Peak to Peak Scenic Byway

The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is Colorado’s oldest Scenic Byway (designated in 1918) and travels between Longs Peak and Pikes Peak passing through the spectacular beauty of Roosevelt National Forest, Rocky Mountain National Park and hundreds of mountain peaks above 10,000 feet of elevation.

The scenic drive begins in Central City and travels to Estes Park, where you can continue the adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park. To reach Central City, take exit 243 off of I-70. Or for added fun, take exit 240 to Idaho Springs where you can take Virginia Canyon Road (T1). The gnarly road is reached by turning right onto Colorado Boulevard for a few blocks, take the slight left at Placer Street, the next left onto Canyon Street and right on Forest Road 279 (Virginia Canyon Road).

The towns of Central City and Black Hawk have over 30 Victorian-era buildings which makes exploring here part of the scenic drive. Founded in 1859 when John Gregory found gold in the nearby hills, the towns were once called “the richest square mile on earth”. People still searching for treasure can try their luck in the many gambling establishments. Delve into the history of the region with a visit to the Gilpin County Historical Museum (M1) or the Central City Opera House (ILU) built in 1878 and now a National Historic Landmark, Moffat Tunnel, still in use for trains and the ghost towns of nearby Apex and Nevadaville.

To the east of Black Hawk is the Golden Gate Canyon State Park which features over 12,000 acres of forest, meadows, and rocky peaks all ripe for outdoor adventure. There are hiking and biking trails for every level, fishing, picnic areas and the varied habitats provide homes for a number of wildlife including moose, bighorn sheep, fox, porcupine and birds. Make this an overnight stop with camping, cabins and yurts. Winter provides maintained trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Don’t miss Panorama Point, which as you can guess from its name, offers a spectacular panoramic view of the 14,264-foot tall Mount Evans, Denver, Roosevelt National Forest, and the peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park.

After heading north on CO-119 through lodgepole forest for 18-miles, you pass the town of Rollins. In 1873 John Rollins built a wagon road over the Continental Divide which in 1903 was acquired by John Moffat to build a railroad over the mountain pass. A major engineering feat at the time, it included 33 tunnels along the route and was the highest American railroad. In 1956, it was converted into an off-road trail. Today the road offers views and railway remnants, water towers, bridges and incredible scenery. There is also much more to explore by hiking the areas closed to vehicles.

Back on CO-119, turn left onto CO-72 in the town of Nederland, adjacent the Barker Meadow Reservoir. Nederland itself is a nice stop for restaurants, lodging and as a base for outdoor recreation. If you were to continue on CO-119, you would reach Boulder Canyon, well-known for its rock climbing.

Heading north on CO-72, you will be greeted by the 13,000-foot high Indian Peaks. In the town of Ward, turn left onto Forest Road 112 to reach Brainard Lake Recreation Area (H2). Two mirror-like lakes reflect picture-perfect images of the peaks. Enjoy fishing for cutthroat, rainbow and brook trout in Red Rock and Brainard lakes or take the Long Lake Trail for more incredibly beautiful views of the landscape. Camping is available with a permit. If you are visiting in winter, be very cautious of avalanches.

Continuing through dense forest for 10 miles, turn left onto CO-7 to continue our scenic drive. Moments after this turn, stop at the Mount Meeker Scenic Overlook (V1) to enjoy a sky full of mountain peaks as you gaze upon the Rocky Mountain National Park and Mount Meeker.

Continuing on CO-7, meadows open up, providing majestic views of the surrounding mountain peaks and a chance to see some of the coyotes, deer and elk that call this area home.

In a few miles is a spectacular view the 14,255-foot Longs Peak, the tallest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. Hikers around the world attempt to climb to its summit. The Longs Peak Trail (H3) is a moderately difficult 15-hour round-trip hike to the summit, and those adventurous enough will be rewarded with the grandest views of the Rocky Mountains.

Further up the road is the Enos Mills Cabin Museum (M2). Enos Mills met John Muir in 1889 and became a naturalist himself and is best known for being the “Father of Rocky Mountain National Park”. A short nature trail brings you to his cabin, now on the Register of Historic Places, where you can see some of his photography and books.

Continuing north, the road descends as you pass Lily Lake (W1) once filled with lilies. Today, the lake is a popular stop for migratory birds, including ring-necked ducks, mallards, and Canadian geese. Stop and enjoy a picnic while gazing at birds and the surrounding mountain peaks.

Our scenic drive comes to an end as you arrive in Estes Park, but the adventure continues through the Rocky Mountain National Park, where 1,000 mountains exceed 10,000 feet, creating a stunning landscape of peaks, lakes, alpine flowers and forest. Inside the park are two awe-inspiring scenic drives — Trail Ridge Road, known for being the highest continuous paved road in the nation and Old Fall River Road which is primarily gravel, slow and windy as it explores the alpine nature.