Scenic Road Trip from Topeka, KS to Leadville, CO with Relaxing Rest Stops

Day 1: Road trip and rest stops

Topeka, KS to Denver, CO on June 22, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at TheClassic Cup

Start your day with a hearty breakfast featuring local Kansas flavors at The Classic Cup in Topeka. Opens at 7:00AM, perfect to fuel up before departure.
USD15, 1h

9:00AM

Depart Topeka, KS

Begin your westward journey on I-70 W towards Denver. Plan to take rest stops approximately every two hours for comfort and refueling.
USD0, 2h

11:00AM

Rest stop in Hays, KS at Fort Hays State Historic Site

Stretch your legs and explore some local history at the Fort Hays State Historic Site. Great for a quick cultural break to break the long drive.
USD0, 30m

11:30AM

Continue driving on I-70 W

Resume your journey towards Denver, enjoying scenic Kansas plains and gradually approaching Colorado landscapes.
USD0, 2h

1:30PM

Lunch at Colby, KS - Stockmen’s Steakhouse

Enjoy a satisfying western-style lunch with steaks and local dishes at Stockmen’s Steakhouse. Open 11:00AM to 9:00PM.
USD20, 1h

2:30PM

Rest stop in Colby, KS

Take a short break to refuel and relax before heading out on the longer stretch into Colorado.
USD0, 15m

2:45PM

Drive towards Denver, CO

Enjoy the gradual transition from prairie to foothills and mountain landscapes on your way to Denver.
USD0, 3h30m

6:15PM

Dinner at The Buckhorn Exchange, Denver, CO

Savor Colorado specialties like bison and elk at this historic Denver restaurant, open until 10:00PM.
USD40, 1h30m

7:45PM

Overnight Stay at Denver Hotel

Rest for the night at a convenient hotel near I-70 to prepare for the next day's short drive to Leadville.
USD120, Overnight
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Day 2: Mountain travel and arrival

Denver, CO to Leadville, CO on June 23, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, Denver

Enjoy a delicious breakfast featuring creative pancakes and hearty breakfast bowls before heading into the mountains. Opens at 6:30AM.
USD18, 1h

8:30AM

Depart Denver on I-70 W then US-24 S

Drive west on I-70 and transition south onto US-24 towards Leadville, passing through scenic mountain towns.
USD0, 2h

10:30AM

Rest stop and photo op at Glenwood Canyon, CO

Take a short break to admire the stunning river and canyon views along the highway.
USD0, 30m

11:00AM

Continue to Leadville, CO

Resume your drive for the final hour reaching high-altitude Leadville nestled in the Rockies.
USD0, 1h

12:00PM

Lunch at Tennessee Pass Cafe, Leadville

Relax with homemade soups, sandwiches, and a cozy mountain town atmosphere, open 11:30AM to 3:00PM.
USD22, 1h

1:00PM

Leadville Historic District tour

Explore the preserved Victorian-era mining town streets, learn about Leadville's silver mining heritage, and enjoy local shops and museums.
USD10, 2h

3:00PM

Visit the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum

Discover Leadville’s rich mining history through engaging exhibits. Open 9:00AM to 5:00PM.
USD12, 1h30m

4:30PM

Rest and relax at your Leadville accommodation

Check into a local hotel or guesthouse to unwind from your journey and prepare for evening activities.
USD100, Overnight

6:30PM

Dinner at High Mountain Pies

Enjoy rustic wood-fired pizzas and local craft beers in a casual atmosphere. Open until 9:00PM.
USD25, 1h
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