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Scenic Drives in Colorado

Routes

38

Avg Distance

164 mi

Avg Drive

3h 19m

Destinations

29

Not every route in Colorado is memorable, but these 38 are. Each scores at least 7/10 for drive quality, meaning real elevation changes, scenic stretches, and roads that feel like more than just pavement between two points.

Planning Tips

Scenic routes often have fewer gas stations and services. Top off your tank before heading into mountainous or rural stretches.
Budget extra time for scenic drives — pulling over for views, photos, and short hikes is half the point.
Check weather conditions for mountain passes and high-elevation stretches, especially in shoulder seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

We rate routes on a 1-10 drive score based on elevation changes, road variety, and terrain diversity. The 38 routes listed here all score 7 or higher.

Drive times and distances come from actual road network data via OSRM. Fuel costs use current state-level gas prices. Drive scores factor in elevation profile, road variety, and terrain. All data is recalculated regularly.

Yes. Click any route to see its full trip page with turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost estimates, elevation profile, stop suggestions, weather conditions, and more.

Top Scenic Routes

Centennial, CO → Dallas, TX

781.5 mi 14h 3m Score: 8/10

Cortez, CO → Greeley, CO

439.7 mi 9h 46m Score: 9/10

Denver, CO → Cortez, CO

378.5 mi 8h 39m Score: 9/10

Pueblo, CO → Meeker, CO

335 mi 6h 37m Score: 10/10

Castle Rock, CO → Delta, CO

302.2 mi 5h 49m Score: 8/10

Grand Junction, CO → Loveland, CO

290.3 mi 5h 33m Score: 8/10

Glenwood Springs, CO → Pueblo, CO

266.2 mi 5h 1m Score: 10/10

Erie, CO → Grand Junction, CO

265.7 mi 5h 5m Score: 8/10

Palisade, CO → Denver, CO

232.3 mi 4h 27m Score: 8/10

Craig, CO → Fort Collins, CO

229 mi 5h 4m Score: 9/10

Fort Collins, CO → Aspen, CO

218.8 mi 5h 12m Score: 9/10

Center, CO → Denver, CO

208.5 mi 4h 38m Score: 8/10

Castle Rock, CO → New Castle, CO

195.2 mi 3h 47m Score: 8/10

Fort Collins, CO → Cañon City, CO

178 mi 3h 35m Score: 8/10

Lakewood, CO → Burlington, CO

173.6 mi 3h 4m Score: 8/10

Penrose, CO → Greeley, CO

165.8 mi 3h 11m Score: 9/10

Kremmling, CO → Fort Collins, CO

164.4 mi 3h 22m Score: 9/10

Applewood, CO → Pueblo, CO

121.9 mi 2h 19m Score: 8/10

Centennial, CO → Edwards, CO

121.8 mi 2h 27m Score: 8/10

La Junta, CO → Colorado Springs, CO

105.8 mi 2h 26m Score: 9/10

Centennial, CO → Limon, CO

94.4 mi 1h 39m Score: 7/10

Windsor, CO → Castle Rock, CO

86.2 mi 1h 43m Score: 7/10

Greeley, CO → Acres Green, CO

83.5 mi 1h 36m Score: 8/10

Castle Rock, CO → Pueblo West, CO

82.1 mi 1h 36m Score: 9/10

Fort Carson, CO → Commerce City, CO

79.3 mi 1h 41m Score: 7/10

Pierce, CO → Denver, CO

75.7 mi 1h 38m Score: 7/10

Wheat Ridge, CO → Colorado Springs, CO

74.9 mi 1h 28m Score: 7/10

Wellington, CO → Lakewood, CO

74.4 mi 1h 24m Score: 7/10

Aurora, CO → Manitou Springs, CO

70.9 mi 1h 23m Score: 8/10

Superior, CO → Fort Collins, CO

58.5 mi 1h 8m Score: 7/10

Windsor, CO → Denver, CO

56.9 mi 1h 11m Score: 7/10

Denver, CO → La Salle, CO

56.8 mi 1h 13m Score: 9/10

Woodmoor, CO → Aurora, CO

50.4 mi 58m Score: 7/10

Loveland, CO → Brighton, CO

40.9 mi 50m Score: 7/10

Monument, CO → Calhan, CO

36 mi 1h 1m Score: 8/10

Erie, CO → Arvada, CO

21.3 mi 37m Score: 7/10

Wheat Ridge, CO → Broomfield, CO

12.9 mi 21m Score: 8/10

Applewood, CO → Lakewood, CO

8.3 mi 17m Score: 7/10

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Colorado Trips