Cache la Poudre – North Park Scenic & Historic Byway (Fort Collins). This
drive, which means “the powder’s hiding place” in French, is 101 miles
(three hours) following the Poudre River up to Cameron Pass. The route
was once used by settlers connecting the northern plains of Colorado to
the Green River settlement in Utah. Now, the route is a place to drive
and see raging river rapids ideal for rafting, Colorado’s state mammal,
the bighorn sheep, and amazing views around the bowl-shaped basin of
North Park at the top of Cameron Pass. Don’t forget your binoculars, as
North Park is a bustling habitat for wildlife.
Frontier Pathways National Scenic & Historic Byway (Pueblo). After
beginning this drive in Pueblo, pass along the high plains to see
buttes and flatlands before hitting the south side of a local favorite,
Lake Pueblo State Park, a 4,646-acre lake. Another 25 miles down the
road is the town of Wetmore, which separates the Great Plains from the
edge of the Rockies. At Highway 96 and Highway 165, the byway splits
west and south. The western route hits the San Isabel National Forest
and sister towns Silver Cliff and Westcliffe. The southern route leads
to the modern-day structure Bishop Castle and Colorado City, which is a
great place to eat some local cuisine. Keep an eye out on this 103-mile
(three and a half hour) drive for gray fox, mule deer, elk and
pronghorn.
Gold Belt Tour National Scenic & Historic Byway (Cañon City).
The Gold Belt Tour is 131 miles (five to six hours) of rolling mountain
parklands to deep rocky canyons. The drive was once the “Roads to
Riches” historic route, connecting Cripple Creek to Victor Mining
District and was also the world’s largest gold rush to Florence, Cañon
City and Florissant. The drive climbs from 5,500 to 9,500 feet in
elevation and visits Phantom Canyon Road, a road with green spotted
canyons and eerie ghost towns. A great place for a rest stop towards the
beginning of this trip is at the Florissant Fossil Beds National
Monument to see fossils dating back 34 million years.
Highway 160 over Wolf Creek Pass (Pagosa Springs). For
a shorter scenic drive, Highway 160 over Wolf Creek Pass will not
disappoint. The highway stretches 41 miles (about one hour) between
South Fork and Pagosa Springs. Views from the highway include portions
of Weminuche Wilderness within the San Juan National Forest, the
Continental Divide Trail and the 100-foot Treasure Falls. The hike to
Treasure Falls is one for the whole family and a great way to get out
and about.
Mount Evans Scenic & Historic Byway (Idaho Springs). This
Scenic Byway is also the highest paved road in North America at 14,130
feet above sea level. Along the 49-mile (two hour) road, alpine lakes,
granite walls, mountain goats and bighorn sheep can all be seen. On the
way up, views of glacier-cut valleys and many sharp, rocky peaks can’t
be beat. On the way back down, stop in Idaho Springs at the Indian Hot
Springs resort to relax and enjoy the hot springs.
Peak-to-Peak Scenic & Historic Byway (Estes Park). Established
in 1918, Peak-to-Peak is Colorado’s oldest Scenic Byway. From Estes
Park to Black Hawk, this 55-mile (two hour) drive passes through Rocky
Mountain National Park (celebrating its 100th anniversary in
2015), Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Arapaho and Roosevelt National
Forest and Eldora Mountain Resort ski area, all of which make for a
beautiful drive full of mountain and high-country lake scenery. Take a
detour through the ghost towns of Hesse and Apex, and walk around for a
rest stop, or stop west of Eldora for an easy hike to Arapaho Glacier.
Pikes Peak Highway (Colorado Springs). In
1915, Pikes Peak Highway was built and allowed locals and visitors to
reach the summit of Pikes Peak. Today, the 19-mile drive (about two
hours) is filled with lakes, mountains and wildlife along the climb from
7,400 feet to 14,115 feet. There are also many activities to choose
from on the way up, such as hiking, biking and boating. Once at the top,
try a world-famous donut at the Pikes Peak Summit House — it is the
only donut made at an altitude above 14,000 feet.
Top of the Rockies Scenic and Historic Byway (Leadville). Colorado’s
two tallest peaks, Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, can been seen from
this scenic drive. For 115 miles (four to five hours), pass the
beginning of the Arkansas River, the town of Twin Lakes in San Isabel
National Forest and Leadville, the highest incorporated city in the
United States. Get off the beaten path for a bit and bike Shrine Pass,
which is the perfect place for viewing wildflowers, or go trout fishing
in Missouri Lake. This Byway also includes Independence Pass.
Silver Thread Scenic & Historic Byway (Lake City). The
Silver Thread Scenic Byway passes through two of Colorado’s historic
districts, Lake City and Creede. Each has many sights worth seeing. Lake
City has one of the largest collections of preserved buildings from the
1870s, and Creede has the Creede Repertory Theater, which USA Today
called “one of the best places to see the lights way off Broadway.”
Also along this 120-mile (two to four hour) route, see the 800-year-old
Lake San Cristobal, and don’t forget to wander off a bit on Forest Road
510 to see stunning views of North Clear Creek Falls.
Trail Ridge Road (Estes Park). Take
a drive through Rocky Mountain National Park on the 48-mile (two to
three hour) Trail Ridge Road. Starting in Estes Park, hop on the highest
continuous auto road in the country to see elk, glacier-carved valleys
and amazing peak summits. The Continental Divide can also be seen from
this route. Due to its high altitude and heavy snowfall, the route is
only open from late May to late October. Don’t forget to stop by The
Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, which inspired Stephen King’s novel “The
Shining.” Also, head to Grand Lake, which is the largest natural lake in
the state of Colorado.
West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway (Gunnison). The
West Elk Loop Scenic Byway is one of Colorado’s longer drives, but
worth every minute. This 205-mile (eight to 10 hour) drive passes
through three beautiful mountain towns — Marble, Gunnison and Crested
Butte, each of which has something truly unique. See where the marble
for the Lincoln Memorial and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington,
D.C., came from in the old mining town of Marble. Gunnison offers a
culture mixing the ranching community and a university, while Crested
Butte offers amazing views of wildflowers, as is designated the
“Wildflower Capital of Colorado.” Also along the drive, pass by Black
Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.