There are RV adventures…and then there are Colorado RV adventures. From sparkling city life to vast, rugged wilderness, Colorado has it all, making it a perfect destination for RV fun. One of America’s most photogenic states, Colorado attracted more than 84 million visitors in 2021 thanks to its spectacular mountain scenery, outdoor adventures, fascinating history, and wide array of cultural offerings.
If you love a challenging outdoor adventure, Colorado is the place for you. Did you know Colorado has more “fourteeners” than any other state in the U.S.? The state has 50 mountain peaks with an elevation of at least 14,000 ft. If you need a little extra motivation to make it to the top, the Which Peak program is fun and ful-filling. According to a press release, “Guests that hike a Fourteener mountain and take a photo with the famous Which Wich brown bag next to the signpost can bring the photo into a local Which Wich and receive a free sandwich as well as an opportunity to share their picture on the restaurant photo board.”
One of the most notorious fourteeners in Colorado is Mount Elbert (pictured below). According to Wikipedia, Mount Elbert is “the highest summit of the Rocky Mountains, the highest point in the U.S. state of Colorado, and the second-highest summit in the contiguous United States (after Mount Whitney).”
RV life is thriving in Colorado, and the only thing it’s missing is you and your RV crew!
Here are just 5 of the many reasons you’ll want to include the great Centennial State in your upcoming travels.
Reason #1: Colorado Is Home to Four National Parks
Rocky Mountain National Park
If you and your crew crave mountain air, this iconic national park will satisfy with its truly amazing range of scenery, from jaw-dropping mountain peaks to sparkling alpine lakes to wildflower-studded meadows. And you might just want to haul along the good camera because the hiking and the wildlife are simply beyond compare.
Mesa Verde National Park
This World Heritage Site and Dark Sky Park protects the history and culture of the Ancestral Pueblo people, who once lived among the red cliffs of Mesa Verde. If you’ve got history lovers on board, this is a must-see, fascinating glimpse into a long-ago world.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
The Gunnison River has been on the job carving the Black Canyon’s staggeringly steep cliffs and spires for more than two million years. This park is downright otherworldly, but it receives far fewer visitors than the other Colorado parks. So if your RV posse enjoys a little something different — and a little more elbow room — this might just be your sweet spot.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
We love the freedom that comes with visiting this amazing national park: no reservations or timed entry, and it’s open 24/7 all year long. So if you get the sudden urge to slide down some of the highest sand dunes in North America, Great Sand Dunes National Park will delight.
If you’re feeling adventurous, this national park has a seriously unique activity—sandboarding and sand sledding! Browse more information and a list of rental companies that make sliding into one of these sandy pastimes a breeze.
And it’s not just a lot of sand: The park is biodiverse, with wetlands, grasslands, tundra, and lakes to explore. Great Sand Dunes is also an International Dark Sky Park. When there’s no moon at night, the universe comes out to play with a mind-blowing sweep of infinite stars.
Reason #2: Stand in Four States at Once
Ever wished you could be in more than one place at once? In Colorado, you can! Visit the Four Corners Monument Navajo Tribal Park, and you’ll be able to stand in four states at the same time: Colorado, Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. It’s the only spot in the United States where four states meet. The park is on Navajo land, with a market where you can visit local artisans and find amazing Native American handcrafts, jewelry, and art to take home. Keep in mind this very special landmark is in a rural region, and services are quite limited (the nearest gas station is about 30 miles away from Four Corners). You’ll want to be sure you’ve got all the water and fuel you need on board your RV if you make a side trip to see this one-of-a-kind place.
Reason #3: Live the High Life: The Lure of the Colorado 14ers
Colorado boasts 58 mountain peaks that rise to over 14,000 feet of elevation. They’re fondly referred to as the 14ers, and it’s a badge of honor to climb them. No mountaineers or climbers on board? No problem: RVing through Colorado is just as fabulous a way to get to know the 14ers and their sweeping vistas.
Colorado has the highest paved road in the US: the Mount Evans Scenic Byway starts in Idaho Springs, climbing 7,000 feet to reach a stunning 14,130 above sea level. RVs under 30 feet are permitted, but be prepared: the road is quite narrow, with shockingly steep drop-offs and some hair-raising hairpin switchbacks. Savvy and experienced RVers with small campers might do well; newbies should steer clear and head to one of the hundreds of other gorgeous, RV-friendly scenic roads and highways Colorado has to offer.
Reason #4: Make a Splash: Visit the Largest Mineral Pool in the World
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is home to the largest mineral pool in the world — and it’s one of Colorado’s hottest, too, at a steamy 122F. The Yampah Spring feeds the pool, with more than 3.5 million gallons of water pouring in every day, and there’s plenty of fun to be had in the area if you’re planning a wet and wild Colorado getaway.
Reason #5: Get Your Sip On – Colorado’s Wine Country Is an Underrated Jewel
Sure, that other C state (California) gets plenty of attention when it comes to winemaking. But Colorado’s sunny days and cool nights grow excellent wines, and there are more than 150 wineries in the state that will have you asking, “California who?”
Colorado State Facts:
State Wildflower: Rocky Mountain Columbine
State Bird: Lark Bunting
State Animal: Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep
State Nickname: The Centennial State
Conclude Your Adventures at Castle RV in Colorado
Here at Castle RV, we love our fine state of Colorado almost as much as we love our RV clients! Let us know if we can assist you in any way with your Centennial State RV plans, and be sure to check out these links for fun Colorado facts and some of the best RV trips Colorado has to offer.
