Taos to Idaho Falls Road Trip: Epic Western Landscapes

This route traces the old Spanish Trail and Oregon Trail corridors, crossing four states and the Continental Divide. The drive covers approximately 780 miles (1,255 km) with an estimated driving time of 12 hours without stops, making it a solid two-day journey.

The highway numbers shift from US-64 to US-84 to I-25, then US-285, I-70, and finally I-15 through Utah into Idaho. The highest elevation is at Wolf Creek Pass (10,856 ft) near the start, while the lowest is around 4,700 ft in the Snake River Plain.

A quirky local fact: the section of US-285 between Tres Piedras and Antonio, CO is known as the 'High Road to Taos' scenic byway but is often empty of traffic, offering a meditative drive. For tips on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, check our guide.

Fatigue management: Take breaks every 2 hours. Good rest stops include the Great Sand Dunes NP visitor center (flush toilets), the Salida rest area (mile marker 160 on US-285), and the Thompson Springs rest area on I-70. The Green River rest area in Utah has a gas station and fast food.

Family suitability: The route has many kid-friendly attractions. The Great Sand Dunes offers sand sledding. In Moab, the Moab Giants dinosaur track site is interactive. The Living Planet Aquarium in Draper, UT, is a good rainy-day stop.

Pet-friendly framework: Most national parks allow leashed pets on trails except in backcountry. The Black Canyon requires pets on roads and in campgrounds only. Many hotels along the route accept pets, but call ahead. Rest stops have pet areas.

• Hidden off-route spots: The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness (NM) near Farmington offers hoodoos and badlands. The Valley of the Gods (UT) near Mexican Hat is a free scenic drive.
• Culinary infrastructure: In Salida, try the Fritz Burger or the Thai Mini Café. In Grand Junction, the Warehouse 2565 serves farm-to-table. In Provo, the Community Plate has hearty breakfasts.
• Climatic conditions: Expect temperature swings from 90°F in valleys to 50°F at passes. Summer monsoons cause flash floods. Winter brings snow. Check forecasts at weather.gov.

Road safety: Wildlife such as deer and elk are common at dawn/dusk. I-70 has steep grades (6%) near Glenwood Canyon. Use low gears. Text STOP to 511 for road alerts. Emergency dial 911 or *CO (Colorado), *UT (Utah), *ID (Idaho).

Leaving Taos, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains give way to the San Luis Valley, a high desert basin. The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve (CO) features the tallest dunes in North America, with Medano Creek flowing seasonally. Admission is $25 per vehicle.

Continuing north, US-285 climbs over Poncha Pass into the Arkansas River Valley. The Collegiate Peaks offer views of 14,000-foot mountains. In Salida, the historic downtown has art galleries and the Arkansas River, popular for rafting.

West on US-50, the route crosses the Continental Divide at Monarch Pass (11,312 ft). The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (near Montrose) is a 2-hour detour but offers dramatic 2,000-foot cliffs. The park has a $25 fee.

• UNESCO site: Mesa Verde National Park (near Cortez, CO) is a 2-hour detour from US-160. It features Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. Admission $25.
• Local commerce: In Moab, UT, the main street has outfitters, restaurants, and bike shops. Fruita, CO, is known for microbreweries and dinosaur fossils.
• Agricultural stops: In Delta, CO, try Palisade peaches (seasonal). In Utah, honey and raspberries are specialties.

The drive through Utah follows I-70 through the San Rafael Swell, then I-15 through Provo and Salt Lake City. The Wasatch Mountains provide a scenic backdrop. In Idaho Falls, the Snake River Greenbelt offers walking paths and the Idaho Falls Temple.

Fuel stations are plentiful along interstates but sparse on US-285 and US-50. Plan to fill up in Taos, Alamosa, Salida, and Grand Junction. Premium fuel is available in larger towns. Diesel is common at truck stops.

Restrooms are available at most fuel stations, but along US-285 between Antonito and Saguache, rest areas are limited. Use facilities in Alamosa or at the Great Sand Dunes NP visitor center. The BLM land offers free dispersed camping for self-contained RVs.

• Cell service: Verizon and T-Mobile work in valleys but drop in mountain passes. AT&T is weak between Antonito and Saguache.
• Road quality: US-285 is two-lane with occasional passing lanes. I-25 and I-70 are four-lane divided highways. I-15 is well-maintained.
• Towing services: AAA coverage is recommended; several tow companies in Alamosa and Salida.

The route has no tolls. Winter travel requires chains or snow tires from October to April, especially over Wolf Creek Pass and Vail Pass. Check COtrip.org for conditions.