Is there any state more beautiful than Colorado? Considering the Rocky Mountains, breathtaking alpine meadows, forested trails, farmland, and sweeping plains for as far as the eye can see, we’re inclined to say there isn’t. And while we might be biased, we also think the proof lies in Colorado’s scenic roads. These winding routes offer visitors and residents the chance to soak in the natural beauty of the state’s varied landscapes. So the next time you’re craving fresh air, sunshine, and scenery for miles, roll down the windows and take a spin on any of the following scenic roads in Colorado:
- Independence Pass
krblokhin / Getty Images The 27-mile stretch of Hwy. 82, which connects Twin Lakes to Aspen, was named “one of the most beautiful drives in the country” by Forbes Magazine. Plus, considering you’ll be driving at an elevation of 12,095 feet, the views of the surrounding mountains are breathtaking.
- Last Dollar Road
Larry Lamsa / flickr This magnificent dirt road near Telluride guarantees some of the best views in the state, especially if you factor in fall foliage. To get there, head west on Highway 62 from Ridgeway for about 12 miles and hang a left at the sign. As you can imagine, this route can be bumpy and difficult to drive in certain conditions. Those who are up for the challenge will be rewarded with rustic and magnificent scenery at every turn.
- Trail Ridge Road
Kent Kanouse / flickr This awe-inspiring “highway to the sky” connects Estes Park to Grand Lake. This stretch of U.S. 34 is a nationally-designated All American Road. Tip: Make sure you check on road closures before making the trip.
- Shrine Pass
Flickr/Kimon Berlin The windy dirt road is a scenic mountain pass that begins at Vail (travel east from Vail on I-70 to Exit 190 for Vail Pass; turn right, heading west, onto the Shrine Pass dirt road) and ends at Redcliff. This road-less-traveled is an alternative to I-70.
- Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
krblokhin / Getty Images Enjoy babbling brooks, mine tailings, and abundant wildlife on this three-hour drive from Estes Park to I-70. The route is 55 miles in length and promises beautiful scenery at any time of the year.
- Collegiate Peaks
Bryce Bradford / flickr Collegiate Peaks refers to a designated portion of the Sawatch Range in central Colorado. Along this meandering mountain drive, you’ll find that the picturesque small towns of Salida, Buena Vista, and Nathrop have never looked better.
- Guanella Pass
Sparty1711 / Getty Images This colorful pass is accessible via U.S. Highway 285 or off Interstate 70 at the Georgetown exit.
- Million Dollar Highway
krblokhin / Getty Images The Million Dollar Highway is one of the most famous scenic roads in Colorado. Also known as Route 550, this route stretches from Silverton to Durango with epic views of the San Juan Mountains in the distance.
- San Juan Skyway
Flickr/Kent Kanouse If you plan to take the Million Dollar Road (and have the time), why don’t you take the time to enjoy this 236-mile feast for the senses?
- Alpine Loop
Flickr/Larry Lamsa Last, but certainly not least, you can leave the hustle and bustle of the busy highway for this tranquil drive along the San Juan Mountains. Alpine Loop covers about 60 miles and connects the towns of Lake City, Ouray, and Silverton.
What are your favorite scenic roads in Colorado? Are there any that you would add to this list? Be sure to join in on the conversation by leaving a comment below! Looking for more gorgeous Colorado scenery? Check out these 11 hidden gems in Colorado you have to see before you die.
krblokhin / Getty Images
The 27-mile stretch of Hwy. 82, which connects Twin Lakes to Aspen, was named “one of the most beautiful drives in the country” by Forbes Magazine. Plus, considering you’ll be driving at an elevation of 12,095 feet, the views of the surrounding mountains are breathtaking.
Larry Lamsa / flickr
This magnificent dirt road near Telluride guarantees some of the best views in the state, especially if you factor in fall foliage. To get there, head west on Highway 62 from Ridgeway for about 12 miles and hang a left at the sign. As you can imagine, this route can be bumpy and difficult to drive in certain conditions. Those who are up for the challenge will be rewarded with rustic and magnificent scenery at every turn.
Kent Kanouse / flickr
This awe-inspiring “highway to the sky” connects Estes Park to Grand Lake. This stretch of U.S. 34 is a nationally-designated All American Road. Tip: Make sure you check on road closures before making the trip.
Flickr/Kimon Berlin
The windy dirt road is a scenic mountain pass that begins at Vail (travel east from Vail on I-70 to Exit 190 for Vail Pass; turn right, heading west, onto the Shrine Pass dirt road) and ends at Redcliff. This road-less-traveled is an alternative to I-70.
Enjoy babbling brooks, mine tailings, and abundant wildlife on this three-hour drive from Estes Park to I-70. The route is 55 miles in length and promises beautiful scenery at any time of the year.
Bryce Bradford / flickr
Collegiate Peaks refers to a designated portion of the Sawatch Range in central Colorado. Along this meandering mountain drive, you’ll find that the picturesque small towns of Salida, Buena Vista, and Nathrop have never looked better.
Sparty1711 / Getty Images
This colorful pass is accessible via U.S. Highway 285 or off Interstate 70 at the Georgetown exit.
krblokhin / Getty Images
The Million Dollar Highway is one of the most famous scenic roads in Colorado. Also known as Route 550, this route stretches from Silverton to Durango with epic views of the San Juan Mountains in the distance.
Flickr/Kent Kanouse
If you plan to take the Million Dollar Road (and have the time), why don’t you take the time to enjoy this 236-mile feast for the senses?
Flickr/Larry Lamsa
Last, but certainly not least, you can leave the hustle and bustle of the busy highway for this tranquil drive along the San Juan Mountains. Alpine Loop covers about 60 miles and connects the towns of Lake City, Ouray, and Silverton.
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Address: Independence Pass, Colorado 81210, USAAddress: Last Dollar Road, Last Dollar Rd, Telluride, CO, USAAddress: Trail Ridge Rd, Grand Lake, CO, USAAddress: Shrine Pass, Colorado 81649, USAAddress: Peak to Peak Hwy, Nederland, CO, USAAddress: Collegiate Peaks, Colorado 81211, USAAddress: Guanella Pass, Colorado 80435, USAAddress: Highway 550, US-550, Durango, CO, USAAddress: San Juan Mountains, Colorado 81235, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Scenic Roads in Colorado June 15, 2020 Beth C. What are the best road trips through Colorado? Colorado is a state that’s tailor-made for road trips. In addition to the scenic roads in Colorado we’ve outlined above, there are many others that you might be interested in checking out. Some of these include the Poudre River Canyon near Fort Collins, Dinosaur Diamond Scenic Byway near the border of Utah, Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway, and Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway. If you’re looking for themed road trips, you might want to check out this road trip to some of Colorado’s most spectacular waterfalls. What places in Colorado should I see before I die? Putting together a Colorado bucket list of all the places you want to see before you die can be a rewarding activity, as it provides the perfect excuse to experience some of the state’s most epic attractions. Included on this list might be Lizard Lake, Pawnee Buttes, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, Red Rocks Amphitheater, Dillon Ice Castles, the Sand Dunes, and Mesa Verde National Park. Of course, this list only scratches the surface of all the unique things to do in Colorado. What are the best outdoor activities in Colorado? The outdoor activity that you choose to enjoy in Colorado might largely depend on the season you visit. Exploring Colorado in the winter, for example, often means buying a ski pass and enjoying Colorado’s world-famous slopes such as Aspen and Vail. If you visit during the more temperate months, you may want to take advantage of the abundance of hiking trails. With over 17,000 unique trails to explore in the state, you won’t find any shortage of scenery. Other activities include mountain climbing, biking, horseback riding, fishing, boating, and more.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Scenic Roads in Colorado
June 15, 2020
Beth C.
What are the best road trips through Colorado? Colorado is a state that’s tailor-made for road trips. In addition to the scenic roads in Colorado we’ve outlined above, there are many others that you might be interested in checking out. Some of these include the Poudre River Canyon near Fort Collins, Dinosaur Diamond Scenic Byway near the border of Utah, Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway, and Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway. If you’re looking for themed road trips, you might want to check out this road trip to some of Colorado’s most spectacular waterfalls. What places in Colorado should I see before I die? Putting together a Colorado bucket list of all the places you want to see before you die can be a rewarding activity, as it provides the perfect excuse to experience some of the state’s most epic attractions. Included on this list might be Lizard Lake, Pawnee Buttes, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, Red Rocks Amphitheater, Dillon Ice Castles, the Sand Dunes, and Mesa Verde National Park. Of course, this list only scratches the surface of all the unique things to do in Colorado. What are the best outdoor activities in Colorado? The outdoor activity that you choose to enjoy in Colorado might largely depend on the season you visit. Exploring Colorado in the winter, for example, often means buying a ski pass and enjoying Colorado’s world-famous slopes such as Aspen and Vail. If you visit during the more temperate months, you may want to take advantage of the abundance of hiking trails. With over 17,000 unique trails to explore in the state, you won’t find any shortage of scenery. Other activities include mountain climbing, biking, horseback riding, fishing, boating, and more.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Colorado is a state that’s tailor-made for road trips. In addition to the scenic roads in Colorado we’ve outlined above, there are many others that you might be interested in checking out. Some of these include the Poudre River Canyon near Fort Collins, Dinosaur Diamond Scenic Byway near the border of Utah, Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway, and Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway. If you’re looking for themed road trips, you might want to check out this road trip to some of Colorado’s most spectacular waterfalls.
What places in Colorado should I see before I die?
Putting together a Colorado bucket list of all the places you want to see before you die can be a rewarding activity, as it provides the perfect excuse to experience some of the state’s most epic attractions. Included on this list might be Lizard Lake, Pawnee Buttes, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, Red Rocks Amphitheater, Dillon Ice Castles, the Sand Dunes, and Mesa Verde National Park. Of course, this list only scratches the surface of all the unique things to do in Colorado.
What are the best outdoor activities in Colorado?
The outdoor activity that you choose to enjoy in Colorado might largely depend on the season you visit. Exploring Colorado in the winter, for example, often means buying a ski pass and enjoying Colorado’s world-famous slopes such as Aspen and Vail. If you visit during the more temperate months, you may want to take advantage of the abundance of hiking trails. With over 17,000 unique trails to explore in the state, you won’t find any shortage of scenery. Other activities include mountain climbing, biking, horseback riding, fishing, boating, and more.
