The Top Road Trip Destinations from Amarillo to Pueblo
Driving a rental or your own car from Amarillo, Texas, to Pueblo, Colorado offers you a chance to see some of the most incredible and diverse landscapes. You'll experience environmental diversity, rural and urban experiences, and natural marvels. This Texas-to-Colorado road trip of roughly six hours covers nearly 450 miles and makes for great travel with family, friends or solo. With that in mind, here is our best of list of must-visit places on the way.
Canyon, Texas
Only about 14 miles south of Amarillo or 11 minutes drive on the US-87, you'll encounter the small yet charming city of Canyon, the gateway to the Palo Duro Canyon State Park. If you're looking for a fascinating place to relax and unwind, Palo Duro Canyon State Park is an ideal place to explore geological marvels, natural habitat, and see incredible wildlife. Enjoy bird watching, hiking, camping, horseback riding, biking, or just appreciate the picturesque landscape.
Dalhart, Texas
After driving near two hours or 130 miles northwest of Canyon, you'll drive through the city of Dalhart. The town has a few exciting places to visit, but the most recommended one is the XIT Ranch Museum. It features multimedia exhibits that tell the story of the ranch, the pioneers who started it, and the cowboys who navigated through expansive cattle herds. You'll find this museum conveniently located on the US-87/US-54 in the city's heart.
Raton, New Mexico
Located roughly 110 miles north of Trinidad and 215 miles northwest of Dalhart, Raton is a charming town honoring the historic Santa Fe Trail. Historical sites worth visiting here include the Raton Museum, the Shuler Theater, and the Raton Pass. The pass is genuinely spectacular, with winding roads passing through the breathtaking mountains that separate Colorado and New Mexico. You can also enjoy hiking, biking, or scenic camping in the area.
Trinidad, Colorado
About 190 miles north of Amarillo or a three hours drive, Trinidad is the perfect place to relax for a night or a day. It's small, charming, and full of unique sites, including the Louden-Henritze Museum of Archaeology, the Cougar Canyon Golf Resort, and the Trinidad State Historical Museum. Additionally, you can indulge in biking, hiking, and wildlife watching at nearby Fishers Peak State Park.
Pueblo, Colorado
Driving an additional 120 miles northwest from Trinidad for about two hours, your road trip comes to an end in Pueblo, an eclectic city known for its vibrant and diverse cultural events. Make sure to check out the historic and art district, Pueblo Riverwalk, and El Pueblo Museum. It offers visitors an immersive insight into the pueblo ways of life that dates back over a thousand years. Sample local cuisine at different food joints and experience the ultimate outdoor experience playing and hiking in the Pueblo mountain park.
Conclusion
The drive from Amarillo, Texas, to Pueblo, Colorado, offers an incredible opportunity to experience diverse landscapes, cultural and historical sites, and outdoor recreational activities. We hope our best of list of Top Road Trip Destinations from Amarillo to Pueblo inspires you to pack some snacks, grab a map, and embark on a Texas-to-Colorado adventure. Remember, the journey is just as fun as the destination. Happy travels!