Taos to Evanston Road Trip: Complete Guide

The drive from Taos, New Mexico to Evanston, Wyoming spans over 880 miles, crossing the Continental Divide three times. This route follows US-64, I-25, I-70, and I-80, passing through Colorado and Utah. A little-known fact: the stretch of I-70 through the Colorado Rockies was completed in 1992, making it one of the last interstate segments built in the US.

Estimated driving time is 13 hours without stops, but plan for at least two days to enjoy the journey. The best way to explore is to treat the drive as a series of distinct regions: the high desert of New Mexico, the Rocky Mountains, the red rock canyons of Utah, and the high plains of Wyoming.

Taos sits at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, known for their aspen groves and Pueblo architecture. As you head north on US-64, you cross the Rio Grande Gorge. This bridge is 650 feet high and offers panoramic views of the rift.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Mesa Verde National Park is a 2-hour drive from Taos. The park preserves Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. While not directly on the route, it's worth a detour. In Colorado, the Rocky Mountain National Park is near I-70, but the main road goes through Glenwood Canyon.

The culinary landscape ranges from New Mexican green chile to Colorado trout and Utah fry sauce. In Moab, Utah (a popular detour), try the Jailhouse Cafe for breakfast. In Evanston, the Botero Livery stable turned restaurant serves Wyoming bison burgers.

Local commerce includes art galleries in Taos and Silverthorne, and the Tread of Pioneers Museum in Steamboat Springs (if you take the US-40 alternate). Don't miss the handmade pottery at Taos Pueblo.

To discover more about finding hidden gems along your drive, check out this guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Road quality on I-70 is good, but note frequent construction in summer. In winter, chain laws may apply for the Eisenhower Tunnel (elevation 11,158 ft). Always carry emergency supplies.

Fatigue management: Plan stops every 2 hours. Rest areas with picnic tables are common. The best rest stop is the Dotsero Rest Area on I-70, with views of the Colorado River.

Family-friendly stops: The Loveland Pass (US-6) offers a chance to see mountain goats. In Utah, the Red Cliffs Recreation Area near St. George (off I-15) has easy hikes. The Wyoming frontier history comes alive at Fort Bridger State Historic Site, 30 miles east of Evanston.

Pet-friendly framework: Most hotels along I-70 accept pets, but check policies. National forests allow leashed dogs. The Green River State Park in Utah has a pet-friendly campground.

• Hidden off-route spot: The ghost town of Gilman, Colorado (off I-70 exit 171) is an abandoned mining town nestled in the cliffs.
• Another gem: Dinosaur Diamond National Scenic Byway near Vernal, Utah, about 80 miles north of I-70.
• For a quirky stop, visit the World's Largest Truck Stop in Walcott, Iowa (but that's way off route – stick to Utah's Ranch Grill).

Fuel stations are plentiful along interstates, but sparse on US-64 and US-84. Gas prices vary: as of spring 2025, average at $3.50/gal in New Mexico, $3.80 in Colorado, $3.60 in Utah, and $3.40 in Wyoming. Budget around $200 for fuel for a standard sedan.

Electric vehicle charging: Tesla Superchargers in Taos, Santa Fe, Denver, Silverthorne, Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction, Green River, and Evanston. Level 2 chargers at many hotels.

Tolls: No toll roads on this route. However, I-70 has some toll express lanes near Denver, but they can be avoided. Rest areas every 30-50 miles on interstates; highlights include the Colorado Welcome Center at Idaho Springs and the Utah Rest Area near Green River.

• Best time to drive: May-October for clear roads; November-April expect snow in Colorado and Wyoming.
• Road quality: I-70 and I-80 excellent; US-64 two-lane winding, less maintained.
• Weigh stations for trucks; passenger vehicles rarely stopped.