Hitting the Road from Salt Lake City to Denver: Three Unforgettable Routes Await!
Cruise Along the Scenic Journey from Salt Lake City to Denver on a Pleasurable Road Trip
By Megan Hanson
A Road Trip Adventure Awaits!
With our new Salt Lake City campervan rental spot now open, it's the perfect time to embark on an epic Salt Lake City to Denver road trip. Here's a lowdown on three routes packed with jaw-dropping sights and experiences!
Head West on I-80: Land of Bison and Elk
Start your adventure westbound on I-80, gathering your crew for an epic 500-mile trek through the breathtaking landscapes of Wyoming. As you cross the border, park up at Bear River State Park for a delicious picnic with some furry friends - bison and elk are regular visitors to the park!
Further down the road, step back in time at Fort Bridger, an essential stop on the Oregon Trail. The Green River area beckons with outdoor escapades galore, while Seminoe State Park and Medicine Bow National Forest offer camping spots aplenty. Don't miss the impressive 60-foot granite pyramid, Ames Monument, in Buford before reaching Cheyenne, Wyoming's lively capital city. After a quick hop on I-25, drive through Estes Park and the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountain National Park before rolling into Denver, dropping off your campervan at our campervan rental Denver location.
Off-Road on Route 40: The Ultimate Winter Ski Trip
If you're after a winter wonderland experience, take Route 40 through the wilds of Northern Colorado. Start in Park City, home to Park City and Deer Valley resorts, with Snowbird and Alta not far behind. Heading east, you'll ski, snowboard, or delight in the red deserts of Western Colorado before diving into the fascinating world of Dinosaur National Monument, just over the Colorado border. Boasting over 1,500 visible fossils, petroglyphs, and more, it's a captivating stop during your Salt Lake City to Denver adventure.
Journey South to I-70: Scenic Mountain Towns and Hot Springs
Heading south from Salt Lake City gets you onto I-70, with about 175 miles until you hit your destination. While it may not take you directly through Moab, a short detour offers a top-notch camping spot for an unforgettable night before continuing your route to the Centennial State.
Colorado's mountain towns are sprinkled along this road, from the iconic Glenwood Springs (take a dip in the renowned hot springs!) to Vail and Frisco before reaching the heart of Denver. Grand Junction offers scenic beauty and the Colorado National Monument, while boating and fishing at Lake Dillon provide the perfect ending to your road trip. Pass through the Eisenhower Tunnel or conquer Loveland Pass en route to dropping off your campervan at our Denver campervan rental location.
Choose Your Journey
From rugged landscapes and outdoor adventures to historic towns and the thrill of ski resorts, each route offers a unique take on the Salt Lake City to Denver road trip. Which adventure will you choose for your ultimate ride? Snag your campervan from our Salt Lake City location today and hit the open road!
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Fun Facts:
- Glenwood Springs, Colorado boasts the world's largest hot springs pool, the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, measuring over an acre in size.
- The Oregon Trail, once an essential pathway for westward travel, ran near Fort Bridger, Wyoming. More than 500,000 emigrants traversed the trail between 1841 and 1869.
- The Great Salt Lake sprawls across nearly 1,700 square miles, making it the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere.
Additional Attractions:
- Laramie, Wyoming: Dive into the wild west with the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site and the University of Wyoming's American Heritage Center, featuring an ever-growing collection of western history artifacts.
- Steamboat Springs, Colorado: Unwind after a long day of exploration with a soak in Strawberry Park Hot Springs or enjoy the wonders of the Yampa River valley.
- Dillon, Colorado: Catch some epic views from the Mount Snipe Stairs, visit the Dillon Amphitheatre, or explore the Dillon Marina before hitting the water on a boat tour.
- For a breathtaking winter experience, consider taking Route 40 during your road trip from Salt Lake City to Denver and experience the thrill of ski resorts and the captivating world of Dinosaur National Monument.
- After a long day of adventure on any of the three routes, unwind in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, home to the world's largest hot springs pool and various other attractions.