• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Dana Vento

Adventure. Eat. DIY. Repeat.

  • Home
  • Contact Dana
    • ABOUT ME
      • Travel, Dining, Events ~ Contact Me
      • Review, Event & Giveaway Policy
      • Spokesperson Needed ?
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
    • MEDIA COVERAGE
    • Press
  • Food
    • Alcohol
    • Allergies
    • Food Prep Tip
    • Gluten Free
    • Kitchen Appliance
    • Kitchen Cookware
    • Kitchen Gadget
    • Recipe
    • Restaurant
  • Travel
    • Adventures
      • Activities
      • Allergies
      • Bella My Cat
      • Cars
      • Shopping
    • Beaches
    • Cruising
      • Carnival
    • Food
    • Lodging
    • Packing
    • Transportation
    • ADVENTURES OF Dana
  • DIY
    • Home Decor
    • Home Projects
    • Cooking
    • Crafts
    • Gardening
    • Renovation
  • Fun
    • Fashion
      • Accessories
      • Clothing
      • Home Decor Fashion
      • Jewelry
      • Purses
      • Shoes
      • Shopping TIps
    • Vlog (Videos)
    • Lifestyle
      • Beauty
      • Fitness
        • Exercise
      • Technology
        • Car Tech
        • House Tech
        • Smart Phone Tech
      • Reviews
        • Allergies
        • Appliance Review
        • Beauty Reviews
        • BOOK REVIEW
        • Cars
        • Fashion
        • food review
        • Movie
        • Organization Items
        • Outdoor Products
        • Kids
        • Technology
        • Travel
        • Travel
        • Weight Loss

Road Tripping Destinations From Colorado Springs To Durango, Colorado

May 7, 2020 By Dana Vento 3 Comments

Road Tripping Destinations From Colorado Springs To Durango, Colorado, Wanderlust, hairpin turns, skilled driving, peaks, elevation, Garden of the Gods, Balanced Rock, Hiking, Trails,Gold Camp Road, tunnels, Mazda, Mazda CX5, Drive Mazda, Soul Red Crystal Metallic Parchment, abs, ebd, brake assist, active driving display, mazda nav system, hill launch assist, SKYACTIVE TECH, LED headlights, Durango, Colorado Trails, Dude Ranch, Road Tripping, altitude, snacks, bathrooms, tourism, Pikes Peak, Pikes Peak Summit,Visit Colorado Springs, Visit COS, lifestyle, adventure travel, travel, travel as a family, traveling, traveling together, traveling solo, travel and adventures, travel time, travel in USA, destinations for travel, travel destination, travel and fun, fun and traveling, adventures of a family, family adventures traveling, travel places, travel around, travel by car, travel by plane, airplane travel, airplane seats, traveling with kids, traveling with teens, traveling as a family, traveling as a couple, trips, viaje, vacaciones, walk, bus, boat, cruise, jet, jetset, globetrotting together, globetrotting solo, passport travel, passport destinations, no passport required, travel with passports, travel without passports, pack, luggage, backpacks, travel bags, travel things, travel timing, travel planning, what you need to know, hotels, lodges, resorts, luxury travel, bucket list, State Parks, travel blog, travel blogger, travel the world, see the world, travel deeper, travel destination, single, couples, families, activities, where to, explore more, tourism, passion passport, travel blogging, travel article, where to travel, travel tips, travel envy, travel knowledge, activities, fun activities, daring activities, travel large,walking, traveling, hiking, world traveler, travel expert, see the world,raveling, Travel and Adventure, conquer the world, globe trotting, beautiful destination, bucket list avenger, travel blog, travel blogger, travel the world, see the world, travel deeper, travel destination, single, couples, families, activities, where to, explore more, tourism, passion passport, travel blogging, travel article, where to travel, travel tips, travel envy, travel knowledge, activities, fun activities, daring activities, travel large, Car travel, travel by car, travel by vehicle, auto travel, traveling together, diy, packing,easy access, boardwalks, beaches,up and down highway, u turns. back roads,

I love to travel and sometimes when I get to a destination by plane, I then will get into a car to really cover more of the area.

One destination is never enough to fulfill my wanderlust pang.

Therefore, my recent travels in Colorado led me from Colorado Springs to Durango Colorado, about 6 hours spread from Point A to Point B.

Scenery ranged from stones to scenic mountaintop passes, to small towns, it was just unending travel photography blissful moments.

Fortunately for me, I had Where Niko Travels with me, snapping photos everywhere.

When we stopped I went photo crazy!

Honestly, just as I was exploring the area, I was exploring the Mazda CX5 as well. 

Features in the vehicle absolutely impressed me with every acceleration and deceleration. 

Driving a vehicle with great features and MPG Matters. 

Trust me, the drive is different from every city, in fact, we experienced, tunnels, mountain ranges, steep grades, and passing lanes only.

Now, let’s get onto road tripping destinations from Colorado Springs to Durango, Colorado. 

Get ready to start mapping out your destinations for your next trip!

Road Tripping Destinations From Colorado Springs To Durango, Colorado

Vehicle was courtesy of Mazda USA. Opinions are my own. 

Road Tripping Destinations From Colorado Springs To Durango, Colorado, Wanderlust, hairpin turns, skilled driving, peaks, elevation, Garden of the Gods, Balanced Rock, Hiking, Trails,Gold Camp Road, tunnels, Mazda, Mazda CX5, Drive Mazda, Soul Red Crystal Metallic Parchment, abs, ebd, brake assist, active driving display, mazda nav system, hill launch assist, SKYACTIVE TECH, LED headlights, Durango, Colorado Trails, Dude Ranch, Road Tripping, altitude, snacks, bathrooms, tourism, Pikes Peak, Pikes Peak Summit,Visit Colorado Springs, Visit COS, lifestyle, adventure travel, travel, travel as a family, traveling, traveling together, traveling solo, travel and adventures, travel time, travel in USA, destinations for travel, travel destination, travel and fun, fun and traveling, adventures of a family, family adventures traveling, travel places, travel around, travel by car, travel by plane, airplane travel, airplane seats, traveling with kids, traveling with teens, traveling as a family, traveling as a couple, trips, viaje, vacaciones, walk, bus, boat, cruise, jet, jetset, globetrotting together, globetrotting solo, passport travel, passport destinations, no passport required, travel with passports, travel without passports, pack, luggage, backpacks, travel bags, travel things, travel timing, travel planning, what you need to know, hotels, lodges, resorts, luxury travel, bucket list, State Parks, travel blog, travel blogger, travel the world, see the world, travel deeper, travel destination, single, couples, families, activities, where to, explore more, tourism, passion passport, travel blogging, travel article, where to travel, travel tips, travel envy, travel knowledge, activities, fun activities, daring activities, travel large,walking, traveling, hiking, world traveler, travel expert, see the world,raveling, Travel and Adventure, conquer the world, globe trotting, beautiful destination, bucket list avenger, travel blog, travel blogger, travel the world, see the world, travel deeper, travel destination, single, couples, families, activities, where to, explore more, tourism, passion passport, travel blogging, travel article, where to travel, travel tips, travel envy, travel knowledge, activities, fun activities, daring activities, travel large, Car travel, travel by car, travel by vehicle, auto travel, traveling together, diy, packing,easy access, boardwalks, beaches,up and down highway, u turns. back roads,

First, we landed in Denver, and then drove off to Colorado Springs. 

How do you deal with all the Denver traffic when you are so not used to it?

Arrive in Denver airport around noon, to deal with less traffic rather than more or later at night, just saying!

I picked up our press vehicle, it was ready and waiting, it was a 2018 Mazda CX5 Grand Touring AWD.

Its color was as incredible as the destinations we were about to see: Soul Red Crystal Metallic Parchment, and it shines in the sun!

I will tell you I was completely reliant on my Mazda Navigation System to get me everywhere I will map out for you.

New to the area, I simply had no idea where I was going, so my Mazda CX5 and I were on a mission together!

The objective to find our way to incredible road tripping destinations for wanderlust photos that will live on in my photo library forever!

Looking at the back of the Mazda CX5 you might be curious as to how many large size pieces of luggage are back there?

There were 2 Large Bags and 2 roller board (standard carry-on) as well as 2 duffle bags and a purse!

Yes, it all fit with ease and we did not collapse the 40/20/40 split seats.

Garden Of The Gods

Road Tripping Destinations From Colorado Springs To Durango, Colorado, Wanderlust, hairpin turns, skilled driving, peaks, elevation, Garden of the Gods, Balanced Rock, Hiking, Trails,Gold Camp Road, tunnels, Mazda, Mazda CX5, Drive Mazda, Soul Red Crystal Metallic Parchment, abs, ebd, brake assist, active driving display, mazda nav system, hill launch assist, SKYACTIVE TECH, LED headlights, Durango, Colorado Trails, Dude Ranch, Road Tripping, altitude, snacks, bathrooms, tourism, Pikes Peak, Pikes Peak Summit,Visit Colorado Springs, Visit COS, lifestyle, adventure travel, travel, travel as a family, traveling, traveling together, traveling solo, travel and adventures, travel time, travel in USA, destinations for travel, travel destination, travel and fun, fun and traveling, adventures of a family, family adventures traveling, travel places, travel around, travel by car, travel by plane, airplane travel, airplane seats, traveling with kids, traveling with teens, traveling as a family, traveling as a couple, trips, viaje, vacaciones, walk, bus, boat, cruise, jet, jetset, globetrotting together, globetrotting solo, passport travel, passport destinations, no passport required, travel with passports, travel without passports, pack, luggage, backpacks, travel bags, travel things, travel timing, travel planning, what you need to know, hotels, lodges, resorts, luxury travel, bucket list, State Parks, travel blog, travel blogger, travel the world, see the world, travel deeper, travel destination, single, couples, families, activities, where to, explore more, tourism, passion passport, travel blogging, travel article, where to travel, travel tips, travel envy, travel knowledge, activities, fun activities, daring activities, travel large,walking, traveling, hiking, world traveler, travel expert, see the world,raveling, Travel and Adventure, conquer the world, globe trotting, beautiful destination, bucket list avenger, travel blog, travel blogger, travel the world, see the world, travel deeper, travel destination, single, couples, families, activities, where to, explore more, tourism, passion passport, travel blogging, travel article, where to travel, travel tips, travel envy, travel knowledge, activities, fun activities, daring activities, travel large, Car travel, travel by car, travel by vehicle, auto travel, traveling together, diy, packing,easy access, boardwalks, beaches,up and down highway, u turns. back roads,

What an adventure this registered “National Nature Landmark” is for both history and imagery!

Get there early on and enjoy the day.

It’s free to enter and free to hike through.

There’s a lot of areas to cover and you will do some on foot and some by car.

The suggested drive-through is fun you get to see where you might want to hike.

I love it here and this can be a full day destination or a few hours depending on how much you want to see.

Gold Camp Road 

We found this on our own and I am glad we did, but also happy we took it SLOW! 

Road Tripping Destinations From Colorado Springs To Durango, Colorado, Wanderlust, hairpin turns, skilled driving, peaks, elevation, Garden of the Gods, Balanced Rock, Hiking, Trails,Gold Camp Road, tunnels, Mazda, Mazda CX5, Drive Mazda, Soul Red Crystal Metallic Parchment, abs, ebd, brake assist, active driving display, mazda nav system, hill launch assist, SKYACTIVE TECH, LED headlights, Durango, Colorado Trails, Dude Ranch, Road Tripping, altitude, snacks, bathrooms, tourism, Pikes Peak, Pikes Peak Summit,Visit Colorado Springs, Visit COS, lifestyle, adventure travel, travel, travel as a family, traveling, traveling together, traveling solo, travel and adventures, travel time, travel in USA, destinations for travel, travel destination, travel and fun, fun and traveling, adventures of a family, family adventures traveling, travel places, travel around, travel by car, travel by plane, airplane travel, airplane seats, traveling with kids, traveling with teens, traveling as a family, traveling as a couple, trips, viaje, vacaciones, walk, bus, boat, cruise, jet, jetset, globetrotting together, globetrotting solo, passport travel, passport destinations, no passport required, travel with passports, travel without passports, pack, luggage, backpacks, travel bags, travel things, travel timing, travel planning, what you need to know, hotels, lodges, resorts, luxury travel, bucket list, State Parks, travel blog, travel blogger, travel the world, see the world, travel deeper, travel destination, single, couples, families, activities, where to, explore more, tourism, passion passport, travel blogging, travel article, where to travel, travel tips, travel envy, travel knowledge, activities, fun activities, daring activities, travel large,walking, traveling, hiking, world traveler, travel expert, see the world,raveling, Travel and Adventure, conquer the world, globe trotting, beautiful destination, bucket list avenger, travel blog, travel blogger, travel the world, see the world, travel deeper, travel destination, single, couples, families, activities, where to, explore more, tourism, passion passport, travel blogging, travel article, where to travel, travel tips, travel envy, travel knowledge, activities, fun activities, daring activities, travel large, Car travel, travel by car, travel by vehicle, auto travel, traveling together, diy, packing,easy access, boardwalks, beaches,up and down highway, u turns. back roads,

This road is totally off the charts.

It is one lane, a 2-way road of dirt.

Often you are left on the edge of the road, without a guardrail (yikes!).

Other times you are wedged on a rock that has been cut through to make the pass.

Oh, by the way, the road is up from Helen Hunt Falls, and it is unmarked, but what a blast!

We went through 2 tunnels, each more harrowing and scary than the other.

First, you hardly could see if there was traffic on the other side of the first tunnel.

Second, they are very dark tunnels cut through the mountains.

#Daredevil driving. The lights LED headlights lit our path!

It seems when you are driving it there are 2 kinds of drivers here, cautious and those that just throw caution to the wind.

Overall the road is about 21/2 miles long and it empties out into a neighborhood.

Before you get there, a massive grade faces you and your brakes.

The Mazda CX5 auto downshifts thanks to built-in technology, keeping the brakes cool and the steering easy!

Helen Hunt Falls 

Road Tripping Destinations From Colorado Springs To Durango, Colorado, Wanderlust, hairpin turns, skilled driving, peaks, elevation, Garden of the Gods, Balanced Rock, Hiking, Trails,Gold Camp Road, tunnels, Mazda, Mazda CX5, Drive Mazda, Soul Red Crystal Metallic Parchment, abs, ebd, brake assist, active driving display, mazda nav system, hill launch assist, SKYACTIVE TECH, LED headlights, Durango, Colorado Trails, Dude Ranch, Road Tripping, altitude, snacks, bathrooms, tourism, Pikes Peak, Pikes Peak Summit,Visit Colorado Springs, Visit COS, lifestyle, adventure travel, travel, travel as a family, traveling, traveling together, traveling solo, travel and adventures, travel time, travel in USA, destinations for travel, travel destination, travel and fun, fun and traveling, adventures of a family, family adventures traveling, travel places, travel around, travel by car, travel by plane, airplane travel, airplane seats, traveling with kids, traveling with teens, traveling as a family, traveling as a couple, trips, viaje, vacaciones, walk, bus, boat, cruise, jet, jetset, globetrotting together, globetrotting solo, passport travel, passport destinations, no passport required, travel with passports, travel without passports, pack, luggage, backpacks, travel bags, travel things, travel timing, travel planning, what you need to know, hotels, lodges, resorts, luxury travel, bucket list, State Parks, travel blog, travel blogger, travel the world, see the world, travel deeper, travel destination, single, couples, families, activities, where to, explore more, tourism, passion passport, travel blogging, travel article, where to travel, travel tips, travel envy, travel knowledge, activities, fun activities, daring activities, travel large,walking, traveling, hiking, world traveler, travel expert, see the world,raveling, Travel and Adventure, conquer the world, globe trotting, beautiful destination, bucket list avenger, travel blog, travel blogger, travel the world, see the world, travel deeper, travel destination, single, couples, families, activities, where to, explore more, tourism, passion passport, travel blogging, travel article, where to travel, travel tips, travel envy, travel knowledge, activities, fun activities, daring activities, travel large, Car travel, travel by car, travel by vehicle, auto travel, traveling together, diy, packing,easy access, boardwalks, beaches,up and down highway, u turns. back roads,

Location: North Cheyenne Canon Park. 

A day hike through trails, to falls, and of course through the little streams that are trickling from the falls.

Now, there was a drought here, so the water was not pounding hard.

We had a great chance to get up close to the falls.

Parking is free and a little tricky.

Road Tripping Destinations From Colorado Springs To Durango, Colorado, Wanderlust, hairpin turns, skilled driving, peaks, elevation, Garden of the Gods, Balanced Rock, Hiking, Trails,Gold Camp Road, tunnels, Mazda, Mazda CX5, Drive Mazda, Soul Red Crystal Metallic Parchment, abs, ebd, brake assist, active driving display, mazda nav system, hill launch assist, SKYACTIVE TECH, LED headlights, Durango, Colorado Trails, Dude Ranch, Road Tripping, altitude, snacks, bathrooms, tourism, Pikes Peak, Pikes Peak Summit,Visit Colorado Springs, Visit COS, lifestyle, adventure travel, travel, travel as a family, traveling, traveling together, traveling solo, travel and adventures, travel time, travel in USA, destinations for travel, travel destination, travel and fun, fun and traveling, adventures of a family, family adventures traveling, travel places, travel around, travel by car, travel by plane, airplane travel, airplane seats, traveling with kids, traveling with teens, traveling as a family, traveling as a couple, trips, viaje, vacaciones, walk, bus, boat, cruise, jet, jetset, globetrotting together, globetrotting solo, passport travel, passport destinations, no passport required, travel with passports, travel without passports, pack, luggage, backpacks, travel bags, travel things, travel timing, travel planning, what you need to know, hotels, lodges, resorts, luxury travel, bucket list, State Parks, travel blog, travel blogger, travel the world, see the world, travel deeper, travel destination, single, couples, families, activities, where to, explore more, tourism, passion passport, travel blogging, travel article, where to travel, travel tips, travel envy, travel knowledge, activities, fun activities, daring activities, travel large,walking, traveling, hiking, world traveler, travel expert, see the world,raveling, Travel and Adventure, conquer the world, globe trotting, beautiful destination, bucket list avenger, travel blog, travel blogger, travel the world, see the world, travel deeper, travel destination, single, couples, families, activities, where to, explore more, tourism, passion passport, travel blogging, travel article, where to travel, travel tips, travel envy, travel knowledge, activities, fun activities, daring activities, travel large, Car travel, travel by car, travel by vehicle, auto travel, traveling together, diy, packing,easy access, boardwalks, beaches,up and down highway, u turns. back roads,

We parked along the stream and hiked from the waterfall through the streams to the car.

I am happy we found shaded parking and there were only a few cars parked along this part of the road.

Therefore, we had time to change our shoes from athletic to hiking and back again! 

We loved opening the power moonroof for a daily dose of Colorado sunshine and blue skies!

Road Tripping Destinations From Colorado Springs To Durango, Colorado, Wanderlust, hairpin turns, skilled driving, peaks, elevation, Garden of the Gods, Balanced Rock, Hiking, Trails,Gold Camp Road, tunnels, Mazda, Mazda CX5, Drive Mazda, Soul Red Crystal Metallic Parchment, abs, ebd, brake assist, active driving display, mazda nav system, hill launch assist, SKYACTIVE TECH, LED headlights, Durango, Colorado Trails, Dude Ranch, Road Tripping, altitude, snacks, bathrooms, tourism, Pikes Peak, Pikes Peak Summit,Visit Colorado Springs, Visit COS, lifestyle, adventure travel, travel, travel as a family, traveling, traveling together, traveling solo, travel and adventures, travel time, travel in USA, destinations for travel, travel destination, travel and fun, fun and traveling, adventures of a family, family adventures traveling, travel places, travel around, travel by car, travel by plane, airplane travel, airplane seats, traveling with kids, traveling with teens, traveling as a family, traveling as a couple, trips, viaje, vacaciones, walk, bus, boat, cruise, jet, jetset, globetrotting together, globetrotting solo, passport travel, passport destinations, no passport required, travel with passports, travel without passports, pack, luggage, backpacks, travel bags, travel things, travel timing, travel planning, what you need to know, hotels, lodges, resorts, luxury travel, bucket list, State Parks, travel blog, travel blogger, travel the world, see the world, travel deeper, travel destination, single, couples, families, activities, where to, explore more, tourism, passion passport, travel blogging, travel article, where to travel, travel tips, travel envy, travel knowledge, activities, fun activities, daring activities, travel large,walking, traveling, hiking, world traveler, travel expert, see the world,raveling, Travel and Adventure, conquer the world, globe trotting, beautiful destination, bucket list avenger, travel blog, travel blogger, travel the world, see the world, travel deeper, travel destination, single, couples, families, activities, where to, explore more, tourism, passion passport, travel blogging, travel article, where to travel, travel tips, travel envy, travel knowledge, activities, fun activities, daring activities, travel large, Car travel, travel by car, travel by vehicle, auto travel, traveling together, diy, packing,easy access, boardwalks, beaches,up and down highway, u turns. back roads,

Balanced Rock 

Road Tripping Destinations From Colorado Springs To Durango, Colorado, Wanderlust, hairpin turns, skilled driving, peaks, elevation, Garden of the Gods, Balanced Rock, Hiking, Trails,Gold Camp Road, tunnels, Mazda, Mazda CX5, Drive Mazda, Soul Red Crystal Metallic Parchment, abs, ebd, brake assist, active driving display, mazda nav system, hill launch assist, SKYACTIVE TECH, LED headlights, Durango, Colorado Trails, Dude Ranch, Road Tripping, altitude, snacks, bathrooms, tourism, Pikes Peak, Pikes Peak Summit,Visit Colorado Springs, Visit COS, lifestyle, adventure travel, travel, travel as a family, traveling, traveling together, traveling solo, travel and adventures, travel time, travel in USA, destinations for travel, travel destination, travel and fun, fun and traveling, adventures of a family, family adventures traveling, travel places, travel around, travel by car, travel by plane, airplane travel, airplane seats, traveling with kids, traveling with teens, traveling as a family, traveling as a couple, trips, viaje, vacaciones, walk, bus, boat, cruise, jet, jetset, globetrotting together, globetrotting solo, passport travel, passport destinations, no passport required, travel with passports, travel without passports, pack, luggage, backpacks, travel bags, travel things, travel timing, travel planning, what you need to know, hotels, lodges, resorts, luxury travel, bucket list, State Parks, travel blog, travel blogger, travel the world, see the world, travel deeper, travel destination, single, couples, families, activities, where to, explore more, tourism, passion passport, travel blogging, travel article, where to travel, travel tips, travel envy, travel knowledge, activities, fun activities, daring activities, travel large,walking, traveling, hiking, world traveler, travel expert, see the world,raveling, Travel and Adventure, conquer the world, globe trotting, beautiful destination, bucket list avenger, travel blog, travel blogger, travel the world, see the world, travel deeper, travel destination, single, couples, families, activities, where to, explore more, tourism, passion passport, travel blogging, travel article, where to travel, travel tips, travel envy, travel knowledge, activities, fun activities, daring activities, travel large, Car travel, travel by car, travel by vehicle, auto travel, traveling together, diy, packing,easy access, boardwalks, beaches,up and down highway, u turns. back roads,

Red sandstone formation that is beckoning photos.

Of course, I stopped even though I was jamming traffic behind me, since it is always busy in this spot! 

Once you drive through here, the other lane goes tight between the formations and you may want to go to the bottom, turn around and try it out!

We did of course.

Royal Gorge Bridge

Road Tripping Destinations From Colorado Springs To Durango, Colorado, Wanderlust, hairpin turns, skilled driving, peaks, elevation, Garden of the Gods, Balanced Rock, Hiking, Trails,Gold Camp Road, tunnels, Mazda, Mazda CX5, Drive Mazda, Soul Red Crystal Metallic Parchment, abs, ebd, brake assist, active driving display, mazda nav system, hill launch assist, SKYACTIVE TECH, LED headlights, Durango, Colorado Trails, Dude Ranch, Road Tripping, altitude, snacks, bathrooms, tourism, Pikes Peak, Pikes Peak Summit,Visit Colorado Springs, Visit COS, lifestyle, adventure travel, travel, travel as a family, traveling, traveling together, traveling solo, travel and adventures, travel time, travel in USA, destinations for travel, travel destination, travel and fun, fun and traveling, adventures of a family, family adventures traveling, travel places, travel around, travel by car, travel by plane, airplane travel, airplane seats, traveling with kids, traveling with teens, traveling as a family, traveling as a couple, trips, viaje, vacaciones, walk, bus, boat, cruise, jet, jetset, globetrotting together, globetrotting solo, passport travel, passport destinations, no passport required, travel with passports, travel without passports, pack, luggage, backpacks, travel bags, travel things, travel timing, travel planning, what you need to know, hotels, lodges, resorts, luxury travel, bucket list, State Parks, travel blog, travel blogger, travel the world, see the world, travel deeper, travel destination, single, couples, families, activities, where to, explore more, tourism, passion passport, travel blogging, travel article, where to travel, travel tips, travel envy, travel knowledge, activities, fun activities, daring activities, travel large,walking, traveling, hiking, world traveler, travel expert, see the world,raveling, Travel and Adventure, conquer the world, globe trotting, beautiful destination, bucket list avenger, travel blog, travel blogger, travel the world, see the world, travel deeper, travel destination, single, couples, families, activities, where to, explore more, tourism, passion passport, travel blogging, travel article, where to travel, travel tips, travel envy, travel knowledge, activities, fun activities, daring activities, travel large, Car travel, travel by car, travel by vehicle, auto travel, traveling together, diy, packing,easy access, boardwalks, beaches,up and down highway, u turns. back roads,

Scenic and picturesque are the words to use when describing the Royal Gorge Bridge area.

If you love heights and want to defy all odds to walk across it.

The Royal Gorge Bridge is an absolute driving destination must while in Colorado!

South Fork, Colorado

Road Tripping Destinations From Colorado Springs To Durango, Colorado, Wanderlust, hairpin turns, skilled driving, peaks, elevation, Garden of the Gods, Balanced Rock, Hiking, Trails,Gold Camp Road, tunnels, Mazda, Mazda CX5, Drive Mazda, Soul Red Crystal Metallic Parchment, abs, ebd, brake assist, active driving display, mazda nav system, hill launch assist, SKYACTIVE TECH, LED headlights, Durango, Colorado Trails, Dude Ranch, Road Tripping, altitude, snacks, bathrooms, tourism, Pikes Peak, Pikes Peak Summit,Visit Colorado Springs, Visit COS, lifestyle, adventure travel, travel, travel as a family, traveling, traveling together, traveling solo, travel and adventures, travel time, travel in USA, destinations for travel, travel destination, travel and fun, fun and traveling, adventures of a family, family adventures traveling, travel places, travel around, travel by car, travel by plane, airplane travel, airplane seats, traveling with kids, traveling with teens, traveling as a family, traveling as a couple, trips, viaje, vacaciones, walk, bus, boat, cruise, jet, jetset, globetrotting together, globetrotting solo, passport travel, passport destinations, no passport required, travel with passports, travel without passports, pack, luggage, backpacks, travel bags, travel things, travel timing, travel planning, what you need to know, hotels, lodges, resorts, luxury travel, bucket list, State Parks, travel blog, travel blogger, travel the world, see the world, travel deeper, travel destination, single, couples, families, activities, where to, explore more, tourism, passion passport, travel blogging, travel article, where to travel, travel tips, travel envy, travel knowledge, activities, fun activities, daring activities, travel large,walking, traveling, hiking, world traveler, travel expert, see the world,raveling, Travel and Adventure, conquer the world, globe trotting, beautiful destination, bucket list avenger, travel blog, travel blogger, travel the world, see the world, travel deeper, travel destination, single, couples, families, activities, where to, explore more, tourism, passion passport, travel blogging, travel article, where to travel, travel tips, travel envy, travel knowledge, activities, fun activities, daring activities, travel large, Car travel, travel by car, travel by vehicle, auto travel, traveling together, diy, packing,easy access, boardwalks, beaches,up and down highway, u turns. back roads,

We made a pit stop that really stayed with me.

While the imagery may not do it justice, the area is spectacular, I want to just go visit here and uncover all of its great spots!

It’s my view behind the wheel.

You kind of drive on forever wondering if there will be anywhere to stop or what might be next. 

There are a few little towns, but overall it is more scenery than people. 

Definitely a cooler side of the road trip! 

Rio Grande National Forest 

Road Tripping Destinations From Colorado Springs To Durango, Colorado, Wanderlust, hairpin turns, skilled driving, peaks, elevation, Garden of the Gods, Balanced Rock, Hiking, Trails,Gold Camp Road, tunnels, Mazda, Mazda CX5, Drive Mazda, Soul Red Crystal Metallic Parchment, abs, ebd, brake assist, active driving display, mazda nav system, hill launch assist, SKYACTIVE TECH, LED headlights, Durango, Colorado Trails, Dude Ranch, Road Tripping, altitude, snacks, bathrooms, tourism, Pikes Peak, Pikes Peak Summit,Visit Colorado Springs, Visit COS, lifestyle, adventure travel, travel, travel as a family, traveling, traveling together, traveling solo, travel and adventures, travel time, travel in USA, destinations for travel, travel destination, travel and fun, fun and traveling, adventures of a family, family adventures traveling, travel places, travel around, travel by car, travel by plane, airplane travel, airplane seats, traveling with kids, traveling with teens, traveling as a family, traveling as a couple, trips, viaje, vacaciones, walk, bus, boat, cruise, jet, jetset, globetrotting together, globetrotting solo, passport travel, passport destinations, no passport required, travel with passports, travel without passports, pack, luggage, backpacks, travel bags, travel things, travel timing, travel planning, what you need to know, hotels, lodges, resorts, luxury travel, bucket list, State Parks, travel blog, travel blogger, travel the world, see the world, travel deeper, travel destination, single, couples, families, activities, where to, explore more, tourism, passion passport, travel blogging, travel article, where to travel, travel tips, travel envy, travel knowledge, activities, fun activities, daring activities, travel large,walking, traveling, hiking, world traveler, travel expert, see the world,raveling, Travel and Adventure, conquer the world, globe trotting, beautiful destination, bucket list avenger, travel blog, travel blogger, travel the world, see the world, travel deeper, travel destination, single, couples, families, activities, where to, explore more, tourism, passion passport, travel blogging, travel article, where to travel, travel tips, travel envy, travel knowledge, activities, fun activities, daring activities, travel large, Car travel, travel by car, travel by vehicle, auto travel, traveling together, diy, packing,easy access, boardwalks, beaches,up and down highway, u turns. back roads,

Truly phenomena on its own, boasting 1.86 million-acres! It is in Southwestern Colorado and part of the route we used to get to Durango, Colorado.

Along the roadway, you will find curves, swerves, and tunnels.

Road Tripping Destinations From Colorado Springs To Durango, Colorado, Wanderlust, hairpin turns, skilled driving, peaks, elevation, Garden of the Gods, Balanced Rock, Hiking, Trails,Gold Camp Road, tunnels, Mazda, Mazda CX5, Drive Mazda, Soul Red Crystal Metallic Parchment, abs, ebd, brake assist, active driving display, mazda nav system, hill launch assist, SKYACTIVE TECH, LED headlights, Durango, Colorado Trails, Dude Ranch, Road Tripping, altitude, snacks, bathrooms, tourism, Pikes Peak, Pikes Peak Summit,Visit Colorado Springs, Visit COS, lifestyle, adventure travel, travel, travel as a family, traveling, traveling together, traveling solo, travel and adventures, travel time, travel in USA, destinations for travel, travel destination, travel and fun, fun and traveling, adventures of a family, family adventures traveling, travel places, travel around, travel by car, travel by plane, airplane travel, airplane seats, traveling with kids, traveling with teens, traveling as a family, traveling as a couple, trips, viaje, vacaciones, walk, bus, boat, cruise, jet, jetset, globetrotting together, globetrotting solo, passport travel, passport destinations, no passport required, travel with passports, travel without passports, pack, luggage, backpacks, travel bags, travel things, travel timing, travel planning, what you need to know, hotels, lodges, resorts, luxury travel, bucket list, State Parks, travel blog, travel blogger, travel the world, see the world, travel deeper, travel destination, single, couples, families, activities, where to, explore more, tourism, passion passport, travel blogging, travel article, where to travel, travel tips, travel envy, travel knowledge, activities, fun activities, daring activities, travel large,walking, traveling, hiking, world traveler, travel expert, see the world,raveling, Travel and Adventure, conquer the world, globe trotting, beautiful destination, bucket list avenger, travel blog, travel blogger, travel the world, see the world, travel deeper, travel destination, single, couples, families, activities, where to, explore more, tourism, passion passport, travel blogging, travel article, where to travel, travel tips, travel envy, travel knowledge, activities, fun activities, daring activities, travel large, Car travel, travel by car, travel by vehicle, auto travel, traveling together, diy, packing,easy access, boardwalks, beaches,up and down highway, u turns. back roads,

There’s more, however.

You will see and smell pines all along with the route and rock formations that just are like statues guarding the preservation of this most holistic area.

Additionally, there is a 7% grade over about 7 miles to tackle.

Want to challenge yourself, braking skills and the car your are driving? 

Road Tripping Destinations From Colorado Springs To Durango, Colorado, Wanderlust, hairpin turns, skilled driving, peaks, elevation, Garden of the Gods, Balanced Rock, Hiking, Trails,Gold Camp Road, tunnels, Mazda, Mazda CX5, Drive Mazda, Soul Red Crystal Metallic Parchment, abs, ebd, brake assist, active driving display, mazda nav system, hill launch assist, SKYACTIVE TECH, LED headlights, Durango, Colorado Trails, Dude Ranch, Road Tripping, altitude, snacks, bathrooms, tourism, Pikes Peak, Pikes Peak Summit,Visit Colorado Springs, Visit COS, lifestyle, adventure travel, travel, travel as a family, traveling, traveling together, traveling solo, travel and adventures, travel time, travel in USA, destinations for travel, travel destination, travel and fun, fun and traveling, adventures of a family, family adventures traveling, travel places, travel around, travel by car, travel by plane, airplane travel, airplane seats, traveling with kids, traveling with teens, traveling as a family, traveling as a couple, trips, viaje, vacaciones, walk, bus, boat, cruise, jet, jetset, globetrotting together, globetrotting solo, passport travel, passport destinations, no passport required, travel with passports, travel without passports, pack, luggage, backpacks, travel bags, travel things, travel timing, travel planning, what you need to know, hotels, lodges, resorts, luxury travel, bucket list, State Parks, travel blog, travel blogger, travel the world, see the world, travel deeper, travel destination, single, couples, families, activities, where to, explore more, tourism, passion passport, travel blogging, travel article, where to travel, travel tips, travel envy, travel knowledge, activities, fun activities, daring activities, travel large,walking, traveling, hiking, world traveler, travel expert, see the world,raveling, Travel and Adventure, conquer the world, globe trotting, beautiful destination, bucket list avenger, travel blog, travel blogger, travel the world, see the world, travel deeper, travel destination, single, couples, families, activities, where to, explore more, tourism, passion passport, travel blogging, travel article, where to travel, travel tips, travel envy, travel knowledge, activities, fun activities, daring activities, travel large, Car travel, travel by car, travel by vehicle, auto travel, traveling together, diy, packing,easy access, boardwalks, beaches,up and down highway, u turns. back roads,

Here’s where all I can do is let you hear my video.

While incorrectly calling out a braking system, rather than properly designating that the SKY ACTIVE  Tech was the reason for the downshifting, you still get the idea.

Please remember, I was driving and trying to concentrate, a little slack, please:)

What you need to know is that the Mazda CX5 is your ally when driving down these steep grades. 

In fact, it downshifts for you when you go downhill, increasing your control at the wheel and saving your brakes (truly a plus!). 

The SKY ACTIVE Tech makes it as though I was a skilled manual transmission driver even though I have no skill in that area at all!

Totally incredible.

Dude Ranch Life

Road Tripping Destinations From Colorado Springs To Durango, Colorado, Wanderlust, hairpin turns, skilled driving, peaks, elevation, Garden of the Gods, Balanced Rock, Hiking, Trails,Gold Camp Road, tunnels, Mazda, Mazda CX5, Drive Mazda, Soul Red Crystal Metallic Parchment, abs, ebd, brake assist, active driving display, mazda nav system, hill launch assist, SKYACTIVE TECH, LED headlights, Durango, Colorado Trails, Dude Ranch, Road Tripping, altitude, snacks, bathrooms, tourism, Pikes Peak, Pikes Peak Summit,Visit Colorado Springs, Visit COS, lifestyle, adventure travel, travel, travel as a family, traveling, traveling together, traveling solo, travel and adventures, travel time, travel in USA, destinations for travel, travel destination, travel and fun, fun and traveling, adventures of a family, family adventures traveling, travel places, travel around, travel by car, travel by plane, airplane travel, airplane seats, traveling with kids, traveling with teens, traveling as a family, traveling as a couple, trips, viaje, vacaciones, walk, bus, boat, cruise, jet, jetset, globetrotting together, globetrotting solo, passport travel, passport destinations, no passport required, travel with passports, travel without passports, pack, luggage, backpacks, travel bags, travel things, travel timing, travel planning, what you need to know, hotels, lodges, resorts, luxury travel, bucket list, State Parks, travel blog, travel blogger, travel the world, see the world, travel deeper, travel destination, single, couples, families, activities, where to, explore more, tourism, passion passport, travel blogging, travel article, where to travel, travel tips, travel envy, travel knowledge, activities, fun activities, daring activities, travel large,walking, traveling, hiking, world traveler, travel expert, see the world,raveling, Travel and Adventure, conquer the world, globe trotting, beautiful destination, bucket list avenger, travel blog, travel blogger, travel the world, see the world, travel deeper, travel destination, single, couples, families, activities, where to, explore more, tourism, passion passport, travel blogging, travel article, where to travel, travel tips, travel envy, travel knowledge, activities, fun activities, daring activities, travel large, Car travel, travel by car, travel by vehicle, auto travel, traveling together, diy, packing,easy access, boardwalks, beaches,up and down highway, u turns. back roads,

After several days of driving around and touring, I decided it was time to settle down and retire for a few days, so I kicked back at the Colorado Trails Dude Ranch.

There’s hiking, horseback riding, white water rafting, fly fishing, and more.

Maybe I am not resting after all!

Road Tripping Destinations From Colorado Springs To Durango, Colorado, Wanderlust, hairpin turns, skilled driving, peaks, elevation, Garden of the Gods, Balanced Rock, Hiking, Trails,Gold Camp Road, tunnels, Mazda, Mazda CX5, Drive Mazda, Soul Red Crystal Metallic Parchment, abs, ebd, brake assist, active driving display, mazda nav system, hill launch assist, SKYACTIVE TECH, LED headlights, Durango, Colorado Trails, Dude Ranch, Road Tripping, altitude, snacks, bathrooms, tourism, Pikes Peak, Pikes Peak Summit,Visit Colorado Springs, Visit COS, lifestyle, adventure travel, travel, travel as a family, traveling, traveling together, traveling solo, travel and adventures, travel time, travel in USA, destinations for travel, travel destination, travel and fun, fun and traveling, adventures of a family, family adventures traveling, travel places, travel around, travel by car, travel by plane, airplane travel, airplane seats, traveling with kids, traveling with teens, traveling as a family, traveling as a couple, trips, viaje, vacaciones, walk, bus, boat, cruise, jet, jetset, globetrotting together, globetrotting solo, passport travel, passport destinations, no passport required, travel with passports, travel without passports, pack, luggage, backpacks, travel bags, travel things, travel timing, travel planning, what you need to know, hotels, lodges, resorts, luxury travel, bucket list, State Parks, travel blog, travel blogger, travel the world, see the world, travel deeper, travel destination, single, couples, families, activities, where to, explore more, tourism, passion passport, travel blogging, travel article, where to travel, travel tips, travel envy, travel knowledge, activities, fun activities, daring activities, travel large,walking, traveling, hiking, world traveler, travel expert, see the world,raveling, Travel and Adventure, conquer the world, globe trotting, beautiful destination, bucket list avenger, travel blog, travel blogger, travel the world, see the world, travel deeper, travel destination, single, couples, families, activities, where to, explore more, tourism, passion passport, travel blogging, travel article, where to travel, travel tips, travel envy, travel knowledge, activities, fun activities, daring activities, travel large, Car travel, travel by car, travel by vehicle, auto travel, traveling together, diy, packing,easy access, boardwalks, beaches,up and down highway, u turns. back roads,

Well, the car was resting as this was our final destination.

I have to say the drive was easy, and scenic and I would do it again.

However, I might try a different dude ranch. 

But that is a whole other story, from horses to bears, oh my! 

There’s so much to do and see from Colorado Springs to Durango, Colorado. ~ DANA XO

Filed Under: Autos, Cars, DIY/Misc, Globetrotting/Travel, Posts, Test Drives, Tips, Transportation, Travel, Travel Videos, Vehicles, Vlog (Videos) Tagged With: abs, active driving display, ACTIVITIES, adventure travel, adventures of a family, airplane seats, airplane travel, altitude, auto travel, BACKPACKS, Balanced Rock, bathrooms, beaches, beautiful destination, Boardwalks, boat, brake assist, bucket list, bucket list avenger, bus, car travel, colorado, Colorado Trails, conquer the world, couples, cruise, daring activities, destinations for travel, diy, drive mazda, Dude Ranch, Durango, easy access, ebd, elevation, explore more, families, family adventures traveling, fun activities, fun and traveling, Garden of the Gods, GLOBE TROTTING, globetrotting solo, globetrotting together, Gold Camp Road, hairpin turns, hiking, hill launch assist, hotels, jet, jetset, LED headlights, lifestyle, lodges, luggage, luxury travel, mazda, mazda cx5, mazda nav system, no passport required, pack, packing, passion passport, passport destinations, passport travel, peaks, Pikes Peak, Pikes Peak Summit, raveling, resorts, Road Tripping, Road Tripping Destinations From Colorado Springs To Durango, See the world, single, skilled driving, SKYACTIVE TECH, SNACKS, Soul Red Crystal Metallic Parchment, state parks, tourism, trails, travel, travel and adventure, travel and adventures, travel and fun, travel around, TRAVEL ARTICLE, travel as a family, travel bags, travel blog, travel blogger, Travel Blogging, travel by car, travel by plane, travel by vehicle, travel deeper, travel destination, travel envy, travel expert, travel in USA, travel knowledge, travel large, travel places, travel planning, travel the world, travel things, travel time, travel timing, travel tips, travel with passports, travel without passports, traveling, traveling as a couple, traveling as a family, traveling solo, traveling together, traveling with kids, traveling with teens, trips, tunnels, u turns. back roads, up and down highway, vacaciones, viaje, Visit Colorado Springs, Visit COS, walk, walking, wanderlust, what you need to know, where to, where to travel, world traveler

Previous Post: « 13 Easy To Make Cinco de Mayo Party Recipes That Are Yummy Too!
Next Post: 5 Characteristics of Asthma Management. Breathe Well Live Well. »

Reader Interactions

Trackbacks

  1. Best Plane Watching Experience In St. Maarten - Which Beach To Go To says:
    February 2, 2019 at 4:50 pm

    […] out was a lot like a trip I was just on in Durango, Colorado, the tarmac was the entrance and offered me a chance to fall back into loving watching planes land […]

    Reply
  2. Family Friendly Resort Loaded With Amenities In Colorado Springs says:
    December 8, 2018 at 9:10 pm

    […] walking across the floor and tons of kids flocking to it. It was so random, yet it was not. The Colorado Springs Zoo brings animals for the kids to enjoy from time to time and we were fortunate enough to get to […]

    Reply
  3. Allergy Friendly Dining In The Pikes Peak Region - says:
    August 29, 2018 at 5:08 pm

    […] free. I hope you will consider each of these restaurants on your trip when you head out to Colorado Springs Pikes Peak […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Looking for Something?

Let’s Get Social!

Dana Vento on Twitter Dana Vento on Facebook Dana Vento on LinkedIn Dana Vento on Pinterest Dana Vento on Youtube

Lose Weight For GOOD

HOME | CONTACT US | ABOUT ME | ADVERTISING & PR | DISCLOSURE

Copyright © 2021 Dana Vento - Site Design by: NKY Moms

[footer_backtotop]