San Francisco to Denver Road Trip Guide

After a long day at the zoo, it’s time to immerse yourself in nature. You’re nearly to Breckenridge, but first, let’s make a pit stop at Ashley National Forest. Located in Vernal, Utah, Ashley National Forest is a beautiful place to see. This is especially true if you’re planning to have your road trip during autumn. There are dense and lush forests filled with yellow, green, orange, and red leaves.

You’ll also be able to stretch your legs on one of the many hiking and biking trails in the area. There are rivers, lakes, and canyons to explore as well. You could even cast a line and catch some fresh dinner! If you need to get a few hours of sleep before making your way to Colorado, feel free to park the van at Ashley National Forest. There may not be any special amenities, but it sure makes for a great place to nap!

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway during your trip or you just want to immerse yourself in nature, Lake Tahoe is a must-stop destination during your trip to Denver. For starters, the lake itself is absolutely stunning. With an ombre of blue shades, this lake is a great reason to make the stop. It’s clear enough to see the array of different rocks at the bottom and wildlife calling the lake home. There you will be able to swim, canoe, fish, along with other water activities.

All around the lake you will find stunning landscapes. Whether you enjoy mountains, forests, or valleys, Lake Tahoe has it all. There are hiking trails and a plethora of places that make for perfect photo opportunities. You can park the van within the park to sleep next to these stunning views. The stars in the area shine brightly if the sky is clear. Grab a warm blanket, a thermos full of hot toddies, and have a romantic evening under the stars.

Congratulations! You’re over half-way done with your trip and you’ve made it to the beautiful state of Utah! After spending enough time outdoors, it’s time to spend a few hours looking at the creatures that call it home. The Hogle Zoo is located in Salt Lake City. It consists of 42-acres of diverse ecosystems. There you will find a plethora of different animals including polar bears, lions, elephants, and more. There are a variety of exhibits including the African Savanna, Rocky Shores, and the Asian Highlands.

When you need a break from looking at the cute baby tigers, there is dining available throughout the area. You can also buy something to remember your trip at the gift shop. After a fun afternoon watching wild animals, it’ll be time to kick back and relax. For something away from crowds, park at Spruces Campground. If you want something a little more accomodating, Salt Lake City KOA Holiday will be perfect for you.

The "Biggest Little City in the World" offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and urban entertainment. While known for its casinos, Reno's true charm lies in its proximity to incredible outdoor recreation. The nearby Ely KOA provides mountain camping with access to Great Basin National Park and Nevada's high country.

Take a romantic hot air balloon ride over the Sierra Nevada, explore the Truckee River Walk downtown, or catch a show at one of the grand casinos. The National Automobile Museum showcases automotive history in a fun, engaging way.

As you continue on your journey, you’ll eventually make your way through Nevada. After you have stopped in Reno to enjoy a few hours of gambling, there is another place that’s off-the-beaten path that couples will love. The Hole in the Peak Mountain is the perfect place to get off of technology and spend some much needed time in nature. The highest point is over 11,100 feet in elevation. A great way to stretch your legs after hours on the road is to park the van and get climbing!

While no one expects you to summit this mountain, there are plenty of trails in the area that will burn off those road trip snacks. There aren’t a ton of places to kick back and sleep for the night. One of the closest campgrounds to the Hole in the Peak Mountain is Angel Creek Campground. There are parking spots for your van, fire rings, and picnic tables to use.

In the small town of Winnemucca, Nevada lies Humboldt Museum. This is a perfect mid-point between Reno and your next point of interest. The Humboldt Museum will teach you all about the local history of Winnemucca, which is rich and entertaining. You’ll be able to stop at the museum and learn about all of the buildings downtown. There are stories about how the ice age affects Winnemucca over 13,000 years ago, tales of how wagons forged along the Humboldt River to make their way to California, and more.

It’s always interesting to learn about small towns and the people who call them home. If you build up an appetite, don’t forget to stop at The Griddle. It’s a local diner that offers great food with a touch of amazing hospitality. This is a great point of interest if you need something to do for an hour or two between stops.

This charming mountain town epitomizes Colorado's outdoor lifestyle year-round. Summer brings hiking, mountain biking, and scenic chairlift rides, while winter transforms it into a world-class ski destination. The historic Main Street offers romantic dining, unique shopping, and that authentic mountain town atmosphere couples adore.

The nearby Denver East/Strasburg KOA provides convenient access to both Denver and mountain attractions. Don't miss the scenic drive over Hoosier Pass for stunning Continental Divide views.

Before you head out on your 1,300 mile road trip, you have to see one of the most iconic spots that San Francisco has to offer. Alcatraz Island is famous for a lot of things, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions. You can take a short ferry ride right to the island and it shouldn’t cost you too much either. The majority of people spend about two hours exploring this old building that’s filled with stories of the past.

At one point it was a military prison and later on it was a federal prison. There are guided tours that can teach all about the rich history of this place. While you can stay at Alcatraz Island, there are plenty of van-friendly RV parks where you can park before heading off to your big adventure. Buena Vista Park and Ocean beach are both great places that allow vans to stay for a night or two.

Utah's capital seamlessly blends urban sophistication with outdoor adventure access. Explore Temple Square's stunning architecture and rich history, then head to nearby canyons for hiking and scenic drives. The Wendover KOA on the Nevada-Utah border provides convenient access to both states' attractions.

Consider a detour to the Great Salt Lake—yes, you can float effortlessly in this natural wonder! The nearby Antelope Island State Park offers hiking trails with views of resident bison herds and spectacular sunsets over the lake.

Colorado's crown jewel offers over 300 miles of hiking trails, alpine lakes, and 14,000-foot peaks. The scenic Trail Ridge Road (seasonal, typically May-October) climbs above the treeline for breathtaking Continental Divide views. The Denver West/Central City KOA provides an excellent base camp for park exploration.

Wildlife viewing opportunities abound—elk, moose, and bighorn sheep frequent the meadows and valleys. The park's varied ecosystems support everything from mountain lakes to alpine tundra, making every turn a new discovery.