Road Trip! The Top Places to See When Driving From Albuquerque, New Mexico to Aurora, Colorado

Are you planning a road trip from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Aurora, Colorado anytime soon? If so, get ready for a journey filled with incredible scenery, small-town charm, and big-city adventure. Along the way, you'll discover natural wonders, historic sites, and an endless supply of outdoor activities. We've put together a list of the top places to see when driving from Albuquerque to Aurora.

Natural Wonder - Garden of the Gods

The Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is a must-see. This incredible park features towering red sandstone formations, including the famous Balanced Rock. The park is open year-round, and visitors can hike, bike, rock climb, horseback ride, and picnic. The Visitor and Nature Center houses interactive exhibits and a gift shop.

Small-Town Charm - Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe is full of small-town charm and Southwestern flair. The city is known for its art galleries, museums, and delicious New Mexican cuisine. Be sure to visit The Plaza, a historic square in downtown Santa Fe. You'll find shops, restaurants, and museums surrounding a lush park.

Historic Site - Bent's Old Fort

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site in La Junta, Colorado, is a must-stop for history buffs. The fort was a trading post along the Santa Fe Trail, and played a significant role in American Westward Expansion. Visitors can tour the fort and learn about the daily life of the fur traders who called it home.

Hidden Gem - Sand Dunes National Park

Sand Dunes National Park is a hidden gem in southern Colorado. The park features the tallest sand dunes in North America, towering as high as 750 feet. Visitors can hike, sled, and explore the sand dunes, or cool off in the nearby Medano Creek.

Big-City Adventure - Denver, Colorado

Denver is the largest city in Colorado and offers a range of activities for visitors. One of the most popular attractions in Denver is the Denver Art Museum, which houses over 70,000 works of art from around the world. Sports fans can catch a game at Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies, or the Empower Field at Mile High, home of the Denver Broncos.

Natural Beauty - Rio Grande Gorge Bridge

The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge in Taos, New Mexico, is a jaw-dropping sight to behold. The bridge spans the Rio Grande River and is the seventh-highest bridge in the country. Visitors can walk across the bridge and take in the breathtaking views of the gorge below.

Hidden Gem - Chimayo, New Mexico

Chimayo is a hidden gem in New Mexico. This small town is famous for its chili peppers and the Santuario de Chimayo, a Catholic church known for its healing powers. Visitors can explore the town's art galleries, shops, and restaurants, or take a hike in the nearby mountains.

Outdoor Adventure - Garden of the Gods

In addition to its natural beauty, the Garden of the Gods is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can hike one of the park's many trails, go rock climbing, or horseback ride through the sandstone formations. For an adrenaline rush, try zip lining through the park.

Historic Site - Fort Union National Monument

Fort Union National Monument in Northern New Mexico is a historic site that played a significant role in the American Southwest. The fort was established in 1851 to protect the Santa Fe Trail, and served as a supply and outfitting center for western Army posts. Visitors can tour the fort's ruins and learn about its role in American history.

Big-City Adventure - Colorado Springs, Colorado

Colorado Springs is the second-largest city in Colorado and offers a range of activities for visitors. One of the most popular attractions in Colorado Springs is the U.S. Olympic Training Center. Visitors can take a tour of the facilities and learn about the training techniques used by U.S. Olympic athletes.

In conclusion, the road trip from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Aurora, Colorado is full of adventure, history, and natural beauty. Whether you're looking for small-town charm or big-city excitement, this journey has it all. Be sure to stop at these top places to see on your road trip and make unforgettable memories.