Why Colorado Works for RVers
Colorado offers high mountain passes, national parks, hot springs, historic towns, and scenic byways within a few days of driving. It also demands good planning. Roads can be steep, weather changes quickly, popular campgrounds book far in advance, and some parks use reservation systems for entry. With preparation, it is one of the most rewarding RV destinations in the country.
Best Time to Go
Summer, roughly late June through August, is the most reliable window for high mountain roads and is also the busiest. September brings cooler weather and, in many years, golden aspen leaves in the high country, usually in mid to late September, though timing varies by elevation and year. Winter and early spring can bring snow, closed passes, and traction requirements, which makes RV travel more demanding.
Some high roads, including Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, close seasonally for snow. Check opening status before planning around them.
A Sample 7 to 10 Day Itinerary
Competitor itineraries share a similar structure. This version loops from Denver and can be shortened or reversed.
- Days 1 to 2: Denver, Boulder, and Estes Park. Spend the first night at a lower elevation to adjust. Then head to Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Days 3 to 4: Rocky Mountain National Park and Grand Lake. Trail Ridge Road crosses the park and tops out well above 12,000 feet. Check timed-entry requirements and road status.
- Day 5: Steamboat Springs or Frisco. Popular stops in guides include hot springs and downtown strolls in Steamboat, and lakeside walking near Frisco and Dillon Reservoir.
- Days 6 to 7: Southern Colorado. Options include Great Sand Dunes National Park, and Mesa Verde National Park with Durango.
- Days 8 to 9: Western slope. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado National Monument, and Glenwood Springs with its hot springs are common choices.
- Day 10: Return to Denver along the I-70 corridor.
Another popular approach is a shorter loop through Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak, and Garden of the Gods before heading west to Mesa Verde. Some guides discourage large rigs on the Pikes Peak road, so check current vehicle guidance first.
Scenic Byways
Colorado’s byway program highlights several routes that suit RVs with time to spare. Examples named by the state tourism office include the Los Caminos Antiguos, Dinosaur Diamond, Santa Fe Trail, and Trail of the Ancients scenic and historic byways. They tend to cover quieter, lower-elevation country than the famous mountain passes, which can make them a good option for larger rigs or for travelers who want fewer crowds.
Driving Mountain Passes in an RV
- Use lower gears downhill. Let the engine help control speed rather than riding the brakes, which can overheat.
- Know the right of way. On narrow mountain roads, uphill traffic generally has priority, and you may need to back up if the road is too tight.
- Check conditions. The Colorado Department of Transportation runs COtrip, which shows closures, construction, and traction or chain requirements.
- Respect your limits. Steep, narrow roads such as parts of US 550 between Ouray and Silverton are demanding. If you are uneasy, choose another route.
- Plan fuel stops. Mountain stretches can have long gaps between stations.
- Check restrictions. Some tunnels and routes limit certain loads, such as propane, so ask before you go if you travel with large tanks.
Booking Campgrounds and Park Entry
Developed campgrounds near major parks fill early, and some booking windows open about six months ahead. Set reminders for the day reservations open. Rocky Mountain National Park has used a timed-entry system in peak seasons, and a campsite reservation may not substitute for an entry reservation. Verify current rules directly with the park before arriving.
Examples named in competitor itineraries include Estes Park Campground at Mary’s Lake, Winding River Resort in Grand Lake, Pinon Flats Campground inside Great Sand Dunes, and RV resorts near Mesa Verde. Confirm rig length limits and hookups before booking.
Altitude and Your Rig
High elevation affects people first. Drink plenty of water, wear sun protection, and consider spending your first night at lower elevation before climbing above about 8,000 feet. If anyone in your group has a medical condition, ask a doctor before traveling.
Engines and some RV appliances also lose power or perform differently at altitude, and propane appliances may behave differently. Check your owner’s manual and dealer guidance, particularly for older furnaces and generators.
What a Week Costs
A week in Colorado depends on how you travel, so any single figure would mislead. Use this checklist to build an estimate:
- Fuel based on your planned miles and rig mileage.
- Nightly campground rates, which are higher near popular parks in summer.
- Park entry fees or passes.
- Food and activities such as train rides or hot springs.
- Rental costs if you do not own an RV.
The 3-3-3 Rule
A frequent rule of thumb for RV driving is to cover no more than about 300 miles per day, arrive by 3 p.m., and stay at least 3 nights. It is informal, not an official rule. In Colorado, mountain grades and slow roads often make 150 to 250 miles a full day, so shorter legs usually fit better.
Planning Checklist
- Reserve campgrounds and any park entry permits early.
- Check COtrip and park road status before each drive.
- Start at lower elevation and acclimate.
- Verify rig-length limits for roads and campgrounds.
- Service brakes and cooling before the trip.
- Keep fuel above a half tank in the mountains.