More
A scenic road trip on Highway 285, from Convergence Station to House of Eternal Return, with plenty of unique stops along the way
Illustration by: Marcus Murray
If you’re embarking on a Meow Wolf pilgrimage, odds are you’re into the, well, odd. Whether you’re midway on a cross-country trip to all our locations or you’re keeping it more local, there’s no shortage of otherworldly stops on your way from Convergence Station to House of Eternal Return. We’ve put together the perfect tour of sights and snacks from Denver to Santa Fe; attractions you’ll want to save up your energy for. Ready to hit the road?
Start your Highway 285 road trip on an unforgettable note. Immerse yourself in the worlds of Convergence Station, from the sentient planet Numina to the Kaleidogoth cathedral in Eemia. You might even meet a Yawlp who wants to join you on your adventure.
At Linger Eatery, you can finally fulfill your dream of dining in a former mortuary. Once the home of a funeral family legacy, Olinger Mortuaries once organized half of Denver’s funerals. Now, you can enjoy Korean BBQ or bao buns where Buffalo Bill’s body was once stored for six months.
Before you leave the Mile High City, make sure you head downtown to Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park, where Meow Wolf’s interactive, artist-driven voyage awaits in the form of Kaleidoscape.
It’s not a rollercoaster. It’s a thrill ride for the mind. This dark ride was named in both USA Today and Los Angeles Times as one of the most-anticipated new rides of 2019 and it hasn’t lost the excitement since.
Before you embark on your Denver to Santa Fe scenic drive, you want to stop for a coffee. Though it may be a quick detour, House of Vibes will get you well-caffeinated for the rest of your journey. Take in the sights, pick up a piece of unique art (preserved butterflies, anyone?), and check out the tarot card vending machine to set the mood for the rest of your Denver to Santa Fe scenic drive.
Highway 285 is one of the great scenic routes from Colorado to New Mexico, and it’s where you’ll find this gem. “Simple, affordable, memorable,” boasts the Sasquatch Outpost’s website. Whether you’re a believer in search of the truth, or a skeptic who just loves the outdoors, you’ll feel right at home at the Outpost.
If you’ve ever driven on Highway 285, you’ve probably seen the Coney Island Hot Dog Stand. It’s the one shaped like a giant hot dog. Originally intended to be the first of a chain of hot dog restaurants, the Aspen Park stand is now a renovated one-of-a-kind. Grab a chili dog or just take a photo with the unique architecture on this stop.
We’ve got a quick detour for your Denver to Santa Fe road trip. The twist? The detour will take you back in time at South Park City’s outdoor museum. Experience life in an 1850s mining town as you explore 35 real relocated buildings and over 60,000 period artifacts. If you arrive during a Living History Day, you’ll even be treated to volunteers in period dress for a fully immersive experience. Open from May 15 - October 15.
Stained glass. Wrought-iron bridges. A fire-breathing dragon. Bishop Castle has all the Highway 285 attractions you could ever want – which is why we’re taking you on a slight detour to see it. Jim Bishop intended to create a cabin for he and his wife, but ended up creating the stone castle of his dreams. Did we mention the dragon is made from recycled hospital trays?
Picture this: you’re ziplining over a 1250-foot-deep canyon over the Arkansas River. Not exciting enough? How about a Skycoaster that drops you down the gorge at up to 50pmh? Whether these adrenaline-inducing adventures are calling your name or you’d prefer a peaceful gondola ride with gorgeous views, you’ll find both at this stop.
If you enjoyed your interplanetary experience at Convergence Station, you’ll be delighted to visit the alien observation platform in Hooper, Colorado. UFO-searchers had been camping at this location for years, so cattle rancher Judy Messoline decided to make it a landmark. And with over 163 UFO sightings from the Watchtower, you may just be in for a show.
One of the best stops on Highway 285 for animal lovers is the Colorado Gators Reptile Park. This “family oriented, educational facility” is a sanctuary for unwanted exotic pets whose goal is to maintain an integrated ecosystem for alligators, pythons, tortoises, iguanas and more. For $2, you can buy a bucket of “Gator Chow” to feed the alligators!
As you return to the comfort of 285, you’ll come across Cano’s Castle. This shining, 4-tower castle was built out of beer cans and recycled metal by Native American Vietnam veteran Donald (formerly Dominic) “Cano” Espinoza. Inspired by “Vitamin Mary Jane” and Jesus, Cano’s Castle is truly an incredible piece of folk art.
So, you’ve finally made it to New Mexico and you’re ready to eat like a local. If you take a pit stop in Tres Piedras, you’ll find green chile heaven at the Chili Line Depot. They’ve got chili-based meals to suit any time of the day and any chili mood you’re in. Try a breakfast burrito, a green chile cheeseburger, or a slice of homemade green chile apple pie.
As you hit the home stretch of your scenic drive in New Mexico, your body will appreciate the healing powers of Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs, with soothing spring fed pools, a dry sauna and full resort right along 285.
The property is also surrounded by hundreds of thousands acres of hike-able public land, including the P’osi Pueblo Ruins Trail, a little over a mile round trip to pueblo ruins where P’osi generations lived for over a thousand years. While hiking, keep your peepers popped for pottery shards and ruins. The nearby Joseph’s mine trail and mica mine leads to caves and a vista worth seeing. There’s no more peaceful way to spend the last leg of your journey. (If you haven’t had enough, check out more New Mexico road trip destinations!)
The Denver to Santa Fe leg of your Meow Wolf road trip is complete! We promise entering the secret passages at House of Eternal Return won’t just send you back to the beginning of your road trip. Instead, you’ll experience the mystery at the original Meow Wolf location – a cosmic adventure of interactive art in Santa Fe. Find out what happened to the residents of this family home, and discover uncharted realms beyond the walls for a show-stopping grand finale of your Highway 285 road trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-see stops along Highway 285 from Denver to Santa Fe?
A few of the most-recommended destinations along 285 from Denver to Santa Fe include the Great Sand Dunes National Park, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs. If you’re looking for some more quirky options, check out our list above!
How long does it take to drive from Denver to Santa Fe via Highway 285?
The drive from Denver to Santa Fe via Highway 285 takes just under seven hours, depending on where exactly you begin and end your drive.
What is the best time of year to take a road trip on Highway 285?
July and August tend to be best for Colorado and New Mexico road trips. Since snow is less likely during the summer months, mountain travel tends to be a bit easier. Long days also mean plenty of time to enjoy stops and outdoor activities.
Are there any hidden gems or local favorites along Highway 285?
Highway 285 can take you to quite a collection of hidden gems and odd attractions – just see our list above. From the Coney Island Hot Dog Stand to Bishop Castle, or the Meow Wolf locations in Denver and Santa Fe, you’ll find plenty of peculiar pursuits along the historic route.
.jpg)
