The drive from Denver, Colorado, to Las Vegas, Nevada, is a 750-mile journey from the high mountains to the scorching Southwest desert. While a vibrant destination like Las Vegas may tempt drivers to push through the 12-hour drive as quickly as possible, doing so would mean missing out on some of the best summer destinations in the United States.

Those with the time can turn this simple drive into a true US road trip, passing through mountain towns, national parks, and lush forests. While every part of this unique drive down I-70 and I-15 is beautiful in its own way, below are ten of the best of the best stops to make along the way.

Road trips are all about making the most of the journey, but no journey is complete without a comfortable place to stay. Each stop has included both a recommended hike to stretch cramped road trip legs and a high-rated hotel or resort should travelers decide to use any of these locations as an overnight stop.

Related: 10 Best Hotels In Las Vegas To Ignite Your Sin City Adventure

Dillon, Colorado

A popular winter destination, Dillon’s lakeside location makes it a perfect stop for a summer Colorado road trip. Visitors can rent a kayak, pontoon boat, or even a sailboat at the Dillon Marina and enjoy the fresh air on the lake. For those looking for a more relaxing pit stop, there are numerous public beaches along the lake, perfect for lounging in the sun and enjoying the lake and mountain views.

Those beautiful mountains also provide numerous hiking trails, biking trails, horseback riding paths, and fishing holes. In the town itself, Dillon continues to prove it is worth the stop with both disc golf and traditional golf courses and the Dillon Amphitheater.

Old Dillon Reservoir Trail Hike:

• Distance: 1.7 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: ~1 hour

• Where to Stay: Hampton Inn & Suites Silverthorne
• Things to Do in Dillon, Colorado: Lake Dillon Marina, Biking, Hiking Trails, Horseback Riding, Golf, Disc Golf, Dillon Amphitheater, Fishing

Copper Mountain, Colorado

Colorado is full of unique ski towns that are often overlooked during the summer but are absolutely worth including on a summer road trip through the state. Copper Mountain is one such winter town that is full of natural beauty in the summer months. The melting snow gives way to scenic hiking and biking trails, and the water feeds numerous varieties of wildflowers that bloom well into the summer with the high elevation.

The town also has unique activities like the largest outdoor freestanding rock climbing wall in North America and the highest golf course in America that offer a quick afternoon out of the car before continuing their journey to the Vegas Strip.

Chickaree Way Hike:

• Distance: 2 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: ~0.5 hours

• Where to Stay: The Lodge at Breckenridge
• Things to Do in Copper Mountain, Colorado: Mountain Road Walks, Fly Fishing, Rock Climbing, Golfing, Mountain Biking, White Water Rafting, Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway, Road Cycling

Vail, Colorado

The road to Sin City from Denver is full of unique ski resorts and world-class slopes, but for those driving through Colorado in the summer, these towns are still worth stopping in for their beautiful views and luxury amenities. Like other stops, Vail, Colorado, is primarily a ski resort town that is perfect for outdoor adventurers passing through in summer.

After potentially hours in the car, Vail is a great place to explore the outdoors in mild weather along hiking trails, whitewater rafting down the river, riding down a mountain coaster, or simply strolling through the picturesque downtown.

Pitkin Lake Trail Hike (Eagles Nest Wilderness):

• Distance: 9.6 miles
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Time: 6–7 hours

• Where to Stay: The Arrabelle At Vail Square, A Rockresort
• Things to Do in Vail, Colorado: Hiking, Biking, Eagles Nest Wilderness, Whitewater Rafting, Gondola Rides, Ziplining, Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster, Golfing

Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Any time of year is the perfect time to lounge in the natural hot springs of Glenwood Springs, some of the best in the state of Colorado. After sitting in a cramped car, Glenwood Springs is a great stop for road trip travelers looking to unwind. With three separate hot spring resorts, Glenwood Springs is also a great overnight option for those looking to break up the road trip to Las Vegas.

As with the entirety of Colorado, outdoor adventures abound in Glenwood Springs, with rafting, kayaking, golfing, paragliding, and mountain biking all available within the small town.

Hanging Lake Trail Hike:

• Distance: 3.1 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time: 2–4 hours

• Where to Stay: Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
• Things to Do in Glenwood Springs, Colorado: Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Hanging Lake, Rafting, Kayaking, Fishing, Glenwood Canyon, White River National Forest, Golf, Guided Tours, Paragliding

A permit is required for the Hanging Lake Trail Hike. Visit the Glenwood Springs, CO website for permit information and for additional details on the wide variety of recreational activities available in the city.

Related: Hot Springs Hopping: A Guide To Colorado's 10 Most Relaxing And Invigorating Spots

Grand Junction, Colorado

Another great stop for those hoping to enjoy the natural beauty of Colorado, Grand Junction is the last major stop before the road trip to Las Vegas veers into Utah. As the landscape transitions from the high mountains to the Southwestern desert, Grand Junction provides a variety of hiking and biking trails to enjoy the scenery.

Depending on the time of year, visitors to Grand Junction can also enjoy special summer events like the Colorado Lavender Festival and the Palisade Peach Festival.

Devil’s Kitchen Hike (Colorado National Monument):

• Distance: 3.1 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: ~1 hour

• Where to Stay: Grand Junction Palomino Inn
• Things to Do in Grand Junction, Colorado: Colorado National Monument, Grand Mesa National Forest, Grand Junction to Moab Trail, Colorado Lavender Festival, Palisade Peach Festival, Dinosaur Journey Museum, Fruita Paleontological Area, Rafting, Kayaking, Hiking, Fishing

Arches National Park, Utah

One of the most iconic national parks in the United States, it's impossible to drive anywhere near Arches National Park without spending a day (or three) enjoying the views. Home to the famous Delicate Arch, Arches National Park is one of the best places in the world to enjoy natural Arches and land bridges.

With miles of hiking trails that meet every ability level, even the most casual visitor can enjoy the one-of-a-kind natural formations.

Delicate Arch Hike:

• Distance: 3.2 miles
• Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous
• Time: 2–3 hours

• Where to Stay: Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton
• Things to Do in Arches National Park: Delicate Arch, Hiking, Biking, Arches National Park Visitor Center

Related: 5 In 5: Visit Utah's 'Mighty 5' National Parks In Five Days

Dixie National Forest, Utah

Southern Utah offers a variety of protected spaces perfect for those hoping to explore the outdoors on their way to Sin City. Hidden between two world-famous National parks, Dixie National Forest is a hidden gem that offers many of the same pastimes as its neighbors, including hiking, biking, and fishing.

As a national forest instead of a national park, admission is free, making it an affordable detour on a Denver-Vegas road trip.

Red Canyon Hike:

• Distance: 4.1 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time: ~2 hours

• Where to Stay: Abbey Inn
• Things to Do in Dixie National Forest: Red Canyon, Petroglyphs, Hiking Trails, Mountain Biking, Wildlife Viewing

Zion National Park, Utah

Home to one of the most dangerous hikes in the United States, Zion National Park is an outdoor adventurer's paradise. The second of Utah's "Mighty 5" National parks on the route from Denver to Las Vegas, Zion is a beautiful place for road trip travelers to stretch their legs and explore the landscape of the Southwest.

Deep slot canyons and unusual rock formations are plentiful in the park, with hiking trails ranging from simple half-mile loops to full-day backcountry excursions. While Zion National Park could easily be a week-long vacation itself, even a day in the park is a must for anyone on a road trip through the Southwest United States.

The Narrows Bottom-Up Hike (no permit required):

• Distance: 8.9 miles
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Time: 6–8 hours

• Where to Stay: Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection by Hilton
• Things to Do in Zion National Park: The Narrows*, Angels Landing*, Zion Human History Museum, Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, Virgin River, Hiking, Biking, Kolob Canyon Scenic Drive

*Both the Angel's Landing hike and some portions of the Narrows Slot Canyon hike require permits. Go to the park website to make a reservation and get a permit in advance.

Related: 10 Things You Need To Know Before Visiting Angels Landing In 2023

Saint George, Utah

While it is easy to focus the time in Southern Utah on the one-of-a-kind national parks, the towns themselves have plenty to offer travelers as well. Those taking a road trip through Utah can enjoy the big city feel of Saint George, with several museums and a botanical garden, or get back into the desert scenery at Pioneer Park or Snow Canyon State Park.

Saint George is an especially fitting road trip stop thanks to its wide variety of food options and types of activities that will appeal to every type of traveler.

Snow Canyon Trail:

• Distance: 3.5 miles
• Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
• TIme: ~1.5 hours

• Where to Stay: Inn on the Cliff
• Things to Do in Saint George, Utah: Red Hills Botanical Garden, Snow Canyon State Park, Pioneer Park, Brigham Young Winter Home, St. George Tabernacle, Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, Rosenbruch World Wildlife Museum, Tuacahn Center for the Arts, St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm

Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

With waves of red sandstone and unusual rock formations, the Valley of Fire State Park is perfect for either a final road trip stop or a day trip from Vegas after completing the journey. Regardless of when visitors stop by, the Valley of Fire is sure to be worth the detour.

Numerous hiking trails lead to unique formations like the Beehives, Fire Wave, and 2,000-year-old petroglyphs. After spending the day in the red rock landscape, road trip travelers can either camp at the park itself or settle into one of many luxury hotels in nearby Las Vegas.

Fire Wave Hike:

• Distance: 1.5 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: ~1 hour

• Where to Stay: Hyatt Place Las Vegas at Silverton Village
• Things to Do at Valley of Fire State Park: White Dome Trail, Fire Wave Trail, Elephant Rock, Lost City Museum