With 26 Scenic Byways, Colorado boasts one of the vital strong applications within the U.S. 13 are designated as Nationwide Scenic Byways, giving Colorado extra of those premier roads than every other state. Listed below are our 9 favorites, together with one native route that’s not but formally a state-recognized byway. All these roads are RV accessible. That mentioned, all the time examine situations as a result of many of those byways journey excessive into the mountains, and although well-maintained, some sections characteristic spinetingling drop-offs and steep inclines! However hey, that’s Colorado, the state with the nation’s highest common elevation.
- San Juan Skyway
- Unaweep Tabeguache
- Path Ridge Highway
- Peak to Peak
- Lariat Loop
- High of the Rockies
- Grand Mesa
- Palisade Fruit & Wine
- Gold Belt Tour
San Juan Skyway – 233 miles
Merely put, the San Juan Skyway is without doubt one of the most stunning byways in America, if not the planet. Positioned in southwestern Colorado, this loop route passes by the San Juans, thought of by many to be probably the most picturesque peaks in your complete Rocky Mountain vary. Beginning within the pleasing metropolis of Durango and driving north, the street passes by the primary of two main ski areas, Purgatory. Then, US 550 climbs steeply over Molas Go earlier than dropping into Silverton, elevation 9,318 toes. As soon as bustling with miners and a thriving bordello scene, right this moment t-shirt and ice cream retailers drive the economic system. The native museum is complete and you probably have time, go deep inside a close-by mountain on the guided Outdated Hundred Gold Mine Tour.
The city can also be the terminus of the Durango & Silverton Slim Gauge Railroad. It’s price parking the RV in Durango for this spectacular roundtrip expertise, significantly when the aspen flip gold in early fall. Again within the RV, from Silverton the subsequent part is named the Million Greenback Freeway, possible due to the associated fee however some say the nickname comes from the million-dollar views. The cliff-hugging street is jaw-dropping, too. Ouray is the subsequent quaint city, the place sizzling springs, waterfalls and within the winter, mountaineering are in style. Passing by the fourth interesting city, Ridgway, the Skyway heads west.
Search for Ralph Lauren’s Double RL Ranch as you move within the shadow of one more set of spectacular peaks to the left. Superlatives proceed because the byway enters Telluride, the second ski resort on the Skyway. Expensive properties and a historic downtown nestle in opposition to the slopes. Open a lot of the yr, trip the free gondola to the Telluride Mountain Village. Did we point out fall colours are significantly gorgeous? Because the San Juan Skyway winds throughout Lizard Head Go (search for the reptilian formed rock within the distance to the fitting), it reaches Dolores and Canyons of the Ancients Nationwide Monument. The superb museum offers perception to the Ancestral Puebloan individuals who lived on this space. There’s additionally a brief hike to a hilltop smash. From Dolores, it’s one other 20 minutes to Mesa Verde Nationwide Park, that includes well-preserved cliff dwellings tucked inside forested canyons. Durango is the subsequent city east, finishing this looping trek by human historical past and alpine splendor.
Unaweep Tabeguache – 133 miles
Branching off the San Juan Skyway, this byway begins within the mountains, winds by pink rock and granite canyons earlier than ending within the desert. About midway between Ridgway and Telluride, the San Juan Skyway turns left towards Telluride and Durango. However should you proceed straight, you’re now on the Unaweep Tabeguache Scenic Byway. Up-and-coming Norwood sits on a excessive plain, surrounded by agricultural fields with mountains within the distance. The byway then drops into canyon nation.
At Naturita, the freeway follows the San Miguel River because it carves rock into gorge. Throughout World Struggle II, this space performed an element in America’s notorious atomic previous: uranium mined right here was utilized by the Manhattan Mission for the primary atomic bomb. Immediately, solely an indication stays the place the city of Uravan as soon as stood after a large-scale environmental cleanup was accomplished a few years in the past. About six miles farther, search for the Hanging Flume Overlook. Within the distance, the San Miguel flows into the Dolores. The merged rivers have sculpted an enormous canyon, and clinging to the partitions under are the remnants of a wood chute, constructed within the Eighties for gold mining.
Because the drive continues, search for mine shafts and tailings piled excessive up the hillsides. The byway tightens because it curves by gorgeous pink rock partitions earlier than rising simply exterior Gateway. This tiny burg is dwelling to an unique resort and automobile museum. After passing an impressive stone butte referred to as The Palisade, the surroundings adjustments once more. The freeway now enters Unaweep Canyon, the one gorge on the earth the place creeks circulate out in reverse instructions. The dramatic granite partitions are in style with rock climbers. Big boulders and a steep decline carry this byway to a stark conclusion, about 10 miles from Grand Junction. Remoteness is a serious enchantment of this byway and so remember to watch the gasoline gauge. Norwood, Naturita and Gateway all have gasoline.
Path Ridge Highway – 48 miles
Certainly, Path Ridge is certainly one of Colorado’s most well-known, stunning and beloved roads, which implies it’s virtually all the time crowded. So, you’ll want a timed entry reservation to drive it throughout peak days and hours. And Path Ridge is barely absolutely open from the tip of Might by October. As a result of this is without doubt one of the world’s highest roads, it will get wintry climate, even in the summertime. Path Ridge Highway passes by Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park.
Within the late summer season and fall, massive herds of elk converge on meadows. Bugling males will be heard from lengthy distances and guests carry chaise lounges to look at the courtship from afar. Greater up, mountain vistas await at each flip. “You should have the entire sweep of the Rockies earlier than you in all instructions,” mentioned Horace Albright, director of the Nationwide Park Service throughout the street’s building in 1931. The freeway reaches its apex at 12,183 toes. You’re within the tundra, above tree line and in much less oxygen. It’s possible windy, chilly and exhilarating. Two touristy cities lie on both facet of Path Ridge Highway. To the west is Grand Lake, constructed on the shores of a beautiful lake of the identical identify. To the east is Estes Park, of The Shining and Stanley Resort fame. Although each cities get busy, they characteristic loads of charisma and amenities.
Peak to Peak – 55 miles
Although it doesn’t formally begin in Idaho Springs, that is the logical starting of this byway. Positioned on I-70 about 40 minutes west of Denver, Idaho Springs provides a pleasing downtown and a strolling tour of the now defunct Argo Mill and Tunnel, together with gold panning. Winding into the mountains, the byway shortly reaches Central Metropolis and Black Hawk. Throughout Colorado’s gold rush, the world was nicknamed the “Richest Sq. Mile on Earth.” However loads has modified in 150 years.
Playing was launched within the Nineties to economically recharge the 2 dying cities. Casinos may not be your factor however nonetheless, it’s fairly superb to see such enormous motels constructed so near evergreen-clad mountainsides. And Central Metropolis nonetheless retains a few of its Victorian appeal, significantly the Opera Home. Because the byway strikes farther north, Golden Gate Canyon State Park has putting mountain views and mountain climbing trails. Nederland presents a bohemian vibe with a small ski space and an oddly out-of-place carousel. All of the animals have been painstakingly restored, making a enjoyable trip for all ages. This high-altitude journey linking mountains to mountains ends in Estes Park, on the jap flank of Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park.
Lariat Loop – 40 miles
Essentially the most city of Colorado’s byways, the Lariat Loop nonetheless packs in loads of outside grandeur. Denver isn’t identified for dinosaurs, however some putting tracks are discovered at Dinosaur Ridge, simply off I-70 west of town close to Golden. From there, drive to Pink Rocks Amphitheatre. Even should you can’t go to a live performance, it’s price parking within the massive lot and strolling across the legendary venue, taking within the views and interested by all of the unbelievable acts which have carried out right here through the years: The Beatles, U2, Stevie Nicks, The Grateful Useless, Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Springsteen, Willie Nelson and on and on. There’s a Performers Corridor of Fame and refreshments, too. Most sunny summer season days, it’s a surprisingly busy and festive ambiance.
Simply down the street, extra dino enjoyable awaits on the Morrison Pure Historical past Museum, that includes bones, casts, fossils and a analysis lab. Heading west, Freeway 74 zigzags by Bear Creek Canyon with parking for mountain climbing trails. At Evergreen, take a stroll across the lake or take pleasure in a meal in one of many many eating places. There are additionally extra mountain climbing trails at Elk Meadow Park. Now, the Lariat Loop heads north and briefly jumps on I-70 earlier than exiting at Genesee Park. There’s extra mountain climbing plus you possibly can generally observe bison which can be direct descendants of the final wild herd of bison within the U.S.
The Lariat Loop then arrives on the Buffalo Invoice Museum and Grave, a memorial to the legendary soldier, hunter and showman. Once you consider early Wild West stereotypes, Buffalo Invoice will get a lot of the credit score for creating them. The museum’s overlook is superb, too, as Denver sparkles within the distance. Immediately under is Golden, dwelling to the enormous Molson Coors Brewery. You’ll marvel on the bikers and runners heading up the intense grade as you descend. Downtown Golden is one other nice location for a meal or snack. Then, park within the designated lot for the ever-popular Coors Brewery Tour. However you’ll want reservations.
High of the Rockies – 130 miles
In case you dream of excessive style in a dreamy, high-altitude location, this byway begins and ends in two of the world’s most fascinating: Vail and Aspen. Driving I-70 west of Denver, it’s 100 miles and about 1.5 hours to the Bavarian-themed streets and retailers of Vail. A couple of minutes west on I-70, the byway formally begins at Minturn, the place US 24 heads south by picture-perfect mountain landscapes. After crossing the much-photographed Pink Cliff Bridge, the street enters a hilly plain and shortly you’re in Leadville, the best integrated metropolis in North America, elevation 10,200 toes.
Close by sit Colorado’s two tallest peaks: 14,433-foot Mt. Elbert and 14,421-foot Mt. Large. With 150 years of historical past and a number of other good museums, there’s loads to see and do on this former mining city turned vacationer mecca. The byway continues to parallel the mountains earlier than straight heading into them at Twin Lakes. Driving west, Freeway 82 lives as much as the byway’s identify. You’ll really feel such as you’re on prime of the world as you cross Independence Go by among the Rockies’ most unforgettable surroundings. Remember to examine situations earlier than you allow as a result of this part, Twin Lakes to Aspen, is closed October by Might.
There are a number of good campgrounds and mountain climbing areas alongside right here, too, similar to Grottos Path. Waterfalls, rock formations and an ice cave are highlights of this brief however candy stroll. The byway ends on the expensive eating places, artwork galleries and luxurious boutiques of downtown Aspen.
Grand Mesa – 63 miles
Maybe no byway in Colorado defines the distinction of mountain to abandon extra dramatically than Grand Mesa. Driving I-70 by western Colorado, the freeway parallels the Colorado River by the excessive, dry partitions of De Beque Canyon. Exiting east onto Freeway 65 and the beginning of the byway, the street continues to wind by one other slender, barren however stunning canyon earlier than beginning the sluggish ascent to Grand Mesa. Climate-sculpted rocks, sagebrush and junipers give approach to farmland because the freeway enters the city of Mesa. Then, engine pull signifies the climb has began. Earlier than the summit, there are a number of overlooks that includes pine and aspen forests with desert within the distance. Powderhorn Mountain Resort is a ski space with warm-weather mountain climbing whereas Mesa Lakes provides extra trails, eating and cabins. You’re now in a nationwide forest and there are a number of campgrounds, too.
Maxing out at 11,332 toes, Grand Mesa is the world’s largest flattop mountain. With greater than 300 lakes, fishing is clearly in style and so is wildflower viewing. And fall brings altering aspen. At occasions, there are many hungry mosquitos so examine on-line or contact the customer middle for updates. In summer season and fall, there are two methods to get down. Land’s Finish Highway is well-maintained gravel with extra lakes and a surprising overlook with comically grasping floor squirrels and chipmunks.
From right here, the steep, slender descent to abandon flooring isn’t advisable for RVs. As a substitute, return to pavement and proceed by way of Freeway 65 to Cedaredge. Pioneer City Museum is generally outside and options boardwalks, silos, an Outdated Primary Avenue, blacksmith store and American Indian assortment. Cedaredge is an apple rising space so search for fruit stands in late summer season and fall. The AppleShed sells native artwork, espresso and meals, and October brings the Apple Competition.
Palisade Fruit & Wine – 25 miles
This western Colorado route isn’t a state or federal byway nevertheless it’s distinctive and engaging. As I-70 leaves De Beque Canyon and enters the Grand Valley on the best way to Grand Junction, the area’s largest metropolis, the freeway passes by Palisade. For many years, the city has had a statewide popularity for its high-quality peaches. A few years in the past, among the orchards started remodeling into vineyards and now Palisade has a global popularity for wine. Following varied paved roads, the byway wanders previous a group of greater than 40 tasting rooms, fruit stands, lavender farms, distilleries and a pie store. You’ll discover espresso, a brewery and a few top-notch eating places within the quaint downtown. The byway is in style with drivers and bikers and whereas July is the beginning of fruit harvest, lots of the wineries are open year-round. Spring brings colourful blossoms so examine forward for updates.
Gold Belt – 135 miles
This byway begins 40 minutes west of Colorado Springs, just about smack dab within the middle of Colorado. At Florissant, drive south on County Highway 1 to Florissant Fossil Beds Nationwide Monument. A brief hike leads previous just a few petrified sequoias, among the world’s largest fossilized bushes. County 1 continues to Cripple Creek, long gone its heyday of the Nineties when a few of historical past’s largest gold strikes occurred within the space. Immediately, a stroll alongside Bennett Avenue results in 9 casinos, however you possibly can nonetheless really feel like a prospector on the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine the place a vertical shaft tour descends 1,000 toes!
Fashionable, high-tech mining nonetheless occurs on the Newmont Mine, which you’ll move on the 10-minute drive to Victor. Right here, restored brick buildings and mining ruins provide loads of photographic enchantment. Then, it’s determination time. Phantom Canyon Highway is loopy fairly, nevertheless it’s maintained gravel and really slender in locations. Remember to analysis and examine with the locals earlier than heading out in your RV. Shelf Highway is a second choice nevertheless it’s undoubtedly 4WD.
The third selection entails heading again to Cripple Creek. Proceed towards Florissant Fossil Beds however then take a left onto County 11, about 9 miles previous Cripple Creek. Driving south, you’ll attain Cañon Metropolis, the subsequent necessary cease irrespective of which street you’re taking from Victor. A giant city with all the mandatory facilities, the spotlight right here is the Royal Gorge Bridge, the place strolling some 1,300 wood planks takes you throughout America’s highest suspension bridge. The mighty Arkansas River seems to be puny from 1,000 toes above! If forest hikes amongst pink rock formations are extra your factor, comply with the paved part of Shelf Highway north to Pink Canyon Park.