by G. Kunkel

Created on: May 20, 2010   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Roadtrips and scenic drives are the embodiment of American culture. There’s just something relaxing about hopping in an automobile and cruising down the highway. As the miles drift by, the stress of everyday life just melts away.

There are an endless number of scenic stretches of road in the United States and the world. As luck would have it, Colorado provides a number of scenic drives. If you enjoy natural beauty and mountain driving, these are the 10 most scenic drives in Colorado.

Trail Ridge Road
One of the most beautiful drives in Colorado is also the highest continuous paved highway in the United States. Trail Ridge Road, also known as US Hwy 34, stretches for 48 miles from Grand Lake upward through Rocky Mountain National Park to 12,183 ft. and then descends to Estes Park, Colorado. Along this summer-only highway you’ll cross the Continental Divide, and see – elk, moose, alpine tundra, snowfields, 14,259 ft. Longs Peak, and the headwaters of the mighty Colorado River. A side trip along Fall River Road allows additional scenic park views via a passenger car friendly dirt road. A roadside picnic may have marmots come wandering up to your car. Check for seasonal road closure at www.cotrip.org.

Mount Evans Road
According to MountEvans.com, construction on the Mount Evans Road started in 1924 and was completed in 1930.  To date, it remains the highest paved road in North America and is only open in summer. This winding two-lane paved road lets one experience the scenic Colorado Rocky Mountains as it climbs towards the 14,230 ft. summit. On the drive up it’s not uncommon to see mountain goats, bighorn sheep, or elk – sometimes camped out in the middle of this steep narrow road. The top half of the road lies above treeline and provides spectacular views of the Continental Divide and the Front Range. This road isn’t recommended for the faint of heart as there are no guardrails and parts of the road have crumbled down the mountainside. Check for seasonal closures at www.cotrip.org.

Million Dollar Highway
The Million Dollar Highway, or US Hwy 550, in southwestern Colorado provides spectacular views of the jagged San Juan Mountains, glimpses into Colorado’s mining past, and the real danger of avalanches. Traveling south from Ouray towards Silverton one soon drives under the snow shed covering the deadly East Riverside Slide. The road then climbs steadily past a number of historic mining structures on the way to the top

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