The Colorado Highway 50 Road Trip
Highway 50 is often called America’s loneliest road, but the Colorado stretch is anything but boring. This scenic route connects mountain towns, river canyons, historic stops, ski areas, reservoirs, and some of the most memorable landscapes in the state.
If you are planning a Colorado road trip, Highway 50 is a great route because you can make the trip as short or as long as you want. You can build a weekend getaway from Denver, turn it into a longer western Colorado loop, or connect it with other national park and scenic byway routes.
Traveling by campervan makes this route even more flexible. With a Colorado campervan rental from KuKu Campers, you can explore at your own pace, bring your sleeping setup with you, and spend more time enjoying the road instead of worrying about hotel stops.
Starting from the Denver area? See our Denver campervan rental page for pickup-area information, camper options, and road trip ideas.
Historic Arkansas Riverwalk - Pueblo
Start your Highway 50 road trip at the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk in Pueblo. The Riverwalk features gardens, walkways, restaurants, cafes, public art, and seasonal events along the water.
During the summer, the area often hosts outdoor concerts, festivals, and local events, including Pueblo’s famous chile celebrations. It is an easy first stop if you want food, a walk, and a relaxed start before heading deeper into southern Colorado.
Royal Gorge - Cañon City
Next stop: the Royal Gorge near Cañon City. This area is known for dramatic canyon views, the Royal Gorge Bridge, zip lining, rafting, scenic drives, and plenty of classic Colorado adventure energy.
If you love big views and adrenaline, this is one of the most memorable stops along the route. You can spend a few hours at the park, explore nearby trails, or build in more time for rafting and outdoor activities.
Monarch Mountain and Monarch Pass
A Colorado Highway 50 road trip would not feel complete without mountain scenery. Monarch Pass gives you sweeping views and access to one of Colorado’s classic mountain areas.
In winter, Monarch Mountain is a popular ski stop. In warmer months, the area is great for mountain views, scenic drives, hiking access, and fresh alpine air.
By this point in the trip, you may be ready to turn in for the night. The Salida and Buena Vista area has camping, lodging, restaurants, hot springs, and plenty of outdoor options nearby. If you are traveling in a KuKu campervan, check local rules and available overnight camping areas before settling in.
Need help planning where to stay? Our camp site guide includes helpful resources for finding campgrounds and overnight-stay options.
Pioneer Museum - Gunnison
After a good night’s sleep, continue west toward Gunnison. Even if you are not usually a museum person, the Gunnison Pioneer Museum is worth considering. It has a large collection of historic buildings, vehicles, local artifacts, and exhibits that give visitors a deeper look at the area’s past.
It is a fun stop if you want to break up the drive, stretch your legs, and add a little Colorado history to your road trip.
Curecanti National Recreation Area - Gunnison
For travelers who love water, views, and outdoor recreation, Curecanti National Recreation Area can be a highlight of the Highway 50 route. The area includes reservoirs, mountain views, hiking opportunities, boating, paddling, fishing, and camping options.
There are also campsites in the area, making it a good overnight stop if you want to slow the trip down. Depending on your schedule, you may decide to spend a night here before continuing west.
Because Colorado road trips can cover a lot of ground, unlimited mileage can make a big difference. Learn more about KuKu’s unlimited mileage campervan rentals before planning a longer route.
Small-Town and City Stops - Montrose
Montrose is a useful and interesting stop because it blends small-town Colorado with practical road-trip convenience. You can find restaurants, shops, groceries, and services before heading toward the next scenic stretch.
Downtown Montrose offers local shops and places to eat, while the surrounding area gives you access to outdoor attractions, scenic drives, and nearby Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Montrose is close to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, one of Colorado’s most dramatic landscapes. The canyon views are steep, rugged, and unforgettable, making it a perfect stop for photos, short hikes, scenic overlooks, and quiet time in nature.
If you are building a longer Highway 50 campervan route, this is one of the best places to slow down and enjoy the scenery before continuing toward western Colorado.
Colorado National Monument - Grand Junction
As you continue toward Grand Junction, Colorado National Monument gives you red rock canyons, desert views, scenic overlooks, and a completely different feel from the mountain towns earlier in the trip.
This is a great final highlight before heading back toward the Denver area on I-70 or continuing west into Utah for a longer adventure.
Why Highway 50 Works Well in a Campervan
Highway 50 is a strong campervan route because it combines mountain towns, national park stops, scenic drives, campgrounds, and flexible overnight options. Instead of unpacking at hotels each night, your campervan keeps your sleeping setup, road trip gear, and travel essentials with you.
KuKu Campers offers campervan options for different travel styles, from compact campervans to roomier Sprinter-style campers. That makes it easier to choose the setup that fits your group, comfort level, and route.
Planning Your Colorado Highway 50 Road Trip
Map your route: Check road conditions, seasonal closures, drive times, and campground availability before you go.
Plan overnight stops: Popular areas can fill up during summer, holidays, and weekends. Reserve campgrounds in advance when possible, and always follow local overnight camping rules.
Pack for changing weather: Colorado conditions can shift quickly, especially in the mountains. Bring layers, water, sun protection, and basic road-trip essentials.
Use unlimited mileage: Highway 50 can easily turn into a longer Colorado or western U.S. road trip. Unlimited mileage gives you more freedom to follow scenic detours and add extra stops.
Ready for a Colorado Highway 50 campervan trip?
Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a longer Colorado loop, a KuKu campervan gives you a flexible way to explore Highway 50, mountain towns, national parks, campgrounds, and scenic western routes.