10 Best Scenic Trips in Colorado

Colorado is a state rich in natural beauty, with its combination of wilderness and forested mountains. Regardless of the season, there is something to see here. Snow-capped peaks provide a scenic backdrop in winter, summer is perfect for water sports at places like Land-O-Lakes, and the changing foliage in spring and fall enhances any view. In addition, the desert regions of the state are filled with charming rock formations. Visitors to this state might want to see it all, and these scenic spots are a great place to start:

No. 10 - Street of the origins of the Colorado River.

Flickr User: Carolanny

Start Location: Grand Lake, Colorado

Final location: Kremmling, Colorado

Length: Mile 71

Best driving season: Summer and autumn

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Much of this scenic drive follows the Colorado River, but there's more to see than just the water. The countryside is dotted with mountains, valleys, and wide ranches, but becomes more desolate towards the end of the route. Stop at the hot sulfur springs to soak in the healing waters, or spend some time in the Kremlin for llama rides and river views.

No. 9 - Alpine Loop

Flickr User: Robert Thigpen

Start Location: Silverton, Colorado

Final location: Animas Forks, Colorado

Length: Mile 12

Best driving season: Summer and autumn

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Although this path is only 12 miles long, it takes about an hour to complete it non-stop due to the steep climbs, and is really only recommended for XNUMXWD vehicles. Although the path can be difficult, the magnificent views that this route offers are worth all the hassle - and it ends in an eerily beautiful ghost town. To make the trip a little longer, stop at the Mayflower Gold Mill tour in Silverton or have a picnic at Engineering Pass.

#8 – Santa Fe Trail

Flickr User: Jasperdo

Start Location: Trinity, Colorado

Final location: Iron Spring, Colorado

Length: Mile 124

Best driving season: All

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This section of the Santa Fe Trail has stunning prairie views with many attractions including horse paddocks, train stations, and sugar beet farms. History buffs will especially enjoy the ride, as it passes Old Bent Fort National Historic Site, where Americans and Mexicans gathered in search of gold, and real wagon ruts from the Santa Fe Trail to Iron Spring. The Picketwire Dinosaur Tracksite Iron Spring also has dinosaur tracks, although advance booking is required.

No. 7 - Scenic road from peak to peak.

Flickr User: Carolanny

Start Location: Central City, Colorado

Final location: Estes Park, Colorado

Length: Mile 61

Best driving season: All

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Designated in 1918, this particular route is the oldest scenic lane in Colorado and passes through the mountainous terrain of the Arapaho National Forest, Indian Peaks Wildlife, and Rocky Mountain National Park. In Central City and Blackhawk, take extra time to see the historic Victorian buildings. All travelers along this route should stop at the Nederland, a highland destination with quaint shops and small-town charm.

No. 6 - Grand Mesa Scenic Lane.

Flickr user: Chris Ford

Start Location: Palisade, Colorado

Final location: Cedar Edge, Colorado

Length: Mile 59

Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn

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As the name of this lane suggests, the main attraction on this route is Grand Mesa, the largest flat-topped mountain in the world, which stretches for 500 miles and is 11,237 feet high. There are also many views of the lakes and ranches in the valleys, and Utah's Beehive Butte is also visible in the distance. As travelers approach Sideridge, apple orchards begin to dominate the landscape, and there are enough fruit stands to find a sweet specimen.

No. 5 - Scenic Frontier Pathways

Flickr user: Bryce Bradford.

Start Location: Pueblo, Colorado

Final location: Colorado City, Colorado

Length: Mile 73

Best driving season: All

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There may be more direct routes between Pueblo and Colorado City, but these fast routes don't have the same scenery. Early prospectors traveled in the same way through the Wet Mountains, where bighorn sheep and mule deer roam in great numbers. Fishermen can try their luck at Lake Isabel, and Lake Pueblo State Park has a great campground for those who want to stay overnight.

№4 – The sequence of the Ancients

Flickr User: Kent Canus

Start Location: Mancos, Colorado

Final location: White Rock Creve Village, Utah.

Length: Mile 75

Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn

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Starting in Mesa Verde National Park, travelers are strongly encouraged to start with an up-close and personal look at the rock dwellings built there between 450 and 1300 AD by the Anasazi people. Learn more about these people at the Anasazi Heritage Center, which is also the visitor center for Canyons of the Ancients National Monument in Dolores. The trip ends at another Anasazi creation, Hovenweep National Monument in Utah.

No. 3 - the picturesque lane Unavip-Tabeguash.

Flickr User: Casey Reynolds

Start Location: Whitewater, Colorado

Final location: Placerville, Colorado

Length: Mile 131

Best driving season: All

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Passing through the canyons of the Unavip and Dolores Rivers, this winding route provides plenty of photo opportunities and panoramic views. For those who need to stretch their legs and get up close, recommended hiking spots include the Gunnison Gravel Natural Research Area and the San Miguel River Nature Reserve. If the natural beauty along the way gets too impressive to handle, consider visiting the Gateway Colorado Automotive Museum, which has a collection of over 40 classic cars.

No. 2 - Colorado National Monument.

Flickr user: ellenm1

Start Location: Grand Junction, Colorado

Final location: Fruita, Colorado

Length: Mile 31.4

Best driving season: All

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Exploring the northern part of the Uncompahgre Plateau, this scenic route will take travelers through numerous scenic views and famous rock formations. Much of the area is semi-desert with junipers and pines dotting the landscape. Visitors are encouraged to stop along the way for superb photo opportunities at locations such as Grand View Overlook and Artists Point.

#1 – San Juan Skyway

Flickr user: Granger Meador

Start Location: Ridgway, Colorado

Final location: Ridgway, Colorado

Length: Mile 225

Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn

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This loop, which can truly start and end anywhere, meanders and turns up to 10,000 feet at its highest point, offering such panoramic views that travelers can feel like they are literally on top of the world. The route passes through several state and national parks, as well as skirting the Unkompahgre River for some time, providing plenty of opportunities to cool off during the warmer months or see if the fish are biting. Around the city of Durango, travelers can even see the desert between Victorian houses.