Colorado Fall Road Trip | Kenosha Pass, Great Sand Dunes, and Durango Adventures
The first stretch of our Colorado road trip set the tone in the best way possible.
Golden aspens lined the mountains, the air turned crisp, and every stop somehow felt better than the last. From trail running at Kenosha Pass to hiking massive sand dunes and ending the week in Durango, this was one of the most scenic weeks we have had on the road.
If you are planning a Colorado fall road trip, this route is hard to beat.
Trail Running at Kenosha Pass
We kicked things off at Kenosha Pass, one of the most iconic spots in Colorado for fall colors.
The aspens were fully turned, glowing bright yellow across the hillsides. We jumped onto the Colorado Trail for a trail run, weaving through dense aspen groves that felt like they were lit from within.
This area is perfect if you want:
Easy access right off the highway
Incredible fall color views
Trails for running, hiking, or just exploring
It is one of the best places in Colorado to experience peak fall without needing a long hike.
Traveling with Coco
This week also came with a new travel companion.
Coco, a five pound poodle we were pet sitting through Rover, joined us for the entire stretch of the trip. She quickly found her favorite spot riding in the van and seemed to enjoy every stop just as much as we did.
From mountain views to sandy dunes, she was right there with us for it all.
Mountain Biking in Buena Vista
From Kenosha Pass, we made our way to Buena Vista for a quick stop at the Midland Trail System.
Even though we only had a short window to ride, it ended up being one of the most memorable parts of the week.
The trails here offer:
Rocky climbs that keep things interesting
Smooth, fast descents
Wide open views of the Collegiate Peaks
The combination of perfect weather and empty trails made it an easy place to want to stay longer.
Exploring Great Sand Dunes National Park
Next, we headed south to one of the most unique landscapes in Colorado, Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Our first day did not go as planned. We had to cut things short to get some work done, which is part of the reality of working on the road. But that also meant we came back the next morning ready to fully experience it.
Hiking High Dune at Sunrise
We set out early the next day to hike High Dune, and it was easily one of the highlights of the trip.
Climbing through soft sand is no joke. Every step feels like it slides back, making it way more challenging than a typical hike. But once you gain elevation, the views make it all worth it.
At sunrise, the dunes lit up in soft gold tones, with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains rising in the background. Seeing massive dunes set against snow dusted peaks is something that does not feel real until you are standing there.
It is one of the most unique places we have visited.
Ending the Week in Durango
To wrap up the week, we made our way to Durango.
After several days of vanlife, we switched things up and stayed at Outdoorsy Bayfield in a glamping tent. It felt like a huge upgrade, giving us a little more space and comfort while still being immersed in the outdoors.
Exploring Durango
Durango has a completely different feel from the rest of the trip.
We spent time:
Walking through downtown
Exploring local shops
Visiting the farmers market
Relaxing around camp
It is a great mix of mountain town energy and slower pace, which made it the perfect place to reset after a busy week.
Vanlife and Road Life in Colorado
This week was a perfect example of what life on the road really looks like.
Early mornings chasing sunrise
Balancing work with adventure
Driving long stretches between destinations
Finding new places to camp and explore
It is not always perfect, but it is always worth it.
Why Fall Is the Best Time to Visit Colorado
If you are planning a trip to Colorado, fall is one of the best times to do it.
Cooler temperatures
Vibrant fall colors across the mountains
Fewer crowds than peak summer
Perfect conditions for hiking, biking, and exploring
It is a season that brings everything together.
Final Thoughts
This first stretch of our Colorado road trip had everything we love about being on the road.
Trail running through golden aspens
Riding bikes with mountain views
Hiking one of the most unique landscapes in the country
Ending the week in a mountain town with good food and a slower pace
Add in a tiny road trip companion like Coco, and it made the whole experience even better.
If you are looking for a Colorado itinerary that mixes adventure, scenery, and variety, this route should be high on your list.
Watch the Full Episode
Check out the full Detour Diaries episode to follow along with the entire week, from Kenosha Pass to the sand dunes and into Durango.
