The 2,700 miles in the span of just 24 hours. This is what they call an adventure!
The “best scenic route from houston to colorado” is a road trip that will take you through the best sights in Texas and Colorado.
If an amazing tour across the American South appeals to you, a trip from Houston to Denver is a good option. The journey will take you through some of Texas’ and Colorado’s most gorgeous areas, as well as other lovely sights in between.
It takes 15 and a half hours to travel 1,120 kilometers from Houston to Denver. Sam Houston and San Isabel National Forests, Colorado Springs, Oklahoma City, and Taos Pueblo, as well as Rocky Mountain National Park, are among the places visited.
Because a lengthy journey like this requires substantial preparation, make sure to read all the way to the end to learn about the route.
What is the distance between Denver and Houston, and how long will the journey take?
| Route | Distance | Time to Drive |
|---|---|---|
| The Panhandle of Texas Route | 1,030 kilometers | 20 minutes and 15 hours |
| Oklahoma/Kansas Highway | 1,120 kilometers | 15 and a half hours |
The road trip from Houston to Denver can be done in around 15 hours, and the most straightforward route covers around 1,030 kilometers of driving.
This means you’ll need to break up your journey over at least two days of travel, but you’ll be better off taking longer to do some sightseeing along the route.
The route runs across northern Texas (known as the “panhandle”) before briefly entering New Mexico and continuing through the Colorado Rockies.
This is the shortest route to Denver in terms of mileage, and Amarillo is a nice stopover in the middle of the journey.
At Rocky Mountain National Park, Bear Lake is an ideal location for a picnic.
Shutterstock.com/Sean Xu
With that said, the route’s middle third or so is a little sparse in scenery, particularly when compared to the beauty of the woodlands in the Houston and Denver regions.
Furthermore, snow restrictions are typical in the panhandle area, possibly lengthening your journey or requiring you to seek other routes.
Another alternative is to travel via Oklahoma and Kansas; although this is a longer route, you’ll be driving on different interstates the whole way, and while Oklahoma City might be congested at times, it’s nothing compared to Houston.
The best route from Houston to Denver for a car trip
It’s difficult to choose the “best” road trip route from Houston to Denver since the two routes are almost identical in duration, and although certain portions of each itinerary are more gorgeous than others, they both provide an incredible experience.
The Panhandle of Texas Route
Take I-45 west out of Houston, passing through the WG Jones State Forest and the Sam Houston National Forest. Before reaching Fort Worth, take Route 287 via Davy Crocket National Forest and stop at Cedar Hill State Park.
Continue on this route via Wichita Falls and through Caprock Canyons State Park before stopping at Amarillo, Texas. Take Highway 87 into New Mexico, passing through the Rita Blanca National Grasslands.
You may visit Taos or the Carson National Forest while you’re here. Leave New Mexico on Interstate 25 and enter Colorado after crossing Sugarite Canyon State Park.
Make a pit stop at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve before continuing on via Colorado Springs and through the San Isabel National Forest. After that, you’ll arrive in Denver, Colorado.
Oklahoma/Kansas Highway
Stay on Interstate 45 and go through Dallas instead of taking Route 287 north of Davy Crocket National Forest. Take I-35 south out of town, via Ray Roberts Lake State Park, and then over the Red River into Oklahoma.
Pass through Lake Murray State Park, Turner Falls Park, and the Arbuckle Wilderness while still on the highway. Oklahoma City is located just north of Lake Thunderbird State Park; get your bearings here and continue the freeway into Kansas.
In Wichita, take Interstate 135 west to Salina, then take Interstate 70 west. Drive past Wilson Lake and its surrounding parks until you enter Colorado, and then remain on I-70 until you reach Denver.
Between Houston and Denver, the best locations to stop are
There are many of fantastic sites to visit between Houston and Denver, with a total distance of almost 2,000 miles between the two routes. Having said that, they are unquestionably among the best:
Spend a memorable evening in Taos.
If you’re looking to change things up with a more offbeat location for your overnight stop, you won’t find a more unique town to stay in than Taos. Although there are many iconic resorts here, Adobe and Pines Inn Bed & Breakfast looks like a time capsule in the best possible way.
The rooms at Adobe and Pines establish an atmosphere in a manner that few high-end resorts can, thanks to their distinctive presentation, which includes rustic furnishings with an indigenous style.
The decorations are very stunning, and there’s nothing like a winter evening spent sitting by the fireplace.
Taos Pueblo’s distinctive adobe architecture is sure to create an indelible impact.
flocu/Shutterstock.com
In addition, some apartments have hot tubs, which are ideal for a cool evening. The fire pit area provides for a nice midnight gathering location if you’ve gotten to know some of the other visitors.
Finally, while the town’s unique architecture is why many of its resorts are a bit pricey, this Adobe and Pines Inn Bed & Breakfast is among the most affordable in the area. Take full advantage of your stay and explore the Historic District of Taos while you’re there.
In Denver, you can relax and unwind in elegance.
Many of Denver’s greatest hotels have exorbitant costs, but if you’re searching for the ideal blend of luxury and affordability, Hyatt Regency Denver has the best food in town and some of the coziest suites money can buy.
You’ll be waking up to a wonderful scene at this hotel, which offers fantastic views of the city (with some rooms overlooking the mountains). The rooms itself are really well-designed, with lots of space for you to relax and maybe get some work done.
Former Saint Kitchen + Bar, which serves meals three times a day, will meet all of your eating demands. Relax in the lounge area and take in the unimpeded city view from the floor-to-ceiling windows if you want something less opulent.
One of Denver’s distinctive features is its magnificent alpine background.
photo-denver/Shutterstock.com
A huge swimming pool, an outdoor hot tub, a fitness center, as well as spa and wellness services are all included in your stay – you couldn’t ask for anything more.
Despite this, the Hyatt Regency Denver’s most appealing feature may be its excellent location. You’ll be only minutes from downtown Denver, so you can travel to the Paramount and Buell Theaters, Larimer Square, and a slew of fantastic restaurants in no time.
On a road journey from Houston to Denver, there are many sights to view.
Due in no small part to the Rocky Mountains, the number of On a road journey from Houston to Denver, there are many sights to view. is staggering. Although it’d be impossible to list everything, consider checking out as many of the following places as possible:
- Sam Houston National Forest – one of only 4 national forests in all of Texas, this forest features the beautiful Lone Star Hiking Trail
- Cedar Hill State Park – a gorgeous park featuring campgrounds and a slew of historic buildings dating back to 200 years ago
- Fort Worth – featuring some of the States’ greatest architectural feats and a huge student population (courtesy of the many universities), Fort Worth is difficult to pass up
- Caprock Canyons and Palo Duro Canyon State Parks – offering a more rugged atmosphere than their more southern counterparts, these parks offer some beautiful hiking and biking spots
- Taos Pueblo – a historic Native American Pueblo, widely known to be one of the oldest communities in the States
- Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve – this marvelous park features the largest dunes in all of North America
- Colorado Springs – Colorado’s largest city is one of the fastest-developing places in this part of the States, and it features a breathtaking mountainous backdrop
- Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests – these forests are perhaps best known for their beautiful fall palette and abundance of rare wildlife
- Rocky Mountain National Park – one of the most visited parks in all of North America, this park offers beautiful views and countless opportunities for outdoor activities
- Dallas – stopping by the Arts District when visiting this beautiful city is an absolute must
- Lake Murray State Park – besides being Oklahoma’s largest park, this is the go-to spot for boating and waterside lodging on this road trip
- Turner Falls Park – a beautiful segment of the Arbuckle Mountains, featuring hiking trails, caves, and the titular waterfall
- Lake Thunderbird State Park – an elusive “hilly” region in the otherwise flat heart of Oklahoma
- Oklahoma City – Oklahoma’s capital is easily distinguished by its largely preserved cowboy aesthetic
A beautiful sunset in Palo Duro State Park is unbeatable.
Shutterstock.com/Jim Parkin
When is the best time to travel from Houston to Denver?
There is no one optimal time to travel from Houston to Denver, while there are certain advantages to traveling at various periods of the year.
To begin, the woods in the Houston and Denver regions are perhaps the highlights of the trip, and if you want unfettered access to as many of them as possible, plan your vacation outside of the winter months.
In terms of Denver itself, anticipate large crowds regardless of the season — summer, for example, is when many of the city’s famous festivals and expos take place, but the combination of 90-degree temperatures and humid air isn’t for everyone.
Denver’s City Park is one of the city’s most popular attractions.
Shutterstock.com/Andrew Zarivny
Another option is to come in the spring or autumn, when temperatures reach the mid-70s and activities such as Cinco de Mayo in the spring and Beer Fest in September keep you busy. That said, the weather in the area is notoriously fickle, so bring a variety of clothing.
The Rocky Mountains are one of Colorado’s finest achievements, and winter tourists will be rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime skiing experience.
It’s not unusual for the Denver area’s ski season to extend into early spring, making March a fantastic time to come if you’re looking for a little more warmth in a snowier-than-average year.
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The “road trip from san antonio to denver” is a road trip that takes place in the United States. It includes stops in Houston and Denver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I stop between Denver and Houston?
A: Houston, TX is at a distance of 97.6 km from Denver, CO
How long is Denver from Houston driving?
A: Thats a difficult question to answer because it depends on which route you take. The shortest amount of time would be if you flew and drove, but the average round trip is about 4 hours.
How much would it cost to drive from Houston to Denver?
A: The total cost of the trip from Houston to Denver would be $1207.
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