Colorado National Parks Road Trip: Sand Dunes & Black Canyon
Looking for the best national parks to visit near Denver, Colorado? These two underrated parks—Great Sand Dunes National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park—are perfect for a scenic road trip filled with epic views, fun adventures, and unforgettable memories. I visited last week so I will share my experience!
Located in southern Colorado, this park is famous for its massive sand dunes—the tallest in North America—set against the stunning backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
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Hike the sand dunes: Free hiking across the open dunes—no trails needed. You can see huge dunes and walk where ever you like on the dunes.
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Try sand boarding or sledding: Super popular. I saw many families enjoyed sand boarding.Looks fun!
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Drive Medano Pass Primitive Road: For those with a 4WD vehicle, this off-road trail offers adventure and scenic views.
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Check out the visitor center: Great for learning about the dunes and shopping for souvenirs.
Our Experience at Great Sand Dunes in April:
We were greeted with hail, and icy wind—yep, in April! But even with the wild weather, we had a blast. At the visitor center, I found a super cute park-exclusive Snoopy T-shirt (great find for Snoopy lovers!).
We hiked a bit on the dunes despite the wind—it was freezing, but the views were incredible. Sandboarding looked fun, but not in that cold wind!
Then we took a drive down Medano Pass Primitive Road in our 4WD rental. Some sandy spots felt risky, so we turned around at the second parking area, but it was still one of the most fun parts of the trip. If you have a 4WD, don’t miss it!
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: Stunning Overlooks with Minimal Hiking
What is Black Canyon of the Gunnison?
This dramatic and lesser-known park in western Colorado features steep cliffs, deep canyons, and jaw-dropping views carved by the Gunnison River. It’s one of the most underrated national parks in the U.S.
Best Things to Do in Black Canyon National Park:
Visit scenic overlooks: Sunset View, Painted Wall, Dragon Point, and more—all accessible with short walks. These are all great!
Photography: Capture the shadows and textures of the narrow canyon walls.
Easy sightseeing: Perfect for those who prefer scenic views over strenuous hikes.
Our Quick Visit to Black Canyon in the Snow
We woke up to snow! The roads were a bit slippery, so we skipped any long hikes and focused on the best viewpoints instead.
Each spot we visited had easy, short walks (under 10 minutes) but offered absolutely stunning views of the canyon. I’m scared of heights, but even I was blown away by the scale and beauty. This park quickly became one of my all-time favorites—and it’s super beginner-friendly!
How to Get to Great Sand Dunes & Black Canyon from Denver
Driving Directions from Denver International Airport (DEN):
To Great Sand Dunes National Park:
About 4 hours south. Take I-25 to Walsenburg, then west on US-160 and north on CO-150.
To Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park:
About 5.5 hours southwest. Drive through Salida, over Monarch Pass, and continue toward Montrose, then into the park.
- We stayed in Montrose. It was very convenent town to go to the Black Canyon natioal park.
Road Trip Tip:
Make it a loop! Visit Great Sand Dunes first, then continue west to Black Canyon, and return to Denver through a different route for a full scenic Colorado road trip.
Why These Colorado National Parks Should Be on Your Bucket List
Even with April’s wild weather (snow, hail, and freezing winds!), these parks gave us some of the most memorable experiences we’ve had in Colorado. From climbing massive sand dunes to gazing into the depths of a canyon, every moment was unforgettable for us.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, epic views, or an easy sightseeing trip, both Great Sand Dunes and Black Canyon of the Gunnison deliver. Just be sure to pack warm layers—even in spring! (We didn’t expect snow…so we felt cold all the time.)
Where to Eat on Your Colorado Road Trip: Beau Jo’s Colorado-Style Pizza in Idaho Springs
On our way back from Black Canyon of the Gunnison to Denver, we made a delicious stop in Idaho Springs, a cozy mountain town just off I-70—and home to a Colorado classic: Beau Jo’s Pizza.
What is Colorado-Style Pizza?
If you’ve never heard of Colorado-style pizza, you’re in for a treat! It’s totally unique and seriously satisfying. Here’s what makes it stand out:
Thick, hand-braided crust – Soft and chewy on the inside with a slightly crispy edge.
Loaded with toppings – Expect tons of cheese, meats, and veggies piled high.
Mountain Pies vs. Prairie Pies – Mountain Pies are the thicker, heartier version (our pick!), while Prairie Pies are thinner.
Honey for your crust – Yes, it’s a thing! Locals drizzle honey over the crust after finishing the pizza part. It’s like built-in dessert and so good.
Our Experience at Beau Jo’s
We ordered two small Mountain Pies—one Margherita and one Sky Hawk. The Margherita was simple but absolutely delicious, with perfectly melted, stretchy cheese that hit the spot. The Sky Hawk had a bolder flavor with Beau Jo’s original sauce, which was a little strong for us but still really tasty.
Honestly, it was a lot of food! We ate everything (of course), but it was super filling—especially with the honey-dipped crust at the end. For two people, we think ordering one medium pizza or sharing one small pizza with a side would’ve been the perfect amount.
Still, no regrets—it was such a satisfying stop, and the experience of eating Colorado-style pizza at the original Beau Jo’s made it even more special.
