This stretch is the fourth segment of The Loneliest Road, a road trip that follows long runs of U.S. Highway 50 through big skies, high passes, and wide-open desert.
You will climb from the Front Range edge into the Rockies over Monarch Pass, then trade alpine views for canyon rims, reservoirs, and red-rock country near Grand Junction before crossing central Utah to Delta. Plan for three days if you want time for short hikes, viewpoints, and unhurried camp setup.
For more details on the entire route, see our complete Loneliest Road road trip overview.
Pueblo to Delta Road Trip Segment Overview
This segment starts in the Arkansas River Valley and quickly turns into a classic U.S. 50 mix of river corridors and mountain driving. West of Salida, the highway tops out at Monarch Pass, then drops into the Gunnison Country side where campgrounds and pull-offs sit near Blue Mesa Reservoir and the Black Canyon region.
Beyond the Western Slope, you will spend a full day crossing into Utah on fast highway, with long service gaps and lots of wind exposure. Late spring through early fall is the easiest window. Winter and shoulder seasons can bring traction laws, closures, and ice on high sections, so plan for flexibility.
As outlined in our Loneliest Road road trip planning guide, this is one of the most varied landscape shifts on the full route.
Quick Stats for Pueblo to Delta Drive
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Distance | About 564 miles |
| Estimated Drive Time | About 9 hours 30 minutes without stops |
| States | Colorado, Utah |
| Primary Route | US-50 W (with I-70 sections and a short I-15 overlap in Utah) |
| Recommended Duration | 3 days |
| Cell Service | Good in towns, spotty to limited in canyons, passes, and forest roads |
| Fuel Stops | Pueblo, Cañon City, Salida or Poncha Springs, Gunnison, Montrose, Delta (CO), Grand Junction, Green River (UT), Salina, Delta (UT) |
Day-by-Day Plan for Pueblo to Delta
Day One: Pueblo to Gunnison on US-50
Mileage and drive time: About 170 miles, 3.5 to 4 hours driving.
Route notes: Follow US-50 west. The road stays relaxed through the Arkansas River corridor, then turns into true mountain driving as you climb to Monarch Pass. Expect sweeping curves, steep grades, and fast-changing weather at higher elevation.
Morning stops: Start with a walk at Lake Pueblo State Park if you want a low-effort reset before the mountains. In Cañon City, add Skyline Drive if your group is comfortable with a narrow one-way road and drop-offs. If you prefer a calmer stop, stay along the Riverwalk in town for coffee and a short stroll.
Afternoon stops: Grab lunch in Salida, then head up and over Monarch Pass for a quick Continental Divide photo stop. Roll into Gunnison in time for groceries, ice, and last-minute gear.
Overnight suggestion: Camp west of town near Blue Mesa Reservoir so you start Day Two in the scenery.
Food and fuel: Top off in Salida or Poncha Springs before the pass. Gunnison is your best full resupply before heading toward Montrose.
Day Two: Gunnison to Fruita via Black Canyon
Mileage and drive time: About 170 to 200 miles, 3.5 to 5 hours driving depending on park time.
Route notes: Stay on US-50 west. This is a day of reservoirs, open sagebrush, and big-view pull-offs. Winds can kick up along Blue Mesa, and shade can be limited at many roadside stops.
Morning stops: Swing into Elk Creek or another Blue Mesa area pull-off for shoreline views and a quick stretch. If you want a history stop that is still outdoorsy, detour to the Cimarron Canyon Rail Exhibit to see restored railroad equipment on the old trestle.
Afternoon stops: From US-50, take the signed turn toward Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park South Rim. Pick a couple viewpoints, then hike part of the Rim Rock Trail, a mostly level 1-mile one-way walk that links the visitor area and the campground.
Overnight suggestion: Base in Fruita or inside Colorado National Monument so you can catch early light on the next set of overlooks.
Food and fuel: Montrose and Delta, Colorado both work for fuel, groceries, and quick meals. Grand Junction is your biggest option set before Utah.
Day Three: Fruita to Delta, Utah across the high desert
Mileage and drive time: About 279 miles, roughly 4 hours 15 minutes driving.
Route notes: Your day begins near Colorado National Monument and ends in Utah farm country and desert margins. The miles go fast, but services thin out quickly once you are away from larger towns.
Morning stops: If you camped at the monument, take a short walk on Otto’s Trail, an easy 0.5-mile one-way path to an overlook. Then stock up in Grand Junction for the long run, including extra water, sun protection, and an emergency snack buffer.
Afternoon stops: Plan at least one longer break in Green River or Salina for fuel and food. Keep an eye on wind and weather forecasts because exposed sections can feel tougher than the map suggests, especially for RVs and high-profile vehicles.
Overnight suggestion: Delta is a good place to reset for the next segment. If you want quieter sleeping, head to the nearby canyon campground option outside town.
Detour option: If the group wants a culture stop, look for a state-park museum stop along I-70 corridors, but keep it timing-friendly so you arrive in Delta before dark.
Best Campgrounds on the Pueblo to Delta Route
Ward Mtn Campground (Murray Summit) is included in the main overview, and it is a cool high-elevation option if your plan extends west of Delta into the next stretch of US-50. Expect a simple forest setting with cooler nights, even when the valleys are warm.
Juniper Breaks Campground at Lake Pueblo State Park is a practical first-night choice if you want to ease into the trip. It keeps you close to town for last purchases while still getting a lakeside feel and reliable amenities.
East Ridge Campground – Royal Gorge sits above the Arkansas River corridor near Cañon City. It is a strong base for Skyline Drive, Royal Gorge-area hikes, and an early start toward Salida the next morning.
Salida RV Resort is a high-comfort stop with a convenient location near town. It is especially useful for RV travelers who want showers and hookups before the colder, higher-elevation nights west of the pass.
Hecla Junction Campground puts you right on the Arkansas River north of Salida. It is popular for rafting season, so treat it as a reservation-first option and bring shade if you camp mid-summer.
Elk Creek Campground on Blue Mesa Reservoir is a solid fit for families and anglers, with easy water access and a central location between Gunnison and Montrose. Wind is common, and the open layout means you will want a good staking plan for tents.
Black Canyon Dispersed Camping is the low-frills option near the South Rim entrance area. Expect no services, possible ruts and mud after storms, and a quick hop into the park for sunrise viewpoints.
Saddlehorn Campground – Colorado National Monument is the payoff stay for anyone who likes desert cliffs and big mornings. Camp here if you want to walk straight into short monument trails and drive Rim Rock Drive at dawn or near sunset.
Fishlake National Forest Oak Creek Rec Site is a top pick close to Delta if you want trees, cool air, and quiet. Cell coverage is limited, so download maps before you leave town and treat this as an unplugged night.
Top Stops and Things to Do Along US-50
Natural Highlights
Monarch Pass is the big elevation moment of the segment, and even a short out-and-back walk from the summit area can feel like a true alpine break. West of Gunnison, Blue Mesa Reservoir lets you stretch your legs near the shoreline and watch for changing light on the water.
Cultural and Historic Sites
The Cimarron Canyon Rail Exhibit is a quick stop with real storytelling value, especially for kids who want to see a locomotive up close. In Cañon City, Skyline Drive adds a short, memorable side trip with pullouts, strong views, and dinosaur track interpretation along the ridge.
Outdoor Recreation
The Arkansas River corridor near Salida is prime rafting and fishing country, and you will pass outfitters and access points as you follow US-50. In Black Canyon of the Gunnison, the Rim Rock Trail offers an easy, rim-level hike that pairs well with viewpoint hopping.
Unique Stops
Colorado National Monument is a good place to trade long-distance driving for short hikes. Otto’s Trail is easy and quick, and the viewpoints along Rim Rock Drive are some of the best low-effort photo stops on the Western Slope.
Travel Tips for Pueblo to Delta Drivers
Plan your fuel around the bigger towns. After Gunnison and Montrose, your next strongest services are Delta, Colorado and Grand Junction, and the Utah stretch rewards a full tank leaving each stop. Cell service is reliable in towns but drops off quickly near passes and at many forested campgrounds, so save offline maps and reservation details.
Weather is the main wildcard. Monarch Pass can turn wintery fast, and wind along Blue Mesa and open Utah corridors can stress tents, trailers, and bikes on racks. Check road conditions before you roll, using COtrip for Colorado and UDOT road conditions for Utah.
Wildlife is common at dawn and dusk. Drive slower in deer country, store food properly, and keep a clean camp in bear country near the Black Canyon region.
More Loneliest Road Segments and Resources
This Pueblo to Delta guide is one segment of a much longer US-50 journey. For planning the full route, read our Loneliest Road road trip overview, then explore the other segment articles to build your schedule step by step.
For camping logistics, offline maps, and trip savings, The Dyrt PRO is a great road trip companion. For low-impact camping practices that fit this region, follow Leave No Trace principles and respect seasonal fire restrictions.
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