{"id":15438,"date":"2020-09-15T21:06:24","date_gmt":"2020-09-16T03:06:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/?p=15438"},"modified":"2026-05-24T17:21:02","modified_gmt":"2026-05-24T23:21:02","slug":"6-day-southwest-colorado-loop-road-trip-visit-3-national-parks-6-national-forests-fun-mountain-towns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/6-day-southwest-colorado-loop-road-trip-visit-3-national-parks-6-national-forests-fun-mountain-towns\/","title":{"rendered":"6-Day Southwest Colorado Loop Road Trip: Visit 3 National Parks, 6 National Forests, Fun Mountain Towns"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Colorado is noted for its wide range of landscapes:<\/span> breathtaking mountains, beautiful forests, high plains, spacious mesas, stunning canyons, plateaus, rivers, and desert lands. You can easily plan four vacations for your big family to cover the beauty of Colorado: Denver, Northwest Colorado, Southwest Colorado, and, of course, <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a ski vacation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Page Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/6-day-southwest-colorado-loop-road-trip-visit-3-national-parks-6-national-forests-fun-mountain-towns\/#Day_1_Denver_to_Colorado_Springs\" >Day 1: Denver to Colorado Springs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/6-day-southwest-colorado-loop-road-trip-visit-3-national-parks-6-national-forests-fun-mountain-towns\/#Day_2_Colorado_Springs_to_Durango\" >Day 2: Colorado Springs to Durango<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/6-day-southwest-colorado-loop-road-trip-visit-3-national-parks-6-national-forests-fun-mountain-towns\/#Day_3_Durango\" >Day 3: Durango<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/6-day-southwest-colorado-loop-road-trip-visit-3-national-parks-6-national-forests-fun-mountain-towns\/#Day_4_Mesa_Verde_National_ParkTellurideMontrose\" >Day 4: Mesa Verde National Park\/Telluride\/Montrose<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/6-day-southwest-colorado-loop-road-trip-visit-3-national-parks-6-national-forests-fun-mountain-towns\/#Day_5_Montrose_to_Gunnison\" >Day 5: Montrose to Gunnison<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/6-day-southwest-colorado-loop-road-trip-visit-3-national-parks-6-national-forests-fun-mountain-towns\/#Day_6_Option_1_%E2%80%93_Gunnison_Manitou_Springs_Denver\" >Day 6: Option 1 &#8211; Gunnison, Manitou Springs, Denver<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/6-day-southwest-colorado-loop-road-trip-visit-3-national-parks-6-national-forests-fun-mountain-towns\/#Day_6_Option_2_%E2%80%93_Gunnison_Canon_City_Denver\" >Day 6: Option 2 &#8211; Gunnison, Ca\u00f1on City, Denver<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/6-day-southwest-colorado-loop-road-trip-visit-3-national-parks-6-national-forests-fun-mountain-towns\/#You_might_also_like\" >You might also like:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/painted-wall.jpg\" alt=\"black canyon of the gunnison colorado\" class=\"wp-image-15525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/painted-wall.jpg 900w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/painted-wall-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/painted-wall-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/painted-wall-850x567.jpg 850w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We put together a six-day itinerary that loops through 3 National Parks, 6 National Forests, 2 divide passes, and fun mountain towns. This route includes gorgeous drives throughout the state. Colorado mountain highways can be a bit hair-raising for those not used to massive road shoulder drop-offs, but the planned route has tried to minimize that factor. Safe Travels!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/swcoloradoroadtrip.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"611\" height=\"398\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/swcoloradoroadtrip.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23997\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/swcoloradoroadtrip.png 611w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/swcoloradoroadtrip-300x195.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 611px) 100vw, 611px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-day-1-denver-to-colorado-springs\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Day_1_Denver_to_Colorado_Springs\"><\/span><b>Day 1: Denver to Colorado Springs<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start your day off early! We\u2019ve got a lot planned, starting with a drive down to Colorado Springs. Drive time is around an hour and a half, give or take, for traffic and construction. Activities for this first day include the Garden of the Gods and the Cheyenne Zoo.&nbsp; Both activities will take 2-3 hours to enjoy, although Your Mileage May Vary (YMMV). You can decide which attraction to visit first.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/DSC04033-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"garden of the gods colorado\" class=\"wp-image-15558\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/DSC04033-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/DSC04033-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/DSC04033-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/DSC04033-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/DSC04033-2048x1537.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/DSC04033-850x638.jpg 850w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><b>Garden of the Gods<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a registered National Natural Landmark that is free to visit. The loop through the park is about seven miles with 16 parking lots to give you a chance to enjoy the scenery and stretch your legs.\u00a0 There are seventeen rock formations of red, pink, and white sandstone and limestone. Twenty-three trails are available to hike. The Ridge Trail is only half a mile, while the Chambers\/Bretag\/Palmer Trail clocks in at around 3 miles. We suggest you schedule about 2 hours to cover the park and the visitors&#8217; center. Read our <a href=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/2009\/07\/01\/garden-of-the-gods\/\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">10 Tips for Visiting <\/span><\/a><\/span>the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:53px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/11\/DSC02310-768x576.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has been named the #4 Best Zoo in North America by USA TODAY 10 Best Readers&#8217; Choice Awards. This mountainside attraction boasts one of the largest reticulated giraffe herds and offers visitors the opportunity to hand-feed them. With its distinctive elevation of 6,714, you\u2019ll discover wild animals, engaging exhibits, and educational attractions. You can visit the 800+ animals 365 days a year. <a href=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/2009\/11\/12\/cheyenne-mountain-zoo\/\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">Read our tips for visiting this great zoo<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Enjoy a night at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.anrdoezrs.net\/click-3208874-13560617\">Great Wolf Lodge<\/a> in Colorado Springs<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-day-2-colorado-springs-to-durango\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Day_2_Colorado_Springs_to_Durango\"><\/span><b>Day 2: Colorado Springs to Durango<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Mount-Herard-And-Great-Sand-Dunes.jpg\" alt=\"great sand dunes colorado\" class=\"wp-image-15559\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Mount-Herard-And-Great-Sand-Dunes.jpg 900w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Mount-Herard-And-Great-Sand-Dunes-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Mount-Herard-And-Great-Sand-Dunes-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Mount-Herard-And-Great-Sand-Dunes-850x567.jpg 850w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Day two starts with a 2.5-hour drive to <\/span><b>Great Sand Dunes National Park<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Seemingly out of place in the San Luis Valley, the park has 5 billion cubic meters of sand and is the tallest dunes in North America. Which, when you leave, you might feel like you&#8217;re taking 3 of those 5 in your kids&#8217; shoes. R<\/span>ead our guide and <a href=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/great-sand-dunes-national-park-guide-with-kids-plus-18-tips-for-visiting\/\">tips for visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buy a <a href=\"https:\/\/usparkpass.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">U.S. Park Pass<\/span><\/a> when you arrive, as you&#8217;ll use it at two more parks during this trip.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the park has multiple trails, the most fun is probably sand sledding and sandboarding. You can rent equipment before entering the park. Plan on spending at least two hours at the park. Be aware that during the summer months, the sand temperature can reach 150 degrees Fahrenheit.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After visiting the park, check out <a href=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/tourist-trap-or-family-fun-colorado-gators-reptile-park\/\">Colorado Gators<\/a>, a short 22-mile drive west.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depending on when you started your day, you may want to eat a packed lunch or visit Alamosa to eat.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From Alamosa, drive west on Highway 160 to Durango. Travel time is around 3.5 hours. A few places to stop and stretch your legs include <\/span><b>Treasure Falls<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, located about 15 miles northeast of <\/span><b>Pagosa Springs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Be aware that there isn\u2019t a turn lane into the parking lot located on your left. You\u2019ll want to pull off to the right and cross the highway into the lot. There are a couple of hiking options to the falls, although they aren&#8217;t visible from the parking lot. The energy of the falls will vary depending on the time of the year related to the amount of snowmelt.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Twenty miles past Pagosa Springs, you\u2019ll find <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.chimneyrockco.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Chimney Rock National Monument<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Historical sites include the Great Kiva, Pit House, Great House Pueblo, and Ridge House. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chimney Rock covers seven square miles and preserves 200 ancient homes and ceremonial buildings. Restrooms, guided tours, and self-guided tours are available. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can visit the site by taking Highway 151, the entrance is located 3 miles south. This stop can add 1-2 hours to the trip.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:47px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/durango-colorado.jpg\" alt=\"durango colorado\" class=\"wp-image-15540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/durango-colorado.jpg 900w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/durango-colorado-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/durango-colorado-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/durango-colorado-850x567.jpg 850w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-day-3-durango\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Day_3_Durango\"><\/span><b>Day 3: Durango<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A full day is dedicated to Durango so your family can fully enjoy the offerings of this scenic town. Enjoy the beautiful surrounding landscape of sandstone bluffs and the San Juan Mountains. Explore Durango\u2019s Western heritage and outdoor activities.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ride on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.durangotrain.com\/\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">Durango &amp; Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad<\/span><\/a>, covering a 45-mile trip through the breathtaking mountains to Silverton. <\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/powsci.org\/\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">Powerhouse Science Center<\/span><\/a> to explore interactive, hands-on exhibits and activities. <\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Set out on an adventure with a <span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/2014\/12\/31\/ultimate-road-trip-2014-southern-colorado\/\">half-day white water rafting trip<\/a><\/span>. <\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Harness up for a zip-line adventure.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Find big family hotels in <a href=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/advanced-search\/search-results?order=distance&amp;dir=1&amp;query=all&amp;jr_address=Durango%2C+CO%2C+USA&amp;jr_radius=30&amp;jr_latitude=37.27528&amp;jr_longitude=-107.8800667\">Durango<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:47px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-day-4-mesa-verde-national-park-telluride-montrose\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Day_4_Mesa_Verde_National_ParkTellurideMontrose\"><\/span><b>Day 4: Mesa Verde National Park\/Telluride\/Montrose<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On your fourth day, you\u2019ll want to rise early to make the short trip over to <strong>Mesa Verde National Park<\/strong>. From Durango, the park is a short 30-minute drive. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/cliff-palace-from-cliff-palace-loop-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"mesa verde colorado\" class=\"wp-image-15501\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/cliff-palace-from-cliff-palace-loop-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/cliff-palace-from-cliff-palace-loop-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/cliff-palace-from-cliff-palace-loop-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/cliff-palace-from-cliff-palace-loop-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/cliff-palace-from-cliff-palace-loop-850x638.jpeg 850w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/cliff-palace-from-cliff-palace-loop.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Mesa Verde National Park was established to protect the 600 cliff dwellings and part of the nearly 5,000 known archaeological sites found within the park. It is the only park that protects man-made works instead of only nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depending on your crew and how much you cover, your visit could be 3-4 hours or longer. <a href=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/2020\/09\/11\/12-tips-and-complete-guide-to-mesa-verde-national-park\/\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">Read our guide and tips<\/span><\/a>.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The next stop is <strong>Telluride. <\/strong>After Mesa Verde, you&#8217;ll want to stop in Cortez to eat\/fuel up\/ grocery shop. Or you might want to try to eat in Telluride<strong>.<\/strong> Travel time to cover highways 160 and 145 is less than two hours.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The scenery is immensely fantastic. We found ourselves stating &#8220;I could live there&#8221;. And there, and there, and here. How about you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:41px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/barn-along-hwy-145-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15537\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/barn-along-hwy-145-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/barn-along-hwy-145-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/barn-along-hwy-145-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/barn-along-hwy-145-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/barn-along-hwy-145-850x638.jpeg 850w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/barn-along-hwy-145.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Telluride is definitely a tourist town. Formally a Victorian mining town, it&#8217;s now a place to be seen as you enjoy the scenery. The San Juan Mountains surrounding Telluride contain the highest concentration of 13- and 14-thousand foot peaks in Colorado.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:46px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Telluride-Colorado.jpg\" alt=\"telluride colorado\" class=\"wp-image-15538\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Telluride-Colorado.jpg 900w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Telluride-Colorado-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Telluride-Colorado-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Telluride-Colorado-850x638.jpg 850w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Winter is prime time for the highly-rated ski resort. During the summer, there&#8217;s no shortage of outdoor activities &#8211; hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, SUP boarding, and so much more. After you walk the downtown area, consider one of the following activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visittelluride.com\/play\/activities\/telluride-historical-museum\/\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">Telluride Historical Museum<\/span><\/a> &#8211; Learn about the people and history of the area.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visittelluride.com\/play\/activities\/gondolasummerkids\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">Telluride Gondola<\/span><\/a>&nbsp; &#8211; Take the free 13-minute ride to the top, Station St Sophia, to visit the Nature Center.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visittelluride.com\/play\/activities\/bridal-veil-falls\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">Bridal Veil Falls<\/span><\/a> &#8211; A moderate, 1.8-mile hike will reward you with views of the 365-foot waterfall.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Since Telluride is a highly touristy area and accommodations can be pricey, you&#8217;ll drive 1.5 hours to <strong>Montrose<\/strong> to spend the night. Follow highways 145, 62, and 550.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Side note<\/em> &#8211;\u00a0 Not included in this loop, Highway 550, from <span lang=\"EN-GB\">Silverton and Ouray, <\/span>has been called the <span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.durango.com\/million-dollar-highway\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Million Dollar Highway<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>While the road has incredible views with some of the steepest shoulder drop-offs with no guardrails, it is considered one of the most dangerous roads in the US.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on how much time you spend at Mesa Verde and Telluride, your arrival in Montrose might be late in the day. If you arrive with enough time, visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.historycolorado.org\/ute-indian-museum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">Ute Indian Museum<\/span><\/a>. It&#8217;s a perfect way to end the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a class=\"fasc-button fasc-size-large fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium\" style=\"background-color: #33809e; color: #ffffff;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/advanced-search\/search-results?order=distance&amp;dir=1&amp;query=all&amp;jr_address=Montrose%2C+CO%2C+USA&amp;jr_radius=30&amp;jr_latitude=38.4783198&amp;jr_longitude=-107.8761738\">Find big family hotels in Montrose<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Find big family hotels in Montrose<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:48px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-day-5-montrose-to-gunnison\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Day_5_Montrose_to_Gunnison\"><\/span><b>Day 5: Montrose to Gunnison<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Up and at &#8217;em! Today we&#8217;ve got another fun-filled day!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/black-canyon-gunnison.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15526\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/black-canyon-gunnison.jpg 900w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/black-canyon-gunnison-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/black-canyon-gunnison-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/black-canyon-gunnison-850x567.jpg 850w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Magnificent views of the stunning <strong>Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park <\/strong>are first on the agenda. Located seven miles northeast of Montrose at the intersection of Highway 347 and Highway 50, Black Canyon of the Gunnison was established as a national monument in 1933 and became a national park in 1999. Your family can cover the park in 2-4 hours, depending on how much you hike and how many overlooks you stop at. We recently visited and have a full <span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/2020\/09\/14\/12-tips-for-visiting-black-canyon-of-the-gunnison-national-park\/\">guide with 12 tips to help you plan a visit<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:38px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/curecanti-national-park-lake-2-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15562\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/curecanti-national-park-lake-2-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/curecanti-national-park-lake-2-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/curecanti-national-park-lake-2-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/curecanti-national-park-lake-2-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/curecanti-national-park-lake-2-850x638.jpeg 850w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/curecanti-national-park-lake-2.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The afternoon can be spent at <strong>Curecanti National Recreation Area, <\/strong>located an hour east of the national park<strong>.&nbsp; <\/strong>This 43,095-acre park is composed of three reservoirs, including Blue Mesa Reservoir, the largest body of water in the state. Although there aren&#8217;t any designated swimming beaches, there are places you can drive down to the beach to wade in the water. Be aware that the average summer temperature is 65 degrees Fahrenheit. NPS suggests the following swim spots: Bay of Chickens, Dry Creek, and Old Highway 50 beach. We found the below spot off Highway 50 after the bridge for Lake Fork to be a good spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"252\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/curecanti-beach-drive-access-300x252.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15563\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/curecanti-beach-drive-access-300x252.png 300w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/curecanti-beach-drive-access.png 715w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Lunch at the lake and time spent at the water will help tire out the kids for the next leg of the trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Continue east on Highway 50 to Gunnison. You might have enough time to drive up north on Highway 135 to explore <strong>Crested Butte<\/strong> and time to explore Gunnison to round out your day. Drive time between Curecanti and Crested Butte is an hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:49px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"723\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/crested-butte-colorado-1024x723.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15564\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/crested-butte-colorado-1024x723.png 1024w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/crested-butte-colorado-300x212.png 300w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/crested-butte-colorado-768x542.png 768w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/crested-butte-colorado-1536x1084.png 1536w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/crested-butte-colorado-850x600.png 850w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/crested-butte-colorado.png 1700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After you walk Elk Avenue in Crested Butte, you can visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.colorado.com\/museums\/crested-butte-mountain-heritage-museum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum<\/span><\/a> or relax at Rainbow Park. During the winter months, Crested Butte Mountain Resort boasts 1000+ skiable acres. In summer, mountain bikers can explore 750 miles of trails.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Travel back to Gunnison to spend the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you choose to explore Gunnison, visit the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.gunnisonpioneermuseum.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">Pioneer Museum<\/span><\/a> or the <span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gunnisonvalleyobservatory.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Gunnison Valley Observatory<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Find Big Family Hotels in <a href=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/advanced-search\/search-results?order=distance&amp;dir=1&amp;query=all&amp;jr_address=Gunnison%2C+CO%2C+USA&amp;jr_radius=20&amp;jr_latitude=38.5458246&amp;jr_longitude=-106.9253207\">Gunnison<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:49px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-day-6-option-1-gunnison-manitou-springs-denver\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Day_6_Option_1_%E2%80%93_Gunnison_Manitou_Springs_Denver\"><\/span><b>Day 6: Option 1 &#8211; Gunnison, Manitou Springs, Denver<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you work your way back up to Denver, you have two routes you can take. You can meander your way through heading east on Highway 50, hitting Poncha Springs, taking Highway 285 north to Johnson Village and Antero Junction, and then adding Highway 24 to Manitou Springs. This route takes about 3 hours, allowing your family to enjoy one of the following activities.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/caveofthewinds.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #3366ff;\">Cave of the Winds Mountain Park<\/span><\/a> Choose from two cave tours, Wind Walker Challenge Course, Bat-A-Pult, and more.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Manitou Cliff Dwellings &#8211; located off Highway 24, these <a href=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/2012\/04\/23\/a-trip-to-the-manitou-cliff-dwellings\/\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">relocated cliff dwellings and museum<\/span><\/a> are a fun stop.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cograilway.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">Pikes Peak Cog Railway<\/span><\/a> &#8211; the world&#8217;s highest cog railroad takes you to the top of Pikes Peak. Buy your tickets before you go.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.uncovercolorado.com\/best-waterfalls-near-colorado-springs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stop to explore one of these great falls<\/a><\/span>: Rainbow Falls, Broadmoor Seven Falls, Helen Hunt Falls, St Mary\u2019s Falls, Seven Falls&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Any of the above activities will tire your crew out, and you&#8217;ll find the 1.5-hour ride back to Denver really quiet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:45px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"593\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Royal-Gorge.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15379\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Royal-Gorge.jpg 900w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Royal-Gorge-300x198.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Royal-Gorge-768x506.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Royal-Gorge-350x230.jpg 350w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Royal-Gorge-850x560.jpg 850w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-day-6-option-2-gunnison-canon-city-denver\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Day_6_Option_2_%E2%80%93_Gunnison_Canon_City_Denver\"><\/span><b>Day 6: Option 2 &#8211; Gunnison, Ca\u00f1on City, Denver<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From Gunnison, your second option is to drive through Ca\u00f1on City, Pueblo, and then up to Denver. This route allows your family to explore two well-known Colorado attractions.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Royal Gorge Bridge and Park<\/strong> &#8211; <\/span><\/span>Built in 1929, the Royal Gorge Bridge spans over 880 feet across the gorge. At 956 feet high, it is one of the world\u2019s highest suspension bridges. Today, the park includes more than 360 acres and 21 rides, shows, and attractions to explore. Read our visit and <a href=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/2012\/05\/31\/is-the-royal-gorge-bridge-park-a-tourist-trap\/\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\">tips for visiting the Royal Gorge<\/span><\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:52px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"515\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Royal-Gorge-Train.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15550\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Royal-Gorge-Train.jpg 900w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Royal-Gorge-Train-300x172.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Royal-Gorge-Train-768x439.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Royal-Gorge-Train-850x486.jpg 850w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/royalgorgeroute.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Royal Gorge Route Railroad <\/strong><\/span><\/a>&#8211; take a scenic two-hour train trip along the Arkansas River through the Royal Gorge.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From Ca\u00f1on City, Denver is a 2.5-hour drive.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8212;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Colorado is home to <span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/Internet\/FSE_DOCUMENTS\/stelprdb5389835.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">11 national forests<\/a><\/span> that can be found throughout the Rocky Mountains. All of these forests are unique in their own right (you&#8217;ll notice differences) and cover over 24 million acres across the state. During this road trip you&#8217;ll pass through:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">San Isabel National Forest<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gunnison National Forest<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grand Mesa National Forest<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pike National Forest<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rio Grande National Forest<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">San Juan National Forest<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:51px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Wolf-Creek-Pass.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15539\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Wolf-Creek-Pass.jpg 900w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Wolf-Creek-Pass-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Wolf-Creek-Pass-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Wolf-Creek-Pass-850x638.jpg 850w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This loop includes the following Continental Divide Passes:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wolf Creek Pass (Hwy 160) 10857 feet<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monarch Pass (Hwy 50) 11312 feet<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-you-might-also-like\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"You_might_also_like\"><\/span>You might also like:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/8-day-grand-circle-tour-itinerary-with-kids-utahs-mighty-5-national-parks-plus-grand-canyon\/\">8-Day Grand Circle Tour Itinerary with Kids: Utah\u2019s Mighty 5 National Parks Plus Grand Canyon<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/7-day-rapid-city-black-hills-south-dakota-itinerary-with-kids\/\">7-Day Rapid City\/Black Hills, South Dakota Itinerary with Kids<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-admin\/post.php?post=17774&amp;action=edit\">Yellowstone National Park Guide with Kids \u2013 Itineraries, Maps, and 20 Tips for Visiting<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:43px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Did you find this post helpful? Please pin for later use!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/southwest-colorado-loop-road-trip.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15568\" style=\"width:300px;height:450px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/southwest-colorado-loop-road-trip.png 600w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/southwest-colorado-loop-road-trip-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/southwest-colorado-loop-road-trip-300x450.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/colorado-road-trip-southwest.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15571\" style=\"width:300px;height:450px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/colorado-road-trip-southwest.png 600w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/colorado-road-trip-southwest-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/colorado-road-trip-southwest-300x450.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you have ideas for other road trip loops? Please contact Theresa to guest post!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Colorado is noted for its wide range of landscapes: breathtaking mountains, beautiful forests, high plains, spacious mesas, stunning canyons, plateaus, rivers, and desert lands. You can easily plan four vacations for your big family to cover the beauty of Colorado: Denver, Northwest Colorado, Southwest Colorado, and, of course, a ski vacation.\u00a0 We put together a&hellip;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/sixsuitcasetravel.com\/blog\/6-day-southwest-colorado-loop-road-trip-visit-3-national-parks-6-national-forests-fun-mountain-towns\/\" rel=\"bookmark\">Read More &raquo;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">6-Day Southwest Colorado Loop Road Trip: Visit 3 National Parks, 6 National Forests, Fun Mountain Towns<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":15525,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"","neve_meta_content_width":0,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","neve_meta_reading_time":"","_wp_convertkit_post_meta":{"form":"-1","landing_page":"0","tag":"0","restrict_content":"0"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[11424,3],"tags":[11465,11467],"class_list":["post-15438","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-big-family-road-trips","category-family-road-trip-series","tag-featured","tag-np-roadtrip"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>6-Day Southwest Colorado Loop Road Trip: Visit 3 National Parks, 6 National Forests, Fun Mountain Towns - SixSuitcaseTravel - Big Family Travel<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"We put together a six-day itinerary that loops through 3 National Parks, 6 National Forests, 2 divide passes, and fun mountain towns. 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