10 Amazing Scenic Drives in Colorado

Colorado might be best known for the Rocky Mountains, but the Centennial State has no shortage of other landscapes suitable for a scenic drive. Hop in the car to explore deep canyons, red rock formations, sprawling vineyards and alpine meadows. From the highest altitude paved road in North America to a winding river byway, these are the most amazing scenic drives in Colorado.

Pikes Peak Highway

The Pikes Peak Highway near Colorado Springs takes drivers to the summit of the iconic peak for spectacular views of the city from 14,115 feet. The 19-mile road climbs through forests and past mountain lakes before reaching its destination. It also happens to be the second-highest paved road in North America, second to (and just 15 feet lower than) Mount Evans Scenic Byway near Denver.

Skyline Drive

The steep three-mile drive along Skyline Drive climbs up and back down a razorback ridge above the Arkansas River Valley. With no guardrails along the cliff edges, driving this one-way road near Cañon City can be a bit unnerving. But it’s worth it for the unobstructed views. Keep an eye out for dinosaur tracks embedded in the cliffs near the top. The road ends in a residential neighborhood in Cañon City.

San Juan Skyway

The San Juan Skyway Scenic and Historic Byway connects the Colorado mountain towns of Durango, Silverton, Telluride and Ouray as it passes through the jagged peaks of the San Juan Mountains. The 233-mile highway takes the better part of a day to drive. If you’re pressed for time, don’t miss the stretch between Silverton and Ouray. It’s known as the Million Dollar Highway for its jaw-dropping views.

Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway

Dinosaurs once roamed Northwestern Colorado, home to a 134-mile stretch of the 486-mile Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway that crosses the border with Utah. Soak up the views of red rock formations, colorful canyons and vineyards. Plan for pit stops to stretch your legs at Colorado and Dinosaur National Monuments.

Trail Ridge Road

Experience the Continental Divide in all its grandeur with a drive along the 48-mile Trail Ridge Road. The route travels between Estes Park and Grand Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. The drive only takes two hours, but you’ll want to budget additional time for scenic pullouts and points of interest. Check out the Alpine Visitor Center (the highest-elevation visitor center in the National Park system) and Horseshoe Park (a popular hangout for elk).

Mount Evans Scenic Byway

Mount Evans Scenic Byway, the highest paved road in North America, offers up superlative views of Colorado’s Front Range. Plus the route provides the chance to summit one of Colorado’s 54 fourteeners without doing any hiking. As you navigate the 28-mile road just outside of Denver, keep an eye out for some high-altitude wildlife, like mountain goats, bighorn sheep and pikas.

Cache la Poudre-North Park

The Cache la Poudre Scenic Byway follows the Wild and Scenic River of the same name for 101 miles through Colorado’s Front Range. Keep an eye out for moose along the riverbanks or longhorn sheep perched on the granite canyon walls. And pull over at Cameron Pass to enjoy the views of the North Park basin. The river itself provides one of the state’s best opportunities for brown and rainbow trout fishing.

Peak to Peak Highway

While the Peak to Peak Highway is only 55 miles in length, you’ll want to set aside plenty of time for an outdoor adventure along this stretch of asphalt. Go biking in Rocky Mountain National Park, rent a boat on Lake Estes or lace up your hiking boots for a trek in the Indian Peaks Wilderness (home to 133 miles of trails and 50 lakes).

Kebler Pass Scenic Drive

The 31-mile stretch of road over Kebler Pass near Crested Butte is at its most impressive in autumn. During this time of year the aspen groves put on one of Colorado’s best displays of fall color. While portions of the road through Gunnison National Forest are unpaved, it’s passable for non-four-wheel-drive cars from late May through early November.

South Rim Road

A drive along South Rim Road unlocks some of the best views in the under-appreciated Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Western Colorado. The drive might be short at only eight miles, but with 12 overlooks, it can easily occupy several hours. Be sure to stop at Gunnison Point, Chasm View, Painted Wall and Sunset View, as well as the South Rim Visitor Center, where you can learn more about the Black Canyon.