No state in the nation boasts more nationally designated scenic byways than Colorado. But while you may think this has to do solely with the immaculate scenery of Colorado, think again. These byways trace timeless routes of historic and cultural significance, and their status as America’s Byways is a testament to the inter-linked communities that have worked so hard to preserve their heritage.
Take for instance the San Juan Skyway. Along the 236 miles of its course, the byway includes the fabled “Million Dollar Highway” between Ouray and Silverton, an improbable route that teetered on cliff edges and united two Victorian towns during their mining heyday. Latter stretches skirt the edge of Colorado’s largest wilderness area—The Weminuche—and pass such historically rich places as Durango, Mesa Verde National Park, Cortez and Telluride. The byway continues to be an ongoing catalyst for $30 million in conservation and preservation for these communities and the surrounding environment.
And that’s just one of America’s Byways in Colorado.
In addition to the 10 nationally designated byways, Colorado also boasts 15 Scenic & Historic Byways recognized by the state for their historic, cultural and scenic value. All told, the byways make Colorado the ultimate road trip destination in America. The following pages detail the highlights of all 25 Scenic & Historic Byways in Colorado. For more information, log on to www.colorado.com or visit the state’s Scenic and Historic Byways website at www.coloradobyways.org.
Alpine Loop (Southwest)
The Experience: With a narrow window in which it's snow-free (June to September), the Alpine Loop travels through a surreal landscape of treeless tundra, and mountains seemingly splashed with red and yellow paint. Look for 14,048-foot Handies Peak from atop Cimmaron Pass.
The History: Traveling through mostly backcountry, this four-wheel-drive route passes numerous ghost towns, including Animas Forks, where 25 feet of snow fell in 23 days in 1884. Visitors will also experience the Victorian charm of Lake City, Ouray and Silverton.
Four-wheel drive required? Yes
Portions closed in winter? Yes
Distance: 63 miles; Allow 7 hours
Towns: Ouray, Lake City, Silverton
Cache la Poudre-North Park (Front Range/Northwest)
The Experience: Follow the Wild and Scenic River to Cameron Pass for views into the broad basin of North Park, which has changed little in the last 115 years since the town of Walden was established. Look for bighorn sheep on the rocky faces along the idyllic, crystal-clear Cache la Poudre River.
The History: Begins in the city of Fort Collins, where the Avery House and Fort Collins Museum provide insight into the city’s agrarian past and present. Fort Collins is also home to one of the first National Heritage Areas west of the Mississippi. The byway ends in Walden, where you can visit the North Park Pioneer Museum.
Four-wheel drive required? No
Portions closed in winter? No
Distance: 101 miles; Allow 3 hours
Towns: Walden, Gould, Fort Collins
Collegiate Peaks (South Central)
The Experience: You could call this byway the Avenue of Fourteeners—along its entire length, the Collegiate Peaks continuously rise over the 14,000-foot marker, and include such summits as Mt. Princeton, Mt. Yale and Mt. Harvard. Take a detour up Cottonwood Pass Road in fall for an explosion of fall color.
The History: Salida is often known as a recreational haven, but it also happens to be the largest historic district in the state. Additionally, you can detour to the former mining camps of St. Elmo, Vicksburg and Winfield.
Four-wheel drive required? No
Portions closed in winter? No
Distance: 57 miles; Allow 2 hours
Towns: Salida, Buena Vista
Colorado River Headwaters (Northwest)
The Experience: The unique thrill of this byway is tracing one of North America’s mightiest rivers to the source. Along the way you’ll pass through the yellow-hued Gore Canyon, verdant ranchland and, ultimately, the peaks looming over Grand Lake.
The History: Be sure to pull over and explore Cozens Ranch, one of the oldest homesteads in the Fraser Valley. Also, near the source of the Colorado River, make sure to drop by the historically rich Grand Lake Lodge.
Four-wheel drive required? No
Portions closed in winter? No
Distance: 80 miles; Allow 3 hours
Towns: State Bridge, Kremmling, Hot Sulphur Springs, Granby, Grand Lake
Dinosaur Diamond (Northwest)
The Experience: Dinosaur National Monument offers some of the most remote and starkly beautiful landscapes in the nation. Outside Fruita, take a detour up the mesa to Colorado National Monument to see maroon and ochre sandstone canyons.
The History: In addition to the outstanding local museums in Grand Junction and Rangely, this multistate tour offers the awesome opportunity for travelers to see Fremont Indian pictographs in Canyon Pintado and Dinosaur National Monument.
Four-wheel drive required? No
Portions closed in winter? No
Distance: 486 miles; Allow 2 to 3 days
Towns: Grand Junction, Fruita, Rangely, Dinosaur, Vernal, Duchesne, Price, Crescent Junction
Flat Tops Trail (Northwest)
The Experience: Peaceful fields and soft hills of aspen are typical scenery for much of this route, making it perfect for a fall color drive. Make a stop by the Flat Tops Wilderness and Trappers Lake, which many consider the birthplace of the wilderness preservation movement.
The History: Linger in Meeker, where rancher heritage is alive and well. Visit the Meeker Hotel where Teddy Roosevelt once stayed, and check out the White River Museum, where you can learn about the Meeker Massacre of 1879—a bloody conflict between Utes and members of the U.S. White River Agency. While you're here, you can also tour original U.S. Army garrison buildings.
Four-wheel drive required? No
Portions closed in winter? Yes (Ripple Creek and Dunckley Passes)
Distance: 82 miles; Allow 3 hours
Towns: Meeker, Buford, Yampa
Frontier Pathways (Southeast/South Central)
The Experience: Out of the way and often overlooked, this route ventures through the pristine, forested Wet Mountains before descending into the pastoral Wet Mountain Valley, where the massive Sangre de Cristos line the horizon like a row of teeth.
The History: Before setting off, visit the El Pueblo Museum for a look at the fur-trapping days of territorial Colorado. Check out the Westcliff Schoolhouse from 1891, or pay a visit to the ghost town of Rosita.
Four-wheel drive required? No
Portions closed in winter? No
Distance: 103 miles; Allow 4 hours
Towns: Westcliffe, Wetmore, Pueblo, Colorado City
Gold Belt Tour (South Central)
The Experience: Engage four-wheel drive and savor the rugged and surreal qualities of Phantom Canyon, situated along a former railroad bed. Enjoy the frequent glimpses of Pikes Peak, or stay in two-wheel drive for the segment between Cripple Creek and Victor.
The History: Tour the area where the nation’s greatest gold boom took place. More than 500 mines in the Cripple Creek and Victor Mining Districts produced more than 21 million ounces in gold—which exceeded the production of the California and Alaska gold rushes combined.
Four-wheel drive required? Yes, for portions.
Portions closed in winter? No
Distance: 113 miles; Allow 5 hours
Towns: Florissant, Cripple Creek, Victor, Florence, Cañon City
Grand Mesa (Northwest/Southwest)
The Experience: Old-growth forests, aspens, meadows and so many lakes you’ll lose track. In a nutshell, that's Grand Mesa—the world’s largest flat-topped mountain. Make it a point to see the Lands End Overlook, which clings 6,000 feet above the valley and takes in views as far-reaching as the Sneffels Range near Ridgway.
The History: Check out the Cedaredge Welcome Center at Pioneer Town and pick up a historical brochure on the byway. Then head up Grand Mesa to Raber Cabins and take a walk along the interpretive trail to learn about cow camps typical of Colorado’s cattle industry.
Four-wheel drive required? No
Portions closed in winter? Yes (Lands End Road)
Distance: 63 miles; Allow 2 hours
Towns: Cedaredge, Land’s End Overlook, Skyway, Mesa
Guanella Pass (Front Range)
The Experience: This route is a great introduction to the Colorado Rockies. Climbing to timberline, the byway takes in views of 14,060-foot Mt. Bierstadt and the alpine tundra before descending into cool groves of aspen and pine.
The History: Much of this route’s heritage attractions lie at the beginning of the route, in the Georgetown-Silver Plume National Historic Landmark District. Ride the narrow gauge railroad that connects the two, and take a tour of the Lebanon Silver Mine.
Four-wheel drive required? No; dirt road for portions.
Portions closed in winter? No
Distance: 22 miles; Allow 1 hour
Towns: Georgetown, Grant
Highway of Legends (Southeast)
The Experience: Circumnavigating the Spanish Peaks, this byway offers you grand views of some often-overlooked backcountry. The volcanic walls emanating from the peaks are by far the most stunning sight of the drive.
The History: The coke ovens once used by coal mining operations near Cokedale are a must-see for history buffs and photographers alike. The Trinidad History Museum offers engaging tours of two stately residences — the Baca House and Bloom Mansion.
Four-wheel drive required? No
Portions closed in winter? No
Distance: 82 miles; Allow 2 hours
Towns: Walsenburg, La Veta, Trinidad
Lariat Loop (Denver/Front Range)
The Experience: On this byway just west of Denver you’ll find rolling hills of evergreen, the curious crimson formations at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, and even dinosaur tracks in the uplifted hogback at Dinosaur Ridge.
The History: Taking its name from the historic Lariat Trail, this route connects two roadways on the National Register of
Historic Places (Lariat Trail and Bear Creek Canyon) and includes a stop at Hiawatha Homestead and Buffalo Bill’s Museum and Grave.
Four-wheel drive required? No
Portions closed in winter? No
Distance: 40 miles; Allow 2 hours
Towns: Golden, Bergen Park, Evergreen, Idledale, Morrison
Los Caminos Antiguos (South Central)
The Experience: Los Caminos Antiguos (“the Old Paths” in Spanish) traverses the cradle of the San Luis Valley, the largest intermontane basin in North America. To the east, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains cradle the tallest sand dunes in North America. If you feel like birdwatching, nearby Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge is a superb spot.
The History: This byway is exceptionally rich with history. Visit the Fort Garland Museum, the town of San Luis (Colorado’s longest continuously settled town), and hitch a ride on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad in Antonito.
Four-wheel drive required? No
Portions closed in winter? No
Distance: 129 miles; Allow 3 hours
Towns: Antonito, Conejos, San Luis, Fort Garland, Alamosa
Mount Evans (Front Range)
The Experience: As you would expect with the highest paved road in North America, the views are breathtaking. Alpine lakes, massive granite walls and stands of twisted, ancient bristlecone pine can be enjoyed. Keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats and bighorn sheep.
The History: Idaho Springs—a former mining town nestled in the Clear Creek Valley—offers numerous heritage attractions, including a tour of the Argo Gold Mill and Mining Museum and the Idaho Springs Heritage Museum.
Four-wheel drive required? No
Portions closed in winter? Yes (from Echo Lake to the Mount Evans summit).
Distance: 49 miles; Allow 2 hours
Towns: Idaho Springs
Pawnee Pioneer Trails (Northeast)
The Experience: It won’t take long for you to be moved by the Pawnee National Grassland. Meadowlarks sing from their perches, antelope graze in the distance and the twin mesas of the Pawnee Buttes jut up from seemingly nowhere.
The History: Gain an in-depth understanding of the plains and their pioneering past at the Overland Trail Museum in Sterling. Probe the past even more at the Fort Morgan Museum, where you can learn about a famous resident of yesteryear—big band legend Glenn Miller.
Four-wheel drive required? No
Portions closed in winter? No
Distance: 128 miles; Allow 3 hours
Towns: Ault, Briggsdale, Grover, New Raymer, Fort Morgan, Sterling
Peak to Peak (Front Range)
The Experience: The name says it all. As the highway skirts the lower ridges of the Front Range, make sure to pull out and take in views of the craggy Indian Peaks and the hulking mass of Longs Peak near Allenspark.
The History: The Central City Opera House is a jewel to behold. Along the way, make a detour to see the historic and still functioning Moffat Tunnel. You can also detour to the ghost towns of Hesse and Apex.
Four-wheel drive required? No
Portions closed in winter? No
Distance: 55 miles; Allow 2 hours
Towns: Estes Park, Allenspark, Nederland, Black Hawk, Central City
San Juan Skyway (Southwest)
The Experience: As it seemingly rides the clouds, this byway reveals magnificent vantage points of the multi-hued San Juan Mountains. Stop atop Lizard Head Pass and take in its namesake—a bizarre 400-foot-tall volcanic formation.
The History: This byway passes through the National Historic Landmark Districts of Silverton, Telluride and Ouray. Historic downtown Durango is well preserved, and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is one of the finest in the nation.
Four-wheel drive required? No
Portions closed in winter? No
Distance: 236 miles; Allow 7 hours
Towns: Placerville, Telluride, Cortez, Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Ridgway
Santa Fe Trail (Southeast)
The Experience: By driving east to west, you’ll see a magnificent progression of landscapes—from the fertile fields of the Arkansas River basin to the brittle prairie of the Comanche National Grassland to the towering Spanish Peaks.
The History: Between a detour to the settlement of Boggsville, a visit to Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site, and the Santa Fe Trail Museum in Trinidad, you’ll relive the storied past of this legendary route west.
Four-wheel drive required? No
Portions closed in winter? No
Distance: 188 miles; Allow 4 hours
Towns: Trinidad, La Junta, Las Animas, Lamar
Silver Thread (South Central/Southwest)
The Experience: This “road less traveled by” skims the top of two high mountain passes. Along the way, notable stops include the ever-moving landslide called the Slumgullion Earth Flow, and graceful North Clear Creek Falls, which plunges into a chocolate-colored box canyon.
The History: Stroll through the quaint Victorian downtown of Lake City, a National Historic District. In Creede, partake in a little Mining 101 at the Creede Underground Mining Museum. The town also has a well-established repertory theater.
Four-wheel drive required? No
Portions closed in winter? No
Distance: 117 miles; Allow 3 hours
Towns: Lake City, Creede, South Fork
South Platte River Trail (Northeast)
The Experience: Take a sunrise or sunset spin on the shortest of Colorado’s byways. The crisp light often shows the vibrancy of the prairie and the South Platte River. The river corridor is particular colorful in autumn.
The History: Since it was located en route to the mining towns, Julesburg is naturally rich with history. Move from historic marker to historic marker to learn about the Transcontinental Railroad, the Pony Express and Fort Sedgwick.
Four-wheel drive required? No
Portions closed in winter? No
Distance: 19 miles; Allow 1 hour
Towns: Ovid, Julesburg
Top of the Rockies (South Central)
The Experience: Scenery reaches new heights on this byway—Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive are the tallest and second tallest peaks in the state. Follow the beginnings of the Arkansas River, and be sure to stop by one of the many lakes in the area.
The History: Leadville’s silver boom helped fuel the dynasty of the Guggenheims, and paved the way for others to make a fortune. Stop by the Tabor Opera House, the Matchless Mine and the Dexter Cabin for stories of colorful characters and insights into Colorado’s mining boom days.
Four-wheel drive required? No
Portions closed in winter? No
Distance: 82 miles; Allow 2 hours
Towns: Twin Lakes, Leadville, Red Cliff, Minturn
Trail of the Ancients (Southwest)
The Experience: In a landscape painted red and orange by sandstone, you’ll find mesas, buttes and hills covered in the dark green of piñon juniper pine. The deep blue San Juan Mountains cut the horizon in the distance.
The History: This is the ideal itinerary for seeing the most incredible Ancestral Puebloan sites in the world at the Canyon of the Ancients and Hovenweep National Monuments, Ute Mountain Tribal Park, the Anasazi Heritage Center and Mesa Verde National Park.
Four-wheel drive required? No
Portions closed in winter? No
Distance: 116 miles; Allow 3 hours
Towns: Cortez, Dolores
Trail Ridge Road (Front Range/Northwest)
The Experience: Winding a course through Rocky Mountain National Park and over the Continental Divide, Trail Ridge Road is the highest paved through-road in North America. At numerous pull-outs, you can see elk graze on alpine slopes with the Rockies visible in all directions.
The History: This entire byway is on the National Register of Historic Places. Beginning in Estes Park, you can pay a visit to the elegant Stanley Hotel where the movie The Shining was set. On the other side of the divide, take the 3.5-mile hike to the ghost mining camp of Lulu City.
Four-wheel drive required? No
Portions closed in winter? Yes (Trail Ridge Road)
Distance: 48 miles; Allow 2 hours
Towns: Estes Park, Deer Ridge, Grand Lake
Unaweep-Tabeguache (Southwest)
The Experience: Off the beaten path by a long shot, this scenic highway weaves its way through some of the wildest BLM lands in America. The Dolores River Canyon is an obvious highlight, where you'll be captivated by its smooth sandstone walls and roaring river.
The History: In the late 19th and early 20th century, copper and uranium mining reigned supreme here. One of the most poignant signs of this is the Hanging Flume, a dilapidated wooden trestle suspended over the canyon that delivered water to mining operations.
Four-wheel drive required? No
Portions closed in winter? No
Distance: 133 miles; Allow 3 hours
Towns: Whitewater, Gateway, Uruvan, Naturita, Placerville
West Elk Loop (Southwest/Northwest)
The Experience: For many stretches, the West Elk Loop is the only road for miles. You'll drive through serene wilderness, with endless aspen groves, craggy peaks and tantalizing glimpses into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
The History: Visit the charming Victorian village of Redstone and the famous quarry at Marble. Pass through the National Historic District of Crested Butte, where you can visit the Crested Butte Mining Heritage Museum and learn about the town’s Croatian heritage.
Four-wheel drive required? No
Portions closed in winter? Yes (Kebler Pass)
Distance: 205 miles; Allow 7 hours
Towns: Carbondale, Redstone, Marble, Paonia, Hotchkiss, Crawford, Gunnison, Crested Butte
updated: 12/20/06