Stretching from the Eastern Plains to the Rocky Mountains, Colorado is rightly famous for its breathtaking landscapes. Crossing this rugged state will take you past soaring mountains, sun-drenched plains, red rock mesas and high-altitude deserts – all of which look especially fetching through a car or RV windshield.
Fans of road trips are in for a treat. In between extraordinary vistas, tempting stops invite you to pull over – charming Colorado towns, scenic lakes, unexpected historic sites and outdoor recreation opportunities of every kind, including some fabulous hikes. And endless miles of well-maintained Scenic and Historic Byways provide easy access to the state’s diverse attractions.
Do some planning to make sure you catch Colorado at the best time of year, then grab your keys and pull onto the highway… Here are the best road trips in Colorado.
1. Over Independence Pass
Best for road-trippers in a rush
Twin Lakes–Aspen; 27 miles
The ribbon of road between the historic township of Twin Lakes and the swanky mountain town of Aspen forms the backbone of one of Colorado’s most epic drives. Along this part of the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway, the vistas are cinematic in scale. Swatches of snow are often visible along the ridges, just below the knife edge of peaks, and tundra vegetation flourishes at the top of the pass. Peaking at 12,095ft, you’ll be on the edge of the Continental Divide, facing views like real-life IMAX moments.
The pass is closed in the winter, from October to May, but for the rest of the year, the drive is short and sweet – and we recommend taking your time. Check out Twin Lakes Reservoir, an angler’s and paddleboarder’s dream. The lakeshore is dotted with historic ruins, including the remains of Interlaken, once Colorado’s largest resort, built in 1879.
And don’t miss dropping into Independence near Aspen – a ghost town dotted with weathered wood cabins. This was the first mining site in the Roaring Fork Valley, and it offers an evocative window back in time.
Detour: For added endorphins, go for a hike on 14,440ft Mt Elbert. This is one of the “easier” fourteeners in the state but start your hike early to make it to the summit and back in one day.
