There are quicker methods to drive from Phoenix to Colorado Springs, however few that reveal the American Southwest with such cinematic and soul-stirring selection. This loop begins within the cactus-studded Sonoran Desert, climbs by the ponderosa pines of Flagstaff, then pushes north into an enormous and historical panorama formed by wind, time, and story. Alongside the way in which, the highway threads by the western fringe of the Painted Desert, throughout the Navajo Nation, previous the sandstone sentinels of Monument Valley, into the quiet red-rock corridors of southeast Utah, and onward to the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde, the mountain-town allure of Durango, and the restorative waters of Pagosa Springs earlier than reaching the grand resort magnificence of the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs.
The return journey isn’t any afterthought, winding by historic Santa Fe, Route 66, Canyon de Chelly, Winslow, and the Arizona high-country cities of Pine, Strawberry, and Payson. Greater than a route between two cities, this can be a grand loop by the layered magnificence, historical past, and wide-open marvel of the Southwest.
Day 1: Phoenix to Flagstaff
Approximate drive time: 2.5 hours with out stops
Advisable tempo: Half day
Route: I-17 north from Phoenix to Flagstaff
The journey begins with certainly one of Arizona’s most dramatic panorama transitions. Leaving Phoenix, I-17 climbs out of the Sonoran Desert, the place saguaros, palo verde timber, and rugged brown ridgelines step by step give option to juniper, high-desert grasslands, and finally the cool ponderosa pine forests surrounding Flagstaff. In only a few hours, the highway rises from desert flooring to mountain city, setting the tone for the scenic selection that defines this Southwest highway journey loop from Phoenix to Colorado Springs.
Highlights Alongside the Method
- Black Canyon Metropolis — A handy early cease for gasoline, espresso, or a fast stretch.
- Verde Valley Views — Because the freeway features elevation, the surroundings opens into broad high-desert vistas.
- Sedona Detour Choice — If time permits, detour by Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon for certainly one of Arizona’s most scenic drives.
- Historic Downtown Flagstaff — A walkable mountain-town district with eating places, breweries, retailers, and Route 66 character.
- Lowell Observatory — A worthwhile night cease, particularly given Flagstaff’s dark-sky fame.
Non-obligatory Detour: Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon
If that is your first time in Arizona, Sedona is difficult to go up. Even a quick drive by the crimson rocks can add a memorable layer to the day. For probably the most scenic method into Flagstaff, proceed north by Oak Creek Canyon, the place the highway winds by forested cliffs and switchbacks earlier than rising close to Flagstaff.
That mentioned, Sedona can simply change into a visit of its personal. If you wish to protect extra time for Monument Valley, Mesa Verde, Durango, and Colorado Springs, proceed on to Flagstaff and save Sedona for an additional journey.
The place to Keep
Spend the night time in Flagstaff (Little America is a good alternative) to interrupt up the drive and begin the following morning contemporary. It offers the journey a relaxed rhythm and locations you in an excellent place to proceed north on Freeway 89 towards the Painted Desert area, Tuba Metropolis, and Monument Valley.
Why Cease Right here
Flagstaff is greater than a handy in a single day. At roughly 7,000 ft, it affords a whole change of local weather and character from Phoenix. Cooler temperatures, pine forests, historic structure, craft breweries, and darkish skies make it a becoming first cease on this desert-to-Rockies loop.
Greatest for: Cooler temperatures, historic downtown, breweries, eating places, Route 66 environment, darkish skies, and a straightforward launch level for Day 2.
Day 2: Flagstaff to Monument Valley by way of Freeway 89
Approximate drive time: 3.5 to 4 hours with out main stops
Advisable tempo: Full day
Route: Flagstaff → Freeway 89 north → Freeway 160 by Tuba Metropolis → Monument Valley
Day two is the place this highway journey begins to really feel expansive. Leaving the pine forests of Flagstaff behind, Freeway 89 heads north right into a extra open, elemental model of Arizona, the place the land stretches large and the horizon appears to tug farther away with each mile. The route follows the western fringe of the Painted Desert area earlier than veering east on Freeway 160 by Tuba Metropolis and throughout Navajo Nation, the place the surroundings turns into more and more cinematic on the method to Monument Valley.
Highlights Alongside the Method
- Wupatki Nationwide Monument — A worthwhile optionally available detour that includes historical pueblo ruins set in opposition to a stark, windswept panorama.
- Painted Desert Surroundings — Look ahead to refined bands of coloration, eroded hills, and lengthy desert views because the highway pushes north.
- Tuba Metropolis — A sensible cease for gasoline, meals, and a deeper sense of the Navajo Nation communities alongside this route.
- Navajo Nation Landscapes — Broad-open nation, distant mesas, and lonely stretches of freeway give this portion of the drive its unmistakable Southwest character.
- First Views of Monument Valley — Because the sandstone buttes start to rise within the distance, the drive takes on a extra iconic, nearly cinematic high quality.
Non-obligatory Detour: Sundown Crater & Wupatki Nationwide Monument
You probably have time, think about including Sundown Crater and Wupatki Nationwide Monument earlier than persevering with north. The traditional pueblo constructions, open grasslands, and volcanic terrain make this a compelling cease, particularly when paired with close by Sundown Crater. It provides time to the day, nevertheless it additionally gives precious context for the lengthy human historical past of this area.
Arrival in Monument Valley
Few landscapes announce themselves fairly like Monument Valley. The method is a part of the expertise, with the highway unfolding throughout an enormous desert stage of crimson earth, sandstone towers, and open sky. By late afternoon, the shadows start to stretch throughout the valley flooring, creating the form of mild that makes you perceive why this place has appeared in so many movies, images, and highway journey fantasies.
It is a place to decelerate. Somewhat than treating Monument Valley as a fast photograph cease, plan to spend the night time so you’ll be able to expertise both sundown, dawn, or ideally each.
The place to Keep
For a basic Monument Valley expertise, keep as near the panorama as attainable.
- The View Lodge / The View Cabins or Campground — One of the immersive locations to remain in Monument Valley, with lodge rooms, personal cabins, RV websites, and campsites positioned to make the most of the valley views.
- Goulding’s Lodge — A historic and iconic choice with lodge rooms, campground/RV lodging, eating, a museum, and sweeping views of the encircling mesas.
Why Cease Right here
Monument Valley isn’t just one other scenic cease; it is likely one of the defining landscapes of the American Southwest. Spending the night time permits the place to unfold in a manner {that a} fast drive-through by no means may. The colours change continually, the buttes appear to shift with the sunshine, and the silence of the desert turns into a part of the expertise.
Greatest for: Iconic Southwest surroundings, dawn and sundown images, cabins or tenting, Navajo Nation landscapes, and one of the crucial memorable in a single day stops on the route.
Day 3: Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods, Mexican Hat and Bluff
Approximate drive time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours, relying on detours
Advisable tempo: Full day
Route: Monument Valley → Mexican Hat → Valley of the Gods → Goosenecks State Park optionally available detour → Bluff, Utah
Day three is likely one of the most visually rewarding stretches of the whole highway journey. Begin early in Monument Valley, the place dawn brings the sandstone buttes to life in shades of crimson, orange, and gold. From there, proceed north towards Mexican Hat, tracing a route by basic canyon nation earlier than exploring the quieter, less-crowded landscapes of southeast Utah. It is a day greatest taken slowly, with time for scenic pullouts, quick detours, dusty backroads, and a relaxed arrival in Bluff.
Highlights Alongside the Method
- Monument Valley Dawn — For those who stayed in a single day within the valley, wake early. Dawn is likely one of the most memorable occasions to expertise the panorama.
- Forrest Gump Level — An optionally available photograph cease north of Monument Valley, made well-known by the movie. It affords one of the crucial recognizable highway views within the Southwest.
- Mexican Hat Rock Formation — A unusual roadside landmark named for its sombrero-like form, situated close to the small neighborhood of Mexican Hat.
- Valley of the Gods Scenic Drive — A good looking, unpaved scenic route by crimson rock formations, open desert, and sandstone monoliths.
- Goosenecks State Park — A worthwhile detour for a sweeping view of the San Juan River carving tight bends by the canyon beneath.
- Bluff Historic District — A small however fascinating space tied to Mormon pioneer historical past and early settlement in southeast Utah.
- Twin Rocks Space — One in all Bluff’s signature landmarks, with dramatic sandstone formations rising close to city.
Scenic Drive: Valley of the Gods
Valley of the Gods is usually in comparison with a smaller, quieter cousin of Monument Valley, nevertheless it has a personality all its personal. The highway winds by remoted sandstone formations, wide-open desert, and huge red-rock surroundings with out the crowds usually discovered at extra well-known Southwest landmarks.
The drive is unpaved, so test highway circumstances earlier than getting into, particularly after rain. In dry climate, many customary automobiles can often deal with the route, however a high-clearance automobile is useful and makes the drive extra snug.
Non-obligatory Detour: Goosenecks State Park
If time permits, add the quick detour to Goosenecks State Park. The overlook affords a dramatic view of the San Juan River twisting by a deep canyon in a collection of tight bends. It’s a fast cease, however the scale of the panorama makes it properly value the additional time.
Arrival into Bluff, Utah
Bluff is the form of place that rewards vacationers who will not be in a rush. It’s quieter than Moab, much less crowded than many nationwide park gateway cities, and surrounded by crimson rock historical past, archaeological websites, scenic drives, and big-sky desert magnificence. After the visible drama of Monument Valley and Valley of the Gods, Bluff makes an excellent place to decelerate, have a very good meal, and settle into the rhythm of southeast Utah.
The place to Keep in Bluff, Utah
- Bluff Dwellings Resort & Spa — The upscale, design-forward alternative in Bluff. It is a nice choice for vacationers who need consolation, type, and a restorative keep after a dusty day of red-rock exploration.
- Desert Rose Resort & Cabins — A country-chic property with cabins, lodge-style lodging, and an on-site restaurant, making it a robust base for exploring Bluff, Bears Ears, Monument Valley, and Valley of the Gods.
Why Cease Right here
Bluff is just not a spot to hurry by. It has the uncommon high quality of feeling each distant and comfy, with sufficient historical past, surroundings, and close by exploration to justify an in a single day keep. It’s also completely positioned between Monument Valley and Mesa Verde, making it one of the crucial logical and pleasing stops on this Southwest loop.
Greatest for: Crimson rock surroundings, sluggish journey, scenic backroads, archaeology, historical past, quieter lodging, and a peaceable in a single day between Monument Valley and Mesa Verde.
Day 4: Bluff to Mesa Verde and Durango
Approximate drive time: 2.5 to three hours with out prolonged stops
Advisable tempo: Full day
Route: Bluff → Cortez → Mesa Verde Nationwide Park → Durango
Day 4 brings a significant shift within the journey, transferring from the open red-rock landscapes of southeast Utah into the archaeological coronary heart of the 4 Corners area earlier than ending in certainly one of Colorado’s most pleasing mountain cities. Leaving Bluff, the highway heads towards Cortez and Mesa Verde Nationwide Park, the place cliff dwellings and mesa-top websites supply a strong look into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo individuals. From there, proceed on to Durango, a historic railroad city with mountain character, walkable streets, wonderful eating places, and easy accessibility to the Animas River.
Highlights Alongside the Method
- 4 Corners Area Surroundings — This stretch connects Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico by a panorama formed by mesas, canyons, tribal lands, and historical historical past.
- Cortez, Colorado — A sensible cease for gasoline, meals, and provides earlier than getting into Mesa Verde Nationwide Park.
- Mesa Verde Nationwide Park — One of the vital archaeological locations within the nation, identified for its remarkably preserved cliff dwellings.
- Cliff Palace / Balcony Home / Lengthy Home — Relying on the season and tour availability, these are among the many park’s signature cliff dwelling experiences.
- Mesa High Loop Street — A great choice for vacationers who need scenic overlooks and archaeological websites with out committing to a guided cliff dwelling tour.
- Durango Historic Downtown — A full of life, walkable district with retailers, eating places, breweries, galleries, and preserved Western structure.
- Durango & Silverton Slim Gauge Railroad — One in all Durango’s signature sights and a basic Colorado rail expertise.
Essential Cease: Mesa Verde Nationwide Park
Mesa Verde is the centerpiece of the day and deserves greater than a fast look. The park protects a whole lot of archaeological websites, together with a number of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America. Even in the event you solely have a number of hours, the mix of mesa-top views, historical structure, and cultural historical past makes this one of the crucial vital stops on the whole route.
If you wish to tour one of many main cliff dwellings, test availability upfront. Some websites require ranger-guided tickets, and entry can fluctuate by season. For a extra versatile go to, drive the scenic roads, cease at overlooks, and discover the mesa-top websites that assist inform the broader story of the individuals who lived right here for hundreds of years.
Arrival in Durango
After Mesa Verde, proceed east to Durango. That is a type of cities that feels tailored for a highway journey in a single day: compact sufficient to discover on foot, historic sufficient to really feel distinctive, and full of life sufficient to reward a night out. The outdated brick buildings, mountain-town vitality, eating places, breweries, and river entry make Durango a pure place to pause earlier than persevering with towards Pagosa Springs and the San Juan Mountains.
The place to Keep
- Blue Lake Ranch — Positioned outdoors Durango, Blue Lake Ranch is a peaceable and extremely really helpful choice for vacationers who need a quieter, extra scenic keep. With its ranch setting, gardens, mountain views, and comfy lodging, it’s excellent after a day of dusty roads and archaeological exploration.
- Historic Strater Lodge — Positioned proper in downtown Durango, the Strater is the basic alternative if you wish to park the automotive and stroll to retailers, eating places, the Animas River, and the Durango & Silverton Slim Gauge Railroad. It’s a historic lodge with loads of character and a robust sense of place.
Why Cease Right here
Durango is greater than a handy in a single day. It is likely one of the greatest cities on the route for combining historical past, surroundings, eating, buying, and walkability. After a number of days of huge desert landscapes and distant red-rock roads, Durango gives a welcome change of tempo with a full of life downtown and mountain-town allure.
Greatest for: Mesa Verde entry, historic lodges, walkable downtown, eating places, breweries, railroad historical past, mountain surroundings, and a snug in a single day earlier than heading towards Pagosa Springs.
Day 5: Durango to Colorado Springs by way of Pagosa Springs and Pueblo
Approximate drive time: 6.5 to 7.5 hours with out prolonged stops
Advisable tempo: Full journey day
Route: Durango → Pagosa Springs → Wolf Creek Cross → San Luis Valley / southern Colorado → Pueblo → Colorado Springs
Day 5 is the longest driving day of the outbound route, however additionally it is one of the crucial scenic. Leaving Durango, Freeway 160 heads east by southwest Colorado, passing mountain valleys, forested ridgelines, and the welcoming scorching springs city of Pagosa Springs earlier than climbing towards Wolf Creek Cross (implausible place for winter snowboarding). From there, the route step by step opens into southern Colorado’s broader landscapes earlier than persevering with by Pueblo and at last arriving in Colorado Springs.
Highlights Alongside the Method
- Durango Morning — Seize breakfast or espresso earlier than leaving city, particularly in the event you stayed downtown close to the retailers, river, or practice depot.
- Pagosa Springs — A worthwhile mid-route cease for lunch, a brief stroll alongside the San Juan River, or a fast soak in the event you get an early begin.
- Wolf Creek Cross — One of the dramatic mountain sections of the drive, with high-elevation surroundings and forested views.
- Southern Colorado Surroundings — Anticipate a altering panorama of mountain valleys, open plains, ranchland, and distant peaks.
- Pueblo Riverwalk — If time permits, Pueblo makes a sensible late-day cease for meals, gasoline, or a fast stroll earlier than the ultimate push north.
- Arrival in Colorado Springs — Settle in for the night time and save Backyard of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs, and The Broadmoor expertise for the following day.
Whereas Pagosa Springs may simply justify an in a single day on an extended itinerary, on this 7-day model it really works greatest as a scenic break between Durango and Colorado Springs. Stretch your legs alongside the river, seize lunch, or just benefit from the mountain-town environment earlier than persevering with east.
For those who begin early and wish to make the day really feel much less like a marathon drive, that is one of the best place to construct in an extended pause.
Non-obligatory Cease: Pueblo
Pueblo is a handy remaining cease earlier than reaching Colorado Springs. The Historic Arkansas Riverwalk space is an effective place to stroll, get a meal, or take a brief break from the highway. If you’re operating late, proceed on to Colorado Springs and save your vitality for the following day.
The place to Keep in Colorado Springs
- The Broadmoor — The bucket-list keep of this highway journey. After a number of days of red-rock roads, nationwide parks, historic cities, and lengthy scenic drives, The Broadmoor affords a grand and memorable arrival in Colorado Springs.
- Downtown Colorado Springs — A sensible different if you would like eating places, breweries, and nightlife inside simpler strolling distance.
- Manitou Springs — A captivating choice in the event you want a smaller, artsy city nearer to Backyard of the Gods and Pikes Peak.
Why This Works in a 7-Day Itinerary
Combining Durango to Colorado Springs into in the future retains the general loop tighter whereas nonetheless preserving crucial scenic and cultural stops earlier within the journey: Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods, Bluff, Mesa Verde, and Durango. It does imply sacrificing an in a single day in Pagosa Springs, however the route nonetheless permits you to take pleasure in it as a worthwhile cease alongside the way in which.
Greatest for: Mountain surroundings, an extended however rewarding journey day, Pagosa Springs as a scenic break, Pueblo as a sensible cease, and arriving in Colorado Springs in time for a full vacation spot day.
Day 6: Colorado Springs to Santa Fe by way of Las Vegas, New Mexico
Prompt Cease: Pagosa Springs
Approximate drive time: 5.5 to six.5 hours with out prolonged stops
Advisable tempo: Full journey day with a late-afternoon arrival in Santa Fe
Route: Colorado Springs → Pueblo → Las Vegas, New Mexico → Santa Fe
Day six begins the return leg of the loop, buying and selling Colorado’s Entrance Vary for the historic cities, excessive desert, and adobe structure of northern New Mexico. After leaving Colorado Springs, the route heads south by Pueblo and into New Mexico, the place the panorama step by step shifts from mountain foothills to open plains, mesas, and the distinctive colours of the Southwest. The aim for the day is Santa Fe, however the historic city of Las Vegas, New Mexico makes a worthwhile cease alongside the way in which.
Highlights Alongside the Method
- Morning in Colorado Springs — If time permits, squeeze in an early go to to Backyard of the Gods or a relaxed breakfast earlier than heading south.
- Pueblo — A sensible cease for gasoline, espresso, or a fast stroll alongside the Riverwalk in the event you missed it on the way in which in.
- Las Vegas, New Mexico — A historic railroad and Previous West city with classic structure, movie areas, and a less-polished allure than Santa Fe.
- Northern New Mexico Surroundings — Watch because the panorama shifts into excessive desert, with lengthy views, adobe tones, and open sky.
- Santa Fe Arrival — Plan to reach with sufficient time for a night stroll close to the Plaza, dinner, or a stroll by the historic district.
Prompt Cease: Las Vegas, New Mexico
Las Vegas, New Mexico is a type of locations many vacationers go with out realizing what they’re lacking. This isn’t the neon model of Las Vegas, however a historic railroad city stuffed with outdated lodges, frontier-era buildings, and a cinematic sense of pale grandeur. It makes a fantastic mid-route cease for lunch, espresso, or a brief stroll earlier than persevering with to Santa Fe.
Arrival in Santa Fe
Santa Fe is likely one of the most rewarding in a single day stops on the return route. After a number of days of red-rock roads, mountain cities, and lengthy scenic drives, the town affords a unique form of highway journey pleasure: artwork galleries, adobe structure, historic church buildings, wonderful eating places, boutique lodges, and walkable streets layered with tradition and historical past.
For those who arrive earlier than sundown, head towards the Santa Fe Plaza, wander the encircling streets, or make your option to Canyon Street if you would like a fast style of the town’s gallery scene. For dinner, Santa Fe affords every little thing from refined Southwestern delicacies to informal New Mexican classics.
The place to Keep
- Inn and Spa at Loretto — A powerful alternative if you wish to be inside strolling distance of the historic downtown, Santa Fe Plaza, retailers, galleries, and eating places.
- La Posada de Santa Fe — A beautiful historic resort-style property with basic Santa Fe character and easy accessibility to downtown.
- Bishop’s Lodge — A implausible alternative if you don’t thoughts staying a bit outdoors of downtown and need a extra secluded, upscale resort expertise.
Why Cease Right here
Santa Fe offers the return leg actual weight slightly than making it really feel like a easy drive again to Phoenix. It brings artwork, structure, meals, historical past, and a refined Southwestern environment into the loop, whereas additionally organising the following day’s return by Gallup, Canyon de Chelly, Winslow, and Arizona’s excessive nation.
Greatest for: Historic lodges, walkable downtown, artwork galleries, New Mexican delicacies, adobe structure, and a memorable remaining in a single day earlier than returning to Arizona.
Day 7: Santa Fe to Winslow by way of Gallup and Canyon de Chelly
Approximate drive time: 5.5 to 7 hours, relying on detours
Advisable tempo: Full day with scenic and historic stops
Route: Santa Fe → Gallup → Canyon de Chelly optionally available detour → Winslow
Day seven begins the return towards Arizona, however that is way over a transit day. Leaving Santa Fe, the route heads west throughout New Mexico’s excessive desert towards Gallup, a historic Route 66 city identified for buying and selling posts, Native American artwork, and the landmark El Rancho Lodge. From there, vacationers can proceed straight towards Winslow or add a worthwhile detour to Canyon de Chelly, one of the crucial underrated nationwide monuments within the Southwest.
Highlights Alongside the Method
- Santa Fe Morning — Get pleasure from breakfast close to the Plaza earlier than heading west.
- Gallup, New Mexico — A historic Route 66 cease with buying and selling posts, classic indicators, and Southwestern character.
- El Rancho Lodge — A basic roadside landmark value seeing, even when just for a fast stroll by the foyer.
- Canyon de Chelly Nationwide Monument — A extremely underrated detour with dramatic canyon overlooks, historical cliff dwellings, and deep Navajo historical past.
- Painted Desert / I-40 Hall — Huge-sky surroundings and wide-open views as you come to Arizona.
- Winslow, Arizona — A basic Route 66 in a single day cease with railroad historical past, old-town allure, and the well-known “Standin’ on the Nook” landmark.
Prompt Cease: Gallup and the El Rancho Lodge
Gallup makes a pure mid-route cease between Santa Fe and Winslow. It has lengthy been a crossroads for Route 66 vacationers, railroad historical past, buying and selling posts, and Native American artwork. The city is just not as polished as Santa Fe, however that’s a part of its attraction. Gallup has grit, historical past, and a way of place that feels linked to the outdated Southwest.
The historic El Rancho Lodge is the standout cease. As soon as a favourite lodging spot for Hollywood stars filming Westerns within the area, the lodge nonetheless has a splendidly nostalgic foyer stuffed with outdated pictures, wooden particulars, and classic Route 66 environment. Even when you don’t keep in a single day, it’s value stopping in to go searching.
Non-obligatory Detour: Canyon de Chelly Nationwide Monument
If time permits, divert north towards Canyon de Chelly Nationwide Monument close to Chinle. This is likely one of the most ignored highlights of the whole loop. Far fewer vacationers make it right here in comparison with locations like Monument Valley or the Grand Canyon, but the surroundings is extraordinary.
The canyon is outlined by sheer sandstone partitions, sweeping overlooks, historical cliff dwellings, and a dwelling Navajo panorama that continues to be culturally vital immediately. For a shorter go to, deal with the South Rim Drive, together with overlooks comparable to White Home Overlook and Spider Rock Overlook. You probably have extra time, a guided canyon tour can add deeper context, as a lot of the canyon flooring is accessible solely with licensed Navajo guides.
Arrival into Winslow
Winslow is a perfect in a single day on this model of the itinerary. It breaks up the return drive, retains Day 7 manageable, and offers the journey one final dose of Route 66 nostalgia earlier than the ultimate scenic run again to Phoenix.
Most vacationers know Winslow for Standin’ on the Nook Park, however the city is greater than a photograph cease. Its railroad historical past, classic structure, Route 66 identification, and historic lodges give it a surprisingly memorable character.
The place to Keep
- The Winslow — A more recent, hip, fashionable lodge simply off I-40. It’s handy, snug, and about 1.5 miles from outdated city, making it a robust alternative for vacationers who need a straightforward in a single day stick with up to date type.
- La Posada Lodge — One of many nice historic railroad lodges of the Southwest. If you don’t keep right here, make time to stroll by the property, discover the gardens and artwork, or have dinner at The Turquoise Room.
Why Cease Right here
Ending the day in Winslow offers the return leg respiration room. Somewhat than pushing all the way in which again to Phoenix from Santa Fe, this in a single day permits vacationers to take pleasure in Gallup, think about Canyon de Chelly, and arrive in Winslow with sufficient vitality to understand the city. It additionally units up a extra scenic remaining day by Pine, Strawberry, Payson, and Fountain Hills.
Greatest for: Route 66 historical past, Gallup trading-post tradition, Canyon de Chelly, historic lodges, railroad heritage, and a relaxed remaining in a single day earlier than returning to Phoenix.
Day 8: Winslow to Phoenix by way of Pine, Strawberry, Payson and Fountain Hills
Approximate drive time: 3.5 to 4.5 hours with out prolonged stops
Advisable tempo: Half day to full day
Route: Winslow → Freeway 87 south → Pine → Strawberry → Payson → Fountain Hills → Phoenix
The ultimate day of this Phoenix to Colorado Springs loop avoids the predictable interstate return and as a substitute turns south by a few of Arizona’s most pleasing high-country surroundings. Leaving Winslow, Freeway 87 drops away from the Route 66 hall and heads right into a quieter stretch of the state, the place open desert step by step offers option to pines, rim nation, small mountain communities, and finally the acquainted descent again into the Valley of the Solar.
Highlights Alongside the Method
- Winslow Morning — Begin with espresso, breakfast, or a remaining stroll by city earlier than leaving Route 66 behind.
- Standin’ on the Nook Park — For those who didn’t go to the night time earlier than, that is the important Winslow photograph cease.
- La Posada Lodge — Price a morning walk-through even in the event you didn’t keep there, particularly for the structure, gardens, artwork, and railroad historical past.
- Freeway 87 South — A extra scenic and fewer anticipated return route than merely taking I-40 and I-17.
- Pine and Strawberry — Two small mountain communities that make wonderful stops for espresso, lunch, antiques, native retailers, or a remaining style of Arizona excessive nation.
- Payson — A sensible cease for gasoline, meals, or a brief break earlier than descending towards the desert.
- Fountain Hills — A nice remaining cease earlier than returning to Phoenix, particularly if you would like one final stroll, espresso, or view of the well-known fountain.
Morning in Winslow
Earlier than leaving Winslow, take a while to benefit from the city past the well-known lyric. Standin’ on the Nook Park is the apparent cease, however Winslow’s railroad heritage and Route 66 environment are what make it a memorable in a single day slightly than only a fast roadside photograph. For those who stayed at The Winslow, the morning might be straightforward and environment friendly. For those who stayed at or close to La Posada, permit time to stroll the property earlier than heading south.
Scenic Return: Freeway 87 South
Somewhat than returning to Phoenix by means of I-40 and I-17, this route follows Freeway 87 south, creating a much more fascinating remaining leg. The drive step by step shifts from high-desert openness into the pines and cooler elevations of central Arizona earlier than finally descending again towards the Sonoran Desert.
That is the form of highway that provides the journey a greater ending. As a substitute of feeling like the holiday is over the second you allow Winslow, the ultimate day nonetheless has texture: mountain cities, forested stretches, rim-country views, and one final reminder of Arizona’s outstanding selection.
Prompt Stops: Pine and Strawberry
The small communities of Pine and Strawberry make excellent final-day stops. Each have a relaxed mountain-town really feel, with cafes, small retailers, native character, and a slower tempo than the bigger cities alongside the route. It is a good place to cease for lunch, seize espresso, browse a store or two, or just benefit from the cooler air earlier than persevering with south.
If you wish to stretch your legs, this space additionally affords entry to scenic trails and Mogollon Rim nation, although for an 8-day itinerary, it might be greatest to maintain the cease informal slightly than including a serious hike.
Ultimate Cease: Fountain Hills
Earlier than heading west into Phoenix, think about a remaining pause in Fountain Hills. The city’s namesake fountain, desert setting, public artwork, and lakefront strolling paths make it a pleasing place to ease again into the metropolitan space with out ending the journey abruptly.
Why This Route Works
The ultimate day brings the loop full circle in a manner that feels intentional. After Monument Valley, Bluff, Mesa Verde, Durango, Colorado Springs, Santa Fe, Gallup, Canyon de Chelly, and Winslow, this final stretch by Pine, Strawberry, Payson, and Fountain Hills provides another layer of Arizona surroundings. It avoids the monotony of a straight interstate return and offers the journey a softer, extra scenic touchdown again in Phoenix.
Greatest for: Route 66 nostalgia, scenic backroads, Arizona excessive nation, small mountain cities, a relaxed remaining drive, and a extra memorable return to Phoenix.
Conclusion
This Phoenix to Colorado Springs highway journey loop is supposed to be a information, not a inflexible itinerary. You possibly can definitely compress the route into 5 or 6 days in case your aim is to cowl floor, deal with the foremost highlights, and maintain transferring. However the true fantastic thing about this journey is how simply it expands. Add an evening in Monument Valley, linger in Bluff, spend additional time exploring Mesa Verde, experience the practice in Durango, soak longer in Pagosa Springs, take pleasure in a full resort keep at The Broadmoor, or give Santa Fe the 2 or three days it deserves, and out of the blue this similar route turns into a two- or three-week Southwest journey.
That flexibility is what makes the loop so rewarding. It may be a fast-paced highway journey by a number of the most iconic landscapes within the area, or it might probably change into a deeper exploration of the Southwest’s layered historical past, Native cultures, canyon nation, mountain cities, Route 66 nostalgia, and desert-to-alpine surroundings. Nevertheless you tempo it, the route affords way over a drive from Phoenix to Colorado Springs. It’s a sweeping journey by the altering moods of the Southwest, the place each flip appears to disclose another excuse to decelerate, pull over, and take all of it in.
You probably have any questions on this Phoenix to Colorado Springs highway journey, depart a remark beneath, completely happy to assist. So, till subsequent time, we’ll see ya on the highway…