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

Day 1: Dallas to Grand Junction

Dallas, TX to Grand Junction, CO on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Ellen's Southern Kitchen

Kick off your road trip with a hearty Southern-style breakfast in Dallas, preparing you for a long drive ahead.
USD20, 1h

8:00am

Drive from Dallas to Grand Junction

Head northwest on I-35 and US-287 N covering approximately 850 miles; expect around 12 hours of scenic driving with stops.
USD75 (estimated gas), 12h

8:00pm

Dinner at The Ale House

End a long day with local craft beer and comfort food in a welcoming atmosphere in downtown Grand Junction.
USD25, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Grand Junction Exploration

Grand Junction, CO on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Main Street Bagels

Enjoy freshly baked bagels and coffee to start your day in Grand Junction comfortably.
USD12, 1h

9:30am

Visit Colorado National Monument

Explore breathtaking landscapes and rock formations via scenic drives and short hikes; open from dawn until dusk.
USD25 per vehicle, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bin 707 Foodbar

Dine on farm-to-table dishes paired with local wines in a stylish downtown location.
USD25, 1h

2:30pm

Afternoon wine tasting in Grand Valley AVA

Tour selected wineries such as Two Rivers Winery and Varaison Vineyards; tastings usually available 10AM-5PM.
USD20 per tasting, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Desert Lily Cafe

Enjoy southwestern-inspired cuisine in a cozy setting to conclude your day.
USD28, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Drive Grand Junction to Pagosa Springs

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

7:30am

Breakfast at The Daily Burrito

Grab a flavorful breakfast burrito to fuel up for the scenic drive ahead.
USD12, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Pagosa Springs

Travel approximately 3.5 hours southeast on CO-141 and US-160 E passing beautiful mountain terrain.
USD20 (estimated gas), 3.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Alley House Grille

Casual dining with locally sourced ingredients offering a welcoming atmosphere in Pagosa Springs.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Relax at Pagosa Hot Springs

Unwind in the naturally heated mineral springs with multiple pools open until 10PM.
USD15, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Village Smokehouse

Savor regional barbecue specialties in a laid-back setting to complete your first evening in town.
USD25, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Pagosa Springs Activities

Pagosa Springs, CO on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Baked in Pagosa

Begin with fresh pastries and premium coffee in this quaint bakery to start your day right.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Hike Piedra River Trail

Enjoy a gentle scenic hike along the Piedra River surrounded by the peaceful mountains; the trail is accessible year-round.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Pagosa Brewing Company

Sample local craft beers alongside inventive pub-style dishes in a friendly downtown spot.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Visit San Juan River for fishing or relaxing

Spend the afternoon near the river enjoying calm waters perfect for fishing or scenic relaxation.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Mama's Cocina

Indulge in authentic southwestern and Mexican cuisine with bold, satisfying flavors.
USD25, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Pagosa Springs Leisure

Pagosa Springs, CO on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Well Being Cafe

Start your day with healthy, fresh options in a relaxed and earthy environment.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Explore Wolf Creek Pass Scenic Area

Drive up to Wolf Creek Pass for stunning mountain vistas; perfect for nature photography and short walks.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Rimside Grill

Enjoy a casual American lunch featuring local ingredients with mountain views.
USD20, 1h

2:30pm

Return to town for spa treatments or hot springs dip

Relax with optional spa services or a soothing soak in your choice of hot springs pools.
USD50 (spa treatment optional), 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Pagosa Whiskey

Experience craft cocktails and unique dishes in this creative downtown bar and eatery.
USD30, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Pagosa to Dallas

Pagosa Springs, CO to Dallas, TX on May 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at local cafe

Have a quick but satisfying breakfast at a local spot like Baked in Pagosa before leaving town.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Drive from Pagosa Springs to Dallas

Embark on your approximately 12-hour journey back to Dallas, traveling mostly southeast on US-84 and US-287.
USD80 (estimated gas), 12h

8:00pm

Late dinner in Dallas

Optionally grab a late dinner or snack upon arrival to celebrate the completion of your road trip.
USD20, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Rest in Dallas

Dallas, TX on May 24, 2025

Flexible

Recovery Day

Use this day to rest after your drive or explore Dallas at your leisure to conclude your trip smoothly.
Variable, Flexible
View Hotel Availability