Scenic Drives. The cost is included in your zoo admission for that day. All "scenic drive" results in Colorado Springs, Colorado, "If you're looking for a scenic drive to Victor or Cripple Creek, it's a decent route. Keep your eyes peeled for cattle, sheep and other wildlife on the byway as it is primarily open range. So it gets really cold! Some of the popular towns are Durango, Silverton, Ouray and Telluride. The Pikes Peak region is home to more than thousands of acres of beautiful parks and open spaces. Click here to view all the guides avialable for Colorado. If you visit during the fall when the leaves are changing colors, youll be rewarded with views that resemble watercolor paintings. Masks are required. In the winter there is skiing, ice climbing and ice skating. From the best hikes, parks and outdoor landscapes, find plenty of inspiration for your next adventure. One of the best scenic drives near Denver, the Lariat Loop is a National Scenic Byway thats just bite-sized for an afternoon adventure! The Gold Belt Tour offers an interesting combination of natural wonders, history, and adventure. You'll cruise a stunning 19 miles up Pikes Peak, beginning at 7,400 feet and ending at the top of the 14,115-foot summit. You can send yourself an email as well. Its home to well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, which housed communities for over 700 years. ", Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Colorado Springs. I've not visited Colorado before but clearly it now needs to go on my list! Starting in Dillon, youll want to visit Lake Dillion. With so many incredible adventure across the state, theres no shortage of things to do and see in Colorado. While in Evergreen, be sure to stop by the Shadow Mountain Gallery, which has all kinds of artwork on display and then head to the Lariat Lodge Brewing Company for lunch or dinner. Paint Mines Interpretive Park. Nearby hikers claim to hear laughter in the area, as well as other eerie experiences. The road will take you through two tunnels heading into North Cheyenne Caon Park and turning into Cheyenne Caon Road. In fact, its one of my favorites on this list of west coast road trips USA. It was built in response to the Pikes Peak Highway and Denver's competition for tourists. Next, drive the famous Million Dollar Highway to Ouray. If you plan to visit Caon City, we invite you to stay with us at the Royal Gorge Cabins. Passing through the southern side of the San Juan National Forest is breathtaking! Tours are available for Cliff Palace, Long House, Balcony House and more. As someone whos been to Colorado more times than I can count, Ive loved exploring this beautiful state. Drive up to Silverton to tour the Old Hundred Gold Mine and explore the town. One of the best scenic drives in Colorado is fromOuray into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, passing through the Uncompahgre National Forest and the San Juan Mountain range. Heres a map of the best Colorado drives. Colorado is a beautiful state, with gorgeous mountain views and sunsets that linger in your memory for years. Sacred Ground Caf is located right along Cheyenne Blvd and nestled into the mountains. Lets go through that list again, in a quicker fashion. The Scenic Route: 'from Colorado Springs, is to take Hwy. and click "Submit". Spend at least a couple of days inAspentoexplore its wonderful hikes such as Sunnyside Trail or the Rio Grande Trail that can be accessed from downtownAspen. We offer a compact version of Go-Colorado for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. Or, if you just want to stretch your legs after the drive, take the walking path around the lake. Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway | The Gold Belt Byway Association Not for those with an aversion to heights, this day trip will see you suspended high above the breath taking sandstone chasm known as Royal Gorge. This rustic little shop is located at the base of Pikes Peak Highway and has over 40 varieties of delicious products. From hiking Mount Elbert (a 14er) to stand-up paddle boarding or going snowshoeing and snow tubing in the winter, the possibilities seem endless. But we had such an amazing time that I feel like we have to share our experience. Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. Similar to Pikes Peak, Mount Evans is another popular drive to take that will bring you up one of Colorado's 14ers. Further down Highway 91 is Leadville. Drive the historic Narrow Gauge Railroad to Silverton and back to Durango. Drive your passenger car on a road that ascends and follows the top of a high razorback ridge overlooking Caon City. Pinch and zoom to find more details on these routes. Its cute downtown is great for grabbing food and boutique shopping. Drive 19 miles up one of Colorados majestic 14ers, sitting at 14,115 feet. The Mount Evans Scenic Byway is the highest paved road in Colorado, at 14,130 ft. Colorado's "New Switzerland" opened in 1930. Check out The Donut Mill in the heart of downtown and reward yourself with a donut or biscuits and gravy after a day of hiking and exploring. You can reach it via Forest Road 379, which intersects with Old Stage Road (368). 8 in the White River National Forest. Note: altitude sickness is a real deal here, so be sure to hydrate really well before you go (up to 48 hours in advance) and bring headache medicine with you. Because there's 12 awesome scenic routes on this list and the map only allows 10, I've created a map for scenic drives Denver and scenic drives Colorado Springs in the sections below, too. For those who want to escape into nature, the Flatiron Mountains are minutes away from town and offer numerous stunning trails. Soon the landscape falls away hundreds of feet on both sides, which is just a bit hair-raising. Request a few more Visitor Guides, or, Colorado Springs, Colorado - Scenic Drives, Click here to add your listing to Go-Colorado.com, Complete the form below to email this page to a friend or family member's email. Feel free to plan a stop at one of the pubs or cafes in Ridgway, a cute rural town right off the highway. Colorado Scenic Drives Because theres 12 awesome scenic routes on this list and the map only allows 10, Ive created a map for scenic drives Denver and scenic drives Colorado Springs in the sections below, too. . When you book a hotel or tour that we link to, we may earn a commission. Colorado Springs is home to Pikes Peak, the second most visited peak in the world after Japan's Mount Fuji. Its situated on the Continental Divide and has over 50 lakes and 133 miles of hiking. Driving Trial Ridge Road really only takes 1.5 hours if youre going straight through. Yesss! There are plenty of things to see and do along the way. , where youll find plenty of spots to turn off and enjoy the scenery. Sounds like it's time to plan a trip :). Check out the interpretive display toward the top of the road to help you identify the prints. A bit more challenging at 5.5 miles is the Lake Isabelle via Pawnee Pass Trail, offering stunning views! The buildings on Main Street are incredibly well preserved, and after working up an appetite admiring the traditional central neighbourhood, stop off at Beau Jos Pizza for some of the best Colorado style pizza in the state. The Details. You don't need four wheel drive, but the road is not regularly maintained and can have significant water damage and washboards. However, its never 100%! A summary of what Colorado Springs has to offer. Highway Of Legends Byway - Walsenburg-Trinidad - Uncover Colorado Gold Belt Scenic Byway - Visit Colorado Springs In the winter, its a snow-lovers paradise. Experience some of the greatest outdoor adventures in the country in mountain-high Dillon, or soak up the splendor of Colorado Springs sights. Youll start in Idaho Springs and climb upwards for 28 miles until you reach the summit. If youre looking for a light walk, try the Zook Loop, at just 1.1 miles. 7 to 14 Day Colorado Itinerary: National Parks & Scenic Drives Several of Colorado's most popular scenic drives, including Trail Ridge Road and Independence Pass, require the removal of up to 20 feet of snow before they can open. Ouray is a charming mountain town. Distance: 28 milesEstimated time: 2 3 hoursRoute open: mid-May through mid-October. In the recreation-fueled, amenity-rich economy of Colorado's Rocky Mountain region, there are two peak seasons: summer, with its rafting, hiking, fishing and biking, and the cold months filled . Our. Visiting Mesa Verde National Park is also one of the best things to do on a Colorado bucket list! The route is open year-round but can be temporarily closed in the winter due to snow and dangerous driving conditions. Next, take the incredibly scenic drive along Highway 160 west towards Mesa Verde National Park. Along this route youll find some of the most hidden, picturesque views in the Rockies. One of the top activities in the park is sliding down the sand dunes, just like snow. Reach the Summit of 5 Lesser-Known Colorado Mountains . Searchable lists of Colorado Springs tourism offices and other helpful government agencies. Enjoy these breathtaking drives near Colorado Springs! Day 1: Arrive in Colorado, drive to Colorado Springs. Less than one hour outside of Colorado Springs is Caon City, one of the most popular destinations in Colorado for adventure lovers and families. During one trip in August, we were caught in a random lightning snowstorm and had to take shelter at the summit. Allenspark is a cute little town at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park. It's about 60 miles from downtown Denver. What visitors and residents need to know before visiting both attractions this summer. Phantom Canyon Road is part of the Gold Belt Scenic Byway thats about 30 miles long. Pit Stop Recommendation Gazebo Lake at Green Mountain Falls: Pack a lunch and enjoy a leisurely stroll around a picturesque lake before getting to Woodland Park. From hiking and horseback riding to simply finding a picturesque spot to enjoy the incredible views, the Garden of the Gods has something for everybody and is actually registered as a National Natural Landmark. Parking since its quite limited at the top so you may want to start early, to avoid the crowds so that you can grab yourself a spot at the top. Pikes Peak Highway - Cascade, CO | 14er Drive near Colorado Springs A true nature lovers paradise thanks to its gorgeously pristine Alpine surroundings, Colorado Springs has been a destination resort for decades. The drive from Estes Park through to Creek Canyon is a wonderland of aspen-covered foothills, old mining towns, national parks, and lakes all of which are both visible and accessible from the scenic byway known as Peak to Peak. The Gold Belt Scenic Byway is a national scenic byway running through Colorados gold country. Its like riding a rollercoaster thats weaved into the mountains. The Rocky Mountain National Park is a perfect vacation destination in Colorado, and one of the states top tourist destinations. Posted: July 31, 2020. When you visit Caon City, make a trip to Skyline Drive. The views along the way are spectacular, and youll pass plenty of options for hiking in the park. The 8 Most Scenic Drives In Colorado - TravelAwaits Home to Evergreen Lake, its the perfect spot for kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding in the summer, or ice skating in the winter! Peak to Peak was actually the first scenic byway in Colorado! View more scenic drives near Colorado Springs. Granby CO Scenic Drives | Cottonwood Pass & Trail Ridge Road Colorado has been on my list for some time and I just flew over it on my way home wetting my appetite again. See our full. With sweeping views of Caon City, its an unbeatable adventure but be ready for cliff drops on both sides of the road! Theres so much to do and see in the area. A little further on Highway 112, stop in Indian Peak Wilderness Area. From Steamboat to Meeker via the byway is approximately 4 to 5-hour drive. Pinch and zoom to find more details on these routes. Scenic Drives in Colorado Springs Enter dates Filters 2 Attractions Traveler favorites Arenas & Stadiums Points of Interest & Landmarks Historic Sites Educational sites Scenic Drives 1 place sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 1. I'm definitely bookmarking this one for when we finally make it out there. During the fall youre in for a treat; the Aspen trees leaves are starting to change color to a beautiful golden hue and make for great photos. 1. When visiting the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, dont miss the Russell Tutt Scenic Highway. Directions Scenic Driving Difficulty Length Suitability More filters Top trails ( 3) Easy 4.4 (329) #1 - Rampart Range Road We also recommend the Golden Loop Historic Parkway, which was made famous during the gold rush in the 1890s. After enjoying the scenery, make sure to visit the citys quaint downtown with its brick buildings from the mining era and get on the Silver Queen Gondola to get a panoramic view ofthe surrounding mountains. Colorado is the best! A smaller town than its Colorado Springs counterpart, but no less attractive, a day trip here is usually undertaken by locals to enjoy the small-town traditional mining heritage atmosphere. Be sure to book both excursions in advance to ensure a place, as seasonal periods can get busy. The 1.4 mile drive takes you to the top of a mountain with sweeping views of Colorado Springs from the Will Rogers Shrine. Further along Highway 160 is Durango, which is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat. This scenic drive takes you along the historic railroad and stagecoach routes where the most prominent, populated mining towns were located: Florissant, Victor, Canon City, Florence and nearby Cripple Creek. Cutler on your right. On the way there, be sure to stop by Echo Lake and Summit Lake. Gah! Check out this tour: Source: Marilyn D. Lambertz / shutterstock, Hot Air Balloon Flight Colorado Springs Sunrise, Foothills & Garden of the Gods: Jeep Tour, 10 Best Things to Do in Hindeloopen (Netherlands), 15 Best Things to Do in Siquijor Island (the Philippines). Once you hit Evergreen youll take Bear Creek Rd / Highway 74 which loops back up and connects back up to Highway 470 until you connect your loop in West Pleasant View, CO at I-70. Fun Fact: Skyline Drive is lined with fossils of dinosaur prints. Distance: 48 milesEstimated time: 4 6 hoursRoute open: summer, typically Memorial Day to mid-October. For a day of relaxation, you can also head into one of the many excellent spas that can be found in downtown Estes Park. The historic downtown district has boutique shops, museums, restaurants and so much more. Check Pikes Peak hours before you go. Pit Stop Recommendation historic gold mines: Once you make it to Victor, there is plenty to do in the area if you have time before heading home. 20 min from Colorado Springs and 1hr 20 min from Denver Getting There: From Denver/Colorado Springs, head south on I-25. Fun Fact: Woodland Park is nearby plenty of epic hiking trails and parks like Pancake Rocks, The Crags and Mueller State Park. Canyons of the Ancients National Monument is along the nextleg of the journey. When exploring this area, dont miss the Golden Loop Historic Parkway and Phantom Canyon Road. Scenic Drives & Hot Springs Buena Vista & Salida, Colorado Rain clouds typically come in the afternoon during summertime, so try to avoid them by going early. Another one of our favorite scenic drives near Colorado Springs is the Pikes Peak Highway. Its a resort town these days with art galleries, cafes and concerts, but was once the site of the international ski jumping competition so cool! Pikes Peak Highway is a high-alpine scenic toll road located just west of Colorado Springs. and Phantom Canyon Road. To request a free visitor guide from Colorado Springs, Colorado - Scenic Drives, please fill out the form below And dont miss the Summit House, where you can try one of their famous donuts and pick up a souvenir. . Many of the trails are short and you can drive through the park starting at the South Rim Visitor Center, which is open daily throughout the summer and most days of the week the rest of the year. The current Summit House is open as of June 1, so when you get to the top, you can enjoy its world-famous hot and fresh donuts, hot coffee, fudge and gift shop. You don't need four wheel drive, but the road is not regularly maintained and can have significant water damage and washboards. But theres so much more to see: these are the best scenic drives Colorado. The road is a mix of gravel and dirt but is well maintained. The city spreads out on both sides of you and there are pullouts to enjoy the view. Probably one of the shortest on this list of scenic drives Colorado, but it sure packs a punch! So whether youre planning to try your luck at gambling or need something to eat, Black Hawk is a great stop along this scenic drive in Colorado. Back on the road, head to Canon City. Ben Sack is the General Manager of Echo Canyon River Expeditions and Royal Gorge Cabins. National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum is one of the most popular museums in town and you can learn some interesting history here. The Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center is a must see for anyone with an interest in palaeontology, and is filled to the brim with fascinating exhibits. For a true escape from urban life, and indeed any kind of commodity, venture out onto the Rampart Range Road. Next up is the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, which is a popular road trip from Denver, Colorado. Youll pass signs for towns like Wilbur, Adelaide and Glenbrook that were washed away in flashfloods or dissipated as a result of the slowing economy after the railroad closed in 1912. Gorgeous views are everywhere in Colorado. And if youre looking for more road trip ideas, Ouray marks the beginning of the Million Dollar Highway, one of the most beautiful and dangerous drives in the U.S.! Its the most adorable downtown for shopping, dining, museums and live music. Youll definitely want to spend more time seeing the incredible sights along the way. Colorado Scenic Byways Map | Drive Loop | CO Vacation Directory This scenic byway is enjoyable and offers plenty of photo ops - the road increases in elevation from 5,500 to 9,500 feet, has two tunnels and three elevated bridges. Recommended by me Nikki of Inspired Routes follow on Pinterest, Distance: 236 milesEstimated time: 7+ hoursRoute open: year-round. Those who want to experience the charms of small southwestern townships should make stops at Central City and Black Hawk to enjoy their excellent casinos, friendly atmospheres, and hearty bar and saloon offerings. Ideally reached by car, these day trips from Colorado Springs are perfect escapes for those looking to get back to nature and out of the city. In fact, this gorgeous drive is just 26-minutes from Colorado Springs and you can easily use US-24 West to access the entrance. If you're looking for a family friendly place to camp in open range, this is NOT" read more, "How many free city parks have scenic drives, waterfalls, and a thousand foot deep canyon? Check out the tasting room and bring a bottle or two home with you from the gift shop. 0Info@VisitCOS.com, This website uses cookies to enhance your user experience on our website. This medium coat is excellent for hiking and sightseeing in the mountains. One on Old Stage Road, it will wind up past some residential housing and turn into a dirt road. Unfortunately, I havent been everywhere (yet), so Ive asked a few fellow travel writers to help out with this list. But perhaps more impressive are the spots you havent heard of yet. Its actually Americas highest suspension bridge, sitting 956 feet above the Arkansas River. The fall months are especially pretty for these Colorado scenic drives, so be sure to bring your camera to capture the golden hues of the trees and other foliage. Follow I-25 to S 21st St. in Colorado Springs (Cimarron Exit 141). Searchable listings of Colorado Springs RV parks and campgrounds. The gravel road follows the route of the Florence and Cripple Creek Railroad built in 1894 and features tunnels and unique bridges. Notable attractions include Blue Ridge and Byers Peak (12,804 ft.) in Arapaho National Forest. This 23-mile drive will take you through ranches and give you views of the rugged Anthracite Range. After exploring the Royal Gorge, experience a little thrill on Skyline Drive. 719-395-2447 info@mtprinceton.com. 584 Reviews Explore the most popular scenic driving trails near Idaho Springs with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Enjoy beautiful mountain views and peaceful, calm vibes along the way. Scenic Drives near Colorado Springs, Colorado Want to explore Colorado from above? The tree-covered ravines found along the route are excellent places to stop off and hike, while the near vertical walls make for intriguing photo opportunities. Leave your cares behind as you drive the winding Highway 24 to Woodland Park. From there, head west on Highway 50, about 9 miles past Canon City. Be sure to try some local flavors at I Scream Gelato. If you have time, maybe you want to take in Pikes Peak while you are in Colorado Springs. From the Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railway, to Cripple Creek District Museum and Jail Museum, youll be kept busy (double check with these attractions for reopening plans before venturing out). At 14,271 feet, Mount Evans is located in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. The San Juan Mountains are the southern part of the Rockies, with many peaks towering above 14,000 feet. Trail Ridge Road is one of the best scenic drives near Denver that boast big mountain views and amazing road conditions. You're all set! Recommended by Morgan of The Home That Roams follow on Instagram, Distance: 60 milesEstimated time: 3 5 hoursRoute open: Memorial Day through October. From there, it goes south onto state highway 119 through Blackhawk, into Clear Creek Canyon, and ends at Interstate 70. Mount Evans Byway - Idaho Springs - Uncover Colorado We did the hike up with the baby and saw a couple of grandparents with their grandkids also. Enjoy plenty of opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing and fishing along the way. National Scenic Byway in Southern Colorado The Gap north of Cuchara, CO; Highway of Legends Byway/SH 12. 2 years ago Save We will be taking 2 full days to drive from Aspen to Colorado springs Sep 23-25, stopping o/n in Buena Vista Sep 23, o/n in Colorado Springs Sep 24, aiming to reach DIA hotel by late evening Sep 25. Day 4: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. The striking curves and vegetation-peppered canyon walls follow an old railroad route. Youll encounter alpine lakes, pine trees, and wildlife like mountain goats and marmots. Scenic Drives near Pagosa Springs, Colorado Pagosa Springs, Colorado - Scenic Drives Byways, Backways, Historic Routes,. The fascinating combination of grassland, woodland and alpine mountain forest makes for one of the most intriguing parks in the country, with an array of activities on offer. Note: Youll also need to pay $10 per adult and $5 per child to use this road, so be prepared. I'll share guides to help you plan an epic road trip, check the next adventure off your bucket list and explore amazing places you've gotta see to believe! Continue to Mobile Site Drive the 19-mile paved toll road to the summit of Pikes Peak - America's Mountain. Summit Lake is above the tree line (at 13,000 feet) so the area looks a bit more harsh, but still beautiful in its own way. Next hop on Highway 91 south to Leadville. First Stop: Gold Camp Road Cost: Free Drive Time: Approx. Scenic drives to consider in the Colorado Springs area are listed below. Finish this incredible loop by driving back to Durango. We also have the following visitor guides in Colorado. You can also capture amazing views of the gorge on hikes like the Royal Gorge Rim Trail or others in the area. Depends what you mean by best drive - fasteset or most scenic? A friend recommended going to Stratton Open Space and hiking to the reservoir to" read more, "A short hike (1/3 of a mile) that is almost entirely steps. Day 3: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Click on any state to see what's available. All this fun and adventure takes place under the watchful eye of the Rockies, where you'll find a wealth of scenic drives, snow-thrills and skiing, hiking and biking, and so much moreno matter the . Pikes Peak is a must-see when visiting Colorado. Best scenic drive from Aspen to Colorado Springs? - Tripadvisor