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

Viewed by 444 travelers

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 Grand Junction

Amarillo, TX to Grand Junction, CO on May 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Farmhouse Cafe & Bakery

Enjoy fresh pastries and classic breakfast fare before a longer drive.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Drive from Amarillo to Grand Junction

Travel northwest via US-87 N and I-70 W for about 8 hours (520 miles) crossing the Texas Panhandle and Rocky Mountains.
USD55 (estimated gas), 8h

5:00pm

Check into hotel and rest

Settle into your accommodation in Grand Junction and relax from the day's drive.
Varies, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Ale House

Unwind with handcrafted beers and a casual menu including burgers and local specialties.
USD25, 1h
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Day 3: Explore Grand Junction

Grand Junction, CO on May 20, 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

Visit Colorado National Monument

Drive or hike through dramatic canyons and towering rock formations, open 24/7 with visitor center hours typically 8AM-5PM.
USD25 per vehicle, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bin 707 Foodbar

Experience farm-to-table cuisine paired with local wines in downtown Grand Junction.
USD25, 1h

2:30pm

Wine tasting tour in Grand Valley AVA

Visit select vineyards such as Two Rivers Winery and Varaison Vineyards & Winery to sample award-winning local wines; tastings open 10AM-5PM.
USD20 per tasting, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Desert Lily Cafe

Enjoy southwestern-inspired cuisine in a cozy setting for a true local flavor.
USD28, 1h
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Day 4: Grand Junction to Pagosa Springs

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

7:00am

Breakfast at The Daily Burrito

Fuel up with hearty breakfast burritos made with 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

Enjoy natural geothermal pools in a beautiful setting; open daily until 10PM for ultimate relaxation.
USD15, 3h

5:00pm

Explore Pagosa Springs Town Center

Stroll through local shops and art galleries capturing the mountain town charm.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Village Smokehouse

Savor smoked meats and classic barbecue sides in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
USD25, 1h
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Day 5: Pagosa Springs Adventure and Return

Pagosa Springs, CO on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Baked in Pagosa

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

9:30am

Hike Piedra River Trail

Take a scenic, moderate 2-hour hike along the Piedra River with beautiful mountain views just outside Pagosa Springs.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Pagosa Brewing Company

Indulge in local craft beers and gourmet pub food in downtown Pagosa Springs before heading home.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Begin return drive to Dallas, TX

Start the approximately 12-hour drive south, planning for rest stops and overnight stay as needed.
USD80 (estimated gas), Drive as long as comfortable
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