7-Day Road Trip from Dallas, TX to Pagosa Springs, CO via Colorado Springs

Day 1: Dallas to Amarillo

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

7:00am

Breakfast at Ellen's Southern Kitchen

Enjoy traditional southern-style breakfast dishes in downtown Dallas to start your journey well-fueled.
USD20, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Amarillo, TX

Travel northwest on I-35 N and US-287 N for approximately 6 hours through Texas plains with scenic stops available along route.
USD40 (estimated gas), 6h

2:30pm

Lunch at The Big Texan Steak Ranch

Experience the famous Texas Steak Ranch with classic Texan steaks and an energetic atmosphere.
USD25, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Explore the captivating Palo Duro Canyon, ideal for hiking or scenic viewing in the late afternoon light.
USD9, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Crush Wine Bar & Deli

Relax with a mix of wines and casual yet refined dishes in Amarillo.
USD30, 1h

Day 2: Amarillo to Colorado Springs

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

7:30am

Breakfast at Farmhouse Cafe & Bakery

Have a fresh and hearty breakfast featuring pastries and homemade specialties.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Colorado Springs

Travel north via US-87 N and I-25 N into Colorado across the scenic landscapes for about 6.5 hours.
USD45 (estimated gas), 6.5h

3:30pm

Visit Garden of the Gods

Explore this open natural park known for striking red rock formations and easy walking trails, open until sunset.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Rabbit Hole

Enjoy creative American cuisine in an immersive underground setting in downtown Colorado Springs.
USD35, 1.5h

Day 3: Explore Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Urban Steam

Start with specialty coffee and fresh baked goods in a trendy local cafe.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Pikes Peak Excursion

Visit the summit via the Pikes Peak highway or the scenic cog railway for phenomenal mountain views, open 9AM-4:30PM.
USD60, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Adam's Mountain Cafe

Enjoy healthy, organic meals with a relaxed ambiance after your mountain adventure.
USD20, 1h

3:30pm

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Visit

Visit one of the nation’s most scenic zoos, featuring mountain terrain and interactive exhibits, open until 5PM.
USD22, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Four by Brother Luck

Experience innovative dishes inspired by Southwest flavors in a contemporary setting.
USD40, 1.5h

Day 4: Colorado Springs to Pagosa Springs

Colorado Springs, CO to Pagosa Springs, CO on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Urban Egg

Fuel up with an extensive breakfast menu featuring fresh ingredients and creative dishes.
USD18, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Pagosa Springs

Head southwest through the scenic Rocky Mountains on US-160 W for approximately 5.5 hours (270 miles).
USD35 (estimated gas), 5.5h

1:30pm

Lunch at Alley House Grille

Enjoy casual dining with fresh, local ingredients in Pagosa Springs’ town center.
USD20, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Pagosa Hot Springs

Spend a rejuvenating afternoon soaking in natural geothermal pools surrounded by mountain scenery; pools open daily until 10PM.
USD15, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Village Smokehouse

Indulge in authentic barbecue with savory smoked meats and homestyle sides in a cozy setting.
USD25, 1h

Day 5: Explore Pagosa Springs

Pagosa Springs, CO on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Baked in Pagosa

Start your day with fresh pastries, coffee, and hearty breakfast options.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Hike Piedra River Trail

Enjoy an easy to moderate hike along the scenic Piedra River offering forest and mountain views perfect for morning exploration.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Pagosa Brewing Company

Taste local craft beer and hearty pub fare in a friendly mountain town setting.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Treasure Falls

Take a short drive to a beautiful 50-foot waterfall with a paved trail to scenic viewpoints.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Explore Pagosa Springs Town Center

Browse local shops, galleries, and enjoy mountain town charm in the late afternoon.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Catfish Kitchen

Dine on fresh seafood and Southern-style dishes in a relaxed, casual atmosphere.
USD25, 1h

Day 6: Pagosa Springs Leisure Day

Pagosa Springs, CO on May 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Blue Goat

Enjoy artisanal coffee and a creative breakfast menu to start a leisurely day.
USD15, 1h

10:00am

Day trip to Weminuche Wilderness

Explore parts of Colorado’s largest wilderness area with options for hiking, wildlife spotting, and serene nature immersion.
Free, 5h

3:30pm

Return to Pagosa Springs

Relax and unwind after your wilderness adventure back in town.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Pagosa Baking Company

Savor fresh-baked breads, wood-fired pizzas, and farm-to-table dishes in a warm and inviting setting.
USD30, 1.5h

Day 7: Return to Dallas

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

7:00am

Breakfast at Baked in Pagosa

Grab a quick, delicious breakfast with coffee and pastries before a long drive south.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Drive back to Dallas

Start the journey back to Dallas via US-84 E and US-287 S; consider overnight stops as needed on this approx. 12-hour drive (770 miles).
USD80 (estimated gas), Flexible driving time