.🚐 Chasing 70 Degrees: RVing from Colorado to Texas 🌄🌵

February 8, 2024

Mountain Passes, Cadillac Ranch & Essential Tips for RV Travel in Texas

As full-time RVers chasing perfect weather, our latest adventure takes us from the crisp mountain air of Colorado to the wide-open skies of Texas. On this leg of the journey, we battled unpredictable weather, crossed three high mountain passes, and made time for iconic stops like Cadillac Ranch and a fascinating Harvest Host stay at Saint’s Roost Museum.

If you're planning to RV from Colorado into Texas (or vice versa), this blog shares not only our scenic route and favorite stops, but also practical tips for RVing through Texas, including what to know about driving and overnight stays.

🏔️ First Challenge: Climbing & Crossing Three Colorado Mountain Passes

🚙 1. Cochetopa Pass (1:32)

We kicked off the journey navigating Cochetopa Pass, a less-traveled but scenic route in south-central Colorado. Although this pass doesn’t get as much attention as some others, it still offers winding mountain roads and views for miles. It’s a great choice for RVers looking to avoid steeper grades like Monarch Pass.

RVer Tip:There are limited services along this route, so fuel up and stock up in Gunnison or Saguache before tackling it.

🏞️ 2. La Veta Pass (3:22)

Next up: La Veta Pass. This scenic pass through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains offers a smooth and manageable climb for most rigs. We’ve crossed this one before—but it still amazes us every time with its panoramic views and fall colors (if you catch it at the right time).

Bonus Tip:Keep an eye out for changing weather at higher elevations—conditions can shift quickly.

⛰️ 3. Raton Pass (5:25)

Our final ascent took us over Raton Pass, crossing the Colorado-New Mexico border. It’s one of the more well-known passes along I-25 and is heavily used by RVers and truckers. While steeper than La Veta, it’s very manageable with a well-maintained highway and gradual climbs.

🌿 Side Note: Marijuana Dispensaries in Colorado (2:47)

Colorado’s legal marijuana dispensaries are everywhere—including right along major RV travel routes. We’re often asked whether RVers can travel with cannabis. The short answer: know the law. Crossing state lines with marijuana (even medical) is illegal federally.

Travel Smart:If you're stocked up in Colorado, use it there—don’t bring it across the state line into Texas or New Mexico.

🎨 Roadside Americana: Cadillac Ranch (7:35)

No RV road trip through Amarillo, Texas, is complete without a stop at the iconic Cadillac Ranch! This roadside attraction features 10 half-buried Cadillacs nose-first in the ground, and visitors are encouraged to bring spray paint and leave their mark.

It’s weird, wonderful, and totally worth a stop.

Know Before You Go:

• Free to visit

• Bring your own spray paint

• Accessible even to big rigs with parking nearby

🏛️ Hidden Gem: Harvest Host Stay at Saint’s Roost Museum (8:40)

In Clarendon, TX, we found one of our most memorable Harvest Host stops yet: Saint’s Roost Museum. This small-town treasure is housed in a historic 1910 jail and features everything from Old West artifacts to early settler history and rodeo memorabilia.

We were the only guests that night and had the museum parking lot (and prairie view) all to ourselves.

Why We Loved It:

• Quiet, safe overnight stop

• Great local history

• Friendly hosts and an informative tour

🧭 RVer Tip: If you’re a Harvest Host member, book your stay here in advance—it’s a popular stop for those coming in or out of the Amarillo area.

🛻 What It’s Like Driving an RV in Texas (10:58)

Once you enter Texas, everything changes—including the driving experience. The roads are straighter, wider, and often faster, but there are some key things to know.

✅ Driving Tips for RVing in Texas:

1. Speed Limits Are High – Many rural roads allow 75+ MPH. Take your time, stick to the right lane, and let fast traffic pass.

2. Long Distances Between Services – Always fuel up when you can, especially in west Texas. Gas stations can be 50+ miles apart.

3. Wind Can Be Brutal – High winds can make towing or driving a high-profile RV tough. Watch forecasts before traveling long stretches.

4. Plenty of RV Stops – Texas is RV-friendly! Look for Buc-ee’s, truck stops, or county parks for fuel, food, or rest breaks.

Bonus Tip:Texas drivers are generally courteous, but always signal and give semis extra room. You’ll earn respect on the road!

🧭 Route Recap: Our Journey from Colorado to Texas

Here’s a quick breakdown of our route and highlights:

• Start: South-central Colorado

• 🚐 Cochetopa Pass

• 🏞️ La Veta Pass through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains

• ⛰️ Raton Pass into New Mexico

• 🎨 Stop at Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo

• 🛑 Overnight at Saint’s Roost Museum (Harvest Host)

• 🌵 Entering the open roads of Texas

🌡️ Why We’re Chasing 70 Degrees

Like many RVers, our lifestyle follows the weather—not too hot, not too cold. We call it “chasing 70 degrees.”

Heading south through Texas is part of our plan to enjoy mild fall and winter temps without dealing with snow, icy roads, or overworked propane heaters.

Texas offers a mix of desert landscapes, vibrant cities, Gulf Coast beaches, and endless campgrounds—from state parks to free overnight stays.

🧳 Final Tips for RVers Traveling This Route

• 🧭 Use RV-specific GPS to avoid low clearances and tight turns

• ⛽ Top off your tanks before long stretches—especially in west Texas

• 💤 Join Harvest Hosts for unique and safe overnight stays

• 🎨 Make time for fun stops—Cadillac Ranch is just the beginning

• ☀️ Watch for weather extremes as you transition from mountain to desert

📌 Conclusion: Scenic, Quirky & Worth Every Mile

This leg of our journey—from Colorado’s cool mountain passes to the open plains of Texas—was packed with scenery, learning moments, and unique experiences. From navigating winding roads to exploring Old West museums and graffiti-covered Cadillacs, it reminded us why the journey matters just as much as the destination.

If you’re planning a similar trip or just dreaming about RV life, we hope this blog gave you helpful info, inspiration, and maybe a few laughs along the way.

Happy travels, and we’ll see you on the road! 🚐💨

💬 Have You Traveled This Route?

Drop your favorite stops or tips in the comments below. We’d love to hear where you camped, what you explored, or what surprised you the most between Colorado and Texas!