# Colorado Springs to Rocky Mountain National Park

> 3-day road trip of about 274 km (170 mi) with 7 stops, from Colorado Springs to Moraine Park Campground. About 3 h 02 min of driving in total.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/front-range/

**At a glance:** 3-day road trip of about 274 km (170 mi) with 7 stops, from Colorado Springs to Moraine Park Campground. About 3 h 02 min of driving in total. Red rocks, a concert venue in the cliffs and the highest paved through-road in the country.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 274 km (170 mi) |
| Driving | 3 h 02 min |
| Suggested days | 3 |
| Stops | 7 |
| Route | Colorado Springs → Moraine Park Campground |
| States | CO |
| Updated | August 16, 2026 |

## Route description

Start in Colorado Springs at Garden of the Gods, a free city park where red sandstone fins stand upright in front of Pikes Peak and paved loops make for easy walks. Then drive north on I-25 to Denver.

West of Denver, Red Rocks Amphitheatre near Morrison is a concert venue set between 300-foot sandstone monoliths. Visit during the day to climb the stairs and see the performers’ hall of fame. From there, head north through Boulder and take US-36 up into the foothills to Estes Park.

Estes Park is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, where Trail Ridge Road climbs to 12,183 feet, the highest continuous paved road in the US, usually open from Memorial Day to mid-October. Moraine Park Campground is open all year, and in fall elk bugle across the meadow. The park often requires timed-entry reservations in summer, and thunderstorms build on most afternoons at altitude, so drive the high road in the morning.

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Colorado Springs** (CO)
2. **Garden of the Gods** (Colorado Springs, CO): A free city park where red sandstone fins stand upright in front of Pikes Peak. The paved loops are easy.
3. **Denver** (CO)
4. **Red Rocks Amphitheatre** (Morrison, CO): A concert venue carved between 300-foot sandstone monoliths. Visit during the day to climb the stairs and see the performers' hall of fame.
5. **Estes Park** (CO)
6. **Trail Ridge Road** (Estes Park, CO): The highest continuous paved road in the US, topping out at 12,183 feet in Rocky Mountain National Park. Usually open from Memorial Day to mid-October.
7. **Moraine Park Campground** (Estes Park, CO): Elk bugle across the meadow here in fall. It is open all year, with limited services in winter.