Scenic & Historic Byways
One way to learn about Colorado’s past is by hitting the open road. Our 25 scenic and historic byways weave in and out of cities and town, making their stories come to life. Along their varied course, these highways and back roads unveil a myriad of tales of Ute Indians, silver seekers, opportunistic settlers, ambitious entrepreneurs and crafty engineers. They also reveal the story of the Rocky Mountains and their remarkable creation, and how today, much of this landscape is still untouched. More than just suggested road trips, these byways are a catalyst for the preservation of Colorado’s culture, history and natural wonder. Uniting communities under a common project, the byways continue to bring people together and connect them with the land. Find out more about Colorado's byways with the The Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways Commission.
Ten of Colorado’s 25 Scenic & Historic Byways have received national designation as America’s Byways, recognizing their outstanding scenic and historic attributes. In fact, only one other state has as many nationally designated byways as Colorado. Here are just 25 of the can’t-miss experiences waiting for you on a Colorado byway.
America’s Byways
San Juan Skyway
Trail Ridge Road – Rocky Mountain National Park
Colorado River Headwaters
Dinosaur Diamond
Frontier Pathways
Gold Belt Tour
Grand Mesa
Santa Fe Trail
Top of the Rockies
Trail of the Ancients
Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways
Alpine Loop
Cache la Poudre – North Park
Collegiate Peaks
Flat Tops Trail
Guanella Pass
Highway of Legends
Lariat Loop
Los Caminos Antiguos
Mount Evans
Pawnee Pioneer Trails
Peak to Peak
Silver Thread
South Platte River Trail
Unaweep Tabeguache
West Elk Loop