Top Scenic Drives in Colorado: Experience the Thrills of the Rockies

Colorado boasts an undeniable reputation for its stunning landscapes, including imposing mountain vistas, sun-kissed plains, striking red rock formations, and expansive high deserts. Each of these sights is especially captivating when viewed through the windshield of a vehicle.

Among these remarkable landscapes, numerous inviting stops await: from unexpected historical sites and charming towns to diverse outdoor recreational activities. A multitude of well-preserved Scenic and Historic Byways traverse the state’s various attractions, ensuring convenient access to these stunning features. Therefore, prepare your vehicle and embark on a journey: the following outline highlights the premier road trips in Colorado.

Stunning Views Over Independence Pass

Twin Lakes–Aspen; 27 miles/44km

The road connecting the historic community of Twin Lakes to the upscale town of Aspen constitutes one of Colorado’s most remarkable drives. Along this segment of the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway, expect to encounter views that are nothing short of cinematic. Snow patches adorn the ridges just below the dramatic peaks, while tundra flourishes at the pass’s summit, situated at an elevation of 12,095 feet, right on the edge of the Continental Divide. Anticipate numerous breathtaking moments during your journey.

Although the pass is inaccessible during winter, the remainder of the year, the drive remains brief yet sumptuous; take your time and savor it. Uplift your spirits at Twin Lakes Reservoir, which offers exceptional fishing and paddleboarding opportunities; its shores feature remnants of historical ruins, including Interlaken, once the largest resort in Colorado established in 1879. Moreover, consider hiking Mt. Elbert, one of the state’s comparatively “easier” fourteeners (ensure an early start!). Additionally, visit the ghost town of Independence near Aspen, where weathered wooden cabins narrate tales from the early mining days in the Roaring Fork Valley.

Spectacular Scenic Byway in the Rockies

Minturn–Aspen; 115 miles/185km

If you enjoyed the drive over Independence Pass, consider extending your journey to embrace this Scenic Byway. This route, one of the highest in the United States, rarely descends below 9,000 feet, closely adhering to the mountaintops. As you navigate through three majestic mountain passes, cross the Continental Divide, and admire two prominent peaks (Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive), you will experience the historic charm of various towns in central Colorado. For outdoor enthusiasts, the path traverses three National Forests, providing ample opportunities for hiking, climbing, fishing, and skiing—all within a single day’s drive.

Along this route, the quaint town of Minturn exudes small-town allure; during summer months, visit the bustling farmers market for local provisions while the kids engage with friendly goats. During your stop in Leadville, delve into Colorado’s mining heritage within its historic district, including the National Mining Hall of Fame. Meanwhile, Twin Lakes invites you to explore a historic mining camp. Conclusively, reach Aspen, renowned for its cultured ambiance and sophistication—a mandatory stop along your journey.

Trail Ridge Road and Continental Divide

Estes Park–Grand Lake; 47 miles/76km

Rocky Mountain National Park‘s premier drive, Trail Ridge Road, stands as the highest continuously paved through-road in North America, ascending to 12,183 feet within moments. This road follows the historical pathways utilized by Ute, Arapaho, and Apache people as a trade route across Milner Pass. Prepare for astonishing vistas: snow-capped mountains, winding streams, tight switchbacks traversing the Continental Divide, serene high-country meadows filled with wildflowers, and possibly glimpses of wildlife. Ensure to stop at various turnoffs to explore tundra trails or to capture selfies at these breathtaking heights. Note that this road closes during winter and spring due to snow accumulation.

Peak to Peak Highway in Autumn

Estes Park–Nederland; 42 miles/68km

Colorado’s inaugural Scenic Byway, the Peak to Peak Highway, is a favored route throughout the year, winding past towering mountains like Longs Peak (14,255ft) and lush alpine valleys, alongside a selection of quaint towns. The highway is particularly stunning in autumn, when the mountains transform into a vibrant patchwork of gold, yellow, and orange, complemented by the sounds of bugling elk as they seek mates—attracting numerous leaf-peeping visitors.

Dedicate a few hours for the drive. Prior to departing Estes Park, wander along the riverwalk or engage in a captivating ghost tour at the historic Stanley Hotel. During your journey, contemplate a stop in Ward, a former boom town that has evolved into an artistically unique state of decay, or at Peaceful Valley, distinguished for its quaint onion-domed church on a hillside. Alternatively, consider a hike in one of the nearby national forests or wilderness areas (the highway passes through three: Arapaho, Roosevelt, and Indian Peaks). Upon reaching the end, take a leisurely stroll through Nederland, known for its eclectic shops and vibrant cafés.

Journey Along the Santa Fe Trail

Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site–Trinidad; 116 miles/187km

History enthusiasts will appreciate this full-day drive along the Santa Fe Trail, which served as the Old West’s initial ‘highway,’ stretching from Missouri to New Mexico. The road opens up to sunlit prairies, wheat fields, sugar-beet farms, and railroad yards, creating a rich tapestry of historical and natural wonders.

A signature highlight of the route is the remarkable Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site. Situated on the Arkansas River—once part of the US-Mexico border—this fort represented a cultural intersection frequented by Arapahoe, Cheyenne, Mexicans, and Americans who engaged in trade and cohabitation. Initially constructed for trading purposes, the fort was appropriated by the US Army, serving as a historical reminder of military influence in Colorado that persists today. As thousands of settlers flooded the frontier after the Louisiana Purchase, trade dwindled significantly, especially after a cholera outbreak heavily impacted the region’s Indigenous tribes.

Nearby, the Comanche National Grassland reveals homestead ruins and visible wagon ruts from the Santa Fe Trail, while the Picketwire Dinosaur Tracksite, the largest recorded dinosaur track site in North America, stands as an essential highlight within the park (4WD and advance reservations are required). Allocate time for Trinidad, nestled atop a chimney-top mesa—once a significant waystation along the Santa Fe Trail.

Exploring the Highway of Legends

Trinidad–Walsenburg; 82 miles/132km

Rich in mining folklore and Native American narratives, the tranquil towns and majestic mountain passes along the Highway of Legends offer a stunning alternative to the I-25 thoroughfare, guiding visitors through southeastern Colorado’s enchanting countryside. Allocate roughly two hours for this picturesque drive, extending your time if you wish to explore various points of interest.

Historic Trinidad serves as a standout along this route, with its Main Street representing a key location on the Santa Fe Trail, where notable figures like Mother Jones once led marches alongside striking miners (the Trinidad History Museum provides a comprehensive overview). Along the roadside, rows of coal ovens serve as reminders of the area’s mining history, particularly in Cokedale. Two charming towns are noteworthy stops: Cuchara, recognized for its vistas of the Spanish Peaks and the Great Dikes rising from the meadows, and La Veta, characterized by having more churches than paved roads. In true Colorado fashion, numerous outdoor activities await: the Cucharas River offers excellent fishing spots, while the hiking trails in the Spanish Peaks Wilderness rank among the best in the state.

Indigenous American Culture on the Trail of the Ancients

Mesa Verde National Park–Ute Mountain Tribal Park; 113 miles/182km

The Trail of the Ancients stands as the only National Scenic Byway dedicated to archaeology. This captivating route unveils canyons, mountains, and plains once inhabited by the Ancestral Puebloans, as well as nomadic Navajo, Apache, and Ute tribes. While the highway spans slightly over 100 miles, the numerous historical sites merit extended exploration, making it ideal for a multi-day excursion.

Mesa Verde National Park constitutes the highlight of this journey, home to over 5,000 archaeological sites, including 600 Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings (a guided ranger tour is highly advised). Further north, the Anasazi Heritage Center features engaging films, interactive exhibits, and artifacts dating back to 400 CE. Notably, the Canyon of the Ancients and Hovenweep National Monument showcase Ancestral Puebloan treasures that have remained largely undisturbed for centuries—ideal for independent exploration. Moreover, Ute Mountain Tribal Park encompasses several lesser-known cliff dwellings where visitors can observe petroglyphs and fragments of ancient pottery (all visitors must be accompanied by a Ute guide).

This article was first published on September 18, 2014, and subsequently updated on September 11, 2023.