Plan on this popular route being busy on peak weekends in the summer and fall. Be sure to allow plenty of time to stop off at the many scenic pullouts or plan a day hike from one of the trailheads you can access right off the road. And the lower elevations are equally beautiful, with aspen and evergreen forests and the chance to spot wildlife like deer, elk, and moose. Trail Ridge Road hits a high point of 12,183 feet, and you’ll cross over the Continental Divide at Milner Pass. Eleven miles of this impressive stretch of road are all above treeline, a winding strip of pavement through the high alpine tundra As you emerge from the evergreen forests of the lower elevations, you’ll be treated to panoramic views. Connecting between Estes Park on the east and Grand Lake on the west, this route winds through the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park. If you want a breathtaking drive, Trail Ridge Road will do the trick. Why you should go: Sweeping views of the Rockies from one of the highest continuous paved roads in the U.S. Most of these roads, except for a short stretch of Kebler Pass and Cordova Pass, are paved if you’re itching to trade out your SUV and get behind the wheel of your sports car. When planning your trip, keep in mind that many of the passes have seasonal closures so be sure to check current conditions before heading out. These ten scenic drives range from the most popular and well-known scenic byways of Colorado to a few of the lesser-known gems. Heading into the mountains is sure to get you some scenic bang for your buck, but if you want to avoid the infamous I-70 traffic and get off the beaten path, it pays to know the back roads and scenic byways that can take you a little out of the way of the more popular thoroughfares.Īnd though winter and spring driving in the mountains of Colorado is not for the faint of heart (get a set of good snow tires and don’t take them off until May), the summer and fall present fantastic vistas and prime weather to enjoy some time on the road.

Not much beats hopping behind the wheel and going for a scenic cruise on a nice weekend in Colorado. A scenic drive is a great way to cover some ground and see the jaw-dropping scenery of Colorful Colorado.įrom winding canyon roads and epic mountain passes to one of the highest paved roads in the world, you can pick your adventure, fill your tank, and hit the road.

Cortez colorado scenery