Road Trip from Guthrie, OK to Cortez, CO with Scenic Stops and Parks

Day 1: Guthrie to Tulsa, OK

Guthrie, OK to Tulsa, OK on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Lucy's on the Plaza

Enjoy a hearty American breakfast in historic Guthrie, known for its turn-of-the-century charm and excellent pancakes to fuel your road trip.
USD15, 1h0m

9:15am

Explore Historic Downtown Guthrie

Stroll through one of the most well-preserved Victorian downtowns in the country, featuring shops, murals, and historic architecture.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Travel to Tulsa, OK

Drive approximately 1.5 hours northeast to Tulsa to continue exploring roadside attractions and city parks.
Fuel cost approx USD20, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Burn Co. BBQ

Taste some of the best Texas-style BBQ in Tulsa; highly recommended brisket and ribs.
USD20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Woodward Park and Tulsa's Philbrook Museum Gardens

Enjoy beautiful botanical gardens and outdoor sculpture in a relaxing urban park setting.
USD15, 1h30m

3:30pm

Drive to Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Drive west about 2 hours to scenic wildlife refuge known for bison, longhorns, and hiking trails.
USD6 vehicle entrance fee, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Depot Steakhouse - Lawton, OK

Enjoy a filling, classic American steak dinner near the refuge before overnight rest.
USD30, 1h0m
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Day 2: Wichita Mountains to Cimarron National Grassland

Lawton, OK to Cimarron, OK on May 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Red River Coffee Company

Start the day with locally roasted coffee and a light breakfast offering in Lawton.
USD10, 0h45m

8:30am

Morning hike at Mount Scott Summit Trail

Take a scenic, moderately challenging hike to the highest peak in Wichita Mountains for panoramic views.
Free, 2h0m

11:00am

Drive to Cimarron National Grassland

Head northwest over approximately 4 hours through Oklahoma’s panhandle to this vast grassland with open landscapes.
Fuel approx USD45, 4h0m

3:30pm

Explore Cimarron National Grassland Visitor Center and short nature walk

Visit the Grasslands Visitor Center to learn about the area's ecology and enjoy a short walk on the trails.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Cimarron Inn

Dine on classic American comfort food at a local inn before resting for the night.
USD20, 1h0m
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Day 3: Cimarron to Cortez, CO via New Mexico

Cimarron, OK to Cortez, CO on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at local diner in Cimarron

Enjoy a traditional diner breakfast to start your travel day.
USD12, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Clayton Lake State Park, NM

Drive about 2.5 hours into northeastern New Mexico to enjoy a peaceful state park with hiking trails, birdwatching, and a lake.
USD5 vehicle fee, 2h30m

10:30am

Visit Clayton Lake State Park

Spend time hiking by the lake and viewing prehistoric dinosaur trackways on guided self-tour trails.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sagebrush Cafe, Clayton

Enjoy southwestern cuisine with fresh salads and sandwiches in town.
USD18, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Cimarron Canyon State Park, NM

Head west for about 1 hour to a stunning canyon park offering fishing, scenic drives, and hiking.
USD7, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Cimarron Canyon State Park

Hike along the river through picturesque canyons and enjoy scenic overlooks.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Drive to Cortez, CO

Travel about 2.5 hours northwest to your final destination near Mesa Verde National Park.
Fuel approx USD25, 2h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant, Cortez

End your day with authentic Mexican cuisine featuring homemade tortillas and flavorful dishes.
USD25, 1h0m
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Day 4: Mesa Verde National Park

Cortez, CO on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cortez Coffee Company

Grab freshly brewed coffee and pastries before heading to the park.
USD10, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Mesa Verde National Park

Explore ancient Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings on guided tours and scenic viewpoints. Park open 8:00am-6:00pm.
USD30 per vehicle, 5h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Far View Terrace Café inside Mesa Verde

Enjoy casual dining with views overlooking the archaeological sites.
USD20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Additional hikes and photography around park

Take scenic trails and photo stops throughout the afternoon in the park’s natural beauty.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Return to Cortez and dinner at The Goods Restaurant

Wrap up your trip with locally sourced farm-to-table cuisine in downtown Cortez.
USD30, 1h0m
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