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"ONCE A YEAR,

GO SOMEPLACE YOU'VE

NEVER BEEN BEFORE."

Dalai Lama

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Hit the road Jack

You know the expression: "it's not the destination - it's the journey" - well Ralph Waldo Emerson sure must have been talking about going on roadtrip- cause they are have the fun! Colorado has some of the absolute best scenic byways and mountain road passes in all of the 50 states. Below are a few of my favorite sights from the comfort of your car. Also included are a few of my favorite drives out west. Check them out!

- Jenny

West Elk Loop
Trail Ridge Road
San Juan
Top of Rockies
Pikes Peak
Guanella Pass
Legends
Mt Evans
Dinosaur Diamond

Top 10 Colorado scenic byways

1. Trail Ridge Road

Why you should go: Sweeping views of the Rockies from one of the highest continuous paved roads in the U.S.

  • Distance: 48 miles

  • Drive time without stops: Approx. 2 hours

2. Pikes Peak Highway

Why you should go: Climb to the summit of a 14er from the comfort of your car.

  • Distance: 19 miles

  • Drive time without stops: Approx. 1-1.5 hours

3. San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway aka "Million Dollar Hwy"

Why you should go: Eye-popping views on jaw-dropping roads.

  • Distance: 236 miles

  • Drive time without stops: Approx. 6 hours

4. Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway

Why you should go: A monumental mountain highway ringed by towering peaks.

  • Distance: 82 miles

  • Drive time without stops: Approx. 2 hours

5. Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway

Why you should go: Visit the Four Corners and navigate through stunning southwestern scenery.

  • Distance: 480-miles

  • Drive time without stops: Approx. 9 hours

6. Highway of Legends Scenic and Historic Byway

Why you should go: Take a step back in time to a remote — and legendary — corner of the state.

  • Distance: 82 miles

  • Drive time without stops: Approx. 2 hours

7. West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway

Why you should go: Equal parts mountain wilderness and charming mountain towns.

  • Distance: 205 miles

  • Drive time without stops: Approx. 6-8 hours

8. Mount Evans Scenic Byway

Why you should go: Bag your first 14er — and save your lungs for the breathtaking scenery.

  • Distance: 49 miles

  • Drive time without stops: Approx. 2 hours

9. Guanella Pass Scenic Byway

Why you should go: An accessible Front Range outing that doesn’t skimp on the backdrop.

  • Distance: 22 miles

  • Drive time without stops: 1 hour

10. Dinosaur Diamond Scenic and Historic Byway

Why you should go: Drive through a remote expanse where the dinosaurs once roamed.

  • Distance: 134 miles

  • Drive time without stops: Approx. 2-3 hours

**Information provided by https://www.territorysupply.com/

LIST OF ALL COLORADO'S SCENIC BY-WAYS: https://www.colorado.com/scenic-byways

Jenny's favorite drives:

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GOING TO THE SUN ROAD

Glacier National Park, Montana 

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CRUISING HWY 128 TO THE DESERT

Moab, Utah 

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HWY 101 from Northern Cali thru Oregon

363 miles of the Oregon Coast

Extra  Roadtrip  Info

winter driving colorado

Winter Driving

Whether you’re a native, a new resident, or a tourist, driving in Colorado winter weather can be dangerous if you’re not prepared. Visit CDOT website for tips & tricks in harsh winter driving conditions

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Scenic byways

There are 13 of Colorado's 26 byways designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation as America's Byways®, which gives Colorado more national designations than any other state. 

leafpeeping

leaf peeping

In the fall, Colorado is transformed into a natural arena of shimmering colors, with the state’s signature gold Aspen trees serving as the main act. Click here to see shimmering yellows, oranges and reds this September and October.

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