Colorado: 5 Natural Landmarks Route Across the State
This Colorado route connects five major natural landmarks: Rocky Mountain National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Maroon Bells, and Mesa Verde National Park. The interactive map showcases the geographic distribution of these diverse ecosystems across Colorado, United States, from alpine peaks to ancient cliff dwellings.
- Distance
- 819.6 km
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- End
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Stops
- 5
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Rocky Mountain National Park — High alpine wilderness and mountain vistas in north-central Colorado.
- Great Sand Dunes National Park — Remote sand dunes landscape in southern Colorado.
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison — Steep canyon wilderness in southwestern Colorado.
- Maroon Bells — Iconic remote mountain peaks near Aspen.
- Mesa Verde National Park — Remote plateau with ancient cliff dwellings in southwestern Colorado.
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- At Great Sand Dunes, start climbing early in the morning or near sunset when heat begins to fade. Summer sand can reach 150°F.
- Tip
- Bring more water than you think you need when climbing the dunes. The climb to a high dune gains over 600 ft through soft sand at high elevation.
- Avoid
- Wear real shoes when climbing Great Sand Dunes; summer sand reaches 150°F and will burn bare feet.
- Timing
- Visit Garden of the Gods early morning for calmest conditions and fewer crowds; long shadows reveal the landscape best.
- Tip
- Garden of the Gods sits at 6,400 ft altitude. Uneven terrain and elevation can slow you down if arriving from lower elevations.
- Avoid
- At Pike's Peak summit (14,115 ft), air contains roughly 40% less oxygen than sea level. Ascend slowly to avoid headaches or dizziness.
- Food
- Fresh donuts are made and served at the Pike's Peak summit visitor center, over 14,000 ft above sea level.
- Transport
- Pikes Peak Highway offers a fully paved road to the summit, climbing 19 miles from base and passing through five distinct ecological zones.
- Avoid
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison trails below the rim are steep and unmaintained in places; the climb back out is very difficult.
- Timing
- At Maroon Bells, arrive just after sunrise when wind is calm for best reflections in Maroon Lake.
- Avoid
- In Telluride and San Juan Mountains, afternoon thunderstorms arrive suddenly. Start hikes early and bring a light rain jacket.
- Tip
- A free gondola connects Telluride with Mountain Village, offering scenic views and gliding silently above the forest.
Video on this route
Colorado: The Most Remote and Silent Wilderness Areas | Travel Video 4K