If you have any questions about these scenic drives in Colorado, or if you want to share a scenic drive that we missed, let us know in the comment section below. Learn more about what to do in Ouray here. Soak in the hot springs, go shopping, or explore the Box Canyon waterfalls. Million Dollar Highway | Scenic Drives in Colorado This stretch of road is magnificent, with its twisting turns and high mountain views. Another legend has it that when the road was paved, it covered over a million dollars worth of gold and precious minerals. The stretch of road between Silverton and Ouray is known as the “Million Dollar Highway,” since it reportedly took a million dollars per mile to build this road. This town was at its hey-day in the 1880’s during the mining of the San Juan mines.įrom Durango, head north on Highway 550, through the San Juan National Forest and the Hermosa Cliffs. To drive the loop, head east along Highway 160 to Durango. This is the gateway into Mesa Verde National Park. The San Juan Skyway makes a big loop through the San Juan Mountains, connecting historic towns and two national parks.Ĭortez is located on the southwest corner of this loop. This is one of the most spectacular scenic drives in Colorado.
San Juan Skyway and the Million Dollar Highwayĭistance: 230 miles | Time: 1 day | Open: All Year Get updated road conditions and information about the Timed Entry System on the National Park Service website.ħ. During the remainder of the year it is closed due to snow. Important: Trail Ridge Road is typically open from Memorial Day through mid-October. And you can also visit the Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the USA. A few great hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park start and end along this road. The views from the overlooks are stunning. Along the way, there is a good chance that you will spot bighorn sheep and elk. Trail Ridge Road crosses the Continental Divide at Milner Pass. It reaches its highest point at 12,183 feet.
11 miles of this road is located in the alpine tundra, which is above the tree line. View of Rocky Mountain National Park from Trail Ridge Roadįor 48 miles, this road runs from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west. Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, Trail Ridge Road is the highest paved through road, not only in Colorado, but also in the entire US national park system.Īlpine Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Road
#Colorado scenery map full
From Bergen Park, take Squaw Pass Road/Highway 103 to Echo Lake and then take Highway 5 to the top of Mount Evans.ĭistance: 48 miles | Time: Half to Full Day | Open: Summer and early fall Get updates here. To get here from I-70, take exit 240 in Idaho Springs, follow Highway 103 south until it reaches Echo Lake, then take Highway 5 to the top of Mount Evans.
#Colorado scenery map how to
How to Do This: The Mount Evans Scenic Byway is typically open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, depending on weather conditions. Once at the summit, you get to enjoy panoramic views over the Rocky Mountains, views of the Continental Divide, and it is here that you have a very good chance to see mountain goats and bighorn sheep. At its highest point it reaches 14,130 feet, making this is the highest paved road in North America. In just 28 miles, the road climbs over 7,000 feet, ending near the summit of Mount Evans. You can drive to the summit of this lofty mountain on the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. This is the highest paved road in North America.Īt 14,271 feet, Mount Evans is located in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. You can see these scenic drives on a map at the end of this post.ĭistance: 50 miles round-trip | Time: 2 hours | Open: Summer Note: All of these roads are paved so there is no need for a 4WD vehicle. Mountain Pass: A navigable route through or over a mountain range. Scenic Byway:A scenic route or tourist route a specially designed road or waterway that travels through an area of natural or cultural beauty Several of these drives simply take you to the top of a mountain for outstanding views. Many of these driving routes are through-roads, highways and byways that connect several destinations. On this list are some of the most notable and popular scenic drives in Colorado, made famous by their spectacular views and sheer “wow” factor. The list of scenic drives in Colorado is very long. Rim Rock Drive, Colorado National Monument San Juan Skyway and the Million Dollar Highway
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