Explore Colorado's Scenic and Historic Byways: Top 10 Road Trip Ideas for a Stunning Journey
Experience the natural beauty and rich history of Colorado by taking a road trip along one of the state's scenic and historic byways. From the San Juan Skyway to Trail Ridge Road, these routes offer stunning views and unique experiences that will make for a memorable journey. Plan your next adventure with our top road trip ideas for Colorado's Scenic and Historic Byways.
In my opinion, there's nothing better than packing a picnic and hitting the open road and discovering all that Colorado has to offer! Whether you're in search of breathtaking natural beauty, rich history, or a little bit of both, Colorado's many scenic and historic byways offer something for everyone. These routes guarantee to take you through some of the most stunning landscapes and historic sites in the state. So pack your bags, gas up the car, and get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with adventure, inspiration, and fun!
Image courtesy of colorado.com
This list combines a few of our favorites and a few that are still on our bucket list:
Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway
Get ready to embrace the heart of the Rocky Mountains on the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway. This 68-mile route takes you through the breathtaking beauty of the Collegiate Peaks, a range of 14,000-foot peaks in the Sawatch Mountains of Colorado. Along the way, you'll see alpine lakes, wildflower-filled meadows, and snow-capped peaks. You will also pass through the historic mining towns of Buena Vista, and Leadville. The byway also offers access to several trailheads, including those for Mount Princeton, Mount Yale and Mount Harvard, which are some of the most popular peaks for hiking and climbing in the region. Don't miss this opportunity to discover the beauty of Colorado's Collegiate Peaks on this unforgettable scenic drive.
TIP: If you don’t have time to take the Collegiate Peaks Byway you can get an incredible view of the peaks from Mueller State Park. Mueller itself is a small, but wonderful state park to visit or you can even camp at one of the many campsites available in the park.
Highway of Legends Historic Byway
Embark on an epic journey through the heart of the Rocky Mountains on the Highway of Legends Scenic Byway. This 123-mile route takes you through the historic mining towns of Trinidad, Aguilar, and Walsenburg, as well as the stunning Cuchara River Valley. Along the way, you'll discover the legends and stories of the people and places that have shaped the region. From ancient Native American petroglyphs to the ghost towns of the mining boom, the Highway of Legends offers a glimpse into the rich history of Colorado. Don't miss this unforgettable road trip.
TIP: Plan to take this trip in the fall! You will be greeted by historic towns and buildings set against vibrant yellow Aspen groves as you wind your way through rich Colorado History.
The San Juan Skyway
Take a journey through the majestic San Juan Mountains on the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway. This 236-mile loop takes you through picturesque towns, past alpine lakes, and over mountain passes, offering some of the most breathtaking views in the state. Along the way, you'll see the historic mining towns of Silverton and Ouray, as well as the stunning vistas from the top of Molas and Red Mountain passes. Whether you're a history buff or a nature lover, the San Juan Skyway has something for everyone. Don't miss this unforgettable scenic drive through the heart of Colorado.
The Trail Ridge Road
Take a drive to new heights on Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in North America. This 48-mile route takes you through Rocky Mountain National Park, reaching an elevation of 12,183 feet at its highest point. Along the way, you'll be treated to stunning views of alpine tundra, wildflower-filled meadows, and snow-capped peaks. Trail Ridge Road is open seasonally, usually from Memorial Day to late October, depending on snow conditions. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the tops of the Rockies on this unforgettable scenic drive.
TIP: Because Trail Ridge Road is typically only accessible during the summer months you will need a timed entry reservation to access Rocky Mountain National Park and Trail Ridge. You can find more information about timed entry at RMNP HERE.
The Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway
Embark on an adventure through the heart of the Rocky Mountains on Colorado's Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway. This 135-mile route takes you through some of the most beautiful and remote areas of the state, including the Arapaho and White River national forests, and the towns of Leadville and Copper Mountain. Along the way, you'll see alpine lakes, snow-capped peaks, and wildlife such as elk and bighorn sheep. The byway also takes you over Independence Pass, which reaches an elevation of 12,095 feet and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Don't miss this unforgettable scenic drive through the best of the Rockies.
The West Elk Loop Scenic Byway
Take a journey through the rugged West Elk Mountains on Colorado's West Elk Loop Scenic Byway. This 236-mile route takes you through some of the state's most remote and beautiful wilderness areas, including the Gunnison National Forest and the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Along the way, you'll see towering peaks, lush forests, and pristine alpine lakes. The byway also passes through the historic mining towns of Crested Butte and Paonia, offering a glimpse into the area's rich history. Don't miss this opportunity to discover the natural beauty of the West Elk Mountains on this unforgettable scenic drive.
TIP: If you plan to explore the iconic Maroon-Bells please be aware that you typically need a ticket for a timed entry. Plan ahead and get your tickets HERE.
The Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Byway
Travel back in time on the Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway, a scenic byway that takes you through some of the most important dinosaur fossil sites in the world. The byway connects several of the major dinosaur quarries and museums in Colorado and Utah, including the Dinosaur National Monument, the Morrison Natural History Museum, and the Mygatt-Moore Quarry. Along the way, you'll learn about the prehistoric creatures that once roamed the area and see some of the most well-preserved fossils from the Late Jurassic period. Don't miss the opportunity to journey through time on this unique and educational scenic drive.
The Gold Belt Tour Historic Byway
Explore the rich history of Colorado's mining industry on the Gold Belt Tour Byway. This 115-mile route takes you through the heart of the state's gold and silver mining country, passing through the historic towns of Cripple Creek, Victor, and Cañon City. Along the way, you'll see the remains of once-thriving mining communities and learn about the people and events that shaped the region. The byway also passes through the beautiful Pikes Peak region, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Don't miss this opportunity to uncover the history of Colorado's mining industry on this unique and educational scenic drive.
The Pawnee Pioneer Trails Historic Byway
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the Pawnee Nation on The Pawnee Pioneer Trails Historic Byway. This byway is a 150-mile route that takes you through the heart of the Pawnee Nation's traditional homeland and provides visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about the Pawnee people, their history, and their culture. Along the way, you will see historic sites, including the Pawnee Buttes, which are sacred to the Pawnee people, as well as the ruins of the old Pawnee village and the Pawnee Earth Lodge. The byway also offers access to recreational opportunities, including hiking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the history and culture of the Pawnee Nation on this unique and educational scenic drive.
TIP: You can hike freely amongst the Pawnee Buttes in the Pawnee National Grassland. It’s a fun way to stretch your legs and experience fantastic geological anomalies in the heart of Colorado grasslands.
The Unaweep Tabeguache Scenic Byway
Discover the unique geology of the Unaweep Canyon on the Unaweep Tabeguache Scenic Byway. This byway is a 79-mile route that travels through the red rock canyons of the Unaweep Canyon, passing through the towns of Whitewater, Gateway, and Naturita. The byway offers a glimpse into the unique geology of the area, including rock formations that are more than 1.7 billion years old. Along the way, you will also see the ruins of the old mining towns, ranches, and homesteads. The byway also offers access to several recreational opportunities like hiking, camping, and rock climbing. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the unique geology of the Unaweep Tableau on this unforgettable scenic drive.
TIP: If you’re in this area make time to stop at Colorado National Monument. Colorado’s western slope is often forgotten due to its proximity to Arches National Park, but it should not be missed.
Overall, Colorado offers a wide variety of road trips, each with its own unique attractions and activities. For more information on all of Colorado’s Scenic Byways, we highly suggest visiting this website or this one for a wealth of information!
Bring Along Autio - The Perfect Road Trip Companion
Autio is the perfect road trip companion that everyone needs to have on their next trip because it offers a network of stories told by master storytellers that bring the landscape, its people, and its history alive as you pass through it. The audio vignettes are professionally edited and narrated and provide answers to questions that you might have about the places you are passing through. Story subjects include history, sports, culture, music, geology, and more. Autio offers an invitation to discover and connect with the sum of our experience, to enrich our lives with the stories of today, and inspire the great storytellers yet to come. With Autio, you can start your next journey with a richer and more meaningful experience. Download it for iOS here.
We have had Autio on our own phones since 2021 and we love it so much we wanted to share it with others. So we are now Autio affiliates - which means we earn a small commission when you subscribe with zero additional cost to you. Your support means a lot to us. Thank you!!
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