Most Scenic Road Trips in Denver, United States

1. Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway

A breathtaking mountain drive connecting Estes Park and Grand Lake with stunning views of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Mountain Vistas: Offers panoramic vistas of the majestic Rockies.
National Park Access: Direct access to Rocky Mountain National Park's scenic beauty.
Alpine Lakes and Wildlife: Abundant opportunities for wildlife spotting and photographing pristine alpine lakes.

A picturesque route through the Colorado Rockies, showcasing breathtaking mountain vistas and geological wonders.

Geological Wonders: Passes by numerous geological formations such as Mount Bierstadt and the Mt. Sherman mining district.
Alpine Lakes and Wildlife: Features crystal-clear alpine lakes and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Historical Sites: Includes historic mining towns like Grant and Georgetown.

A scenic mountain road in Evergreen offering panoramic views of the Continental Divide and the Front Range.

Panoramic Views: Provides awe-inspiring views of the Continental Divide and the surrounding peaks.
Wildlife Observation: Allows for wildlife spotting, including elk, deer, and black bears.
Local Restaurants: Features a variety of restaurants with scenic mountain views.

The highest continuous paved road in the United States, offering spectacular views and access to alpine tundra ecosystems.

Alpine Tundra Ecosystems: Allows visitors to explore unique alpine tundra ecosystems.
Highest Paved Road in the US: Provides an unforgettable experience as it is the highest continuous paved road in the United States.
Wildlife Spotting: Presents opportunities for viewing elk, moose, and even bears in their natural habitat.

A thrilling drive through the San Juan Mountains with dramatic cliffs, hairpin turns, and stunning mountain vistas.

Dramatic Cliffs: Features impressive rock formations and steep cliff sides.
Hairpin Turns: Boasts numerous hairpin turns that add to the adventure of the drive.
Ancient Ute and Anasazi Ruins: Passes by ancient Ute and Anasazi ruins, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history.

An overlook in Dillon offering breathtaking views of Lake Dillon and the surrounding mountains.

Lake Dillon Views: Offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Dillon and the surrounding peaks.
Photography Opportunities: Provides ample opportunities for capturing scenic photographs.
Hiking Trails: Surrounded by hiking trails, perfect for exploring the great outdoors.

A loop drive through the foothills of Denver, showcasing stunning mountain vistas and historical sites.

Historical Sites: Includes several historic sites such as Buffalo Bill's Grave and Museum.
Mining Towns: Passes through the charming mining towns of Georgetown, Central City, and Black Hawk.
Scenic Overlooks: Features numerous scenic overlooks providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

A picturesque drive through the foothills of the Rockies connecting Golden and the gambling town of Black Hawk.

Mining History: Passes through historic gold mining towns with rich history.
Scenic Vistas: Offers stunning vistas of the Rocky Mountains and rolling foothills.
Adventure Activities: Allows for easy access to adventure activities like white-water rafting, zip lining, and hiking.

A former nuclear weapons plant turned wildlife refuge featuring a variety of bird species and wetlands.

Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities for observing various bird species, including sandhill cranes and bald eagles.
Historical Significance: A former nuclear weapons plant offering a unique insight into Cold War history.
Wetlands and Wildflowers: Features wetlands teeming with aquatic life and wildflower-filled meadows.

A unique park featuring red-rock formations, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Red-rock Formations: Features distinctive red-rock formations that contrast with the surrounding landscape.
Hiking Trails: Offers various hiking trails catering to all skill levels.
Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities for viewing wildlife such as bighorn sheep, coyotes, and prairie dogs.

A scenic park offering hiking trails, fishing, birdwatching, and a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities.

Birdwatching Opportunities: Offers excellent birdwatching opportunities with over 300 species documented.
Hiking Trails: Features various hiking trails, including a handicap-accessible trail.
Fishing Opportunities: Provides fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.

A popular park featuring a reservoir, hiking trails, picnic areas, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Water Activities: Offers various water activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming.
Hiking Trails: Features hiking trails suitable for all skill levels.
Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities for viewing wildlife such as deer, foxes, and various bird species.

A scenic park featuring a canyon, hiking trails, picnic areas, and river rafting opportunities.

River Rafting Opportunities: Offers white-water rafting adventures suitable for all skill levels.
Hiking Trails: Features hiking trails offering stunning views of the canyon and surrounding peaks.
Picnic Areas: Provides picturesque picnic areas perfect for a relaxing lunch.

A popular park featuring a reservoir, hiking trails, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Water Activities: Offers various water activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming.
Hiking Trails: Features hiking trails suitable for all skill levels with stunning views of the reservoir.
Horseback Riding Opportunities: Allows horseback riding on designated trails throughout the park.

A unique park featuring towering sand dunes, hiking trails, and Medano Creek.

Towering Sand Dunes: Features the tallest sand dunes in North America, offering a one-of-a-kind experience.
Hiking Trails: Offers various hiking trails to explore the park's unique landscapes.
Medano Creek: Features Medano Creek, which provides a refreshing oasis in the desert landscape.