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

Day 1: Dallas to Colorado Springs

Dallas, TX to Colorado Springs, CO on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Ellen's Southern Kitchen

Begin with a delicious Southern breakfast in downtown Dallas to energize for the long drive ahead.
USD20, 1h

8:00am

Drive from Dallas to Colorado Springs

Travel approximately 10 hours (750 miles) via US-287 N and I-25 N following a direct route north then west, crossing the Texas Panhandle and into Colorado.
USD60 (estimated gas), 10h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Rabbit Hole

Unwind with gourmet New American cuisine in a trendy underground setting located in downtown Colorado Springs.
USD35, 1.5h

Day 2: Explore Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Urban Steam

Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and baked goods to start your day lightly but energized.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Garden of the Gods Park

Discover stunning red sandstone rock formations and scenic hiking trails; the park is open from 5AM until midnight.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Adam's Mountain Cafe

Dine on organic and globally inspired dishes in a relaxed, cozy environment.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Pikes Peak

Drive or take the Cog Railway to the summit for panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains; open 9AM to 4:30PM.
USD60, 4h

6:30pm

Dinner at Four by Brother Luck

Relish creative, seasonal New American cuisine in a chic downtown setting.
USD40, 1.5h

Day 3: Colorado Springs to Grand Junction

Colorado Springs, CO to Grand Junction, CO on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Urban Egg

Enjoy a hearty breakfast featuring fresh ingredients before your scenic mountain drive.
USD18, 1h

8:30am

Drive from Colorado Springs to Grand Junction

Travel west approximately 4 hours (230 miles) via I-25 N and I-70 W through the Rockies with beautiful scenery.
USD30 (estimated gas), 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Bin 707 Foodbar

Experience farm-to-table dining with a great selection of local wines in downtown Grand Junction.
USD25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Colorado National Monument

Explore stunning canyons and rock formations via scenic drives and short hikes; park open from dawn to dusk.
USD25 per vehicle, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Ale House

Relax with local craft beers and comforting American fare in a casual atmosphere.
USD25, 1h

Day 4: Grand Junction Vineyards and Culture

Grand Junction, CO on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Main Street Bagels

Start your day with fresh bagels and coffee at this local favorite for a pleasant morning experience.
USD12, 1h

9:30am

Wine tasting tour in Grand Valley AVA

Visit several wineries such as Two Rivers Winery and Varaison Vineyards for award-winning wines; tastings 10AM-5PM.
USD20 per tasting, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at 626 on Rood

Enjoy contemporary American cuisine using fresh local ingredients alongside excellent wines.
USD30, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Downtown Grand Junction Art District

Browse art galleries and enjoy vibrant murals in this cultural hub, open during daylight hours.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Desert Lily Cafe

Savor southwestern-inspired dishes in a charming and comfortable setting.
USD28, 1h

Day 5: Grand Junction to Pagosa Springs

Grand Junction, CO to Pagosa Springs, CO on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at The Daily Burrito

Enjoy flavorful breakfast burritos made from fresh, local ingredients to start your day.
USD12, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Pagosa Springs

Travel southeast approximately 3.5 hours (140 miles) on CO-141 and US-160 E through picturesque mountain landscapes.
USD20 (estimated gas), 3.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Alley House Grille

Casual dining with local ingredients in a welcoming Pagosa Springs setting.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Relax at Pagosa Hot Springs

Enjoy rejuvenating natural hot springs pools set in a scenic mountain location, open until 10PM.
USD15, 3h

5:00pm

Explore Pagosa Springs Town Center

Wander local shops and art galleries absorbing the peaceful mountain town atmosphere.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Village Smokehouse

Dine on delicious smoked barbecue and classic sides in a relaxed environment.
USD25, 1h

Day 6: Discover Pagosa Springs

Pagosa Springs, CO on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Baked in Pagosa

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and quality coffee to start your day nicely.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Hike Piedra River Trail

Take a gentle hike along the scenic Piedra River surrounded by mountain vistas, perfect for morning activity; the trail is open year-round.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Pagosa Brewing Company

Sample local craft beers paired with creative pub dishes in a friendly downtown location.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Experience Wolf Creek Ski Area (off-season sightseeing)

Drive up to Wolf Creek pass and enjoy panoramic mountain views and visitor centers, a beautiful stop for photos and fresh air.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Pagosa Springs and relax

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon to rest before heading back home the next day.
Free, Evening

6:30pm

Dinner at Mama's Cocina

Savor authentic southwestern and Mexican dishes with bold flavors to end the day on a delicious note.
USD25, 1h

Day 7: Pagosa Springs to Dallas

Pagosa Springs, CO to Dallas, TX on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Baked in Pagosa

Enjoy a light breakfast of pastries and coffee before the long drive home.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Drive from Pagosa Springs to Dallas

Start the approximately 12-hour drive (800 miles) southbound via US-84 and US-287; plan for rest and meal stops along the route.
USD80 (estimated gas), 12h