The Remote Destination in Colorado Where the Drive Is Worth the Final View

Whether I’m exploring a new state or playing tourist in my own, one of my favorite things to do is set off on a scenic drive. Nothing compares to the carefree feeling I get from rolling the windows down, turning up my road trip playlist, and hitting the pavement. When I visit Centennial State, I never leave without cruising along the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway. Perhaps the best scenic drive in Colorado, it’s the highest paved road in North America and offers some of the most remarkable views you’ll ever have the privilege of witnessing.

The 28.5-mile route begins near Echo Lake, ascending over 7,000 feet of narrow — and, at times, crumbly (so drive carefully!) road. Open year-round, the byway weaves through the beautiful Arapaho National Forest, traversing the Mount Blue Sky Recreation Area.

Scenic overlooks abound on the way up, but my personal favorite viewpoint is at the very top. Here, travelers can enjoy stunning vistas of the Continental Divide before heading back down the mountainside. I also recommend making a pit stop at Summit Lake. Seeing the pristine water glistening in the sunshine is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Another cool thing about the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway is how much wildlife you can spot on the drive. From bighorn sheep to marmots to mountain goats, you never know what may cross the road. In the spring and summer, you can also expect to see alpine wildflowers.

There are plenty of opportunities to get out and hike along the way if that’s something you’re interested in. Since the drive isn’t terribly long, you may find yourself craving a bit more adventure! If that does end up being the case, Backcountry has lots of great hiking gear.

Visit AllTrails for more information about the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway. I highly encourage you to sign up for AllTrails+ if you’re an avid outdoors person! The perks are unbelievable.

Have you ever driven this gorgeous route? If so, do you think it’s the best scenic drive in Colorado? Tell us your thoughts in the comments, and check out our previous article for one of the best small-town getaways in Colorado that's only a stone's throw away from the road. No matter what time of year you visit the charming community of Golden, I promise you'll never run out of things to do.