Plan Your Dallas to Colorado Road Trip With Kids
The Dallas to Colorado road trip takes you from the Texas plains to the Rocky Mountains across 650 miles of changing landscapes. This route through the Texas Panhandle and New Mexico requires planning for families, but SmartStops helps you find the best playgrounds and family stops along the way.
Route Stats
650 miles (to Denver)
Total Distance
10-11 hours driving
Drive Time
3-4 stops
Recommended Stops
12-14 hours (with stops)
Total Trip Time
Spring, Summer, Fall
Best Season
Recommended Stops with Playgrounds
Stop 1: Wichita Falls, TX
140 miles from Dallas • 2 hours from start
Lucy Park - River playground with trails
QuikTrip, Stripes along US-287
Local cafes, Starbucks
First major stop after leaving DFW. Beautiful river park setting and good family restaurant options.
Stop 2: Amarillo, TX
360 miles from Dallas • 5.5-6 hours from start
Thompson Park - Zoo-adjacent playground with lots of space
Allsup's, Toot'n Totum, major chains
Palace Coffee, Starbucks
Perfect lunch stop or overnight. Cadillac Ranch is a quick fun stop. The Big Texan for adventurous eaters.
Stop 3: Raton, NM
530 miles from Dallas • 8-9 hours from start
Ripley Park - Historic park with playground
Phillips 66, Conoco at exit
Local cafes
Just before the mountains. Good quick stop to stretch legs before crossing Raton Pass into Colorado.
Stop 4: Trinidad, CO
555 miles from Dallas • 8.5-9.5 hours from start
Kit Carson Park - Mountain town playground
Shell, Conoco in town
Local coffee shops
First Colorado town after the pass. Nice mountain atmosphere to celebrate entering Colorado.
Tips for This Route
Best Time to Leave Dallas
Leave early (5-6 AM) to get through the Texas Panhandle before the heat. Summer afternoons in Amarillo can reach 100°F+.
Weather Considerations
Dramatic elevation change - from 430 ft in Dallas to 5,000+ ft in Colorado. Pack for temperature swings. Watch for ice on Raton Pass in winter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't skip Amarillo - the stretch from Amarillo to Raton has very limited services. Fill up and use restrooms there. The Panhandle is longer than it looks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Dallas to Colorado take with kids?
Plan for 12-14 hours with stops, or split over 2 days with an overnight in Amarillo. The 650-mile drive takes 10-11 hours of actual driving time.
Where should I stop between Dallas and Colorado?
Best stops are Wichita Falls (2 hrs), Amarillo (5.5-6 hrs), and Raton or Trinidad (8-9 hrs). Amarillo is the most important stop for families.
What's the best route from Dallas to Colorado with kids?
US-287 to Amarillo then I-25 north is most popular. I-40 West to I-25 is an alternative but adds time. Both pass through Amarillo, which has the best family amenities.
Plan This Route in SmartStops
Get turn-by-turn directions to every playground and family stop along your Dallas to Colorado journey.