If you are looking for a spectacular but last-minute trip this spring, you do not need to look any further than Colorado for the most rejuvenating destinations in the country. A spring road-trip through Colorado will offer serenity, breathtaking views, outdoor recreation opportunities, and plenty of places to explore.

With sunshine that glistens off every rippling body of water, blue cloudless skies, towering peaks, alpine wildflowers, and its signature red rocks, Colorado is a nature lover’s paradise, packed with beautiful and interesting places to visit this season. Get started on the road this spring with three of our favorite destinations!

Great Sand Dunes National Park

When most people think of Colorado, sand dunes are not usually the first thing to come to mind, yet Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes National Park hosts the tallest dunes in North America.

Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to the scraggly Sangre de Cristo mountains, containing 10 fourteeners including Blanca Peak- the fourth tallest in the state. Around every dune is a new place to hike, bike, and explore. If you have a furry friend dog are allowed off paved trails here, just be mindful in summer because the sand temperatures can get extremely hot.

Visitors may also surf or sled down the dunes in any areas of the park that are away from vegetated areas! Pick up the correct sandboard or sand sled at a nearby shop such as Oasis, as winter sleds won’t work on the dry grains of sand.

The national park is also designated as an International Dark Sky Park, meaning that the park restricts light pollution and maintains standards for darkness. Visitors may access the park 24/7, allowing you to experience the Milky Way and stars throughout the night. You may also camp right on the dunes in the Piñon Flats Campground or at a nearby RV park to experience the best of the starry sky.

Nearby Alamosa is one of the closest towns to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and has many dining opportunities to explore. Alamosa also hosts the UFO Watchtower-a roadside destination for those hoping to catch a glimpse of UFOs or aliens in the starry, clear sky. There are additionally alien-shaped roadside signs you can’t miss pointing the way to the tower.

Buena Vista

This Colorado town is located in Chaffee county and surrounded by towering Rocky Mountains and the Arkansas River, with this landscape catering to a variety of outdoor activities. The area includes the Sawatch Mountain Range and the state’s highest concentration of 14ers. This time of year, you may have to navigate some snow when hiking, but can also enjoy spending time outside without sweating through your t-shirt.

Not only is this location full of amazing hiking opportunities but there’s also many other exciting outdoor adventures to experience. From whitewater rafting, ziplining, and UTV rentals, Buena Vista has some of the best outdoor adventures in the state.

After your adventure, be sure to check out Buena Vista’s natural hot springs, heated by geothermal water rising from the mountains. The town also hosts shops and restaurants to explore. Check out our top 5 favorite eats in the area!

The Million Dollar Highway

A road trip over the million-dollar highway and through the San Juan Skyway is a must if you want to experience the ultimate picturesque Rocky Mountain Trip. Originally built in the 1800’s, this highway turns up and down the mountains edges, beginning in Durango and winding through Telluride, Silverton, and Mesa Verde National Park.

The segment from Ouray to Silverton is specifically known as the “Million Dollar Highway,” with some saying this name derives from got the highway’s cost to build, while others claim millions of gold can be found in the dirt beneath. Regardless which version is true, one thing is for sure, every view along the way is worth a million bucks.

You can drive the entire loop in 6 hours, 2-5 days when taking your time, making it the perfect length for your spring trip. The drive takes you from small town to small town featuring steep grades through rugged and remote mountain land with views of alpine lakes, valleys, and miles of preserved forest.

Along the way, stop in any of these towns to experience hiking, biking, fishing, camping, shopping, and great food.

Colorado boasts some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes, yet has much more to uncover in its history, small towns, and outdoor adventure experiences. Whether you choose to visit these locations or plan your own trip, a road-trip through Colorado will not disappoint.

Book your rental vehicle with MileMarker Van Rentals today to experience the best (and most) of Colorado on your trip. Our 10-14 passenger Mercedes Sprinter or Ford Transit Vans allow you to travel throughout Colorado and its surrounding states in comfort and style!

Written by Melanie Hamilton, Contributing Member of the Sales and Marketing team
Edited by Rosa Canales, Marketing Specialist