7-Day Scenic Road Trip from Dallas, TX to Pagosa Springs, CO via Grand Junction, CO

Day 1: Dallas to Amarillo

Dallas, TX to Amarillo, TX on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Ellen's Southern Kitchen

Start your day with classic Southern-style breakfast in downtown Dallas, offering hearty and flavorful options to fuel your road trip.
USD20, 1h

8:30am

Drive from Dallas to Amarillo

Take I-35 N and US-287 N for approximately 6 hours (370 miles) with scenic views of the Texas plains.
USD40 (estimated gas), 6h

2:30pm

Lunch at The Big Texan Steak Ranch

Iconic Amarillo spot famous for its 72-ounce steak challenge and Texan-style dining atmosphere.
USD25, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Explore the second-largest canyon in the U.S., ideal for hiking or scenic drives, with colorful rock formations and panoramic views.
USD9 entrance fee, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Crush Wine Bar & Deli

Relax with a mix of sandwich specialties and a great selection of wines in a cozy Amarillo setting.
USD30, 1h
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Day 2: Amarillo to Colorado Springs

Amarillo, TX to Colorado Springs, CO on May 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Farmhouse Cafe & Bakery

Enjoy fresh pastries and classic breakfast fare before hitting the road.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Drive from Amarillo to Colorado Springs

Travel via US-87 N and I-25 N through the Texas Panhandle and New Mexico into Colorado for about 6.5 hours (380 miles).
USD45 (estimated gas), 6.5h

3:30pm

Visit Garden of the Gods Park

Explore stunning red rock formations with easy walking trails and breathtaking mountain backdrops open until sunset.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Rabbit Hole

Dine in a stylish underground setting offering gourmet American cuisine in downtown Colorado Springs.
USD35, 1.5h
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Day 3: Explore Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Urban Steam

Start the day with excellent coffee and freshly baked pastries perfect for a light breakfast.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Pikes Peak

Drive or take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the summit for stunning 14,115 ft views; open daily from 9AM to 4:30PM.
USD60, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Adam's Mountain Cafe

Taste organic and globally inspired meals in a cozy atmosphere perfect after your mountain visit.
USD20, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Enjoy the mountainside zoo with interactive exhibits open until 5PM, perfect for animal lovers.
USD22, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Four by Brother Luck

Experience innovative New American cuisine with seasonal ingredients in a trendy setting.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 4: Colorado Springs to Grand Junction

Colorado Springs, CO to Grand Junction, CO on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Urban Egg

Enjoy an extensive breakfast menu with fresh ingredients before the long drive west.
USD18, 1h

8:00am

Drive from Colorado Springs to Grand Junction

Travel northwest about 4 hours (230 miles) via I-25 and I-70 W crossing Rocky Mountains with great scenery.
USD30 (estimated gas), 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Bin 707 Foodbar

Savor farm-to-table cuisine paired with local wines in the heart of downtown Grand Junction.
USD25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Colorado National Monument

Explore dramatic canyons and towering rock formations via scenic drive and hiking trails, open until sunset.
USD25 per vehicle, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Ale House

Relax with handcrafted beers and a casual menu including burgers and local specialties.
USD25, 1h
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Day 5: Grand Junction Vineyards and Leisure

Grand Junction, CO on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Main Street Bagels

Start your day with fresh bagels, lox, and a variety of spreads in a laid-back cafe.
USD12, 1h

9:30am

Wine tasting tour in Grand Valley AVA

Visit select vineyards like Two Rivers Winery and Varaison Vineyards & Winery to sample award-winning local wines; tastings generally available 10AM-5PM.
USD20 per tasting, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at 626 on Rood

Contemporary American dishes with fresh ingredients accompanied by great local wines.
USD30, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Downtown Grand Junction Art District

Explore galleries, murals, and artisan shops, offering a vibrant cultural experience.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Desert Lily Cafe

Enjoy southwestern-inspired cuisine in a cozy setting for a local dining experience.
USD28, 1h
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Day 6: Grand Junction to Pagosa Springs

Grand Junction, CO to Pagosa Springs, CO on May 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at The Daily Burrito

Fuel up with hearty breakfast burritos featuring fresh, local ingredients.
USD12, 1h

8:00am

Drive from Grand Junction to Pagosa Springs

Travel southeast via CO-141 and US-160 E through scenic mountain landscapes for about 3.5 hours (140 miles).
USD20 (estimated gas), 3.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Alley House Grille

Casual American dining in Pagosa Springs featuring local ingredients and cozy ambiance.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Relax at Pagosa Hot Springs

Spend the afternoon enjoying natural geothermal pools in a beautiful setting; open daily until 10PM.
USD15, 3h

5:00pm

Stroll Pagosa Springs Town Center

Explore shops and local art galleries with a peaceful mountain town vibe.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Village Smokehouse

Enjoy hearty barbecue with an emphasis on smoked meats and classic sides in a relaxed atmosphere.
USD25, 1h
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Day 7: Explore Pagosa Springs and Return

Pagosa Springs, CO on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Baked in Pagosa

Start your day with freshly baked pastries, coffee, and breakfast sandwiches.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Hike the Piedra River Trail

Enjoy an easy to moderate hike along the beautiful Piedra River with forest and mountain views; great for morning activity before departure.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Pagosa Brewing Company

Taste local craft beers paired with gourmet pub fare in downtown Pagosa Springs.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Begin drive back to Dallas, TX

Head south via US-84 and US-287, plan to make overnight stops along the way considering the long distance (approx. 12-hour drive total).
USD80 (estimated gas), Drive as long as comfortable
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