7 Best Scenic Drives in Colorado for Stunning Mountain Views
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Think you have to hike for miles to see the best views in Colorado? Some of the most stunning mountain scenery in the state can be seen right from your car. These scenic drives in Colorado will take you past towering peaks, golden aspen groves, and high alpine tundra—no hiking boots required.
Colorado is a state well-known for its beautiful hikes and stunning mountain views. However, you don’t have to go on a long hike to see some of the best views the state has to offer. There are plenty of absolutely gorgeous sights you can see from your car if you know where to go. These scenic drives in Colorado are accessible to more people compared to the hikes and can be a great way to take in Colorado’s beautiful mountain scenery.
This list has some of the best scenic drives you can go on in Colorado and is focused mostly on those gorgeous mountain views.
Not sure what to bring with you? I would pack layers as it can get significantly colder at higher elevations. I would also bring lots of water and maybe a hot coffee, tea, or hot chocolate in a thermos or travel mug. Bring snacks as traffic tends to move a little slower on these scenic roads and there aren’t a lot of stops for food along the way if any depending on the route. Bring a good pair of hiking shoes or boots if you’re planning on doing any hikes along the road. I would also recommend bringing some binoculars to help look at things further away and look for animals.
Trail Ridge Road (Rocky Mountain National Park)
Why This Drive is Special
Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in North America with the highest elevation on the road at 12,183 feet by the Alpine Visitor Center. It connects Estes Park to Grand Lake and offers amazing views of the Rockies along the way and is one of the most beautiful roads in Colorado. At the higher elevations, you will see the alpine tundra and have a chance to see wildlife that can’t be found as easily at the lower elevations. There are also tours that will take you to the highest point of Trail Ridge Road if you don’t want to drive it.
Must-See Stops and Viewpoints
On this drive, there are many places where you can pull off and admire the view. You’ll most likely be driving this route from Estes Park to Grand Lake so first you’ll see Many Parks Curve which gives a fantastic view of the parts of Rocky Mountain Park you may be more familiar with. Then you’ll get a chance to stop at Forest Canyon Overlook for more mountain views.
At the top, you can stop at the Alpine Visitor Center and take a short (but very much uphill) walk to the highest elevation along the road. Stop in at the visitor center for a hot drink and then you can either return to Estes Park or continue on to Grand Lake for even more beautiful views. Make sure you check the Trail Ridge Road status before you go as it does close down in bad weather conditions and for the winter season.
Looking for some easy hikes to do on the Estes Park side of the trip? See my post about easy and moderate hikes at Rocky Mountain National Park. You can also check out my full Estes Park itinerary here.
Million Dollar Highway (U.S. Highway 550 – Ouray to Silverton)
Why This Drive is Special
This drive will take you through the San Juan Mountains in Southern Colorado and features stunning views but also lots of dropoffs. Make sure you are prepared to handle hairpin turns and the lack of guardrails on some parts of the road before you make the drive. This one is great if you are looking for something a little more adventurous and makes for a fun Colorado road trip.
Must-See Stops and Viewpoints
This road connects Ouray and Silverton and has spots where you can pull off and admire the view. Red Mountain Pass offers stunning views of the vibrant red peaks the area is known for. Ouray is a cute mountain town known as the “Switzerland of America.” Explore the town and maybe go for a dip in their hot springs. Silverton is a historic mining town with more of an old-west feel and is known for its adventurous activities.
Mount Evans Scenic Byway
Why This Drive is Special
This is the highest paved road in North America and reaches a height of over 14,000 feet and offers great views of the alpine tundra. This is a great drive to do if you’re looking for mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and marmots is one of the best scenic drives in Colorado.
Must-See Stops and Viewpoints
Near the highest elevation, you can check out Summit Lake – a stunning glacial lake. Mount Goliath Natural Area offers a chance to see ancient bristlecone pines. You will also get a chance to stop at Mount Evans Summit and get 360-degree views from one of Colorado’s 14,000 ft+ mountains.
Independence Pass (Aspen to Twin Lakes via Highway 82)
Why This Drive is Special
This drive is also known for its high elevation with the highest elevation on the drive reaching 12,095 ft. The drive features tight switchbacks, alpine meadows, and dramatic drop-offs. It connects the towns of Aspen and Twin Lakes, offering scenic views along the way.
Must-See Stops and Viewpoints
The Continental Divide Overlook lets you get a nice view of the division of the watersheds at the continental divide. If you’re looking for a hike, Grottos Trail is a short hike to unique ice caves and waterfalls and would be a great way to break up the trip. Twin Lakes Overlook is a great place to stop for lake views.
Pikes Peak Highway
Why This Drive is Special
This 19-mile scenic road will take you to the top of Pikes Peak at an elevation of 14,115 ft. This drive is so gorgeous, it inspired the song “America the Beautiful” and is well worth the trip. And there’s also an option if you don’t feel like driving it! The Pikes Peak Cog Railway will take you to the top by train.
Must-See Stops and Viewpoints
Stop by Crystal Creek Reservoir for views of a peaceful lake and mountains. A stop at Devil’s Playground offers views of unique rock formations and more scenic mountain views. There is also a hiking trail here for experienced hikers. Make the drive (or train ride) all the way to the top of Pikes Peak to get to Pikes Peak Summit to take in the high elevation views before heading back down the mountain.
Guanella Pass Scenic Byway
Why This Drive is Special
This drive offers similar scenic views to the other drives, but is less crowded so you don’t have to deal with as many cars as you do on the other busy roads. The drive takes you through aspen groves, alpine meadows, and mountain landscapes and is a great way to see the fall colors without the crowds. This road is located between Grant and Georgetown, Colorado.
Must-See Stops and Viewpoints
Stop by Georgetown to explore a historic town surrounded by mountains. There are also plenty of trails for hiking along the way, including Mount Bierstadt Trailhead where experienced hikers can access the trail up Mount Bierstadt – one of Colorado’s most famous 14ers. There is also a trail to hike to Naylor Lake – a scenic high-altitude lake that photographer’s will love.
Kebler Pass (Crested Butte to Paonia State Park via County Road 12)
Why This Drive is Special
Kebler Pass is a scenic mountain pass that connects Crested Butte to the North Fork Valley. It is home to one of the largest aspen groves in the world, making it one of the best colorado fall foliage drives. On this drive, you will see a mix of rolling meadows, forests, and mountain views. This is a must-do in the fall.
Must-See Stops and Viewpoints
Kebler Pass Summit offers views of the Elk Mountains and the beautiful aspen grove. Ohio Pass is an alternative nearby route that is a little bit less crowded and offers similar gorgeous views. Lost Lake Campground is great for hiking and fishing if you’re looking for a spot for camping and outdoor activities.
Colorado has so many scenic drives with amazing mountain views to choose from. The routes above have views of alpine meadows, aspen groves, lakes, and mountains, offering a different stunning view around every turn of the road.
Note that some of these roads may close in the winter due to the snow in high-altitude regions. I recommend planning your road trips around that winter season and aiming for summer or fall. Some of these routes may be even more spectacular in the fall so it may be worth it to you to plan closer to peak fall color season.
Have you been on any of these scenic drives? What’s your favorite scenic drive in Colorado? Let me know in the comments!
