A Colorado to Alberta road trip is one of North America’s most dramatic mountain drives, connecting two legendary Rocky Mountain regions. Whether you begin among Colorado’s soaring peaks or start in Alberta’s glacier-carved wilderness, this one-way route promises endless scenery, charming small towns, national parks, and smooth highways designed for exploring.
Many travelers choose a one-way itinerary so they can enjoy the journey without doubling back. With US Canada Auto Transport, you can road-trip in one direction, then ship your vehicle back home with ease. If you start in the U.S., you can arrange fast and secure vehicle delivery into Canada or vice versa. Early in your planning stage, you can also explore routes, stops, and distances with our state and province guides, including our page on car shipping from Alberta to Colorado.
Below is the full route breakdown, tips, stops, and scenic highlights to help you build your perfect Rockies adventure.
Why This One-Way Colorado to Alberta Road Trip Works in Either Direction
Driving northbound from Colorado or southbound from Alberta delivers the same core benefits: stunning views, easy-to-navigate mountain roads, and access to world-class national parks. Both directions also offer:
- Varied landscapes: alpine passes, hot springs, wide-open prairies, and glacier valleys
- Small-town charm: local diners, cozy lodges, and independent coffee shops
- National parks: Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Glacier/Waterton Lakes
- Flexible pacing: fast, direct segments mixed with scenic detours
No matter where you choose to start, the Rockies are the star of the show.
Suggested Route Overview
This itinerary covers the most beautiful and traveler-friendly path between Colorado and Alberta:
Denver → Estes Park → Steamboat Springs → Jackson Hole/Grand Teton → Yellowstone → Glacier National Park → Waterton Lakes → Canmore/Banff → Calgary
To preview the full driving route, you can view it here:
View the Colorado to Alberta road trip route on Google Maps
This drive can be comfortably completed in 6–9 days, depending on how many stops you add in national parks.
Starting Point: Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Playground
Denver, Boulder, and the Front Range
Most south-to-north travelers begin in Denver. The Mile High City is easy to fly into, well-connected to mountain highways, and loaded with great food, breweries, and outdoor gear shops. Boulder makes an equally good starting point, especially for those who enjoy a more laid-back mountain-town vibe.
Rocky Mountain National Park & Estes Park
Leaving the Front Range, head toward Estes Park, the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. From late spring to fall, you can drive the legendary Trail Ridge Road, one of the highest continuous paved highways in North America.
If you’re traveling the opposite direction—from Alberta down to Colorado—this will be one of the most scenic final legs of your journey.
Colorado’s Northwestern Highways: Steamboat Springs and Beyond
Steamboat Springs: Hot Springs & Western Charm
The drive from Estes Park to Steamboat Springs offers winding mountain roads, wildlife viewing, and big-sky vistas. Steamboat’s natural hot springs, friendly ranch-town feel, and local eateries make it a perfect overnight stop.
If you’re traveling northbound, you’ll sense the Rockies getting bigger and more dramatic as you approach Wyoming a feeling that’s even more rewarding if you’re following our Ski & Spa Road Trip itinerary. Southbound travelers notice the mountains easing gently into Colorado’s rolling ranges, a route many families enjoy while using tips from Family Rockies Adventure.
Wyoming’s Open Roads & Teton Country
The route continues toward Jackson Hole, a bucket-list mountain town surrounded by the jagged peaks of Grand Teton National Park. The highway leading into Jackson rewards drivers with huge, panoramic views.
Whether you’re driving north or south, the Tetons rise suddenly and dramatically from the valley floor, making them one of the most photographed ranges on the continent.
The Heart of the Rockies: Yellowstone National Park
Why Yellowstone Fits Perfectly in the Trip
No Colorado to Alberta road trip is complete without visiting Yellowstone, the world’s first national park. It sits perfectly between the two regions, making it a natural midpoint on your adventure.
With geothermal features, wildlife encounters, huge meadows, and waterfalls, Yellowstone is worth at least one overnight stop.
Key Spots to Consider
- Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin
- Mammoth Hot Springs
- Grand Prismatic Spring
- Hayden & Lamar Valleys for wildlife
- Yellowstone Lake for scenic pullouts
If traveling southbound from Alberta toward Colorado, Yellowstone will be one of your most memorable early stops.
Continue North: Montana’s Big-Sky Highway Toward Glacier
The drive from Yellowstone into Montana is wide and dramatic. Ennis, Bozeman, and Butte offer great places to stop for food or rest, and each town provides a different flavor of Western culture.
Glacier National Park: Crown of the Continent
As you approach Glacier National Park, the Rockies grow sharper and more rugged. “Going-to-the-Sun Road,” one of the most famous mountain drives in the world, cuts directly across the park and connects Lake McDonald with Logan Pass and St. Mary.
Scenic Highlights Include:
- Logan Pass & the Highline Trail
- Lake McDonald’s teal-blue waters
- Many Glacier area
- Wildflower meadows in summer
- Wildlife such as mountain goats and bighorn sheep
Northbound travelers will feel the journey building toward its Canadian finale, while southbound drivers enjoy Glacier as a grand opening act.
Crossing Into Canada: Welcome to Alberta
Waterton Lakes National Park
Just north of the border sits Waterton Lakes, Glacier’s sister park. Its dramatic cliffs and deep lakes create an unforgettable transition into Canada.
Canmore, Banff & the Bow Valley
From Waterton, continue into Alberta and make your way toward Canmore or Banff. This is where the Canadian Rockies deliver some of their most famous scenes: turquoise lakes, towering peaks, and winding forest roads.
Notable Stops in the Bow Valley
- Banff Avenue (restaurants + shopping)
- Lake Louise & Moraine Lake
- Bow Lake & Peyto Lake viewpoints
- Canmore Nordic Centre trails
- Sunshine Village (gondola access in summer)
If driving south toward Colorado, this segment becomes a spectacular kickoff to your Rockies journey.
Driving Distances & Timing
You can complete the trip in different ways depending on your pace. Below is a common structure:
- Denver → Estes Park: ~65 miles
- Estes Park → Steamboat Springs: ~170 miles
- Steamboat → Jackson Hole: ~350 miles
- Jackson → Yellowstone: ~60–100 miles
- Yellowstone → Glacier NP (West or East): ~350–450 miles
- Glacier → Canmore/Banff: ~270–320 miles
- Banff → Calgary: ~80 miles
These distances remain identical in reverse for those driving Alberta to Colorado instead.
Border Crossing Tips for a Smooth Trip
Whether crossing from Montana into Alberta or the reverse direction, keep these essentials in mind:
Bring Required Documentation
- Passport
- Vehicle registration
- Proof of valid insurance (confirm Canadian coverage)
- Any additional permits for borrowed or rented vehicles
Know What You Can Bring Across the Border
Certain foods, plants, and firewood may be restricted. Carrying alcohol or tobacco is fine within defined limits.
Timing & Port Selection
Expect varied wait times during peak seasons. Ports east and west of Waterton often move faster than the most popular crossings.
Best Season for a Colorado to Alberta Road Trip
This journey is beautiful year-round, but the ideal season depends on your style:
Summer (June–September):
Full access to mountain passes, alpine lakes, and national parks.
Fall (mid-September–October):
Cooler temperatures, golden aspens, and fewer crowds.
Winter (November–March):
Turn this into a ski-focused adventure many travelers also enjoy the winter version of this route.
Related reading: Check out our guide: Mountain Adventure Drive: National Parks & Hidden Towns.
Spring (April–May):
Melting snow, rising waterfalls, and uncrowded towns though some high elevation roads may still be closed.
Plan Your Stops With Our Road Trip Tool
To map out custom detours, hidden eateries, scenic loops, and overnight stays, try our interactive tool:
Use our Road Trip Planner to customize your route and map out must-see stops.
You can adjust the pace, focus on parks, or skip certain regions depending on weather or trip goals.
Why Many Travelers Ship Their Car One-Way
Taking a one-way Rockies-to-Rockies drive is exciting but driving both directions can double the time, gas, and lodging. That’s why many travelers drive only one way, then ship the vehicle home.
With US Canada Auto Transport, you can:
- Road-trip from Colorado to Alberta or reverse
- Book fast cross-border delivery
- Avoid doubling back on long stretches
- Save wear and tear on your vehicle
- Make the most of your vacation days
If you begin in Colorado, your vehicle can be shipped back from Alberta or vice versa.
Conclusion: Your Ultimate North–South Rockies Journey
A Colorado to Alberta road trip is an unforgettable blend of wide-open landscapes, national parks, lively mountain towns, and iconic North American scenery. Whether you’re heading northbound into Canada or southbound back into the U.S., the Rockies offer spectacular views at every turn.
With flexible routing, easy cross-border travel, and the option to ship your vehicle one-way, this adventure works perfectly in either direction. Plan your route using our Road Trip Planner and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace then let US Canada Auto Transport handle getting your car safely home.
Google Map itinerary link
Colorado → Estes Park → Steamboat Springs → Jackson Hole → Yellowstone → Glacier NP → Waterton Lakes → Canmore → Calgary
Google Maps Route:
