we want to take a road trip to colorado from the Houston area and wondering how long it would take? Mapquest says 18 hours but I don't think that is right. If anybody think it is to dar for a 4 day trip, what road trip from houston would be good? Already been to Hill Country and Hot Springs, AR.

How about New Mexico?

18 hours is about right, if you are going to southwestern Colorado (Durango) and you go the speed limit. Denver is probably more around 22.

Remember the refrain "I saw miles and miles of Texas", well it is true. El Paso is closer to Los Angeles than it is to Houston. It's at least 12 hours from Houston to El Paso. When we drive to the Hill Country (250 miles in about 4 hours), I shudder each time I see the sign outside Kerrville that says "El Paso 540 miles". I think there is no way I would want to be in the car for another 8 hours.

For a 4 day road trip, I suggest either South Louisiana (Lafayette, St. Martinville, New Orleans) or East Texas (Marshall and Nacogdoches). Maybe Big Bend National Park, if you like hiking and camping or Corpus Christi/South Padre if interested in a nicer beach or birding. If by Hill Country, you are excluding San Antonio, New Braunsfels, Gruene, San Marcos and Austin, that would be a good 4 day trip, as well.

I have made the drive from Houston to Colorado via the Amarillo route - and it is approx 16 hours to the southern portion of the state - but I drove that non-stop. For a four day trip, I don't think you'd have sufficient time to enjoy the wonderful state of Colorado.

I would also suggest a south Louisiana trip - if you like Cajun food and history (Plantation homes) - this would be a very nice trip. My fiance and I are planning to make a plantation "tour" sometime soon -

I guess it really depends on what you want to do during your trip, but western Arkansas starts getting very pretty around Queen Wilhemina State Park and you can drive north from there to Eureka Springs, which is a lovely little town.

would take you about 5 hours to get to Arkansas from Houston then another 5 or 6 to Eureka Springs.

The Texas Hill Country would be the only other drive I can think of for a four day trip - they have many nice vinyards to visit in the Hill Country too - Becker and Texas Hill vinyards being the best I have been to (as faf as the wine is concerned). And many of them have B&Bs you can stay in on the property.

good luck!