The Best Scenic Drives in Colorado

Picture this: you’re in your car with the windows down, your hair flowing in the wind, while scenic mountain landscapes, vast valleys, and adorable wildlife flash past your window. Sounds pretty sweet, right? Well, you can enjoy all that and more on one of Colorado’s best scenic drives. The Centennial State has a strong reputation as one of the prettiest states and as such, it is home to a wide selection of beautiful driving routes that are perfect for your next road trip. 

Peak to Peak Scenic Byway

The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is a popular route stretching 55 miles from Colorado’s Estes Park to the small municipality of Black Hawk, Colorado. The route will take you through popular towns including Boulder, Colorado, and offers seemingly endless views of the front range mountains. And although the roadside scenery is a major highlight on this route, there are also plenty of opportunities to park the car and explore on foot.

The small mountain town of Nederland, for example, is a great spot to hop off the byway and relax for an hour or two. Here, you will find a myriad of fun things to see and do including riding the old Carousel of Happiness. The nostalgic attraction is a restored 1910 Looff carousel and features a selection of hand-carved and painted animals. To give your legs a good stretch you can also set out on a short hike at the Hessie Trailhead. For those just looking for a bathroom break and something tasty to eat, pop into Nederland’s Crosscut Pizza. The popular pizza joint has rave reviews and offers a hearty selection of artisan wood-fired pizza and craft beers. Other popular stops along the byway include the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Golden Gate Canyon State Park.

Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway

Next up is the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway. This attractive 28-mile route begins in Idaho Springs, Colorado, and winds its way up to the summit of Mount Blue Sky. At certain points, the byway reaches an elevation of 14,130 feet–making it the highest paved road in North America. Along the drive, travelers will see breathtaking views of the mountain-covered Continental Divide as well as various mountain goats, bighorn sheep, birds, and marmots.

One of the must-stop locations along this route is Echo Lake Park. From the park, you can enjoy sparkling views of Echo Lake, stop for a meal at The Municipal Lodge, and search for wildlife in the surrounding forests and wetlands. Although the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway is a dream to drive at any time of year, interested travelers should note that upcoming repairs to the byway will cause closures throughout 2025. Be sure to check the USDA website for updates before setting out on your road trip.

Highway of Legends

Perfect for electric car drivers, Colorado’s Highway of Legends is an electric byway that kicks off in Trinidad, Colorado, and ends 82 miles later in Walsenburg, Colorado. In addition to the stunning scenery, this drive is riddled with Spanish and Indigenous stories and myths. Throughout your Highway of Legends journey, you can expect to see strange volcanic formations and clear views of the Spanish Peaks Mountains.

Those looking for places to park the car and wander will want to stop in the historic town of Cokedale, Colorado. The former mining camp is quite small–spanning just 1 square mile and housing a mere 150 residents. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in beauty. Here you can enjoy a quiet picnic in the park at the center of town, or take a stroll through the mining museum to learn more about the town's past. Lake Trinidad State Park and the San Isabel National Forest are also worth pulling over for along the way. To make this route even more beautiful, take the drive in late September or early October when Colorado’s fall foliage is at peak color. 

San Juan Skyway and the Million Dollar Highway

Coming in at a whopping 236 miles, the San Juan Skyway aka the Million Dollar Highway is easily the longest route on this list. The estimated 6-hour drive leads travelers through many popular small towns in Colorado including Telluride, Durango, Silverton, and Ouray. In Telluride, travelers will find an abundance of places to stretch their legs, explore, and grab a bite to eat. In the fall, take a ride on the Telluride Gondola and witness the colorful foliage from 10,500 feet in the air.

After that thrilling ride, stop for a bite to eat at the beloved Smuggler Union Restaurant and Brewery. Back on the road, travelers can expect to see beautiful peaks from the San Juan Mountains, unique rock formations, and plenty of local wildlife including bighorn sheep, bears, and mountain goats. Mesa Verde National Park is another popular stop along the skyway and offers a place to hike, explore cliff dwellings, and admire the stars on an overnight camping trip.

Independence Pass

Those interested in elevating their scenic drive to new heights will want to set out on Independence Pass–which starts in Leadville and ends in Aspen, Colorado. As one of a handful of popular routes that go through the Continental Divide, Independence Pass stretches 32 miles and reaches an elevation of 12,095 feet. While driving this route, you can enjoy peaceful views of the Sawatch Range which includes some of the Rocky Mountains’ highest peaks such as Mount Elbert.

The pass is typically open for driving between Memorial Day weekend and the end of October, depending on the weather. Along the way, don’t forget to pop out at gorgeous sites including the Lincoln Creek, the Grottos Trail, and the former town of Independence. Now a ghost town, Independence still features some of the town's original buildings including a general store, a stable, and a handful of former resident houses. 

Loveland Pass

Loveland Pass, a 20-mile route that starts and ends on Interstate 20, also winds through the picturesque Continental Divide. Like Independence Pass, Loveland Pass is incredibly high, reaching an elevation of 11,990 feet. The route was originally designed for wagons in the mid-1800s. Then in 1929, Loveland Pass saw its first motorized vehicle, however, it would be another 20 years or so before the pass was finally paved.

Loveland Pass is open year-round offering unique views in each season. The road is not for beginner drivers as it’s quite narrow and can be difficult to navigate, especially when the snow hits. Despite the harrowing conditions, Loveland Pass offers some of the best views in Colorado. The Loveland Ski Area, the Arapahoe Basin, and the Keystone Ski Area are all worth a visit while exploring this route.

Scenic Rim Rock Drive

Last but certainly not least is the Scenic Rim Rock Drive, a 23-mile route that traverses through the Colorado National Monument. Scenic Rim Rock Drive gives travelers unparalleled views of the Red Rock canyons and vibrant blue skies. Additionally, you will have access to 14 different hiking trails where you can get out and stretch your legs for a while. While driving, animal lovers will want to keep their eyes peeled for cute critters including chipmunks, squirrels, golden eagles, and bighorn sheep. Those who are feeling especially adventurous in the summer months can opt to camp overnight in the park before continuing their drive.

In Conclusion

Whether you’re looking to drive up a mountain summit or want to meander through one of Colorado’s beautiful state parks, these scenic drives have you covered. No matter which route you choose, views of surrounding mountain ranges and local flora are sure to dazzle you. Of course, no road trip is complete without good pit stops–which Colorado has in spades. From gondola rides to local pizza joints, adventure is waiting for you in The Centennial State.