Discover 7 Of Colorado’s Most Iconic Views On This Epic 11-Hour Road Trip

Colorado is full of epic views - our state is SO beautiful and we are SO lucky to live here! In so many parts of Colorado, no matter where you look, you'll see vast beauty. That's a big part of why so many of us Coloradans love living here! However, with that said, there are some spots in our great state where the views are especially spectacular, and those places are worth driving to to take it all in. On this Iconic Colorado Views Road Trip, you'll visit seven of our state's most exceptional overlooks and viewpoints. Best of all, to experience these epic views - there's no hiking required. These viewpoints are easily accessible to most, whether you are old or young or are just plain lazy like me. Read on to check out this road trip and get ready to take it on, and when you do go, be sure to bring your camera!

This road trip is lengthy at 11 hours in total, but it's worth it. Not only will you stop at seven incredible viewpoints, but the views en route to each one are pretty special, too. You can easily break this road trip into two days or more as needed.

1. Lookout Mountain

The first stop on this road trip is Lookout Mountain. This nature preserve is in Golden and is not far from Denver. The top of Lookout Mountain is 7377', making it one of the tallest peaks in the foothills. You can drive to the top and visit the fantastic nature center here and enjoy views of Golden and of other Front Range cities and suburbs beyond it.

2. Rainbow Curve Overlook

Your next two stops on this road trip are in Rocky Mountain National Park, a place known for its incredible and breathtaking views. You'll need to make a reservation ahead of time for park entry during the busy months of the year, or you'll need to arrive either before the timed entry period begins or after it ends (see park website for details). Rainbow Curve is a popular overlook at 10,829'. It's right at the treeline just between alpine and sub-alpine ecosystems. You'll love the views from this pull-off and you're sure to see wildlife here as well - guaranteed.

3. Forest Canyon Overlook

When you continue along Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park past Rainbow Curve, you'll eventually read Forest Canyon Overlook. This one is even higher at 11,716'! You'll be above many of the surrounding mountains and you can see for miles and miles. This spot is, without a doubt, one of the best views in ALL of Colorado.

4. Mount Blue Sky

You'll go down and then back up again on your way to the summit of Mount Blue Sky! This mountain is huge at 14,265' and when you reach the parking lot at the top, you'll be at the highest point that you can drive to in North America. The Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway is beautiful all the way there, and this peak can be seen from most places around Denver, just to give you an idea of how big it is. You'll love the views from up there, and you may even get to meet a mountain goat on your journey.

5. Sapphire Point Overlook

After you come down from Mount Blue Sky, head west to the Lake Dillon area and ascend to Sapphire Point Overlook for great views of one of Colorado's largest bodies of water, even if it is manmade. The views from this overlook are beautiful and it's a great place for a picnic, too.

6. Collegiate Peaks Overlook

From Dillon, you'll head further west to Buena Vista for a stop at the Collegiate Peaks Overlook. This time, you'll be looking up instead of down and you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Collegiate Peaks, with Mount Princeton (14.204') right in front of you. Relax at the shaded picnic tables here for a bit if you have time.

7. Pikes Peak Summit

Finally, you'll head south to drive up one of Colorado's most famous mountain peaks - Pikes Peak. You can drive to the top, take a shuttle, or ride the cog railway from Manitou Springs. The Summit Visitor Center offers bathrooms, food, beverages, and gifts, and on a really clear day, you can see five states (CO, AZ, NM, UT, and KS)!

This road trip is amazing and you're going to love the experience! Sure, it's a lot of driving, but as you pull off to take in each view, you'll know the effort was absolutely worth it. You'll have framable photos and incredible memories, and you'll go home enamored with Colorado's vast beauty more than ever before. Have a great trip!

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