The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Boise, Idaho to Commerce City, Colorado
Boise, Idaho, and Commerce City, Colorado, are two beautiful cities that are situated about 700 miles apart. If you're planning on taking a road trip from Boise to Commerce City or vice versa, then you're definitely in for a treat. One of the exciting things about this adventure is that there are so many great stops and attractions to see that will make your journey quite enjoyable. Along the way, you'll come across Mountain View, Wyoming, a small town that is the midway point between the two cities. Some of the main highlights on this road trip route include majestic mountain views, national parks, fascinating museums, fantastic eateries, and much more.
Top 5 Things to do on a Road Trip from Boise to Commerce City
Here are the top five things to do on a road trip from Boise, Idaho, to Commerce City, Colorado, that are sure to make your adventure experience memorable.
1. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone national park is a natural gem that lies a few hours north from the halfway point of the trip. One of the oldest parks in the United States, Yellowstone is famous for its geysers, hot springs, bubbling mud pots, and grizzly bears. A must-visit spot in Yellowstone is the Old Faithful geyser, which spews hot water every 90 minutes. Tourists should also check out the Yellowstone Grand Canyon, which is about 20 miles long and over 4,000 feet deep, and the Mammoth Hot Springs, which have terraces and pools of naturally heated water. A fact worth noting about Yellowstone is that it features over 15 species of fish, including mountain whitefish, cutthroat trout, and Pacific salmon.
2. Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park lies a little off the main road, but it's worth the detour. The Park boasts a magnificent canyon that is carved by the Virgin River and offers visitors a range of activities in addition to just the views. Zion Canyon has a 10-mile hike that leads deep into the canyon, and there are plenty of trails that crisscross the park, including the famous West Rim Trail, which runs along the park's huge cliff walls. One of the cool facts about Zion National Park is that its Zion-Mount Carmel highway is the longest tunnel caved in its Navajo Sandstone in the world.
3. Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado
Located just outside the city of Vernal in Utah, Dinosaur National Monument showcases ancient dinosaur bones and fossils that make it a must-visit site. You can enjoy historical tours or hike through the park, which measures over 200,000 acres. The monument has over 1,500 dinosaur fossils, including a well-known Stegosaurus skeleton, and visitors can view the fossils through a giant glass wall. An interesting fact about the Dinosaur National Monument is that bones from over eight different types of dinosaurs were found on a single wall in 1909.
4. Pike's Peak, Colorado
Pike's Peak, which is located in Colorado Springs, and its surrounding region make it an excellent tourist site to visit. The mountain's summit is 14,115 feet high and has inspired many mountaineers and outdoor adventurers. Pike's Peak offers various views of the surrounding region, and visitors can choose whether to hike or drive up. In fact, visitors can ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railway up to the summit if they don't want to walk, and it offers the oldest high-style rail in the United States. An interesting fact about Pike's Peak is that it inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write the lyrics of "America the Beautiful."
5. Union Station, Denver, Colorado
The Union Station is situated in the heart of Denver, and it's a place that combines history and modern-day flair. Union Station opened its doors in 1870 as a hub for the Denver Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads. Today, you can take a look at its rich history and new renovations to the structure. The Station is now the central transportation hub of the city, with plenty of cafes and boutique shops that are sure to satisfy your appetite and shopping needs. A fact worth noting about Union Station is that it was used as the train station in the climax of the movie "The Lone Ranger" from 2013.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a road trip from Boise, Idaho, to Commerce City, Colorado, and its surrounding areas offer a myriad of fun spots and attractions to visit. You'll come across magnificent national parks, plenty of diverse geomorphology, fascinating museums, and much more that is sure to make your trip unforgettable. Travelers should anticipate a total distance of around 700 miles, which typically takes them about 11 hours, depending on their preferred stops. All in all, the road trip from Boise to Commerce City is a journey filled with adventure that anyone would enjoy.