Most Scenic Road Trips in Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States
1. Pikes Peak Highway
A mountain road reaching the summit of Pikes Peak at over 14,000 feet, offering stunning panoramic views of the Front Range and surrounding valleys.
- Altitude: Provides an exceptional experience of high-altitude driving and breathtaking vistas
- Seasonality: Features changing landscapes and weather conditions throughout the year, making each visit unique
- Views: Offers views of four states: Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Kansas on a clear day
2. Highway of Legends Scenic Byway
Travels through the San Isabel National Forest and past prehistoric fossil beds, ghost towns, and historic landmarks.
- Prehistoric Fossils: Allows visitors to explore ancient dinosaur fossil sites
- Ghost Towns: Provides a glimpse into Colorado's mining past with visits to abandoned towns like Villa Grove
- Natural Beauty: Features diverse landscapes, from canyons and mesas to forests and prairies
3. Seven Falls Road Trip
Follows the path of the South Cheyenne Creek to the base of seven stunning waterfalls in Garden of the Gods.
- Waterfalls: Offers a unique opportunity to experience multiple waterfalls within one trip
- Garden of the Gods: Includes a visit to the famous Garden of the Gods park, known for its towering red rock formations
- Adventure Activities: Allows for additional activities like zip-lining and climbing at the base of the falls
4. Cimarron Canyon National Reserve
Features a scenic drive through a rugged canyon filled with unique geological formations and abundant wildlife.
- Geology: Provides an up-close look at fascinating rock formations, including hoodoos and spires
- Wildlife: Offers chances to spot bighorn sheep, elk, mountain lions, and other wildlife in their natural habitat
- Solitude: Provides a peaceful and serene atmosphere away from the crowds
5. Rampart Range Road
Twisting through the mountains and forests of Rampart Range National Recreation Area, offering stunning views of Pikes Peak and surrounding landscapes.
- Mountain Views: Provides unparalleled vistas of majestic mountain peaks
- Forests: Features beautiful stands of aspens, pines, and other forest species
- Wildlife Observation: Allows for potential sightings of elk, black bears, and other wildlife
6. Phantom Canyon Road
Follows the historic route of a gold rush-era railway through a scenic canyon filled with geological wonders.
- History: Provides insights into Colorado's Gold Rush history and the construction of the railroad
- Geology: Offers unique geological formations, including the striking Castle Rock
- Scenic Canyon: Features a picturesque canyon landscape with towering cliffs and running water
7. Tollgate Road to North Cheyenne Cañon Park
A winding road offering spectacular views of the city below, leading to North Cheyenne Canon Park and The Broadmoor Seven Falls.
- City Views: Provides a birds-eye view of Colorado Springs from atop the surrounding canyons
- North Cheyenne Cañon Park: Includes access to the beautiful North Cheyenne Cañon Park and its numerous trails
- The Broadmoor Seven Falls: Allows for a visit to The Broadmoor Seven Falls, with additional activities like hiking and zip-lining
8. Lake Pueblo Scenic Byway
A scenic drive along Lake Pueblo Reservoir, offering views of the lake, nearby mountains, and historic sites.
- Lake Views: Provides stunning vistas of Lake Pueblo and its surrounding landscapes
- History: Includes opportunities to visit historic sites like the Archuleta Mansion and Museum
- Outdoor Recreation: Allows for activities like boating, fishing, and camping at Lake Pueblo Reservoir
9. Cottonwood Pass Scenic Byway
A high-altitude pass connecting Buena Vista and Twin Lakes, offering breathtaking views of the Sawatch Range and surrounding valleys.
- Mountain Views: Provides spectacular vistas of the majestic Sawatch Range
- Wildflowers: Features vibrant wildflower displays during the summer months
- High-Altitude Adventure: Allows for an adventurous drive through high-altitude landscapes and challenging road conditions
10. San Isabel National Forest Scenic Byway
A winding route through the San Isabel National Forest, showcasing stunning vistas of mountain peaks, forests, and valleys.
- Mountain Views: Provides breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and rugged landscapes
- Forests: Features diverse forests, including pine, aspen, and spruce
- Wildlife Opportunities: Allows for potential sightings of elk, black bears, and other wildlife
11. Gold Belt Byway
Travels through the historic mining districts of Cripple Creek and Victor, showcasing gold rush-era architecture and mining sites.
- Mining History: Provides a glimpse into Colorado's Gold Rush history with visits to old mines and town sites
- Scenic Beauty: Features stunning landscapes, including towering peaks and picturesque valleys
- Gambling and Entertainment: Allows for visits to casinos and historic theaters in Cripple Creek
12. Victor-Cripple Creek Historic Loop
A tour of historic mining towns featuring restored buildings, museums, and underground mine tours.
- Mining History: Provides a look into Colorado's Gold Rush history through preserved town sites
- Museum Visits: Allows for visits to museums showcasing mining artifacts and local history
- Underground Mine Tours: Offers opportunities to explore old mines and learn about the mining process
13. Tolland Pass Scenic Byway
A high-altitude pass connecting Buena Vista and Fairplay, showcasing breathtaking views of the Collegiate Peaks and surrounding valleys.
- Mountain Views: Provides stunning vistas of the majestic Collegiate Peaks
- High-Altitude Adventure: Allows for an adventurous drive through high-altitude landscapes and challenging road conditions
- Wildflowers: Features vibrant wildflower displays during the summer months
14. Collegiate Peaks Scenic and Historic Byway
A drive through the heart of the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, showcasing majestic mountain peaks, alpine lakes, and historic sites.
- Mountain Views: Provides breathtaking vistas of snow-capped mountains
- Wilderness Experience: Allows for a wilderness adventure in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness
- Historic Sites: Includes opportunities to visit historic sites like Homestake Reservoir and Independence ghost town
15. Santa Fe Trail Scenic Byway
A historic route connecting Lamar and Wichita, showcasing stunning landscapes, pioneer history, and Native American culture.
- History: Provides a look into the history of the Santa Fe Trail and the westward expansion
- Scenic Beauty: Features diverse landscapes, including prairies, hills, and canyons
- Native American Culture: Allows for a glimpse into the culture of Native American tribes who have lived in the area for centuries