We’ve put together a fun road trip from Denver to Santa Fe, including stops in Manitou Springs, Canon City, and Taos. We also have great food recommendations!
to the russet prairies of Santa Fe, we’ve got a list of the best places to see and stay along the way. We’re advising the scenic route rather than the standard route on I-25, which has more traffic and less to see.
Avoid making this trip in the winter, as it gets cold and snowy in both Colorado and
You could make the trip from Denver to Santa Fe in one day, but there are so many awesome things to see and do along the way, it’s definitely worth it to take your time on the drive!
Itinerary
Denver, CO—Half a day
Manitou Springs, CO—1 to 2 days
Cañon City, CO—Half a day
Alamosa, CO—Half a day
Taos, NM—Half a day
Santa Fe, NM—1 to 2 days
Start in— Denver, CO
There are a million things to do in Denver—it’s a bright, vibrant city and you should expect to spend a couple of days there to get as much out of it as possible. Denver may not be the world’s biggest city, but there’s something for everyone when it comes to food, nightlife, shopping, and recreation.
: The Denver Zoo is not only known for its extensive animal exhibits, including primates, wildcats, and elephants but is also considered the greenest zoo in the world.
: Home to the Denver Broncos and countless concerts for the Denver area, this arena is infamous for its high elevation and notoriously loud fans. A necessary stop for any NFL fan!
Pro Tip Denver is called the Mile High City for a simple (and clean) reason: it’s a mile above sea level. This means the atmosphere is thinner than many are used to. So in the first 24 hours of your visit, remember to drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and avoid exuberant activity until you’ve had the opportunity to adjust. center
The small town of Manitou Springs, CO is often overshadowed by nearby Colorado Springs but is no less deserving of a visit.
Situated at the base of the iconic Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs is known for its natural mineral springs and cave systems. But it has plenty of small-town charm to go along with it, including classic game arcades and small novelty shops.
To get to Manitou Springs, follow the I-25 S and take the US-24 BUS exit from US-24 W.
: This refined Victorian hotel combines gorgeous mountain views with comfortable, elegantly designed lodgings. It’s a quick 5-minute walk to the centre of town, and is also not too far from the Manitou cliff dwellings and Manitou incline! Cost per night: from $125
($$): For something out of the ordinary (for the region), check out Sahara Cafe’s excellent Mediterranean menu. We’d recommend picking up one of their gyro’s or trying their Sahara salad.
($$$$): Even if you opt to not stay at the Cliff House, you can still enjoy some upscale dining in its beautiful Victorian dining room. They serve locally-sourced dishes and the veranda provides a great view.
: This cave is a natural wonder in Pikes Peak. It features beautiful natural scenery and opportunities for adrenaline-fueled adventures, including zip-lining and the aptly named Terror-dactyl.
Known as the Gateway to the Authentic West, Cañon City is a bustling city in Colorado’s Fremont County that sits alongside the Arkansas River.
It’s a great stop for more extreme activities, like zip-lining and white water rafting. Those with less adrenaline-laden dispositions can also explore the many fossil beds, nature trails, and historical sites downtown and in the surrounding areas.
Continue on the I-25 S until you take exit 140. From there, follow CO-115 S and US-50 W to Park Ln in Cañon City.
The small city of Alamosa is far removed from the hustle and bustle of Denver, but it makes up for it with its surrounding natural habitats and landmarks.
Called "The Gateway to the Great Sand Dunes," this town is an ideal stop if you want to hit up the nearby Great Sand Dunes National Park (and you should).
To get to Alamosa, get on the US-50 W to Saguache County, and turn onto the CO-17.
($): Quintessential American bar fare, reasonably priced, and highly rated. This spot serves up quintessential American bar fare with reasonable prices. The bar has an amazing, welcoming atmosphere and is a popular spot amongst local diners.
($$): For a change of pace, check out Calvillo’s fresh Mexican fare. This brightly-colored spot is the perfect place to unwind, and we’d recommend checking out the El Calvillo burrito.
Your first stop once you cross the New Mexico border should be the pueblo town of Taos, especially if you’re a history buff.
There are over twenty historical sites registered within Taos’ city limits on the National Registry of Historic Places. This includes a UNESCO Heritage Site in the thousand-year-old Taos pueblo.
For the more adventurous at heart, Taos is actually home to an excellent ski resort and they even provide shuttle service up into the mountains.
($$$): If you’re looking for lighter fare, The Love Apple offers up healthy American classics. With an emphasis on local, organic cooking and a warm ambiance, this is the perfect place to stop and fill up.
($$): For something you wouldn’t expect in the area, check out Gutiz! This spot for Latin-French fusion cuisine is especially known for its breakfast offerings. Grab a coffee (or a bellini) and enjoy it on their patio!
: If you’re tired of the desert, head up to the snow! Taos Ski Valley offers up plenty of ski and snowboard courses, and shuttle service up the mountain is free.
You’ve made it to beautiful Santa Fe, one of the world’s great art cities! Santa Fe offers up a long list of amazing experiences that you should take a few days to stop and appreciate.
While Denver is all about city living near the mountains, Santa Fe is more in tune with its cultural heritage, amazing cuisine, and beautiful Pueblo Revival architecture.
To arrive in Santa Fe, take the NM-68 S and US-84 E/US Hwy 285 S.
($$): No self-respecting Mexican food lover can give this incredible Latin menu a pass. A popular spot since its opening in 1991, Sazon is housed in an iconic old adobe building in the center of Santa Fe and is well worth the visit.
($$$$): For those who love classic Italian cuisine, Sassella is the place to be. A fine dining experience, some of the popular items on the menu include the burrata, bolognese, and creme brulee.
($$-$$$): A prime example of New Mexican cuisine, with enough options to please all pallets. Located at Hotel Santa Fe, Amaya’s casual, inviting atmosphere and contemporary menu make it a must-see.
: The Mother of American Modernism drew much of her inspiration from the New Mexican landscape, and this museum proudly displays many of her iconic desert paintings.
: Folk art is a major component of Santa Fe’s cultural heritage, and the museum celebrates art created both locally and by folk artists around the world
Take the I-25. It’s a direct link between Santa Fe and Denver. But make sure you check traffic conditions before you take off because its proximity to denser urban areas means more traffic during rush hour.
The scenic way back
Take US Highway 285. It’ll take you back up through Alamosa, but also near some rural small towns and mountain roads you didn’t get the chance to see after leaving Denver.
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