Houston to Grand Junction Road Trip Guide

Introduction

Out of all the places in the great state of Texas, Houston is one of the largest cities that is best known as the world capital of space exploration. Quite the title, huh? Houston is known for a lot more than country music and large-brim hats. It’s the world capital of air conditioning, it’s home to the international energy industry, the capital of petroleum exploration, and more.

Houston offers locals and visitors over 11,000 bars and restaurants to choose from with amazing southern food. There are plenty of activities there as well, with everything from museums to zoos and aquariums. Houston sees quite a few days of sunshine every year but isn’t shy when it comes to extreme weather like tornados.

If you call Houston home and you want to take a little vacation, consider a road trip to Grand Junction, Colorado. It’s a lot easier and more cost-efficient than you may think. You can rent a cheap RV or motorhome that can fit the whole family for the 1,200 mile long trip.

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Details

60'
Max RV length
60'
Max trailer Length
Road trip length: 7+ days
Recommend rig: motorhome
audience: family

Point of Interest

Ultimate Skydiving Adventures

In the event that you’re not traveling with young children, it’s time for the adults to have some fun! Don’t worry, there are tandem jumps for those between the ages of seven and 17. Finish off your trip by taking to the sky, literally! Ultimate Skydiving Adventures is a popular tourist attraction for those on their way to Grand Junction, Colorado. Located in Delta, Colorado, you’ll be able to finally check skydiving off of your bucket list and have the experience of a lifetime.

This is the only skydiving center on the western slope and they offer a video and photo package to help you remember the trip and take a bit of it home with you.

Skydiving can be exhausting. Consider kicking back and relaxing in the motorhome at Cottonwood Grove Campground, located right in Delta.


Gunnison National Forest

One of the last stops you should make on your Houston to Grand Junction road trip is to Gunnison National Forest. This is a United States National Forest that covers over 1.5 million acres. It takes up a lot of the western area of Colorado. When you visit Gunnison National Forest you’ll be able to take part in a number of activities. If you’re visiting during the winter, you can play in the snow, build snow people, try out cross-country skiing, or even go snowshoeing.

In the warmer months, you’ll be able to go hiking throughout the forest. Many people use this area to explore via horseback as well. Whatever you do, make sure you spend a night there because the stars shine brighter than most other spots throughout the country! This is a beautiful place the whole family will enjoy.


SoCo Escape Room

After a day or two in nature, it’s time to get back to the real world for a minute. Adults and kids alike will enjoy spending the afternoon at the SoCo Escape Room. Escape rooms have become more and more popular in recent years and they make a great family activity. If you’re not familiar with escape rooms, they are generally themed rooms that have a backstory. You have to solve a mystery in order to find your way out of the room.

Think of it like you’re a part of the game Clue! You’ll use team-building skills and have a blast trying to solve riddles and find your way out of the room in time. Not only is this a fun way to pass some time with the family, it can be a good mind exercise after hours of driving.


Rita Blanca National Grasslands

If you really want to delve into nature and disconnect from the busyness of your daily life, consider making a stop at the Rita Blanca National Grasslands. This is a grassland on the Great Plains in the panhandle of Texas and also falls within Cimarron County in Oklahoma. This is a great spot to let the kids run wild and burn off any energy that has been building up throughout the road trip.

You can also stretch your legs and get your circulation going again after hours of driving. You can take a walk on one of the trails. This is also a beautiful area to lay down a blanket and have an old school picnic with your loved ones. While you can stay at the grasslands, you could also park the motorhome at Thompson Grove Campground for the night.


Cadillac Ranch

Speaking of unique, the Cadillac Ranch in Texas is another special place to stop. This is a public art installation and sculpture area on the roadside in Amarillo, Texas. It was first created in the early 1970s by three members of the art group Ant Farm. So, what is the Cadillac Ranch? The installation is 10 Cadillac cars buried partially underground. What makes this something worth seeing?

Well, for starters, it looks gravity-defying, with the majority of the vehicle suspended out of the ground. In addition, each car has a unique paint job unlike anything you’d see on the streets. You can even bring your own spray paint and create your own art on a car while you’re there! Big Texan RV Ranch is a nearby area where you can stay overnight if you need a bit of rest after painting.


River Bend Nature Center

Located in Wichita Falls, Texas, the River Bend Nature Center is a beautiful place that will change the pace of your trip. After spending time in the Space Center and Six Flags, it’s time to take a step back and explore nature. The River Bend Nature Center is a building that is designed to preserve the natural environment of Texas. You’ll be able to see butterflies in the large conservatory.

If you are traveling with someone who loves animals, there are trained staff members there who will teach you all about specific animals and bring the live creatures out just for you. There are plenty of different exhibits to see there and it even hosts weddings! This is a unique stop along the way and you won’t see anything else like it on your journey to Grand Junction, Colorado.


Six Flags Over Texas

After a day exploring the Space Center, make your way over to Six Flags! There isn’t much that’s more fun than an amusement park. This is the first Six Flags park that ever existed, but not to worry, the rides there have been updated and are a thrill to experience! This theme park is over 212 acres and is located in Arlington, Texas. It offers plenty of fun for visitors of all ages, including adults! There are plenty of rides to choose from.

Some are safe for more mature visitors that meet a height requirement, while others are fit for the whole family. On top of amazingly fun rides, there are plenty of games to enjoy as well! After a long day exploring the park, it’s time to hit the hay before the road trip continues. You can park the motorhome that you rent at the Arlington Place RV Park overnight to get some rest!


Space Center Houston

One of the most iconic places in Houston is the Space Center, bringing in locals and tourists to explore the great unknown. This attraction has plenty of exhibits that rotate and offer you the chance to learn something new with jaw-dropping stories and media. Space Center Houston is a leading science and space exploration learning center. One of the great things about visiting with your family is that children three years old and younger don’t require admission fees.

You don’t have to be a huge fan of space and the universe to enjoy an afternoon at the Space Center in Houston. If you plan your visit between November and January you may get the opportunity to see the stunning galaxy lights that the center puts on. This is a high-tech kinetic light show unlike anything you’ve seen before!


Summary

Reaching your final destination feels amazing! Now that you’re in Grand Junction, Colorado, it’s time to see what this beautiful city has to offer. You can explore the Colorado National Monument, visit the stunning Grand Junction Visitors Center, and more. There are plenty of bike trails, parks, and things that kids will enjoy as well!

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