10 Colorado scenic drives that will take your breath away

When crossing over the Colorado state line, a very humble little rickety old brown sign welcomes you.  “Welcome to colorful Colorado” it says.  It’s the least flashy welcome sign I’ve ever seen and yet Colorado is one of the most magnificent places I’ve ever been.  If you’re looking for a place to sweep you off your feet, to stop you dead in your tracks, the Colorado Rockies will do just that.  The jagged peaks and sweeping valleys, the rivers and streams, the wildlife, the clean, cool mountain air-nothing else I’ve experienced really compares.  With that, I’d love to share ten of my favorite Colorado scenic drives that will take your breath away…

1.  Independence Pass. 

Highway 82.  From Highway 24 to Aspen, Colorado.

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2.  Trail Ridge Road.

Highway 34 through Rocky Mountain National Park.  From Grand Lake, Colorado to Estes Park, Colorado.

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3.  Glenwood Canyon.

I-70.  From Dotsero, Colorado to Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

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4.  Mt Evans.

From Idaho Springs, Colorado to the summit of Mt. Evans via Highway 103 to Highway 5.

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5.  Loveland Pass.

From I-70 to Dillon, Colorado via Highway 6.

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6.  McClure Pass.

From Carbondale, Colorado to Paonia, Colorado via Highway 133.

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7.  Dolores River Valley.

From Naturita, Colorado to Gateway, Colorado via Highway 141.

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8.  Cottonwood Pass.

Buena Vista, Colorado to Almont, Colorado via County Road 306 -> County Road 209 -> County Road 742.

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9.  Boreas Pass/Hoosier Pass Loop.

Breckenridge, Colorado.  Boreas Pass Rd -> Highway 285 -> Highway 9 at Fairplay, Colorado -> Return to Breckenridge.  (Boreas Pass Road is primarily a dirt road)

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10. San Juan Skyway Loop including Red Mountain Pass, Molas Pass, Coal Bank Pass, Dallas Divide and Lizard Head Pass.

Travels through the towns of Ridgway, Telluride, Durango, Silverton and Ouray.  Starting in Ridgway and traveling counterclockwise take Highway 62 -> Highway 145 -> Highway 160 -> Highway 550 -> return to Ridgway.

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I could do each one of these drives over and over again and they would never get old.  Next time you’re in the Rockies, bring your camera, pick a drive and plan on stopping a lot to soak up all the beauty Colorado has to offer.

Please note: Be sure to check cdot.org for the latest road conditions before your trip.  Some of the drives listed above are only open during the summer months.  Others reach high altitudes and are subject to adverse conditions.  Even if it’s the middle of the summer, bring a hat and coat.  Temps are considerably lower at the top of many of these passes, you’ll appreciate having the proper gear so that you can take the time to enjoy the scenery.

11 Comments

Leave a Reply to gtCancel reply

  • Been awhile since I visited your page. I forgot what a great photographers you two are. Wish I could make Colorado. Just came back from land sailing in Austin, Nv. Maybe the fall before the snow. Thank you for some awesome photos to make me think there is a cooler part to life. 4th of July was 110 in Laughlin, Nv.

  • I’m never disappointed when I get an email saying there is a new post from “twohappycampers” 🙂 These look like great trips! I think we have been on #2 but from you pics we need to see at least 9 more 🙂 Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work!

  • Loved this article! Thanks so much for reminding me of closer places to ride… we live in Kansas City and often push well past CO on our trips west, but you make me want to visit Colorado some more. I haven’t done Mt. Evans since I was a boy in the mid-60s. We’ve done Trail Ridge several times in both cars and our truck camper, Independence Pass a few times in cars, the Million Dollar Highway (of course), and even the gravel road over Ophir Pass back when we had an Isuzu Trooper, but not in our truck/camper combo.

  • i lived in Colorado in the early 90s and had made all these rides on my motorcycle.
    moving back this spring thanks for the great pictures.
    they inspired me greatly.
    john mammoth ink tattoo and wild life art prints , soon to open again in the rocky mountains.

  • Love Colorado and have travelled some of the beautiful roads….Lived in Durango years ago and now get posts on Instagram to enjoy….Some great photos here…Thank you!

  • Your pictures are beautiful! August 1, 2019, we are heading to Dillon and then Bellvue from Arlington Tx to see two concerts by Lake Street Dive………….any points of interest that we should see?
    Thank you!

By michele

About

Hi!  We’re Mark & Michele, a couple of modern-day nomads perfecting the art of slow, perpetual travel.  Our tiny home on wheels and slow-paced travel style allows us maximum freedom at minimal expense.  This blog is where we share our travels as well as our insights in to this lifestyle that we absolutely love.  Thanks so much for being here.

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