Our state boasts some truly remarkable roads that wind through serene nature, over vertigo-inducing cliffs, and across mountains that practically kiss the sky. Squeeze the last drops out of summer or plot for a fall weekend get-away to remember with one of these awesome road trips around Colorado.
If you have a long weekend to sneak away, consider heading southwest to Silverton and Ouray for truly breathtaking views. The San Juan mountain range is unlike any other, featuring swathes of red rock speckled with lush green pines and elegant aspens. This 25-mile stretch of road connecting these two mountain towns takes visitors along narrow mountain passes, over a waterfall, and past historic mines. Split the trip between Ouray – also called the “Switzerland of the West” – and Silverton, a charming mountain hideout complete with Victorian-style architecture and wild west history.
Colorado boasts its own mini Grand Canyon in the form of the Black Canyon in Gunnison. The trip through Bailey and Buena Vista is a more enjoyable route than the I-70 slog and provides passengers with sweeping valley views, wildlife sightings, and charming mountain towns. As the least-visited national park in Colorado, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a site worth seeing before it too becomes well-known. South Rim Road leads trail blazers along the edge of its sheer cliffs and to noteworthy spots like “Painted Wall” and “Devil’s Lookout”. The route can take an entire day, but road trippers are rewarded with minimal crowds and stunning scenery.
As the highest, continuously paved road in the United States, it’s no wonder Trail Ridge Road makes the list for best Colorado road trips. Winding through Rocky Mountain National Park, this road can be a piece of the journey from the Front Range to Grand Lake or Steamboat Springs. During peak summer months, the road is busy with tourists stopping to snap photos from lookout points or the numerous elk that inhabit the area.
Halfway between Leadville and Aspen sits this paved road, overlooking gorgeous mountains and green valleys. As the highest paved pass in North America, Independence Pass leads visitors over the Continental Divide some 12,000 feet above sea level. Stop off for a day hike to a forgotten ghost town, cascading waterfalls, or an ice cave – depending on the time of year. The pass is closed October – May, so schedule this trip soon to catch Aspen leaves turning from pale green to brilliant gold.
The I-25 south strip of Colorado often gets overlooked for its prettier highways to the west. However, a short jaunt down this stretch of road brings visitors to one of the lesser visited areas of the state – the Royal Gorge. Book a helicopter ride, go for a hike, or walk across the bridge for sweeping views of this dramatic geological formation. This destination is perfect no matter the time of the year and provides visitors with fun activities regardless of weather.
Fertile agricultural land and sweeping plains comprise the majority of eastern Colorado. However, within one of its small towns lies the colorful Paint Mines. Just outside of Calhan, Paint Mines Interpretive Park is one of the most unique open spaces in Colorado. Oxidized iron compounds color the clay hills and hoodoos with pink, purple, yellow, and gold, creating quite the hike. Visitors may feel like they’ve stepped onto another planet when ambling around this 750-acre park.
Experience all that the Centennial State has to offer by hitting the road for a weekend to remember. Regardless of which direction you choose, Colorado is sure to delight, surprise, and inspire with its stunning natural beauty. VerraWest Apartments in Longmont places residents at the footsteps of the Rocky Mountains at the backdoor of the Plains – providing fantastic access no matter what you’d like to see. Contact us today to learn more about our spacious apartments.