Where to stay the night between co springs and vegas? (Denver: 2015, hotels)

[ahbuilder]

I am doing a drive to vegas from CO springs and cant find any help as to where to stay the night. Any ideas? Looking for a place with a downtown or a strip with nice shops (something to keep the mrs from complaining about the drive.) I would prefer a stop that is located pretty equally as far as driving hours from both cities rather then a stop near vegas or CO springs (to break up the drive).

Leaving on the 19th so hope to get some help before then.
Thanks.

[vfrpilot]

We've done this drive several times. We've went non-stop, 12 hours. We've stopped overnight at Grand Junction, Richfield, and St. George. GJ and St George fit your discription, but are not close to being halfway. Green River is about halfway.
Have a nice trip.

[McGowdog]

When we go to Vegas we just drive (I drive) west until we hit Utah and then Mrs. McGowdog goes to sleep and I drive as far as I can until it gets too late and that turns out to be St George, Utah. I wouldn't consider stopping anyplace else. Their ain't no halfway point. If your better half wants to shop there are plenty of places there on the strip. Good luck to ya.

[COflower]

I drive the full length from C Springs to Vegas.

I think the best place to stop over night is in Grand Junction. There are reasonable hotels on Horizon Drive which in my opinion is the best stop for overnight or just to get gas and a bite to eat.

Used to live in Grand Junction and Horizon Drive has oodles of hotels, restaurants and downtown GJ (which is an easy 10 minute if even that, drive) is a great place in the summer and fall if there are any festivals in the night.

Vegas to Grand Junction is 8 hours. Grand Junction to C Springs is 5 hours.

The nice thing about the stop in GJ is that you can spend some time up in one of the mountain towns for lunch and shopping. One of the best IMO is Breckenridge. Then after Breckenridge, take Highway 9 south to Hartsel then east on Highway 24 which will take you over Wilkerson Pass to see the west side of Pikes Peak. The rock formations and such are pretty cool when driving through.

Good luck and have a safe drive.

[Idunn]

Depends on your chosen route.

You could drive north to intersect I-70, which is a fine and lovely drive. As suggested elsewhere, Green River, UT is roughly halfway, although little there to entice the shopper or anyone else. Even if not quite as far west Grand Junction, CO is large enough to offer some of the amenities you are seeking.

However . . .

The scenic route possibly preferable, and maybe even faster. Drive south on I-25, turning west on US 160 at Walsenburg, CO. This will take you through Alamosa, CO, Durango, CO, and eventually intersect US 89, then I-40 at Flagstaff, AZ. From there an easy drive to Kingman, AZ and thence on US 93 north to Las Vegas, NV via the Hoover Dam.

Not only is such a route a bit more as the crow might fly but is largely open with little traffic, save more trucks than I'd like on I-40. Moreover there is an abundance of beautiful scenery, from the stark colors of the desert to high alpine mountain passes.

If on such a route the three areas you might consider lodging at are Durango, CO, Kayenta, AZ, and Flagstaff, AZ. In either Durango or Flagstaff you might easily locate lodging, restaurants and shopping to delight. If choosing Flagstaff, AZ don't forget that the red rock beauty of Sedona, AZ is but a relatively short drive south via either I-17 or the far more scenic Oak Creek Canyon.

At this time of year it would also be advisable to book any lodging in advance.

Kayenta, AZ is geographically closest to a mid-way point. Not a lot of shopping but it could be recommended for a pleasing desert location within the Navajo Nation. It is also the southern gateway to Monument Valley.

Another reason to consider Kayenta, AZ is the Hampton Inn located there.
Hampton Inn Kayenta Arizona Hotel - Kayenta, AZ Hotels

I've stayed there and it's lovely. An attractive southwest design with quite comfortable rooms and a pleasant outdoor pool. As with any Hampton property a bit more in cost than many, but often well worth it.

Have a wonderful trip.

[McGowdog]

Originally Posted by McGowdog

When we go to Vegas we just drive (I drive) west until we hit Utah and then Mrs. McGowdog goes to sleep and I drive as far as I can until it gets too late and that turns out to be St George, Utah. I wouldn't consider stopping anyplace else. Their ain't no halfway point. If your better half wants to shop there are plenty of places there on the strip. Good luck to ya.

Oh we've come along a bit since 2007.

Now MrsGowdog insists we we fly right to the Belagio and spend most of the time around that area. The Belagio is our second home, but last time we visited Vegas about a year ago, it was off putting and getting increasingly overpriced.

[COcheesehead]

It’s a 30 min detour each way, but you can stay in Moab. Tons of things to keep both of you occupied.

[Willy702]

Done this drive a number of times (well Denver not CS) and I usually stay in Richfield, UT. A handful of hotels to choose from and enough food and gas options. I'd avoid having that stop be there on Sunday or arriving after 10pm. Other than that it works out well.

[BarryK123]

Denver to Vegas was my first long road trip in my Tesla in 2015. On the way there, we stayed in Moab because we spent a few days visiting the Parks. On the way home, spent the night in Green River, UT because it was convenient to a restaurant, motel, and charger.

Bellagio was my favorite casino until they told me my game was too good for them and I couldn't play there any longer. Not that I'd play there anyway these days. The games have really deteriorated. The Vegas Strip casinos currently has the worst odds in the country for their table games and machines.

[otowi]

I usually go through to at least southern Utah in one day, and stay somewhere around Zion National Park - any of those towns there.