Road-Tripping from Breckenridge, CO to Austin, TX

Are you ready to embark on an epic road trip from Breckenridge, Colorado to Austin, Texas? Whether you're planning to visit friends and family or just wanting to explore new places along the way, you'll need to plan your route and calculate travel time accordingly. But don't worry, we've got you covered! Here are some of the best options for getting from Breckenridge to Austin.

Route 1: I-25 S and I-40 E

The first route to consider is taking I-25 South towards Albuquerque, then hopping on I-40 East towards Amarillo, and finally reaching Austin via I-27 and I-35. This route is about 1,163 miles long and can take anywhere from 17 to 20 hours, depending on traffic. It's definitely the most direct route, but it's also the longest. However, it does give you the chance to visit some cool spots along the way like Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

Route 2: US-285 S and US-87 S

The second route you can take is the scenic route through US-285 South towards Roswell, then US-87 South towards San Angelo and finally reaching Austin via US-290 East. This route is approximately 910 miles long and should take roughly 15 to 18 hours of driving. Although it's a slightly shorter distance compared to Route 1, the drive is longer due to the winding roads in the mountains. You'll also have the chance to stop and see some great sights like Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Big Bend National Park.

Route 3: I-25 S to I-70 E to I-35 S

The third option is taking I-25 South towards Denver, then I-70 East towards Salina before getting on I-35 South to Austin. This route is about 1,230 miles long, and the estimated driving time is between 17 to 19 hours. This route gives you the opportunity to swing through Denver, Kansas City, and Oklahoma City as well as giving you some time to check out Texas's biggest state park, Palo Duro Canyon, before reaching Austin.

Route 4: US-285 S and US-90 E

The fourth route to take is the US-285 South to Carlsbad, Texas, further driving on US-90 East through San Antonio and then driving for a couple of hours to finally reach Austin. This route covers around 900 miles and should take between 15 to 17 hours of driving time. It's a great balance between Route 1's distance and Route 2's scenic views. You'll be able to visit both Carlsbad Caverns and the Alamo, both of which are must-see locations.

Route 5: Through The Rocky Mountains

If you're looking for a more adventurous scenic route, you can drive through The Rocky Mountains by taking SH 9 N to CO-9 S heading towards and passing through Salida onwards Bisbee. From there, take the US-290 Southeast towards central Austin. This route is about 1200 miles long, and you need to budget at least 20 hours of driving time if you are planning to go this route. Alongside the fantastic mountain scenery, you can also visit brewpubs and wineries in the western region of Colorado.

Places to Stop Along the Way

If you're planning on driving from Breckenridge to Austin, make sure you research some potential stops to break up the long journey. From hiking in Big Bend National Park to the spa experience at Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa in New Mexico, every pitstop will offer a different experience. Take a dip in the Barton Springs Pool or a taste of the famous BBQ in Lockhart,Texas. The world is your oyster, explore and discover.

A Final Note

Driving from Breckenridge, Colorado to Austin, Texas will be a long journey, but you'll pass through some fantastic locations, enjoy breathtaking views, and experience some great pitstops throughout. You'll have plenty of time to catch up on podcasts, listen to playlists, and explore the stretched highways through the US. Just make sure that you've planned your route and a reasonable time frame for how long your journey will take before you hit the road. Happy travels!