Top Things to do in Colorado
Top Hotels in Colorado
- 1. Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn & Suites
- 2. Grand Hyatt Denver
- 3. Monarch Casino Resort Spa - Black Hawk
- 4. Le Meridien Denver Downtown
- 5. Best Western Plus Executive Residency Fillmore Inn
- 6. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Trinidad
- 7. The Oxford Hotel
- 8. Origin Hotel Red Rocks
- 9. SCP Colorado Springs Hotel
- 10. Warwick Denver
Countries
The 10 Best Scenic Drives in Colorado, United States
Colorado is home to no less than twenty-six ski resorts such as those in Vail and Breckenridge; other winter activities include snowboarding, sledding, sleigh rides, snow hiking and snowmobiling. The state is blessed with national parks, grasslands and forests where in warmer weather you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking or rock climbing. Wildlife abounds, from bears to moose and raccoons to wolverines. More interested in local history? Head for either the Ute Indian Museum or the Koshare Indian Museum, and don't miss the forts such as Fort Garland and Bent's Old Fort. For a complete change, why not take a ride in a hot air balloon from South Park Valley or Boulder and admire Colorado's picturesque landscape from above?
Restaurants in Colorado
1. Kebler Pass
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 462 reviews
The drive from Crested Butte to Paonia passes West Beckwith Mountain, the best spot in the state to view foliage. With 50 square miles of golden aspens.
Reviewed By K2149OJmichaelm - Buffalo, United States
I spent 16 days from the end of September into October traveling in Colorado ,I was hoping to see the aspens in fall color and got my wish ,one of my favorite spots to see them, lodging can be tricky if you wait to book and it does get crowded but well worth seeing .
2. San Juan Skyway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 69 reviews
This 236-mile route, a Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway as well as a National Forest Scenic Byway, passes through mountains, forests, old mining towns, ski resorts and ancient ruins.
Reviewed By lovetheolwest - Findlay, United States
We drove the western side one day from Ridgeway to Telluride and then to Delores where we camped for three days at the McFee campground while we visited Mesa Verde, Mancos State Park. On the third day, we drove to Durango, then from Durango to Silverton on US 550, most of the eastern side of the Skyway. We wanted to take the Durango to Silverton Narrow Guage Railroad but the weather forecast was not favorable that day. We had lunch at an old west style saloon in Silverton with an 1800's style piano player providing some great ragtime music as we dined. The food was great as was the atmosphere. We took in some gift shops and bought a few souvenirs, took some photos around town between short rain showers and returned to Durango then back to McFee for our last night in the area, then it was on to Utah. Would love to visit sometime during Autumn when the fall colors are peaking. It's on my bucket list.
3. Million Dollar Highway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 701 reviews
A six mile section of the San Juan Skyway with incredible views.
Reviewed By KristinalynRN - Joplin, United States
We traveled this highway from Montrose Colorado all the way down to Durango. Please plan on taking your time and enjoying all of the scenic beauty this highway has to offer. There are hairpin turns, sheer cliffs and drop offs, beautiful scenic overlooks, several mountain summits, a couple of old mining structures to see, if you’re lucky a few wild animals, a waterfall, and a hot spring! Be sure your brakes are good and you have plenty of gas in your car and snacks! Bring your camera and hit the road!
4. South Rim Road
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 204 reviews
7-mile Scenic Drive Through The Park.
Reviewed By billandgeorgeanna - Lake Havasu City, United States
Great drive and especially the views along with the fall colors up in the hills. We just couldn't get over the beauty of this place all we could say was WOW.
5. Mount Evans Scenic Byway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,006 reviews
This high-altitude scenic drive climbs more than 7,000 feet in just 28 miles, reaching an altitude of 14,264 feet.
Reviewed By Michelehodges
The climb up was exceptional. Beautiful views, lots of wildlife, wildflowers everywhere, and a great stop at the historic Echo Lake Lodge all made for a wonderful experience.
6. West Elk Loop Scenic Byway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 63 reviews
Scenic drive that winds through the Crystal River Valley, over McClure Pass to Crawford, Crested Butte, Kebler Pass and back to Carbondale.
Reviewed By 516lorettab - Cabool, United States
We traveled the Byway from Carbondale to Delta, and loved the mountains, waterfalls, rivers, animals (we saw a black bear), coke ovens and quaint towns.
7. Independence Pass
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,695 reviews
Reviewed By 688juddc - Aspen, United States
Everyone should check out the Continental Divide and Independence Pass - also a fantastic bicycle ride up from the Aspen side - best early in the day or in the off-seasons, due to narrow sections and sometimes heavy traffic. There are a lot of places to pull off and admire the scenery, take pics, or go for a little hike - especially alongside the creek, at the Grottos - where there's a plunge pool (not safe in times of heavy water runoff). Also several camping sites exist closer to the Aspen side where the scenery is all amazing...
8. Cottonwood Pass
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 109 reviews
Reviewed By stijntailly - Waregem, Belgium
Just another gorgeous scenic byway in a State that seems to be littered with them. Cottonwood Pass Scenic Drive - its namesake is right on the Continental Divide - cuts from Buena Vista to Almont and offers a more visually pleasant alternative to driving US-50. The entire byway is paved now, contradicting information that I gathered before this trip. The first stretch of the highway passes through Aspen stands and spectacular mountain terrain. The second part of the trip is along the beautiful Taylor River, wich cuts a canyon trough its surrounding bedrock until it becomes the Taylor Park Reservoir. If you take this trip East to West, you'll actually see the reservoir first. There are plenty of hiking options along the way and plenty of vista points to get out of the car and take in the prime scenery too.
9. Trail Ridge Road
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,391 reviews
Reviewed By JMJR2K - Independence, United States
I’ve been driving Trail Ridge road for many years and discover something new and different each time. There are amazing views all around- High mountain lakes, hikes, bighorn sheep, elk, moose, ptarmigans, marmots, deer-you name it. While you won’t see all of the wildlife all the time, usually you’ll stop with others and get out your camera for at least one of these critters. On the weekends, everyone else has the same idea to make the drive so it’s terribly crowded. There are three entrances with the Kawanuchee side the least crowded for entry. The Alpine Visitor Center is a cool place to relax and take in the Picturesque views and there is a museum there that covers the early geological and evolutionary history of the area. As you would imagine, there is a souvenir shop with trinkets and clothing as well as a concession area with food and drinks. Just a beautiful park you won’t want to miss!
10. Guanella Pass
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 341 reviews
Reviewed By SRMueller1 - Littleton, United States
If you find yourself in Denver in the Fall while the Aspen leaves are changing colors, don’t miss talking a couple of hours to drive over Guanella Pass!!! This is one of our favorite afternoon drives. We head into the mountains on US285 and drive to the West of Bailey - and go up and over Guanella Pass and then drop back down into Georgetown, and then head back east on I-70 to Denver. Beautiful colors, amazing mountains, and perhaps some wildlife.
