and have fun.

Houston

If you’ve never been to Houston before, I think you’ll be a bit surprised by the city. Well, at least I sure was when I visited. Houston turned out to be a lot cooler than I thought it would be.

Not only does the city have fantastic restaurants and bars, but Houston also has a fun artsy side. Keep an eye out for street art and murals when you’re out exploring the city.

If you have an interest in space or space exploration, don’t miss the Space Center where you’ll get to learn all about manned space flight. Houston is also where NASA’s Mission Control is located. No, you don’t get to go inside, but you will get to learn about it and see pictures.

• Next Stop: Austin
• Distance: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Austin

Austin is such a fun city, I think it might be my favorite road trip stop on this itinerary.

If this will be your first visit to Austin, plan to spend some time along the river that runs through the city. You can visit the parks or head out onto the water with a paddleboard or kayak. Being out on the water gives you a pretty cool perspective of the city, plus it’s just fun.

You’ll also definitely want to try some of Austin’s restaurants and food trucks. You’ll find food truck lots all around the city with several food trucks to choose from at each lot. I recommend ordering small plates at each so you can try as many as possible. Or just share with your friends.

As for restaurants, you’ll find plenty of great options along Congress Avenue just across the bridge from downtown Austin. I personally loved Torchy’s Tacos and Home Slice Pizza.

If visiting after summer 2021, you can aslo try to catch a concert at any one of Austin’s many live music venues. You’ll easily have dozens of options to choose from on any given night, from big acts to local bands.

In the evenings, don’t miss your chance to see the bats emerge from the Congress Avenue bridge. Yes, that’s right. I’m recommending you visit a bridge to see bats. If you haven’t heard of the Austin bats, let me explain.

Each night between March and September, spectators line the Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset to watch thousands of Mexican Free-Tailed bats emerge from under the bridge for feeding time.

The bats can emerge anytime from about 7:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m., and it takes about 40 minutes for all the bats to emerge once they get going. It sounds like a weird thing to want to see, but it’s actually pretty interesting. Try to catch the bats if you can.

• Next Stop: Dallas
• Distance: 3 hours

Dallas

Dallas is a big city with an equally large personality. The city has tons of great restaurants and bars, dozens of excellent museums, along with lots of city parks and outdoor attractions.

If visiting for just one day, I recommend getting up early to visit the city’s parks and musuems. Then head to the Dallas Arts District for lunch and to see local street art.

In the evenings, you will not want to miss your chance to try Texas style BBQ. Ask a local where their favorite barbecue place is and go there. Locals always know the best spots.

• Next Stop: Palo Duro Canyon State Park
• Distance: 6 hours

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a massive canyon running about 120 miles long and is the second largest canyon in the United States. The Grand Canyon is obviously the first.

Visitors to Palo Duro Canyon State Park can enjoy hiking, biking, stargazing, horseback riding, camping, and even glamping. It’s a beautiful place to spend the night if you’re looking for an overnight location. Just be sure to make those reservations early.

If you’d like to make Palo Duro Canyon a quick stop, you can always stop by just for the views. You’ll find plenty of overlooks inside the park from which to admire the canyon.

If you have extra time, you can also pay a visit to Caprock Canyons State Park to see the many bison that roam the fields there. Caprock Canyons is about 90 minutes from Palo Duro. You’ll want to make this stop after leaving Dallas.

• Next Stop: Amarillo
• Distance: 3 hours

Cadillac Ranch

Cadillac Ranch is a famous roadside attraction located just a short drive from Amarillo, Texas along the historic Route 66.

Cadillac Ranch is a public art installation with 10 Cadillacs buried head first into the dirt. Visitors often bring spray paint to spray on the cars during their visit. It’s also a popular spot for photos.

A visit to Cadillac Ranch will only take a short time, but it’s a quick fun stop nonetheless.

• Next Stop: Capulin Volcano National Monument
• Distance: 3 hours

Capulin Volcano National Monument

Capulin Volcano National Monument is located in northeastern New Mexico and is home to an extinct cinder cone volcano.

Visitors to the park can hike or drive up to the rim of the volcano to see views of the mouth of the volcano and surrounding area. Once at the rim, you can hike into the mouth of the volcano as well.

The park also has a visitor center where you can learn about the history of the Capulin Volcano and the volcanic surrounding area.

A visit to Capulin Volcano National Monument makes for a quick stop, but is a fun and interesting way to break up the drive.

• Next Stop: Great Sand Dunes National Park
• Distance: 3 hours

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park has some of the largest sand dunes you’ll find anywhere in the world. If you’re like me and love desert landscapes, you’re going to just love Great Sand Dunes National Park.

One of the most fun things to do here is go sledding down the dunes. You’ll want to bring a saucer shaped sled with you as they are not sold or available to rent inside the park. Do not worry if you didn’t pack your saucer, you’ll find sleds for sale all around the town just outside the park.

I also recommend bringing goggles with you when you visit. They are useful when sledding down the dunes, but also if you happen to be visiting on a windy day.

Visitors to Great Sand Dunes National Park can also enjoy hiking, nature walks, photography and stargazing. The park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can arrive anytime.

If you have an extra day or two and want to visit another national park in Colorado consider heading west about four hours to Mesa Verde National Park. This park is known for its many ancient cliff dwellings and pueblos.

If heading north towards Garden of the Gods, consider taking a side trip to Royal Gorge Bridge and Park about 2 hours and 30 minutes north. This park is home to the country’s highest suspension bridge, a zipline, and sky coaster.

• Next Stop: Garden of the Gods
• Distance: 3 hours

Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods is a beautiful and rather unexpected city park located in Colorado Springs. The park is known for its many huge 300 feet tall sandstone rock formations. These sandstone rock formations were not native to this area, so they really stand out when you first approach the park.

Garden of the Gods has over 15 miles of trails weaving through the various sandstone formations which makes the park an excellent location for hiking, running, or simply going for a walk in a beautiful place.

The park is also a popular place for photography and rock climbing. For the best photos, arrive early or get creative with your angles to avoid the crowds.

I recommend stopping at the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center before you head to the park. Admission to the visitor center is free and you’ll get to learn more about the park and local area.

Garden of the Gods park is currently open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

If you’re looking for other things to do while in Colorado Springs, consider heading over to Pikes Peak for a little outdoor adventure or Manitou Springs to soak in the mineral hot springs or see the Manitou cliff dwellings.

• Next Stop: Denver
• Distance: 1 hour 15 minutes

Denver

Denver is such a fun city and the perfect place to end your Texas to Colorado road trip.

If this is your first visit to Denver, I recommend staying near downtown. This way you’ll be close to all the best restaurants and bars. You’ll also be close to the ballpark and the Arts District, both of which you should visit while in town.

If you’re in town in late 2021 and beyond, check the calendar for events at Red Rocks Ampitheatre, probably one of the coolest places to see live music in the United States.

If you’re looking to spend some time outdoors, head to Denver’s City Park, a 300 acre public park located just east of downtown. The park is home to paved trails, two lakes, the city zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

In the evenings, head out on a self-guided brewery tour or perhaps join a guided brewery tour instead.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this Texas to Colorado Road Trip Itinerary and that I’ve inspired you to plan a trip of your own. If you’d like to support this blog please consider sharing this post. Thanks for reading.

Summer in Park City is absolutely beautiful and I encourage you to come see for yourself.

While the city is best known as a winter destination due to the area’s many ski resorts, Park City transforms itself into the perfect summer getaway once the snow melts.

Summer visitors will have endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, good food, and even a little shopping.

For a summer visit you’ll want to plan your trip from June to September, this is when Park City is in full swing and businesses reopen following mud season.

Plan to spend three to five incredible days experiencing all the unique activities summer in Park City has to offer. Let’s get to it.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to supporting this site.

What to do in Summer in Park City Utah

A few quick things to note before I share all the fun things to do in Park City during the summer months.

First, the easiest way to get to Park City is to fly into Salt Lake City airport. From Salt Lake City the drive to Park City is about 30 minutes. You can rent a car or take an Uber. I don’t believe a car is necessary while visiting Park City. It’s very walkable and you can rent bikes to get around if necessary.

Second, be sure to check websites for local businesses before planning your itinerary. Due to the nature of the past 12 to 15 months, it is possible business hours may change or capacity may be reduced.

Third, bring good shoes for walking and hiking. Park City is a really pretty place. You’ll want to be outside most of the time exploring on foot.

Okay, that’s it. Now put your itinerary together and plan your visit.

1. Go for a hike

Hiking is extremely popular during the summer in Park City. You’ll find hundreds of miles of hiking trails all around the area to choose from.

Here are a few popular options to get you started:

• Silver Lake Trail (2.5 miles one way) – Trailhead is located near Silver Lake Lodge.
• Armstrong (3.3 mile loop) – Trailhead is near the Silver Star Lift.

Those staying at or near Deer Valley can also ride the Silver Lake Express chairlift up the mountain to access a series of local hiking trails of various distances. From there, you can even take the Sterling Express lift up to the top of Bald Mountain for even more trail options.

Summer 2021 dates for Deer Valley Resort are June 18th though September 6th.

2. Visit the Provo River

The Provo River is located just a short drive east of Park City near Jordanelle State Park. It flows about 71 miles from the Uinta Mountains in the north down to Utah Lake at the southern end.

While fly fishing is a popular activity along the Provo River, I’d like to assume you have a little more adventure in mind if you’re reading my blog.

If you’d like to get out and enjoy the Provo River I recommend tubing, rafting, canoeing, or kayaing. You can find rentals for equipment at High Country Adventure. They are located about 40 minutes from Park City in Provo, just west of Uinta National Forest.

The Weber River is also located nearby, a bit closer to Salt Lake City. You can book rafting tours to the Weber River at All Seasons Adventures in Park City.

3. Go for a bike ride

Park City has an extensive system of trails for biking whether you’d like to try mountain biking, road biking, or perhaps plan to use one of the e-bikes pictured above.

Mountain bikers will enjoy the area’s hundreds of miles of alpine singletrack trails. Road bikers will enjoy riding the same mountain passes used in the Tour of Utah. E-bikers will enjoy cruising around to all of Park City’s biggest attractions.

No matter which bike you choose, Park City is perfect for exploring by bike. You’ll find incredible views up in the mountains and enjoy a fast and affordable form of transportation while in town.

4. Shop along Main Street

Main Street in Park City is a fun area to walk around and explore. There are restaurants, cafes, and local shops lined up and down the street.

You’ll also find the Egyptian Theatre, book stores, galleries, yoga studios, and other local businesses.

You can see just about all of downtown Park City and Main Street in a single afternoon and can easily walk from place to place. You’ll find rideshare bikes along the street as well if you’d like to explore a bit further or take a ride around the city.

5. Go Stand Up Paddleboarding

Another one of the best things to do in Park City in the summer is to go stand up paddleboarding. There are several small ponds in the Deer Valley area perfect for paddleboarding.

You can rent paddleboards and other equipment at Park City SUP at the Deer Valley Resort. They operate from June to September and are open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. They also SUP lessons, tours, and SUP yoga.

6. Stop by Park Silly Sunday Market

Park Silly Sunday Market is an ecofriendly open air market where locals and visitors can come together to shop local products and produce, sample dishes from local restaurants, and enjoy live music and other activities.

Park Silly Sunday Market takes place along Main Street on Sundays during the summer months. The market runs from June 6, 2021 to September 26, 2021 and is open from 10:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.

*There will be no market the first three Sundays in August 2021.

7. Visit Utah Olympic Park

One of the most unique Park City summer attractions is Utah Olympic Park, located about 20 minutes north of downtown Park City.

Utah Olympic Park was built for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games and still functions as a training center for some Olympic level athletes.

In addition to the training facilities, it has also become an amusement style park with some pretty fun activities available

Visitors to Utah Olympic Park can enjoy ziplining, bobsledding, extreme tubing, and an adventure course and alpine slide. It makes a fun afternoon destination, especially if you have kids with you.

Utah Olympic Park will be opening for the Summer 2021 season on May 28, 2021. Be sure to check their website prior to your visit as some attractions may remain closed or open later in the season.

If you’ve already been to Utah Olympic Park, you can also check out Woodward Park, another local spot with both indoor and outdoor adventure activities.

8. Catch a show at the Egyptian Theatre

The historic Egyptian Theatre is located right on Main Street in downtown Park City. The theater hosts a variety of live events throughout the year including live theater, comedic performances, dance performances, concerts, and more.

You may also recognize that the Egyptian Theatre is one of several venues that hosts the yearly Sundance Film Festival that takes place in Park City each January.

Sundance is the largest independent film festival in the United States and has been scheduled to run Janaury 20, 2021 to January 30, 2021. Tickets will go on sale later this year.

While the Egyptian Theatre is currently closed due to due restrictions on indoor gatherings, they are scheduled to reopen this summer on August 27, 2021. Check their website for event and ticket information.

9. Dine at Park City’s best restaurants

You’ll find all kinds of dining options around Park City including many local favorites located right in downtown.

For coffee in the morning I recommend Atticus Coffee. They serve fresh coffee and espresso drinks along with sandwiches, salads and pastries.

For breakfast head just across the street to the Bridge Cafe and Grill. They serve delicious breakfast sandwiches and pancakes on a patio overlooking Main Street. They open daily at 8:00 a.m. if you like to get an early start like I do.

For lunch I recommend walking up and down Main Street and stopping into which ever restaurant looks inviiting. You’ll find everything you can think of including burgers, pizza, Thai, Italian, and more.

For dinner consider making reservations at Grappa or Prime Steak House and Piano Bar.

For those of you staying several days or longer or perhaps traveling with a large group, you may wish to just pick up groceries in town to prepare at your rental.

Those that perfer to avoid cooking can also stop into Deer Valley Grocery and Cafe to pick up some grab and go items to eat throughout the week including coffee, soups, salads, sandwiches, and pastries.

Best Places to Stay in Park City

As you’d imagine, as a ski town Park City is home to dozens of great Ski Resorts and hotels. However, since you’re visiting Park City in summer you’ll want to plan your accommodations a bit differently.

If you want to stay near downtown, I recommend staying at the Marriott Mountianside Resort or Marriott Vacation Club pictured above. Both properties are close to the city’s best restaurants, cafes and bars.

If you have a larger group consider staying at the Lodges at Deer Valley. This property is a 20 minute walk from town and has larger accomodation options with multiple rooms, a full kitchen and living room.

If you prefer more of a resort experience, I recommend booking a room at Park City Mountain Resort. This resort also has fun Park City summer activities like their alpine coaster and alpine slide. They also have all the typical resort amenities like a pool, fitness center, multiple restaurants, etc.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide on how to enjoy summer in Park City. If you’d like to support this blog please consider sharing this post. As always, thanks for reading.

This post was brought to you in partnership with Visit Park City. However, the thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

A Colorado road trip is the perfect choice for those of you looking to explore a new destination while enjoying time outdoors surrounded by natural beauty.

There is so much to see and do across the state that I think exploring Colorado on a road trip is the perfect way see it. Plus this way you can stay in each location as long as you like knowing you have your own transportation.

During my own recent Colorado road trip I visited small towns, national parks, city parks, and a big city. It was a little bit of everything with just the right amount of time in each location.

This itinerary is based on the road trip I completed just this year. I hope you have as much fun exploring Colorado as I did.

Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

The easiest way to get to Colorado is to fly into Denver International Airport. You can catch direct flights into Denver from most major cities in the USA, including major cities in Europe and around the world.

I recommend picking up a rental car in Denver when you arrive and then heading off to your first stop outside the city. This way you can save time for exploring Denver at the end of your trip. This will also make it easier to catch your flight back home, especially if you have an early flight.

In the itinerary below I include the drive times between each destination so you can better plan your visit. Please remember, all drive times are estimates.

I’ve also included a few hotel recommendations based on my own travel style. I like accomodations close to the action and as nice as I can afford, without breaking the bank.

Above all else, have a great time. My visit to Colorado was one of the best road trips I’ve done in quite some time, I’m sure you’ll enjoy the same experience.

If you’re looking for another great American road trip after this one, consider a Yellowstone road trip from Billings, Montana. It’s just as beautiful as Colorado.

• Next Stop: Boulder
• Distance: 45 minutes

Stop 1: Boulder

Boulder is a fun college town with lots of character and a lively downtown area with plenty of restaurants and bars. Those into spending time outdoors will find no shortage of opportunities while in Boulder as the area is surrounded by nature, not to mention the mighty Rocky Mountains.

One of the biggest attractions in Boulder are the Flatirons, pictured above. These are massive flat sandstone formations along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The area surrounding the Flatirons is perfect for hiking. You’ll find trails of all kinds to explore during your visit.

If you’re looking to go out on the town for dinner and drinks head to the Pearl Street Mall. This is a four block outdoor shopping and dining district where you’ll find many of the city’s best restaurants and bars.

• Next Stop: Estes Park
• Distance: 55 minutes

Stop 2: Estes Park

Estes Park is a small mountain town located just outside the gates of Rocky Mountain National Park. The town is home to a small downtown area with plenty of restaurants and local shops.

Downtown Estes Park sits along W. Elkhorn Avenue. This is where you’ll find the local boutique shops, along with the town’s trendy restaurants and bars.

You can walk up and down W. Elkhorn in an afternoon if you’d like to do some shopping. Be sure not to miss The Taffy Shop if you want to try something sweet.

If you’re looking for a good lunch or dinner spot I recommend Smokin Dave’s BBQ. Their pulled pork was delicious. For brunch, check out The Egg of Estes, also delicious.

Another fun thing to do during your visit is to ride the Estes Park Aerial Tramway. The tram will take you from town up to the top of Prospect Mountain. The tram is open from late May to early September and provides some incredible views of Estes Park and the surrounding area.

In the evenings, head over the famously haunted Stanley Hotel. Yes, that’s right, I said haunted.

The Stanley Hotel is rumored to be haunted and is best known for its role in the Stanley Kubrick film The Shining. The hotel offers a very popular tour of the property where guests can learn about the property’s haunted past.

Those wanting to join a tour should book these in advance, they do sell out. The tours run about 60 minutes and cost $28 for non hotel guests. After your tour, stop into the hotel’s bar for dinner and drinks.

Where to stay in Estes Park

• The Stanley Hotel: This is the best hotel in Estes Park. It’s iconic, it’s a classic, stay here if you can. Rates around $270/night.

Please keep in mind that Estes Park is also situated just outside a National Park so hotel rates in town will be higher than other areas.

If you’re looking for a place to stay on the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park, check out the town of Grand Lake. You’ll find plenty of lodging options there as well.

• Next Stop: Rocky Mountain National Park
• Distance: 7 minutes

Stop 3: Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is absolutely beautiful and you can really see a lot of the park even if you have just one day.

I recommend following the map you get from the Ranger Station at the park entrance. You’ll see all the main points of interest identified along the park’s main road.

Start your day early and you should have plenty of time to see most of the stops on the eastern side of the park. If you’re ambitious, you can probably catch the western side of the park too, if the roads are open.

If visiting during the summer be sure not to miss driving along Trail Ridge Road for some of the best views in the park. Trail Ridge Road is generally open from late May to early October, though this of course varies with the weather.

If visiting during the winter you don’t want to miss Alluvial Fan, Moraine Park, Glacier Basin, and Bear Lake. There is also a ton of wildlife active in the park during the winter months, most of which you’ll find near the lakes and rivers.

Please drive slow on park roads and always be on the lookout for wildlife.

• Next Stop: Garden of the Gods
• Distance: 2 hours 30 minutes

Stop 4: Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods is a very unique city park located in Colorado Springs. The main attraction of the park are the many 300 ft tall sandstone rock formations.

The park is the perfect place for a run or walk as there are over 15 miles of trails weaving through the various sandstone formations. As you can imagine, rock climbing and photography are also popular in the park.

I recommend stopping at the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center prior to your visit to the park. Admission is free and you’ll get to learn more about the park and local area. Be sure to check the Visitor Center website prior to your visit as their hours are shorter than the park’s hours listed below.

Garden of the Gods is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

• Next Stop: Great Sand Dunes National Park
• Distance: 3 hours

Stop 5: Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to, you guessed it, a lot of sand dunes. In fact, some of the largest sand dunes in the world can be found here.

Visitors to Great Sand Dunes National Park can enjoy hiking, backpacking, sand sledding, sandboarding, stargazing and photography. There is also a small creek if you’d like to play in the water. It’s not very deep, so this is probably best for children.

The park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and reservations are not required. So you may visit anytime. Be advised that midday temperatures in the summer can get very hot, so you may wish to plan your visit around these times.

Be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, lots of water, and a sled or snowboard.

• Next Stop: Mesa Verde National Park
• Distance: 4 hours

Stop 6: Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park is located in Southwestern Colorado and is home to a large grouping of pueblos, masonry towers, and cliff dwellings.

Visitors to the park can tour the various dwellings once home to the Ancestral Pueblo people for over 700 years. The park offers guided tours or you can tour on your own.

Other activities at Mesa Verde National Park include nature walks, hiking, camping, wildlife viewing and stargazing. Since you have access to a vehicle, you can also tour much of the park in your car by stopping at the various overlooks and points of interest along the park’s main road.

If you have a little extra time in your Colorado itinerary, consider making the 20 minute drive west to Canyon of the Ancients National Monument. This National Monument sits on BLM land and is home to thousands of ancient dwellings including villages, field houses, kivas, cliff dwellings and more.

• Next Stop: Colorado National Monument
• Distance: 4 hours

Stop 7: Colorado National Monument

You’ll reach the Colorado National Monument by heading north via US Route 550 which includes a 12 mile section known as the Million Dollar Highway known for its hairpin turns though the mountains.

Colorado National Monument is a beautiful park home to massive red rock formations like the ones pictured above. The park is perfect for enjoying with a car as you can head up Rim Rock Drive for incredible views overlooking the park’s canyons and rock formations.

In the evenings the stargazing here is incredible. You’ll also find tons of wildlife and plenty of colorful desert plants. Camping sites are available year round.

If you have a little extra time, be sure to stop by the Dinosaur Journey Museum located just 20 minutes north of Grand Junction off Interstate 70. The museum has lots of fossils and fun dinosaur stuff and plenty of hands-on exhibits for the kids.

• Next Stop: Rifle Falls State Park
• Distance: 90 minutes

Stop 8: Rifle Falls State Park

Rifle Falls State Park is located a short drive from Glenwood Springs and is one of the prettiest Colorado State Parks. The park’s main attraction are the three waterfalls pictured above which can be reached via a 30 minute hike.

The park is a popular place for hiking, camping and photography, especially during the summer months. Plan to arrive at Rifle Falls in the early morning to avoid being turned away when the parking lot fills up.

• Next Stop: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
• Distance: 2 hours 30 minutes

Stop 9: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a uniquely beautiful national park home to massive canyons with dark, steep walls.

Visitors to Gunnison National Park can enjoy hikes or scenic drives around the rim, or climbing and hiking into the canyon. In the evenings, stargazing opportunities can be incredible if the sky is clear.

Camping is also available at various campsites throughout the park. If possible, try to catch sunrise and sunset during your visit, this park is the perfect place for some pretty amazing sunrises and sunsets.

• Next Stop: Denver
• Distance: 5 hours

If you’d like to break up the drive from Black Canyon of the Gunnison to Denver, plan for a stop in the town of Buena Vista, a small mountain town known for its outdoor adventure opportunities like white water rafting, kayaking, hiking, and biking.

Stop 10: Denver

Okay, I’m going to be totally honest with you here, I LOVED Denver. This city has so much to do right in the city center and its got a fantastic food and restaurant scene.

During my stay in Denver I attended a baseball game at Coors Field to see the Rockies play the Dodgers, went cider tasing in the city’s River North Art’s District, played pinball at a local arcade bar, and ate many great meals.

I could have easily filled at least two more full days in Denver if I’d had the additional time. During a future visit I’d love to visit the city’s museum’s, local parks, and try more local restaurants.

If you’ll be visiting Denver for the first time, I recommend at least two nights here so you have time to explore.

Where to stay in Denver

• Magnolia Hotel: This is the hotel I stayed at. It’s an artsy hotel right in the city center. It also has a fantastic restaurant on the ground floor. Rates around $125/night. (Marriott)

I hope you’ve enjoyed these Colorado Road Trip ideas and that I’ve helped inspire you to plan a visit of your own. If you’d like to support this blog please consider sharing this post. Thanks for reading.

With so many unique and interesting things to do in Lawrence Kansas I promise, you’ll be so glad you came. Lawrence is a little bit quirky, a little bit artsy, and a whole lot of fun.

Visitors to Lawrence will enjoy the city’s many trendy restaurants, craft breweries and independent boutiques. There’s also an abundance of nearby parks and lakes for those who enjoy spending time outdoors.

I recently spent several days experiencing all the best Lawrence attractions and I’m so excited to share what I found.

I hope you enjoy this itinerary and that I can shed some light on the unique travel opportunities available in Lawrence and inspire you to plan a trip of your own.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to supporting this site.

1. Enjoy a walk on the Kansas University campus

Wake up early on your first day in Lawrence and head to the University of Kansas (KU) campus.

The campus is located just a short 5 minute drive or 30 minute walk from downtown Lawrence. The sprawling 1,000 acre campus makes the perfect destination for an early morning walk.

You can start on the west side of campus at the Dole Institute of Politics pictured above. It’s a beautiful building with a small pond in the front.

As you walk around campus you’ll be surrounded by the university’s gorgeous architecture and very well manicured grounds. There are also plenty of hills and stairs if you’d like to get in your morning workout.

From the Dole Institute head east and you’ll walk by the Lied Center, the KU Visitor Center, DeBruce Center, Allen Fieldhouse and the Booth Family Hall of Athletics.

The Booth Family Hall of Athletics is open to the public and you definitely don’t want to miss this stop, so head on inside.

2. Visit The Booth Family Hall of Athletics

The Booth Family Hall of Athletics is a huge museum dedicated to the history and tradition of KU athletics.

On the far back wall you’ll see KU’s Hall of Fame showcasing the university’s many incredible athletes over the past several decades. They have a truly impressive sports program at KU, so there’s lots to see.

You’ll also learn about the history and achievements of KU’s various sports teams including notable players and coaches.

The Booth Family Hall of Athletics is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There is no cost for admission making it one of the best free things to do in Lawrence KS.

3. Get outdoors at Clinton State Park

If you’re looking to enjoy some time outdoors during your visit to Lawrence, plan to spend an afternoon at Clinton State Park.

The park is located just 15 minutes west of downtown and sits along the north shore of Clinton Lake.

Clinton State Park is one of the most popular places to go in Lawrence KS for both hiking and mountain biking. You’ll find trails to enjoy all around the park.

Those interested in fishing will be happy to know that Clinton Lake is an excellent place to catch catfish or walleye.

On the south side of Clinton Lake be sure not to miss the Wakarusa River Valley Heritage Museum which features exhibits showcasing the unique history of the Wakarusa River Valley.

If you’re looking for more outdoor stuff to do in Lawrence KS you can also visit the Prairie Park Nature Center located just east of Haskell Indian Nations University, about 7 minutes from downtown.

The nature center is a preserve and home to wetlands, woodlands, and prairie habitats. Visitors should be on the lookout for beavers, deer, bobcats, and a variety of birds.

4. Learn local history at Watkins Musuem of History

One of my favorite things to do in Lawrence Kansas is to visit the Watkins Museum of History. You can’t miss this bright red building located on a corner of the city’s famous Masschusetts Street.

The Watkins Museum of History shares unique and interesting stories about the history of Lawrence and the surrounding area.

Current exhibits at the museum include The 15th Amendment at 150: The Art of Voting, Community Construction: The People and Companies that Built Lawrence, along with a few others. The museum also hosts several online exhibits if you’d like to visit their website.

I strongly encourage you to visit this museum during your visit to Lawrence, the exhibits are really engaging and you’ll learn some very interesting things about the history of the city.

The Watkins Museum of History is currently open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free.

Other exceptional museums in Lawrence are the Spencer Museum of Art and the Natural History Museum, both of which are located on the KU campus. Visit their websites for hours and visitor information.

Travel Tip: Don’t miss the Japanese Friendship Garden located just next door to the Watkins Museum. Its a small, but beautiful public park perfect for taking a few photos. The picture above was taken from here.

You’ll also find another one of the city’s parks across the street. This one is South Park which covers several city blocks and is a popular with locals going on walks in the evenings and on the weekend.

5. Walk Massachusetts Street

Massachusetts Street, or Mass Street as the locals call it, is the heart of Lawrence. This is where you’re going to find the city’s best restaurants, bars, and breweries.

It’s a fun place to spend the afternoon meeting up with friends, shopping, dining, or sipping cocktails on the many outdoor patios. You’ll also find live music at some establishments in the evenings and on weekends.

6. Shop the local boutiques

If you’re looking to do some shopping while in Lawrence I highly recommend exploring the area around Massachusetts Street. This is where you’ll find many local independent shops selling quality items unique to Lawrence.

Here are some fun places I recommend:

• Bodytruth Soap Apothecary: They sell eco-conscious handmade skincare from plant-based ingredients.
• Waxman Candles: They sell quality handmade wax candles in a variety of shapes, sizes, and scents.
• Mass Street Soda: They sell over 1,000 varieties of craft soda from around the world.

Any of these shops would be perfect for finding souvenirs or just something nice to remember your trip by. You’ll also find music shops and vintage clothing stores in the neighborhood as well which are both worth checking out.

7. Relax and Refresh at Mud and Lotus

My visit to Mud and Lotus may very well have been the best part of my trip to Lawrence.

They were actually booked up the weekend of my visit, but were nice enough to put me on a waitlist. I got lucky with a cancellation that fit perfectly in my schedule, but do plan ahead for this one.

During my visit to Mud and Lotus I went with the No Mud, No Lotus package which included a 30 minute head, neck and face massage along with a mud mask. Afterwards you get 60 minutes in their outdoor zen garden which has a sauna and mineral bath soaking tub.

Both parts of this experience were absolutely amazing. It was nice to treat myself with some relaxation time, especially in such a beautiful setting.

In my opinion, this is one of the most unique Lawrence KS attractions, and the perfect way to make your visit to the city extra special.

I recommend booking your visit for the late afternoon if possible. This way you can relax after your day spent exploring the city before heading out for dinner and drinks to end the night.

As stated above, definitely book your visit to Mud and Lotus early, they are popular for a reason.

8. Visit the local bars and breweries

One of the most fun things to do in Lawrence KS is finding great spots for cocktails.

Massachusetts Street is the place to go on weekend nights if you’re looking to have dinner and drinks with friends. You’ll find seveal bars and breweries to choose from depending on what you’re into.

Here are some popular local favorites:

• RPG: Great food and drinks and some fun board games to keep you entertained.
• Free State Brewing Company: Serving handcrafted beers since 1989.
• The Jayhawker: A historic hotel bar serving fantastic cocktails.

KU is a college town, so you’ll find no shortage of lively bars and breweries to spend your evenings while in town.

9. Try Lawrence’s best restaurants

Downtown Lawrence is literally packed with incredible restaurants to try during your visit. A walk up and down Mass Street and the surrounding area will lead you to a number of excellent options for breakfast lunch or dinner.

Here are a few of my favorites from my recent visit:

• Breakfast: The Bourgeois Pig – They serve delicious coffee and breakfast sandwiches in the morning. Come back in the afternoon or evening for hand crafted cocktails.
• Lunch: Ramen Bowls – They serve piping hot bowls of savory noodles.
• Dinner: 715 – This is an upscale restaurant perfect for dates or a girls night out. They serve appetizers, salads, pastas, and steaks. Don’t skip their dessert. Full disclosure, this was one of my favorite meal in Lawrence. You’ll want reservations for this one.

If you’re in a hurry and looking for a quick bite to eat, you’ll find sandwiches, pizza by the slice, and bagels among many other things all around downtown Lawrence.

10. See a show at the Lied Center

The Lied Center of Kansas is a performing arts center located in the middle of the KU campus.

The venue hosts live events of all kinds including theatrical performances, live jazz, ballet, opera, and more. If you’re interested in seeing an event at the Lied Center be sure to check the calendar on their website prior to your visit. Popular events may sell out so you’ll want to secure your tickets in advance.

*Be advised that the 2021 season may be subject to cancellations or rescheduled events.

I hope reading about the best things to do in Lawrence KS has helped inspire you to plan a visit of your own. If you’d like to read about more destinations in the USA head over to my page on United States travel.

This post was brought to you in partnership with eXplore Lawrence. However, the thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.