Colorado truly has it all. From the Rocky Mountains and world-class skiing to cultural hotspots like Denver and Boulder, there’s so much to explore in this beautiful state. With a rich mining history and incredible food and delicious craft beer available statewide, you will want to take a road trip in Colorado as much as possible. But with so many options, how do you know which road trip routes are the best? Our list of the 10 road trips in Colorado will help narrow down the choices for you.
- Independence Pass
- Peak to Peak Highway
- Trail Ridge Road
- Harpers Corner Road
- Million Dollar Highway
- Santa Fe National Historic Trail
- Trail of the Ancients
- Gold Belt Byway
- Poudre Canyon Road
- Boreas Pass Road
- Other road trips from Colorado
1. Independence Pass
This road trip in Colorado is one of the top road trips in the state for good reason. Starting in historic Twin Lakes and ending in Aspen, this road is part of the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway. Although the route is fairly short – only 27 miles – you can easily make it longer by taking your time and making stops along the way to explore the many attractions this area has to offer.
SIXT Pro Tip:
Independence Pass is closed during the winter season due to potential snow hazards, so be sure to plan your road trip accordingly.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM DENVER: 22 miles; a 25-minute drive
TOLLS: There are no tolls along this route.
2. Peak to Peak Highway
This road trip in Colorado combines incredible natural scenery with the state’s rich history. Along this 42-mile drive, you will encounter ghost mining towns, views of Longs Peak and more. You can hit the casinos in Blackhawk, explore hippie culture in Nederland and marvel at the Victorian architecture you’ll see along the way.
SIXT Pro Tip:
Stop in Estes to take a tour of the spooky Stanley Hotel, which inspired Stephen King’s iconic novel “The Shining”.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM DENVER: 58 miles; a 1-hour drive
TOLLS: This route will take you along the Northwest Parkway and E-470 S. Cars can expect to pay a little less than $5 to use the road.
3. Trail Ridge Road
This road trip is the most famous drive within the Rocky Mountain National Park and is also the highest continuous paved road in North America. Get your camera ready and be prepared to make a lot of stops. You will pass through fields of wildflowers, snow-capped mountain peaks, the switchbacks of the Continental Divide, and maybe even see some wildlife. It is worth noting that this road is closed in winter and spring due to snow.
SIXT Pro Tip:
This road follows the same route that the Native Americans used to cross the Milner Pass, so you’re also seeing a piece of indigenous history when you make this drive!
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM DENVER: 121 miles; a 2.5-hour drive
TOLLS: There are no tolls along this route.
4. Harpers Corner Road
Starting near Dinosaur, Colorado, and going north into Dinosaur National Monument, this 31-mile paved road takes you briefly into neighboring Utah. You’ll encounter incredible rock formations and desert scenery. At Quarry Exhibit Hall in Dinosaur National Monument you’ll find 1,500 dinosaur fossils and interactive exhibits to help you learn about the nation’s prehistoric times.
SIXT Pro Tip:
Note that this road is closed in the winter and reopens in the spring. If you have time, there are hiking paths starting along the road.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM DENVER: 297 miles; a 5.5-hour drive
TOLLS: There are no toll roads along this route, but you will need to pay a $25.00 entrance fee per vehicle to enter the monument.
5. Million Dollar Highway
A drive on the Million Dollar Highway is not for the faint of heart! This 25-mile stretch of road connects the cities of Silverton and Ouray and is famous for its unpredictable twists and turns. You’ll be driving right up to cliff edges and making switchbacks between them. The reward is an incredible view of the San Juan Mountains around every turn.
SIXT Pro Tip:
While the highlight of the drive is the view along the road itself, both Silverton and Ouray have a lot to offer. Be sure to stop off in each town and enjoy the hot springs and learn about their mining histories.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM DENVER: 317 miles; a 5.5-hour drive
TOLLS: There are no tolls along this route.
6. Santa Fe National Historic Trail
Known as the Old West’s first highway, the Santa Fe National Historic Trail is a road trip for history buffs. This 116-mile drive is chock full of desert scenery, indigenous history, dinosaur fossils and unique culture. Points of interest along the way include Comanche National Grassland where you can find ruins of homesteads, dinosaur track sites in the Picket Wire Canyonlands and more.
SIXT Pro Tip:
Stop at Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site to check out the old trading post that was eventually conscripted by the US military.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM DENVER: 64 miles; a 1-hour drive
TOLLS: This route will take you onto E-470 N, which is a toll road. Cars will pay about $3.00.
7. Trail of the Ancients
This road trip in Colorado is the only scenic byway dedicated specifically to archaeology. When you take this drive, you will be stepping back in time to when the Navajo and Ancestral Puebloans lived off this land. The road is 113 miles long, so it is best to split this one into several days.
SIXT Pro Tip:
Plan to spend time at Mesa Verde National Park, the main draw of this road trip route. Located at the start of the route, you can take a guided tour of the park that includes over 5,000 archaeological sites, including ancient cave dwellings.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM DENVER: 412 miles; an 8-hour drive
TOLLS: There are no tolls along this route.
8. Gold Belt Byway
The roads that make up the Gold Belt Byway start in Florissant and will take you through historic mining towns, prehistoric dinosaur remains, railroad routes and more. More focused on Colorado’s gold mining history than anything else, this byway will charm you with the Victorian-era houses, former miners’ homes and other historical sites.
SIXT Pro Tip:
The Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is one of the highlights of this road trip, so be sure to stop and check out the petrified redwood trees and more.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM DENVER: 116 miles; a 2-hour drive
TOLLS: This route includes E-470 N, which has a toll of about $3.00 for cars.
9. Poudre Canyon Road
This road trip route is purely about Colorado’s natural beauty. The Poudre River is the only nationally designated Wild and Scenic River. You’ll see the cliffs of the canyon and incredible rock formations, along with lush forests with unique flora and fauna. Be on the lookout for native wildlife such as bighorn sheep throughout the drive.
SIXT Pro Tip:
Take advantage of the outdoor adventure activities this area offers, such as whitewater rafting, hiking and mountain biking.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM DENVER: 53 miles; a 1-hour drive
TOLLS: This route includes E-470 S, which has a toll of about $3.00 for cars.
10. Boreas Pass Road
This Colorado road trip will take you across the Continental Divide and provide you with 22 miles of incredible scenery on your way to Breckenridge. You’ll also pass by the Blue and South Platte Rivers. The area offers many hiking and biking trails so be sure to bring your gear for some outdoor adventure. Take your time on this road trip route in order to take in the scenery and stop at the many viewpoints.
SIXT Pro Tip:
Visitors tend to say this route is best driven during the fall, as the autumn colors really make the area come alive. Plan accordingly and don’t forget to bring your camera!
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM CITY: 102 miles; a 2-hour drive
TOLLS: There are no tolls along this route.
11. Other road trips from Colorado
