Family Road Trip 2026 — Texas to Utah

Family Road Trip 2026

Texas to
Utah

June 18 — June 30  ·  Salado, TX → Samak, UT

13Days
~2,800Miles
6Travelers
5States
↓ scroll to explore ↓
01

The Full Route

Click any marker on the interactive map below. Green = outbound, Blue = cabin, Orange = return.

□️

Full Route Map

Open this link in Google Maps to see the full route with all stops plotted from Salado, TX to Samak, UT via Colorado.

Open in Google Maps →
Outbound Stops
Cabin Base (Samak)
Return Stops
Dino Sites
02

Day by Day

□ = All times shown in local time at destination  |  ⏰ = Clock change reminder  |  □ = Baby-friendly  |  □ = Grandparent-friendly  |  □ = Kids 11+  |  □ = Teens/adventurous

□ Outbound — Texas to Utah (Family + Grandparents)
Day 1
Salado, TX → Amarillo, TX
June 18 (Wed)
☀️ High 96°F / □ Low 68°F — Hot & sunny □️ Day 1 Map →
□ ~7 hrs 45 min (Salado → Amarillo)
□ ~477 miles via US-287
□ Central Time (CDT)
□ Depart by 7:00am CDT — long day!
✅ RV-Safe: US-287 wide truck route
□
Depart Salado by 7:00am CDT — this is a long day (7h 45min driving). Early start = arrive Amarillo by 4–5pm with energy for dinner and the pool
Everyone
□
Stop 1 — Wichita Falls, TX (~2.5 hrs from Salado) — great legs-out break! Walk the Wichita Falls River Walk along the Red River, see the famous (man-made) Wichita Falls waterfall, grab coffee. Easy 20-minute stretch
↗ Wichita Falls River Walk Map
□
Stop 2 — Childress or Wellington, TX (~2 hrs further, ~4.5 hrs from Salado) — gas, snacks, stretch. Small town Texas charm. Estelline (just south of here) is notorious for speed traps — keep it at 50 mph through town!
□️
US-287 North through the Texas Panhandle — flat, fast, and quintessentially Texas. Great time for road trip games and podcasts
□️
Arrive Amarillo KOA Journey — check in, set up, swim in the pool, settle in for tomorrow's big day
↗ Amarillo KOA — Reserve Here
□ Baby□ Grandparents
□
Evening: Walk the Cadillac Ranch — free, iconic, and kids love spray painting the buried cars!
Day 2
Amarillo → Palo Duro → Pueblo, CO
June 19 (Thu)
☀️ Amarillo: 90°F/68°F → Pueblo: 89°F/56°F □️ Day 2 Map →
□ Amarillo → Palo Duro: 25 min
□ Palo Duro → Pueblo: ~4 hrs
□ ~290 miles total
□ Central → Mountain Time
✅ RV-Safe: I-27/US-87 interstate
⏰ Clock Change! Set clocks FORWARD 1 hour when crossing into New Mexico/Colorado border area. You lose an hour — depart Palo Duro no later than 11:00am CDT (noon MDT).
□️
Morning: Palo Duro Canyon State Park — the "Grand Canyon of Texas." Drive the scenic road (4 miles, all ages), stop at the Lighthouse trailhead for photos
↗ Palo Duro Canyon — Texas State Parks
Easy Drive LoopLighthouse Trail (5.5mi rt)
□ Baby□ Grandparents□ Teens
□
Drive north on I-27/US-87 into Colorado. Cross into Mountain Time — remind kids to update phones!
□️
Arrive Pueblo, CO — check into closest/best-value campground or KOA
↗ Pueblo KOA — Reserve Here
□
Optional: Lake Pueblo State Park — quick swim or walk, kids can splash while adults relax
Everyone
Day 3
Pueblo → Royal Gorge → Crested Butte → Gunnison
June 20 (Fri)
□️ Crested Butte: 70°F/33°F □ → Gunnison: 74°F/42°F □ □️ Day 3 Map →
□ Pueblo → Royal Gorge: 45 min
□ Royal Gorge → Crested Butte: ~2.5 hrs via US-50
□ Crested Butte → Gunnison: 45 min via CO-135
□ ~180 miles total
□ Mountain Time (MDT)
✅ RV-Safe: US-50 truck route, CO-135 standard highway
□ Thousand Trails FREE tonight
□️
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park — 1,000-ft suspension bridge, gondola over the Arkansas River gorge. World's highest suspension bridge! Teens go wild, grandparents love the views. Allow 1.5–2 hours
↗ Royal Gorge — Tickets & Info
Everyone
□
★ Afternoon: Crested Butte, CO — the "Wildflower Capital of Colorado" at 8,900 ft elevation. Late June means wildflowers are just beginning to bloom. Walk colorful Elk Avenue (downtown), grab lunch at a local café, let the kids run at Town Park. One of the most charming mountain towns in America — you'll want to come back!
↗ Visit Crested Butte — Official Guide
□ Baby□ GrandparentsEveryone
□
Crested Butte — Woods Walk Trail (30 min, flat aspen grove loop) — perfect for grandparents and the baby carrier. Wildflower meadows, mountain backdrop, very easy stroll just west of town
Easy
□ Baby□ Grandparents
□
Teens Option: Snodgrass Mountain Trail — 4.5 mi loop with big mountain views. Starts just outside town. Families with babies love it too at the lower sections
Moderate
□ Teens
□️
★ FREE Night: Thousand Trails Blue Mesa Ranch near Gunnison — 45 min from Crested Butte. Grandparents park in motorhome FREE, your family in cabin through membership. Stunning Blue Mesa Reservoir setting
↗ Blue Mesa Ranch — Confirm with Grandparents' Membership
□ Free!
Day 4
Gunnison → Grand Junction → Vernal, UT
June 21 (Sat)
☀️ Grand Junction: 95°F/65°F → Vernal: 80°F/55°F □️ Day 4 Map →
□ Gunnison → Grand Junction: 1.5 hrs
□ Grand Junction → Vernal: 2.5 hrs
□ ~290 miles total
□ Mountain Time (MDT)
✅ RV-Safe: US-50 expressway, I-70, US-40. ⚠️ Colorado Nat'l Monument: park motorhome at visitor center, take family car for Rim Rock Drive
□️
Colorado National Monument (near Grand Junction) — 23-mile Rim Rock Drive through dramatic sandstone canyons. Park motorhome at visitor center, take family car for the drive. America the Beautiful Pass covers entry!
↗ Colorado National Monument — NPS.gov
□ Baby□ Grandparents
□️
Arrive Vernal, UT — check in to overnight lodging
↗ Vernal / Dinosaurland KOA — Reserve Here
□
Utah Field House of Natural History (Vernal) — indoor museum, full-size dino sculptures in the garden. Perfect afternoon activity
↗ Utah Field House — Hours & Admission (~$8/adult)
□ Baby□ GrandparentsEveryone
Day 5
Vernal → Dinosaur NM → Samak Cabin!
June 22 (Sun)
□️ Vernal: 80°F/55°F → Samak: 74°F/44°F □ □️ Day 5 Map →
□ Vernal → Dinosaur NM: 20 min
□ Dinosaur NM → Samak: ~3 hrs
□ ~215 miles total
□ Mountain Time (MDT)
✅ RV-Safe: US-40, US-189 standard highways
□ Arrive Cabin!
□
★ Dinosaur National Monument — Quarry Exhibit Hall — TOUCH 1,500 actual dinosaur bones embedded in the rock wall. One of the greatest dinosaur experiences on Earth. Allow 2–3 hours
↗ Dinosaur NM Quarry Hall — NPS.gov
Easy Walk
□ Baby□ GrandparentsEveryone
□
□ ARRIVE SAMAK CABIN! — Unpack, explore, breathe the mountain air at 7,400 ft elevation. Provo River is right there. Welcome home for 5 nights!
□ Cabin Days — Samak, UT (Family + Grandparents)
Day 6
Arrive Day — Settle In & Explore
June 22 (Sun)
□️ Samak/Kamas: High ~74°F / Low ~44°F — Pack layers for evenings!
□
Explore the cabin grounds — walk the Provo River trail right outside the door. Baby carrier hike, baby loves the water sounds
□ Baby□ Grandparents
□
Stock up in Kamas (7 min away) — Smith's grocery store for cabin supplies. Pick up Utah fishing licenses here or at wildlife.utah.gov
Day 7
Fishing Day — Provo River & Mirror Lake
June 23 (Mon)
□
Provo River (Upper) — world-class trout fishing, right outside the cabin. Grandparents and teens fish, baby plays in the shallows supervised. Gorgeous mountain stream
□ Baby□ Grandparents□ Teens
□️
Afternoon: Mirror Lake (~30 min up Highway 150) — stunning alpine lake at 10,000 ft. Easy flat walk around the lake. Baby carrier, grandparents on the bench, teens skip rocks
↗ Mirror Lake — USFS Info
Easy Walk
Everyone
Day 8
Mirror Lake Highway Scenic Day
June 24 (Tue)
□
Drive Highway 150 (Mirror Lake Scenic Byway) — pack a full picnic lunch. Stop at Soapstone Basin, Bald Mountain Picnic Area, Lily Lake, Lost Lake. Dozens of pull-offs
□ Baby□ Grandparents
□
Teens Option: Bald Mountain Trail — 2.6 mi round trip to a bare summit with 360° views of the Uintas. Tough but incredible
Strenuous
□ Teens
□
Evening: Cabin cookout — campfire, s'mores, star gazing at 7,400 ft. Milky Way is spectacular in the Uintas
Everyone
Day 9
Free Day — Kids Lead!
June 25 (Wed)
□️
ATV Day! — cabin ATVs on the Uinta Mountain trails. Teens ride, grandparents supervise from a scenic spot, baby naps
□ Teens□ Grandparents
□
Grandparents & baby: Lazy morning fishing on the Provo, swing on the porch, afternoon naps. No agenda needed
□ Baby□ Grandparents
□
Evening: Family game night at the cabin. Let the kids pick!
Day 10
Last Cabin Day — ATVs, River & Pack Up
June 26 (Thu)
□️ Samak: High ~74°F / Low ~44°F — Last night in the mountains!
□️
Morning: Last ATV ride in the Uintas — make it count! Teens hit the trails one more time
□ Teens
□
Grandparents + Baby: Last morning on the Provo River — peaceful fishing, coffee on the porch, soak in the mountain views
□ Baby□ Grandparents
□
Afternoon: Pack up the cabin — clean, load up, prep for departure tomorrow morning. Say a bittersweet goodbye to the mountains!
□
Evening: Final campfire — s'mores, stargazing at 7,400 ft, family memories under the Milky Way. Uinta night skies are spectacular
Everyone
□ Return — Family of 6 Only (Grandparents stay in Utah)
Day 11
Samak → Bryce Canyon National Park, UT
June 27 (Fri)
□️ Samak: 74°F/44°F → Bryce Canyon: 79°F/43°F □ Cool & beautiful! □️ Day 11 Map →
□ Samak → Bryce Canyon: ~3.5 hrs via US-6/US-89
□ ~230 miles
□ Mountain Time (MDT)
□ Leisurely departure — arrive by early afternoon
□ America the Beautiful Pass covers entry ✅
⚠️ Book lodging NOW — fills fast in June!
□
Say goodbye to grandparents — they stay in Utah! No rush this morning — leisurely cabin breakfast, pack up, depart by 9–10am MDT
□
Drive south through Provo, US-89 south — beautiful canyon and high desert scenery. Classic Utah landscape all the way to Bryce
□
Arrive Bryce Canyon early afternoon — check in, visit the Visitor Center, grab a park map and Junior Ranger book for the kids
↗ Bryce Canyon NP — Plan Your Visit
□
Afternoon: Rim Trail — Sunrise to Sunset Point (1 mi paved) — the easiest introduction to the canyon. Walk the paved rim path above the amphitheater, absolutely stunning views of the hoodoos below. Baby carrier perfect here, stroller-accessible
↗ Bryce Canyon Rim Trail — NPS Info
Easy — Paved & Flat
□ BabyEveryone
□
★ SUNSET at Bryce Point or Inspiration Point — the hoodoos turn flaming orange and red at sunset. One of the most spectacular natural light shows on Earth. Allow 30–45 min at the overlook
Everyone
□
★ Night Sky at Bryce Canyon — Bryce is one of the darkest sky parks in the US. After sunset stay for 20 minutes — the Milky Way is overwhelming at 8,000 ft elevation. Kids will remember this forever
Everyone
Day 12
Bryce Canyon → Cortez, CO (Mesa Verde area)
June 28 (Sat)
□️ Bryce: 79°F/43°F → Cortez/Mesa Verde: 85°F/52°F □️ Day 12 Map →
□ Bryce Canyon → Cortez, CO: ~5 hrs via US-89/US-160
□ ~310 miles
□ Mountain Time (MDT)
□ Depart 8am — arrive Cortez by 1pm, afternoon at Mesa Verde
□ America the Beautiful Pass covers entry ✅
⚠️ Mesa Verde cliff tours: Book at recreation.gov EXACTLY 14 days before!
□
★ SUNRISE at Bryce Canyon — Sunrise Point — set your alarms! The amphitheater at sunrise is otherworldly. Even 30 minutes before breakfast is worth it. Then pack up and hit the road
Everyone
□
Morning: Queen's Garden + Navajo Loop Combo (3 mi, ~2 hrs) — the most beloved hike in Bryce Canyon. Descend into the canyon among the hoodoos, walk through Wall Street slot canyon, pass Thor's Hammer. Start early before the heat and crowds
↗ Bryce Canyon — Queen's Garden/Navajo Loop
Moderate — 550 ft descent/ascent
□ Teens
□
Depart Bryce Canyon ~10–11am — US-89 south through Kanab (quick stop for gas/lunch), US-160 east through stunning canyon country into Colorado. Scenic Four Corners region
□️
Afternoon: Mesa Verde National Park — Chapin Mesa — drive in, do the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum (free, excellent), walk the short Spruce Tree House overlook (the cliff dwelling is visible right from the path)
↗ Mesa Verde NP — Plan Your Visit
Easy Museum & Overlook
□ BabyEveryone
□️
Overnight Cortez or Durango, CO — charming Colorado mountain towns 10–35 miles from Mesa Verde. Great dinner, comfortable sleep before the full park day tomorrow
↗ Search Cortez Cabins — Airbnb
↗ Mesa Verde KOA — Reserve
Day 13
★ Full Day Mesa Verde → Trinidad, CO Evening
June 29 (Sun)
□️ Mesa Verde: 85°F/52°F → Trinidad: 82°F/50°F □️ Day 13 Map →
□ Mesa Verde → Trinidad: ~3.5 hrs via US-160/I-25
□ ~215 miles
□ Mountain Time (MDT)
□ Full morning + afternoon at Mesa Verde, depart ~4pm, arrive Trinidad ~8pm
⚠️ Book Cliff Palace tour: recreation.gov — 14 days in advance at 8am MDT sharp!
□️
★ CLIFF PALACE RANGER TOUR — the largest cliff dwelling in North America. 150 rooms, 23 kivas, built into a canyon wall 700 years ago. 1-hour ranger-guided tour, moderate exertion. Absolutely bucket list. $8/adult, $1/infant
↗ Cliff Palace Tour Tickets — recreation.gov
Moderate — some stairs & ladders
□ TeensEveryone
□
Teens Option: Balcony House Tour (book separately) — 32-foot ladder climb, narrow tunnel crawl, steep steps carved in rock. The adventure version of Mesa Verde. Allow 2 hrs between tours
↗ Balcony House Tickets — recreation.gov
Strenuous — ladder & tunnel
□ Teens
□
Petroglyph Point Trail (2.4 mi loop) — passes the largest petroglyph panel in the park. Moderate canyon walk, stunning views. Do this after tours in the early afternoon
Moderate
□ Teens
□
Depart Mesa Verde ~4:00pm MDT — US-160 east through Durango, then I-25 north to Trinidad. Stunning San Juan Mountain scenery on this drive
□️
Arrive Trinidad, CO ~8:00pm MDT — check in, grab a late dinner on historic Main Street, rest up for the big drive home tomorrow
↗ The Well Hotel Trinidad — Highly Rated Boutique
↗ Trinidad KOA — Reserve
Day 14
Trinidad, CO → HOME! Salado, TX
June 30 (Mon)
☀️ Trinidad: 82°F/50°F → Salado: 96°F/72°F — WELCOME HOME! □ □️ Day 14 Map →
□ Trinidad → Wichita Falls: ~5.5 hrs via I-25/US-287
□ Wichita Falls → Salado: ~2.5 hrs
□ ~490 miles total
□ Mountain → Central Time (gain 1 hour!)
□ Depart 7:00am MDT — arrive Salado ~4:30pm CDT
⏰ Clock Change! Set clocks FORWARD 1 hour crossing into Texas (Mountain → Central). You gain an hour — every bit helps on this push day!
□️
Morning: Quick Trinidad sightseeing before departing — free Trinidad Trolley tour of the historic district departs from downtown (45 min, check current schedule). Brick streets, Victorian architecture, Kit Carson Park. Worth a 1-hour morning walk before hitting the road
↗ Visit Trinidad Colorado — Trolley & Attractions
Everyone
□
Depart Trinidad 8:00am MDT — I-25 south briefly into NM (just 30 min), then US-64/US-87 east through the Texas Panhandle. Gain an hour entering Central Time
□
Break Stop: Wichita Falls, TX (~5.5 hrs from Trinidad) — your familiar River Walk stop! Stretch, grab lunch, final push of 2.5 hrs to Salado
□
□ ARRIVE HOME SALADO! — June 30, approximately 4:30pm CDT. 13 days, 5 states, 3 national parks, dinosaur bones, hoodoos, cliff dwellings — a lifetime of memories! □
Everyone
03

Dinosaur Highlights

Your trip is absolutely loaded with world-class dino experiences. Here's the full breakdown.

□
Dinosaur Ridge
Morrison, CO — Day 4 area
Walk on actual dinosaur trackways and see fossil bones in the rock. Free outdoor trail, paved and stroller-friendly. One of the best free dino sites in America.
Everyone

↗ Dinosaur Ridge Website
□️
Utah Field House of Natural History
Vernal, UT — Day 4 evening
Indoor museum with a dinosaur garden featuring 18 life-size sculptures. Full skeleton exhibits, geology displays. ~$8/adult, kids discounted.
Everyone

↗ Utah Field House Info
□
Dinosaur National Monument
Jensen, UT — Day 5 & Day 10
The crown jewel. Touch 1,500 actual dinosaur bones still embedded in the rock wall. A 3D fossil quarry unlike anything else on Earth. Petroglyphs, river hikes, canyon views. Covered by America the Beautiful Pass.
Everyone

↗ Dinosaur NM — NPS.gov
⛏️
Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry
Price, UT — 1.5 hrs from Samak
Active BLM fossil site — the densest concentration of Jurassic dinosaur bones ever found. Very affordable, very raw and real. Good half-day option if teens want one more dino experience from the cabin.
Teens & Kids

↗ Cleveland-Lloyd — BLM Info
□
Goblin Valley State Park
Green River, UT — Return Day 11
Thousands of mushroom-shaped sandstone hoodoos carved over millions of years — looks like another planet. No set trails — explore anywhere freely! Kids roam wild among the "goblins." Perfect family stop on the return between Samak and Moab.
Everyone

↗ Goblin Valley — Utah State Parks
04

Iconic Hikes

■ Green = Easy (Baby □ + Grandparents □)   ■ Yellow = Moderate (Kids 11+ □)   ■ Red = Hard (Teens □)

Palo Duro Canyon Scenic Loop Drive
Palo Duro Canyon SP, TX — Day 2
4-mile scenic road through the canyon. Pull off at any point, walk to the canyon floor overlook, take photos. No real hiking required.
□ Drive + short walks⏱ 1–2 hours□ $8/vehicle
Easy
□ Baby□ GrandparentsEveryone
□□
Lighthouse Trail
Palo Duro Canyon SP, TX — Day 2
5.5-mile round trip to a stunning sandstone pillar. The best hike in Palo Duro. Rocky and exposed — skip with baby in heat but teens and adults should do it!
□ 5.5 mi rt⛰ 300 ft gain⏱ 2.5–3 hrs
Moderate
□ Teens□ (optional)
□
Mirror Lake Loop Trail
Samak/Mirror Lake, UT — Day 7 & 8
Flat, easy 1-mile loop around the stunning alpine lake at 10,000 ft elevation. Stroller-accessible on the paved portions. Breathtaking mountain scenery, wildflowers in June.
□ 1 mi loop⛰ Flat⏱ 30–45 min
Easy
□ Baby□ GrandparentsEveryone
□□
Bald Mountain Trail
Mirror Lake Highway, UT — Day 8
Steep scramble to the bare summit at 11,943 ft. 360-degree views of the entire Uinta Mountains. Teens and fit adults only. Altitude is real — take it slow at first.
□ 2.6 mi rt⛰ 1,150 ft gain⏱ 2–3 hrs
Strenuous
□ Teens
□
Sound of Silence Trail
Dinosaur National Monument, UT — Day 10
1.5-mile loop through desert terrain with petroglyphs and canyon views. Some scrambling but manageable for most. Grandparents can do the first half and turn back. Baby carrier recommended.
□ 1.5 mi loop⛰ 200 ft gain⏱ 1–1.5 hrs
Easy–Moderate
□ Baby (carrier)□ Grandparents
□□
Landscape Arch Trail
Arches National Park, UT — Day 12
Paved and flat 1.6-mile round trip to the longest natural arch in the world (306 ft span!). Stroller-accessible. Grandparents and baby can do the whole thing comfortably in the morning cool.
□ 1.6 mi rt⛰ 60 ft gain⏱ 45 min–1 hr
Easy
□ Baby□ GrandparentsEveryone
□□
Delicate Arch Trail
Arches National Park, UT — Day 12
THE bucket list hike. Steep slickrock climb to the most iconic arch in Utah. Go before 7am in June — brutal heat by 10am. Teens will remember this forever. Skip with baby in summer heat.
□ 3 mi rt⛰ 480 ft gain⏱ 2–3 hrs
Strenuous (in June heat)
□ Teens
□
Rim Trail — Sunrise to Sunset Point
Bryce Canyon National Park, UT — Return Day 11
Paved, flat 1-mile round trip above the hoodoo amphitheater. The best easy introduction to Bryce Canyon. Stroller accessible, wheelchair accessible. Perfect sunset and sunrise walk. Baby carrier or stroller works perfectly here.
□ 1 mi rt⛰ 40 ft gain⏱ 30–45 min
Easy — Paved & Flat
□ BabyEveryone
□
★ Queen's Garden + Navajo Loop Combo
Bryce Canyon National Park, UT — Return Day 12
The most beloved hike in Bryce Canyon. Descend into the canyon among towering hoodoos, walk through Wall Street slot canyon, pass Thor's Hammer. Start at Sunrise Point, exit at Sunset Point. Go early — hot and crowded by 10am in June.
□ 3 mi loop⛰ 550 ft gain⏱ 2–3 hrs
Moderate
□ Teens
□
★ Cliff Palace Ranger Tour
Mesa Verde National Park, CO — Return Day 13
Largest cliff dwelling in North America — 150 rooms built into a canyon wall 700 years ago. 1-hour ranger-guided tour with some stairs and short ladders. Completely bucket-list. $8/adult, $1/infant. Book EXACTLY 14 days in advance at recreation.gov at 8am MDT sharp!
⏱ 1 hr tour□ $8/adult□ Book June 14!
Moderate — stairs & ladders
□ TeensEveryone
□
Balcony House Tour
Mesa Verde National Park, CO — Return Day 13
The adventure version of Mesa Verde — a 32-foot ladder climb, crawl through a narrow tunnel, and steep steps carved directly into the rock. Absolutely unforgettable. Teens will talk about this forever. Book separately at recreation.gov, allow 2 hours between Cliff Palace and Balcony House tours.
⏱ 1 hr tour□ $8/adult□ Book June 14!
Strenuous — ladder & tunnel
□ Teens only
□
Mesa Arch (Canyonlands)
Canyonlands National Park, UT — Day 12
0.5-mile easy loop to a stunning arch framing the canyon 1,000 ft below. Best photography spot in Utah. Takes 20 minutes. Everyone does this one.
□ 0.5 mi rt⛰ Flat⏱ 20–30 min
Easy
□ Baby□ GrandparentsEveryone
□□
05

Places to Stay

✅ All routes confirmed RV-safe for a 35 ft motorhome. All highways on this route are major US highways or interstates used regularly by large rigs. One exception: park the motorhome at the Colorado National Monument visitor center and take the family vehicle for Rim Rock Drive — some tight curves on that scenic road. Daily excursion sites don't need to accommodate the motorhome once it's parked at camp.

Night 1 & 13 — Amarillo, TX
Option A: Amarillo KOA Journey
□️ Full Hookups · Cabins Available
Pool, playground, 30/50-amp electric hookups for the motorhome, deluxe cabins for your family. Book both June 18 & June 29 together. ~$80–100/cabin.
↗ Amarillo KOA — Reserve
Night 1 & 13 — Amarillo, TX
Option B: Amarillo Ranch RV Park
□ Full Hookups · No Cabin · Budget Pick
Local RV park with full 50-amp hookups, Wi-Fi, laundry. More affordable than KOA for the motorhome. Your family books a nearby hotel or Airbnb. ~$45–60/RV site.
↗ Search Amarillo RV Parks
Night 2 — Pueblo, CO
Option A: Pueblo KOA Journey
□️ Full Hookups · Cabins Available
Near the Arkansas River, 30/50-amp hookups, cabins for families. Easy access off I-25. ~$80–100/cabin.
↗ Pueblo KOA — Reserve
Night 2 — Pueblo, CO
Option B: Lake Pueblo State Park
□️ Electric Hookups · State Park
Electric hookup sites at a beautiful reservoir — more scenic than KOA and cheaper. Tent/cabin option for your family. Book early — fills fast in June. ~$28–45/site.
↗ Lake Pueblo SP — Reserve
Night 3 — Gunnison, CO
★ Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch
□ Thousand Trails — FREE for Motorhome!
Grandparents park FREE with zone membership. Full hookups for the motorhome. Book a cabin through the membership for your family too. Stunning Blue Mesa Reservoir setting.
↗ Thousand Trails — Confirm Booking
Night 3 — Gunnison, CO (backup)
Option B: Gunnison Lakeside Campground
□️ Full Hookups · Lakefront
Lakefront sites with full electric hookups on the Blue Mesa Reservoir. Great alternative if Thousand Trails has availability issues. Cabins also available. ~$45–75/night.
↗ Search Gunnison Campgrounds
Night 4 — Vernal, UT
Option A: Vernal / Dinosaurland KOA Holiday
□ Full Hookups · Dino Cabins · Fun!
Dinosaur-themed cabins the kids will love! Full 50-amp hookups for the motorhome, yurts, teepees. Pool and playground on site. ~$80–100/cabin.
↗ Dinosaurland KOA — Reserve
Night 4 — Vernal, UT
Option B: Fossil Valley RV Park
□ Full Hookups · Budget Pick
Local RV park in Vernal with full electric hookups at lower cost than KOA. Your family books a budget hotel or cabin nearby. Great option if KOA is full. ~$35–55/RV site.
↗ Search Vernal RV Parks
Nights 5–10 — Samak, UT
Your Cabin in Samak!
□ Private Cabin — Already Booked
7,400 ft elevation on the Provo River, Uinta National Forest. ATVs on site. Mirror Lake Highway right out your door. Home base for 5 glorious nights.
↗ Samak, UT on Google Maps
Night 11 — Bryce Canyon, UT (Return) ★
Option A: The Lodge at Bryce Canyon
□ Inside the Park — Most Iconic!
The only lodging inside Bryce Canyon NP. Steps from the canyon rim. Western Cabins sleep 4 (book two or a suite). No Wi-Fi or TV — total immersion in nature. Books out MONTHS in advance for June. ~$250–350/night.
↗ The Lodge at Bryce Canyon — Reserve
Night 11 — Bryce Canyon, UT (Return)
Option B: Best Western Plus Ruby's Inn
□ Family Hotel — Right at Park Entrance
Most popular family base for Bryce Canyon. Large family rooms, pool, restaurant, campground with hookups for RVs (grandparents if relevant). Within walking distance of park shuttle. ~$150–220/night.
↗ Ruby's Inn — Reserve
Night 11 — Bryce Canyon, UT (Return)
Option C: Bryce Canyon Villas (Cannonville)
□ Wooden Cabins — Private & Charming
Five charming wooden cabins near the park entrance with private porches, BBQ grills, fireplaces. Peaceful and rustic. 15 min from the park. Great for families who want their own space. ~$130–180/night.
↗ Search Bryce Canyon Villas
Night 12 — Cortez or Durango, CO (Return)
Option A: Mesa Verde KOA Holiday
□️ Campground + Cabins — Near Park
Right outside Mesa Verde, full hookups, cabins, pool. Convenient for early morning park entry. Great family atmosphere. ~$80–120/cabin night.
↗ Mesa Verde KOA — Reserve
Night 12 — Cortez or Durango, CO (Return)
Option B: Airbnb/VRBO Cabin in Cortez
□ Vacation Rental — Sleeps 6
Cortez has affordable vacation rentals close to Mesa Verde. Search for houses sleeping 6 with kitchen. Durango (35 min further) has more upscale options if you want a mountain town evening. ~$120–200/night.
↗ Search Cortez Cabins — Airbnb
Night 13 — Trinidad, CO (Return)
Option A: The Well Hotel & Taproom
□ Boutique Hotel — Historic Downtown
Highest-rated hotel in Trinidad. Newly opened boutique hotel on historic Main Street. Walking distance to the Trinidad Trolley, museums, and restaurants. Family rooms available. ~$150–200/night.
↗ The Well Hotel Trinidad — Reserve
Night 13 — Trinidad, CO (Return)
Option B: Trinidad KOA or Trinidad Lake SP
□️ Campground — Budget Option
KOA in Trinidad with full hookups and cabins. Or Trinidad Lake State Park for a scenic lakeside camp. Both budget-friendly for the final night. ~$60–90/night.
↗ Trinidad KOA — Reserve
06

Food, Coffee & Shops

Amarillo, TX
Tyler's Barbecue
□ Texas BBQ — Local Favorite
Old-school Amarillo BBQ institution. Brisket, ribs, sausage. Dirt cheap and delicious. Perfect fuel for the road ahead.
↗ Find on Google Maps
Amarillo, TX
Roasters Coffee + Tea
☕ Local Coffee Shop
Cozy local roaster in Amarillo. Great for a morning coffee before hitting Palo Duro.
↗ Google Maps
Pueblo, CO
The Neon Burro
□ Local Mexican — Pueblo Chile!
Pueblo is famous for its green chile. The Neon Burro is a locals' favorite. Order anything smothered in Pueblo green chile — you won't regret it.
↗ Google Maps
Glenwood Springs, CO
Glenwood Canyon Brewpub
☕□ Coffee + Local Brew
Right downtown, great coffee in the morning or cold beers after the zipline. Family-friendly patio with canyon views.
↗ Glenwood Canyon Brewpub
Gunnison, CO
Garlic Mike's Italian
□ Local Italian — Surprisingly Great
Beloved local spot in tiny Gunnison. Huge portions, very family-friendly, unexpected quality for a mountain town. Book ahead.
↗ Google Maps
Crested Butte, CO — Day 3
Teocalli Tamale
□ Local Mexican — CB Institution
Beloved Crested Butte burrito spot on Elk Avenue. Casual, cheap, delicious. Perfect lunch before hitting the trails. Outdoor seating with mountain views.
↗ Google Maps
Crested Butte, CO — Day 3
Crested Butte Coffee Roasters
☕ Local Mountain Roaster
Cozy local roaster right on Elk Avenue. Excellent espresso, house-roasted beans, friendly vibe. Great afternoon stop before heading to Gunnison.
↗ Search Coffee in Crested Butte
Ouray, CO — Return Day 12
Buen Tiempo Restaurant
□ Local Mexican — Ouray Staple
Ouray's beloved Mexican restaurant, open since 1977. Great margaritas for the adults, huge portions, kid-friendly. On Main Street, walk from the lodge.
↗ Google Maps
Ouray, CO — Return Day 12-13
Mouse's Chocolates & Coffee
☕□ Coffee + Handmade Chocolates
Quirky local gem on Main Street. House-made chocolates and great coffee. Kids will love picking out chocolates for the road home. Perfect morning send-off.
↗ Google Maps
□ Classic Western Diner
Vernal institution since 1960. Steaks, burgers, big portions. Kids menu available. Cash and card accepted.
↗ Google Maps
Kamas, UT (near Samak)
The Kamas Kafe
☕ Small Town Coffee
Charming little coffee shop in downtown Kamas, 7 minutes from Samak. Good espresso, baked goods, friendly locals. Morning run before hiking.
↗ Search Coffee in Kamas
Bryce Canyon area, UT — Return Night 11
Stone Hearth Grille (Tropic, UT)
□ Fine Casual Dining — Local Favorite
15 min from Bryce Canyon in charming Tropic. Steak, pasta, local trout. The best dinner option near the park. Make a reservation — fills up fast in June.
↗ Google Maps
Bryce Canyon area, UT — Return Night 11
IDK Cafe (Bryce Canyon City)
☕ Local Coffee — Right at Park Entrance
Funky little cafe right near Ruby's Inn. Good espresso, smoothies, casual breakfast. Perfect morning fuel before the early Bryce hike.
↗ Google Maps
Trinidad, CO — Return Night 13
Nana & Nano's Bistro
□ Italian — Trinidad Downtown Institution
Beloved local Italian restaurant on Main Street. Huge portions, family-friendly, reasonable prices. Locals have been coming here for years. Walk from The Well Hotel.
↗ Google Maps
Trinidad, CO — Return Night 13 / Morning 14
The Well Hotel Taproom Coffee
☕ Boutique Hotel Coffee Bar
Great morning coffee right in The Well Hotel before the big drive home. Grab coffee and pastries to go for the car. Perfect send-off fuel.
↗ The Well Hotel Trinidad
□ Classic American Diner
Open early (perfect for pre-hike breakfast), giant portions, great green chile. A Moab institution. Kids love the milkshakes.
↗ Google Maps
Moab, UT
Milt's Stop & Eat
□ Classic Burger Stand
Legendary Moab burger shack since 1954. Cash only, outdoor picnic tables, best burgers in canyon country. Order a green chile burger.
↗ Google Maps
Moab, UT
Moab Coffee Roasters
☕ Local Roaster
Best coffee in Moab, hands down. House-roasted beans, great cold brew for the heat, outdoor seating. Hit this before your early Arches entry!
↗ Moab Coffee Roasters
Moab, UT
Back of Beyond Books
□ Independent Bookshop
One of the best outdoor/adventure bookshops in the West. Great kids section, maps, trail guides, and Southwest nature books. Worth 20 minutes.
↗ Back of Beyond Books
Glenwood Springs, CO
Sunlight Mountain Sports
□️ Outdoor Gear Shop
Local gear shop in Glenwood Springs. Great for any last-minute hiking supplies, Utah maps, or replacing forgotten gear before you hit the Utah desert.
↗ Search Outdoor Shops — Glenwood
07

Packing List

□️ Before You Leave
  • America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80 — buy at store.usgs.gov)
  • Arches Timed Entry Reservation (recreation.gov — book NOW)
  • Utah Fishing Licenses (wildlife.utah.gov or buy in Kamas)
  • All campground/cabin reservations confirmed
  • Thousand Trails cabin confirmed with grandparents
  • Grandparents' motorhome serviced + filled
  • Roadside emergency kit in both vehicles
  • Download offline Google Maps for Utah/Colorado
□ Baby Essentials
  • Baby carrier/hiking pack (must-have for trails)
  • Portable white noise machine for cabin sleep
  • Pop-up travel tent/shade for sun protection
  • Baby sunscreen SPF 50+ (Utah sun is intense)
  • Extra diapers + wipes beyond what you think you need
  • Collapsible high chair or booster seat
  • Baby food pouches for car rides
  • Small inflatable pool for cabin porch water play
  • First aid kit with baby Tylenol/Benadryl
□ Hiking & Outdoors
  • Hiking boots for each family member (broken in!)
  • Trekking poles (grandparents — highly recommended)
  • Hydration packs / water bottles (3L per person for Arches)
  • Headlamps with extra batteries
  • Sunscreen SPF 50+ (reapply constantly in Utah)
  • Sun hats for everyone
  • Buff/neck gaiter for dust and sun
  • Day pack for hikes
  • Lightweight rain layers (mountain afternoon storms)
  • Bug spray (Uintas can have mosquitoes)
□ Road Trip Supplies
  • Cooler + ice packs — pack lunches to save $$$
  • Snack bin per car (road trip essentials)
  • Car phone mounts + chargers
  • Paper maps of CO + UT (cell service drops)
  • Activity bags for kids (card games, journals, drawing)
  • Portable Bluetooth speaker for cabin
  • Camera + extra memory cards
  • Binoculars (wildlife + canyon views)
  • Trash bags for car cleanliness
  • Disinfecting wipes + hand sanitizer
□️ Cabin & Camp Nights
  • Sleeping bags / extra blankets (Uintas get cold at night)
  • Lightweight camp chairs
  • S'mores supplies
  • Firestarter + long matches
  • Portable camp kitchen / cooking supplies
  • Dish soap + sponge
  • Clothesline + clips for air-drying
  • Flip flops for cabin use
□ Fishing Day
  • Fishing rods (check cabin — may have some!)
  • Utah fishing licenses for all adults (required)
  • Basic tackle box: hooks, bobbers, weights, lures
  • Waders or water shoes for river
  • Net + bucket for catch-and-release
  • Polarized sunglasses (see the fish!)
  • Fishing hat + sun protection
08

Budget Breakdown

Estimated Lodging Costs (7 nights, family of 6)
Night 1 — Amarillo KOA Cabin~$90
Night 2 — Pueblo KOA Cabin~$85
Night 3 — Blue Mesa Ranch (Thousand Trails)FREE □
Night 4 — Dinosaurland KOA Vernal~$80
Nights 5–10 — Samak Cabin (already booked)— (yours)
Night 11 — Bryce Canyon lodging (return)~$150–220
Night 12 — Cortez/Mesa Verde KOA or cabin (return)~$90–150
Night 13 — Trinidad, CO hotel or KOA (return)~$80–150
LODGING TOTAL (excl. Samak cabin)~$525
Other Key Costs
America the Beautiful Pass$80
Zipline — Glenwood Canyon (removed — replaced with Caverns)$160
★ Ouray Box Canyon Lodge — Night 12 return (family suite, sleeps 6)~$220–280
Night 13 return — Pueblo KOA or hotel~$90
Royal Gorge Bridge (family admission)~$120
Utah Field House admission (family)~$35
Palo Duro Canyon State Park (per vehicle)$8
Utah Fishing Licenses (2 adults)~$70
Arches timed entry (America the Beautiful covers entry fee)FREE ✅
★ Goblin Valley State Park ($20/vehicle)$20
ACTIVITIES TOTAL (estimated)~$480
□ Budget Tips: Pack your own lunches daily (saves $150+), cook dinners at the cabin, use the cooler for road trip meals. Gas is your biggest variable — budget ~$400–500 for fuel depending on your vehicle MPG across ~2,800 miles total.
09

Don't Forget These

□️
Buy America the Beautiful Pass NOW
Covers Arches, Canyonlands, Dinosaur NM, Colorado National Monument. Saves $100+ in entry fees. Buy at store.usgs.gov or any park entrance.
⏰
Book Arches Timed Entry ASAP
June is peak season. Timed entry windows fill weeks in advance. Book at recreation.gov as soon as reservations open (typically 3 months ahead).
⏰
Time Zone Changes
You cross from Central to Mountain Time entering Colorado on Day 2 — you lose 1 hour. On the return crossing back into Texas on Day 13, you gain it back. Remind kids to update their phones!
□
Utah Fishing Licenses
Required for anyone 12+. Buy online before you leave at wildlife.utah.gov or grab at Smith's in Kamas on arrival day.
☀️
June Heat in Utah is REAL
Moab in late June averages 95–100°F. Hike Arches before 8am. Carry 3L of water per person minimum. Baby needs extra shade and fluids. Gunnison and Samak are cool at elevation.
□
Download Offline Maps
Cell service is spotty through rural Utah and Colorado canyon country. Download offline Google Maps for both states before leaving Salado. Also download AllTrails for offline trail maps.
□️
Book All Lodging ASAP
June is peak travel season everywhere on this route. Moab fills up early, and Ouray's Box Canyon Lodge is extremely popular in summer. Book Amarillo KOA (June 18), Pueblo outbound, Vernal, Moab, Ouray, and Pueblo return all at once.
□
Mesa Verde Tours — Book June 14 at 8:00am MDT SHARP
Cliff Palace and Balcony House tours release EXACTLY 14 days before. Set a phone alarm for June 14 at 8:00am MDT. Go to recreation.gov and book immediately — they sell out in minutes. $8/adult, $1/infant.
□
Book Bryce Canyon Lodging NOW
Bryce Canyon fills completely for June. The Lodge at Bryce Canyon is the most magical option (inside the park) but books months out. Ruby's Inn is the practical backup. Book at visitbrycecanyon.com or rubysinn.com
□
Crested Butte — Parking Tip
Downtown Elk Avenue is walkable and flat. Park near the edge of town and walk in. The Woods Walk trailhead is just west of town — easy flat stroll perfect for the baby carrier and grandparents.
□
ATV Safety at the Cabin
Check the cabin's ATV rules and age requirements before you arrive. Helmets are mandatory for all riders. Uinta Mountain trails have steep terrain — brief teen riders on safety before they head out.

□   Safe travels, family!   □️

Salado → Amarillo → Pueblo → Crested Butte → Gunnison → Vernal → Samak → Bryce Canyon → Mesa Verde → Trinidad → Salado

June 18 – June 30, 2026  ·  13 Days  ·  ~2,800 Miles  ·  Memories for Life