That wonderful time of year where the sun stays out late, the weather is finally warm and the sky is clear and blue is finally here, which means it’s time to get outside and enjoy this gorgeous state. If you are looking for a day-long getaway that consists of beautiful sights and the soothing sounds of your car engine, you will want to be sure to drive along one of these 12 beautiful Colorado byways for an experience you won’t soon forget:
1. Mount Evans Scenic Byway
It doesn't get much more beautiful than Mount Evans, which not only boasts some of the most beautiful views in the state, but also the record for the highest paved road in America.
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2. Grand Mesa Scenic Byway
If you are looking for history, fishing and skiing opportunities in one fell swoop, you best be hopping on the Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway, which runs between Cedaredge and I-70.
3. Highway of Legends Scenic and Historic Byway
They don't call Highway 12 the "Highway of Legends" for nothing! This stretch of road once hosted the likes of both conquistadors and Native Americans during their Colorado travels.
4. Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
After trying your luck at the tables in Black Hawk, hop on Peak to Peak for a winning look at historic ghost towns along the Continental Divide.
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5. Trail Ridge Road Scenic Byway
Growing up in Fort Collins, we traveled the Trail Ridge Road Scenic Byway many times to get to our cabin in Grand Lake, so I can attest to both its beauty and convenience.
6. Unaweep-Tabeguache Scenic and Historic Byway
It doesn't get more magnificent than the Unaweep-Tabeguache, which passes some of southwest Colorado's most extravagant buttes and canyons.
7. Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway
The Trail of Ancients is just that; a winding road that leads you on a journey through history via Ancestral Pueblo cliff dwellings, museums, the Four Corners, and even a geologic wonder or two in our neighboring Utah.
8. Pawnee Pioneer Trails Scenic & Historic Byway
Located in northeast Colorado is the Pawnee Pioneer Trails Scenic & Historic Byway, which showcases the tranquil Eastern Plains, Pawnee National Grassland, and the unsuspecting Pawnee Buttes (which tower high above the rolling prairie).
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9. Lariat Loop Scenic Byway
No time to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city? No problem! The Lariat Loop Scenic Byway runs from Golden to Evergreen to Genesee and then back again.
10. Dinosaur Diamond Scenic Byway
With easy access to the legendery Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado National Monument. and more, the Dinosaur Diamond Scenic Byway is truly a "diamond" in the rough.
11. Cache la Poudre - North Park Scenic Byway
A northern Colorado favorite (and for good reason), the Cache la Poudre - North Park Scenic Byway takes travelers on an unforgettable journey from Fort Collins through Walden.
12. Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway
Let's just say that you never know what gems you'll find along this 82-mile stretch of gorgeousness!
One of my favorite ways to escape the city I live in is to take a road trip, and bonus points if there are small towns to visit along the way. Small towns usually offer a slower pace, a wonderful sense of community with friendly locals, and local businesses as opposed to chain stores and restaurants. So, how about a road trip to some of the most charming small towns in Colorado?
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At just 225 miles and under 5 hours of driving time, this Colorado small-town road trip is a great option for a weekend getaway. I'll add some accommodation options for you below. You can also follow our Google Maps link for the route, and feel free to add your own stops along the way.
Are you ready? Let's go!
1. Lake City
Our first stop is Lake City, a historic small town with roots in the mining and railroad industries. Surrounded by the San Juan Mountains with a river running through, you can imagine the outdoor recreation that can be experienced here. Hiking and fishing opportunities are abundant here as is birdwatching, hunting, and horseback riding. For history enthusiasts, Lake City's downtown is home to over 200 historic buildings, perfect for a walking tour. Unsurprisingly, this part of town is a designated National Register Historic District.
Need a place to spend the night in Lake City? Take a look at The Moon House and book your stay on Airbnb.
2. South Fork
Also nestled within the San Juan Mountains is South Fork, a town with a population of 500. If outdoor adventure is what you're after, there are endless hiking trails, fishing in the Rio Grande, whitewater rafting, and camping. There's even railbiking with Revolution Rail, a must-experience activity in South Fork. If you're interested in learning the history of this town, visit the South Fork History Museum & Nature Center.
Searching for accommodations in South Fork? You must check out the Adventure Haus, a one-of-a-kind A-frame with views for days!
3. Pagosa Springs
Home to the many hot springs including the deepest hot springs in the world, Pagosa Springs is a small town where you can experience peace and relaxation. Visitors also enjoy exploring Chimney Rock National Monuments's ruins and rock formations when in town. If you want an even more memorable adventure, take a hot air balloon ride over the town's alluring landscape.
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If you'd like to spend the night in Pagosa Springs, consider spending the night at the San Juan Cabin that offers panoramic views and has its own private trail.
4. Bayfield
Known as the "Heart of the Pine River Valley," Bayfield is a picturesque town with a historic district and gorgeous natural surroundings that will may want to spend an entire day exploring. Between July and October, the Bayfield Farmers' Market is held on Saturday mornings. It's worth going as many local farms sell fresh produce, food, art, crafts, and more, and it's a wonderful way to experience Bayfield's community. And when hunger strikes, you must check out Hong's Garden, which is arguably one of the best Chinese restaurants in Colorado!
Would you enjoy spending time in a cabin in Bayfield? If yes, book a stay at this beautiful Log Mountain Home on Airbnb.
5. Silverton
Last but not least on this road trip to some of Colorado's most charming small towns is Silverton. This old mining town in the San Juan Mountains has preserved Victorian buildings throughout its downtown giving it that historic feel many of us crave. If you want to learn about the town's history, I suggest you check out the San Juan County Mining Heritage Museum as well as the Durango & Silverton Narrow Guage Railroad.
Have you ever dreamed of spending the night in a historic home? Book your stay at the Russian Princess Historic Home which was built in Silverton in 1883.
Are you ready to take a road trip to visit some of the most charming small towns in Colorado? When preparing for a long ride in the car, take a look at our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for everything you'll need. You should also bring your favorite snacks along as well because what's a road trip without snacks? Safe travels!
The Centennial State is full of undeniable grandeur. From grandiose, snow-capped mountain ranges and crystal-clear glacial lakes to some of the most vibrant red rock formations you've ever seen, Colorado is packed with jaw-dropping sights that simply can't be found anywhere else. But for such a beautiful (and beautifully diverse) state, road-tripping through Colorado can be a challenge, as long stretches of lonely roadways and sagebrush flats intermingle with the state's most iconic natural wonders. Don't worry, though - we've got you covered! We've put together 11 of the best road trips in Colorado, each chock full of beauty and spectacular adventures for every traveler, budget, and trip length. Ready to get lost in the best way possible?
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1-Day Road Trip In Colorado
Route: Gateway > Grand Mesa > Palisade > Sage Creations Organic Farm > Carlson Vineyards > Book Cliffs
Distance: 195 miles
Trip Time: 5 hours
Five hours is all it takes to explore some of Colorado's most vibrant and sweeping vineyards, as well as the thriving landscapes that surround them. From the charming, historic town of Gateway near the outskirts of the Unaweep/Tabeguache Scenic and Historic Byway to the delightful bed and breakfast capital of the state in charming Palisade to the rolling, verdant stretches of colorful vines everywhere in between, Colorado wine country is top notch. If you're here for the sights, this Colorado wine country road trip is perfect for spring when the lavender fields, vineyards, and orchards are at their prime. If you're here to partake, make the captivating town of Palisade your basecamp and turn this into a delicious weekend outing anytime.
3-Day Weekend Road Trip In Colorado
Route: Crystal Mill > Dotsero Volcano > Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument > Skyline Drive > Colorado Gators Reptile Park > Wheeler Geologic Area > Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Distance: 650 miles
Trip Time: 13 hours
Most folks are aware that Colorado's diverse scenery and history is literally larger than life. But the state is far more spectacular than it's given credit for, even beyond the state's infamous national parks. From visiting a spectacular active volcano to a garden of ancient fossils in Florissant to some of the most spectacular scenic drives in the state, this 3-day road trip through Colorado is just one stunner after another! Each of these hidden gems in Colorado bypass some of the state's most iconic sights in favor of uniquely gorgeous spots that offer a sample platter of some of the state's coolest sights. If you're coming from Marble, your final stops at the Wheeler Geologic Area in Creede and Canyon of the Ancients are the perfect final destinations, offering spectacular tastes of Bryce Canyon and Colorado's ancient past but without the crowds (high clearance four-wheel drive required).
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Cross-State Colorado Road Trip
Route: Glenwood Canyon > Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park > Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Distance: 310 miles
Trip Time: 6 hours
Whether traveling from east to west or north to south, the spectacular diversity of Colorado's ever-changing landscape offers an incredible amount of beauty and solitude, rolling from layers upon layers of breathtaking mountains to vineyards set against a backdrop of CO's most stunning rock formations, past ahh-worthy hot springs, volcanic landscapes, and even colorful small towns before ending amidst the sweeping, overlooked prairies of Eastern Colorado on the outskirts of the Dakota badlands. This road trip through Colorado's canyon country will take travelers to three unique canyons in western Colorado, each phenomenally unique and overflowing with geologic history. Of course, these rugged scarps aren't just eye candy - they all offer an abundance of recreation and hiking opportunities - so keep those kayaks and fishing poles handy and plan to spend at least one day in each canyon area.
Central Colorado Road Trip
Route: Denver Biscuit Company > Chapel On The Rock > Grand Lake > Glenwood Hot Springs > Hotel Colorado > Maroon Bells > Romero's Café > Garden of the Gods
Distance: 600 miles
Trip Time: 13 hours
Exploring all of Colorado's most majestic landscapes is a bucket list goal for many. Fortunately, some of the state's most vibrant things to see and do are nestled right in the heart of the state, making for easy access to some of the best that Colorado has to offer. From tasty, award-winning chile restaurants (food is a must on every road trip, right?) to a taste of Colorado's most coveted sights, this road trip is the ultimate choose-your-own adventure. Theoretically, this weekend road trip can be done in only two days… but we think you'll want to make as much time as possible! This journey starts and ends in Denver, so be sure to make time to explore the magic of Colorado's capital city while you're out and about.
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Best Colorado Road Trip For Spring
Route: Seven Falls > Helen Hunt Falls > Rainbow Falls > Bridal Veil Falls > Hanging Lake > Zapata Falls
Distance: 636 miles
Trip Time: 13.5 hours
Every year, people traverse the globe just to witness the irresistible magic of power of water pouring over a cliff's edge and plummeting to the earth below. And while these wonders exist all over the world, there's no denying that some waterfalls are a little extra special. Tucked away among Colorado's sky-high rock formations and spectacular mountain ranges is a fantastic world of waterfalls awaiting cascade-loving hikers. Start your waterfall road trip journey off by experiencing not one, but seven waterfalls at once before hopping around to some of the state's most treasured falls, as well as several off the beaten path. Along the way, you'll dine with a waterfall-front view in Colorado Springs before ending your trip at Zapata Falls at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Best Summer Road Trip In Colorado
Route: Little Medano Creek > Rock Canyon Swim Beach > Cherry Creek State Park > Jackson Lake State Park > The Beach at Grand Lake > Steamboat Lake State Park
Distance: 700 miles
Trip Time: 13 hours
Colorado breaks the mold when it comes to getaway beach vacations. Imagine dipping your toes in the silky sands of Great Sand Dunes National Park or strolling along the crisp, picturesque shores of Grand Lake and feeling the warmth of the sun on your face… it doesn't get much better than that! While most don't associate Colorado with epic beaches or colorful waterfront views, the state has countless beaches that are perfect for splashing, photography, fishing, or soaking up the summer sun with the whole family. This Colorado beaches road trip starts at one of the state's most unexpected bodies of water and leads travelers through multiple Colorado state parks to some of the state's most refreshing lakes and sandy shorelines.
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Best Colorado Road Trip For Fall
Route: Steamboat Lake State Park > Aspen > Kebler Pass > Golden Gate Canyon State Park > Flatirons > Lory State Park
Distance: 800 miles
Trip Time: 18 hours
While perhaps not as famous as the storybook fall colors back east, Colorado's fall foliage is often considered second-to-none in the West. The state has the highest number of Aspens in the country, which means every fall the landscape comes alive in a trademark hue of gold, intermingled with the fiery reds and oranges of the season. While there are no bad places to enjoy and experience autumn in Colorado, this Fall Foliage Road Trip takes leaf-peeping travelers to some of the best and most colorful hotspots in the state. On this 18-hour loop, you'll drink in the sights not only from some Centennial State high points, but its landmark towns as well. Spoiler alert: Aspen is aptly named! For a truly spectacular fall weekend, grab a camera and some hiking boots, and save this epic road trip for your next autumn outing.
Best Winter Road Trip In Colorado
Route: Beano's Cabin > Vail Ski Resort > Vail Village
Distance: 146 miles
Trip Time: 3 hours
From the towering peaks of Mt. Elbert to the quiet plains of Eastern Colorado, Colorado is a four-season state takes on magical, snowglobe-like beauty when winter rolls around. Among the state's many delightful ski towns, Vail, Colorado is a coveted bucket list destination for many when the powder starts to pile up and one of the best places to visit in Colorado. For this weekend adventure, start your epic winter road trip through Colorado with a fun sleigh ride through the snow. While we highly recommend the unique dinner and snowcat experience of a Beano's Cabin "sleigh ride," this stunning ski town also offers traditional horse-drawn experiences as well. Next, spend a bluebird day at the legendary Vail Ski Resort, but be sure to save plenty of time to explore Vail Village and the numerous charming shops that line downtown on your visit. At only of 3 hours of drive time round-trip, this is one of the best Colorado road trips you can take in winter, and the perfect escape when the seasons change.
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Family Friendly Colorado Road Trip
Route: Wild Animal Sanctuary > The Aquarium Restaurant > Tiny Town > North Pole > Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park > Dinosaur Journey
Distance: 440 miles
Trip Time: 8 hours
Exploring and hiking through Colorado's natural beauty is a phenomenal way to get up close and personal with this vibrant Rocky Mountain state. But a carful of kiddos can make lengthy hikes next to impossible. This family-friendly road trip around Colorado will take families of all shapes and sizes to some of the state's lesser known attractions, each with a special focus on larger-than-life education, excitement, and funky things to experience. Start off at Colorado's one and only wild animal sanctuary, which offers unique walkway encounters with over 700 species of rescued wildlife. Head on over to Denver for a unique underwater-style dining experience that kids of all ages will love, or even chow down onsite at the Lion's Den Café before visiting neat educational and whimsical sites like the North Pole and the interactive exhibits found at Dinosaur Journey in Fruita. To make the most of this Colorado road trip itinerary, plan for at least three days of non-stop family fun.
Road Trip to Colorado Landmarks & Natural Wonders
Route: Hanging Lake > Maroon Bells > Great Sand Dunes National Park > Garden of the Gods > Rainbow Falls > Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Distance: 760 miles
Trip Time: 14 hours
One does not simply road trip around Colorado and not visit its most legendary sights, landmarks, and natural wonders! Starting with the gorgeous Hanging Lake and its veil-like falls in Glenwood Canyon, this 14-hour natural wonders road trip meanders around some of the state's most treasured landscapes. Be sure to budget in ample time for hiking and outdoor adventures! From the vibrant, photogenic faces of the Maroon Bells to the quiet stretches of white sand at Great Sand Dunes National Park to the state's iconic Red Rock Amphitheatre, road trippers will find themselves in the heart of dreamy landscapes of every size and shape. Due to the length of this trip, plan for at least a week spent exploring every corner of Colorado. Use the included Colorado road trip map to help plan your side trips, stays, and detours.
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Road Trip to Best Small Towns in Colorado
Route: Buena Vista > Breckenridge > Silverthorne > Manitou Springs > Rocky Ford > Fort Garland
Distance: 569 miles
Trip Time: 10 hours
Ouray, Telluride, Estes Park, and Boulder are just a few of Colorado’s scenic mountain towns that are most often-visited, but there’s a lot to love about the state’s quieter areas too. Beautiful backdrops and epic adventures collide on this road trip to Colorado's most charming small towns! These humble, historic communities radiate all of the historic mining and ski village vibes one could hope for but with a hefty dose of scenery to boot. Starting in Buena Vista, a petite municipality that boasts gateway access to many of Colorado's most spectacular 14ers, this small towns road trip meanders around the bustling, scenic downtowns of Breckenridge and Silverthorne before dipping out into the eastern half of the state for epic rock formations, climbing, and miles and miles of grandiose views. While this road trip only clocks in at around 10 hours of drive time, you're going to want to budget in a few days to fully explore the towns, and embrace the epic adventure that is Colorado's magnificent landscape. The best part? These towns are fantastic places to visit no matter the season.
If you've taken any of these journeys already, let us know what your favorite memory was!
For more Colorado road trip ideas, check out some of our favorite scenic drives and byways around the state. Or, pay a visit to some of CO's most beloved national parks.