Texas Heat to Mountain Peaks

rv.com, RvLyfe

There’s a certain thrill in hitting the open road without a strict plan, letting the journey unfold with each mile. With just a loose itinerary and a few key stops in mind, my partner, our adventurous pup, and I embarked on a weeklong adventure from Austin, TX.

As road trip season winds down, there’s no better time to start dreaming up your next adventure. Our journey blended lively city stops with hidden-gem eateries, winding mountain trails, and quiet camps under the stars. If any of these destinations have been lingering on your bucket list, consider this your sign to finally cross them off. So, follow along, explore, and let the journey surprise you.

Austin, Texas

Austin is the quintessential mix of live music, incredible food, and abundant hiking trails. The energy here is infectious, and there’s no shortage of things to do. The Hill Country has its charm, no doubt, but sometimes you crave something different—a wild and rugged itch that Colorado guarantees to deliver. But before hitting the road, breakfast tacos are a must to fuel for the journey ahead, and the La Reyna taco at Veracruz is the way to go. And, of course, no road trip starts right without your caffeinated fix—in my case, it’s always Merit Coffee. Now we’re ready. Cue the playlist.

Angel Fire, New Mexico (12 hours from Austin)

Driving west from Austin (and yes, it’s a long haul), we finally crossed into one of my favorite states. First stop: Angel Fire, an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Known for its ski resort, this town also offers incredible summer adventures like mountain biking, zip-lining, and hiking. It’s a quieter spot, but the natural beauty here is undeniable. We opted for a Hipcamp stay, and our expectations were exceeded at Enchanted Circle Campground—a 161-acre paradise of rolling farmland, with 8 RV and tent sites to choose from and the most charming morning rooster to get your day going. Voted #1 Campground in New Mexico four years running, it didn’t disappoint. We enjoyed our morning coffee, soaking in the panoramic mountain views, with a visit from the farm’s unofficial mascot, Ragnar: a 26-year-old pig who loves a good scratch (and maybe a few scraps). Luckily, bacon wasn’t on the camp menu this time around.

I highly recommend making the 38-minute drive to Red River, where you’ll find the cutest, Hallmark-worthy village nestled in the Rocky Mountains of New Mexico. Red River Brewing Company & Distillery is a must.

Pit Stops:

Taty at the Bump
Angel Fired Pizza

Taos, New Mexico (48 minutes from Angel Fire)

If you haven’t been to Taos yet, add it to your list immediately. The desert landscape transforms into an artistic and spiritual enclave that captures your heart from the moment you arrive. As you drive into town, the first thing you’ll notice is the unique adobe architecture that gives Taos its distinctive Southwestern charm. The pueblo-style buildings, with their soft earthen hues, blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings, as if they’ve emerged from the desert floor itself. It’s no wonder Taos has become a haven for artists, spiritual seekers, and adventurers alike. Although we didn’t spend much time here, we cherished the few, albeit rainy, hours spent wandering the city’s streets. I had to muster all my willpower to resist adding another turquoise ring to my coveted collection. If you know, you know.

Pit Stops:

Ouray, Colorado (5 hours, 37 minutes from Taos)

Heading north into Colorado, Ouray feels like stepping into another world. Known as the “Switzerland of America,” this charming town is surrounded by dramatic peaks and offers hot springs, rugged mountain roads, and endless hiking opportunities—truly an adventurer’s dream. We stayed at Ouray Riverside Resort and loved it so much that we chose to extend our trip here instead of moving on to the next town. The sense of community among travelers, the onsite restaurant, and the late-night campfire sessions accompanied by live music filling the mountain air made this our favorite stop of the trip. Following what feels right certainly paid off! Not to mention, we finally discovered why “The Million Dollar Highway” earned its name. It’s not for the faint of heart, but the adrenaline rush is absolutely worth it.

Hike the Ouray Perimeter Trail for a bird’s-eye view of the town and its stunning surroundings—the perfect warm-up for a well-deserved pizza in town. Alternatively, visit Box Canyon for a quick 0.3-mile out-and-back trail that leads to a breathtaking cascade of waterfalls. Choose your adventure.

Pit Stops:

Telluride, Colorado (1 hour, 6 minutes from Ouray)

Ending the journey in Telluride feels like reaching the pinnacle of mountain beauty. Nestled in a box canyon and surrounded by towering peaks, this former mining town has transformed into a premier destination for outdoor adventures, offering everything from skiing in the winter to hiking in the summer. Its historic charm and vibrant arts scene make it an unforgettable final stop. The Bridal Veil Falls trail, a 2.0-mile out-and-back hike, leads adventurers to a breathtaking 365-foot waterfall that is simply extraordinary—and pup-approved, too. We were fortunate that our visit coincided with the Telluride Film Festival, giving us the chance to indulge in a bit of ‘stargazing’ (as the locals call it when celebrities are in town) while riding the iconic Telluride Gondola.

Pit Stops:

We often find pieces of ourselves tucked away in lands far from home, and this trip was no different. While Colorado has always held a special place in my heart, New Mexico has now carved out its own space as well. I truly believe that traveling in an RV enriched this journey in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I found community with fellow RVers and a shared desire to pause life—even for a little while—to savor the small moments along the way.