Which mountain roads are the most scenic ??
Dec 2nd, 2005, 09:54 AM
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Which mountain roads are the most scenic ??
I am planning a trip to Colorado next June and plan on seeing the must-see stops such as Mesa Verde , San Juan Skyway , RMNP , Black Canyon etc.
Picking the places to see is easy but the difficult part is choosing between all the different mountain passes to cross that connect all these places. There are so many scenic mountain roads in Colorado and in getting from point A to point B there are usually 3 different scenic routes that get you there but time only allows me to choose some of these routes. The only scenic mountain byways that I have marked as must-sees right now are the San Juan Skyway and the Trail Ridge Road through RMNP.
I'm looking for some advice on which mountain passes throughout Colorado are the best ones to see and which ones can be left out. For example , what is the best route to take from Black Canyon of the Gunnison to Great Sand Dunes ?? Is it on Hwy 50 over Monarch Pass or is on Hwy 149 (Silver Thread Byway) and Hwy 160 through Monte Vista or are they both about the same ??
How about some of the other passes such as Independence Pass (Twin Lakes to Aspen) , Fremont Pass (Leadville to Frisco) , Hoosier Pass (Fairplay to Breckenridge), Loveland Pass (the list goes on and on)
Thanks for your help
Picking the places to see is easy but the difficult part is choosing between all the different mountain passes to cross that connect all these places. There are so many scenic mountain roads in Colorado and in getting from point A to point B there are usually 3 different scenic routes that get you there but time only allows me to choose some of these routes. The only scenic mountain byways that I have marked as must-sees right now are the San Juan Skyway and the Trail Ridge Road through RMNP.
I'm looking for some advice on which mountain passes throughout Colorado are the best ones to see and which ones can be left out. For example , what is the best route to take from Black Canyon of the Gunnison to Great Sand Dunes ?? Is it on Hwy 50 over Monarch Pass or is on Hwy 149 (Silver Thread Byway) and Hwy 160 through Monte Vista or are they both about the same ??
How about some of the other passes such as Independence Pass (Twin Lakes to Aspen) , Fremont Pass (Leadville to Frisco) , Hoosier Pass (Fairplay to Breckenridge), Loveland Pass (the list goes on and on)
Thanks for your help
Dec 2nd, 2005, 10:03 AM
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My favorite drive is the loop from Summit Co. through Glenwood Canyon to Aspen (stop to see the Maroon Bells), then over Independence Pass and back to Summit Co. via Leadville.
If you are taking I70 from Denver, the Loveland Pass detour via Hwy 6 is worthwhile.
If you are taking I70 from Denver, the Loveland Pass detour via Hwy 6 is worthwhile.
Dec 2nd, 2005, 10:24 AM
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When in RMNP, are you driving Trail Ridge Road from Estes Park and back, or are you driving it from EP to Grand Lake and continuing on from there? If you're making a round-trip pass from EP, I'd suggest taking Old Fall River Road to the Alpine Visitor's Center, and TRR back to EP. It's an old dirt one-way road, and while it's not always as open and scenic, it's definitely an experience that shouldn't be missed. It's better than seeing everything on TRR twice. You'll need to check on road conditions though, because it may not be open in early June depending on snow.
I can't help you with the mountain passes. I've only done I-70 from Denver to Grand Junction, and then thru Monarch Pass on the way back after Black Canyon.
I can't help you with the mountain passes. I've only done I-70 from Denver to Grand Junction, and then thru Monarch Pass on the way back after Black Canyon.
Dec 2nd, 2005, 11:17 AM
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Hi Weasel
I would be going from Grand Lake to Estes Park and then continuing on from there (not a round trip). When reaching Estes Park I would either head back towards Golden/Denver or straight up to Wyoming.
Is the road through Monarch Pass scenic ??
I would be going from Grand Lake to Estes Park and then continuing on from there (not a round trip). When reaching Estes Park I would either head back towards Golden/Denver or straight up to Wyoming.
Is the road through Monarch Pass scenic ??
Dec 2nd, 2005, 02:26 PM
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Nice little drive down Phantom Canyon Rd. Runs from the little town of Victor (near Cripple Creek) south to US-50 near the town of Cannon City and Royal Gorge. Another senic drive is from Whitewater on SR-141, to Naturita and 145 to Placierville (Telluride) and on south to Cortez. Almost all the roads in that area are senic, love the state.
Dec 2nd, 2005, 10:17 PM
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There are a lot more passes that are MUCH more scenic than Monarch Pass. For the most part Monarch is rather boring. Going from Salida to Gunnison (or visa versa), I would suggest going up to Buena Vista and taking Cottonwood pass over the divide. It's dirt for part of the way, but easily passable with a passanger car in summer, and much more scenic.
Coming out of Leadville I think Tennessee Pass (Hwy 24) is more scenic. Independence Pass is a must.
If you are heading into the mountains from Denver and heading to Gunnison, I'd suggest taking Hwy 285. After leaving Denver, the highway heads uphill through the towns of Conifer and Pine Junction, then drops down into the town of Baily. From Bailey it follows the North Fork of the South Platte River up to Kenosha Pass. As you crest over Kenosha Pass the vista that opens up in front of you is awesome - the snow-capped peaks of the Mosquito Range stare you in the face, and the entire expanse of South Park opens up to your left. Further on down Hwy 285 over Trout Creek Pass, as you head down toward Johnson Village, the peaks of Mt. Princeton and Mt. Yale fill your view through the windshield.
If your going to go from Gunnison to Great Sand Dunes, do it via either Hwy 149 or 114. Forget Monarch.
Kebler Pass between Crested Butte and Hwy 133 is supposed to be beautiful. And the Unaweep-Tabagueche Scenic byway (Hwy 141 between Grand Junction and Naturita) is an absolutely beautiful red rock canyon drive. Dallas Divide (Hwy 62 between Ridgeway and Placerville) is awe-inspiring.
The Mount of the Holy Cross is a sight that most people who visit Colorado never get to see because of it's remoteness, BUT.... if you desire to see it rather easily, exit I-70 at the rest stop near the summit of Vail Pass (I believe it's exit 190). From that rest area Shrine Pass Road heads down to the town of Red Cliff. It's a dirt road, but passable with a passenger car. About halfway to Red Cliff there is a pull-over that gives you a great unobstructed view of the Mount of the Holy Cross.
Good luck. I can't imagine crossing The Divide as much as you seem to want to in one trip. I crossed it 3 times once on my way from Denver to Telluride, and that was enough for me.
Coming out of Leadville I think Tennessee Pass (Hwy 24) is more scenic. Independence Pass is a must.
If you are heading into the mountains from Denver and heading to Gunnison, I'd suggest taking Hwy 285. After leaving Denver, the highway heads uphill through the towns of Conifer and Pine Junction, then drops down into the town of Baily. From Bailey it follows the North Fork of the South Platte River up to Kenosha Pass. As you crest over Kenosha Pass the vista that opens up in front of you is awesome - the snow-capped peaks of the Mosquito Range stare you in the face, and the entire expanse of South Park opens up to your left. Further on down Hwy 285 over Trout Creek Pass, as you head down toward Johnson Village, the peaks of Mt. Princeton and Mt. Yale fill your view through the windshield.
If your going to go from Gunnison to Great Sand Dunes, do it via either Hwy 149 or 114. Forget Monarch.
Kebler Pass between Crested Butte and Hwy 133 is supposed to be beautiful. And the Unaweep-Tabagueche Scenic byway (Hwy 141 between Grand Junction and Naturita) is an absolutely beautiful red rock canyon drive. Dallas Divide (Hwy 62 between Ridgeway and Placerville) is awe-inspiring.
The Mount of the Holy Cross is a sight that most people who visit Colorado never get to see because of it's remoteness, BUT.... if you desire to see it rather easily, exit I-70 at the rest stop near the summit of Vail Pass (I believe it's exit 190). From that rest area Shrine Pass Road heads down to the town of Red Cliff. It's a dirt road, but passable with a passenger car. About halfway to Red Cliff there is a pull-over that gives you a great unobstructed view of the Mount of the Holy Cross.
Good luck. I can't imagine crossing The Divide as much as you seem to want to in one trip. I crossed it 3 times once on my way from Denver to Telluride, and that was enough for me.
Dec 3rd, 2005, 02:50 AM
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When you visit Mesa verde you'll probably stay in Durango like we did in 2002 so the road to the black canyon on the Gunnison is wonderful especially in the fall. We also took the Independence pass to Aspen and we had snow at the end of September.Dont forget to visit the Maroon bells in Aspen abd of course theRMNP. Paul
Dec 3rd, 2005, 06:27 AM
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My list of mountain passes in Colorado (in order) based upon both the beauty of the vista from the top, as well as the drive up and over. Keep in mind that this is very subjective, and opinion may vary.
1) Milner Pass (Trail Ridge Road in RMNP)
2) Independence Pass (Hwy 82 between Leadville & Aspen)
3) Red Mountain Pass (Hwy 550 between Ridgway & Durango, aka the Million Dollar Highway)
4) Dallas Divide (Hwy 62 between Ridgway & Placerville)
5) Cottonwood Pass (between Buena Vista & Gunnison)
6) Lizard Head Pass (Hwy 145 between Telluride & Cortez)
7) Kebler Pass (between Crested Butte & Paonia)
8) Berthoud Pass (Hwy 40 between Empire and Winter Park)
9) Kenosha Pass (Hwy 285 between Denver & Fairplay
10) Boreas Pass (between Breckenridge & Fairplay)
11) Hoosier Pass (Hwy 9 between Breckenridge & Fairplay)
12) Cameron Pass (Hwy 14 between Fort Collins & Walden)
13) McClure Pass (Hwy 133 between Carbondale and Paonia) with a little side trip to the town of Marble.
14) Loveland Pass (Hwy 6 between I-70 & Keystone)
15) Wolf Creek Pass (Hwy 160 between Alamosa & Durango)
16) Rabbit Ears Pass (Hwy 40 between Kremmling and Steamboat Springs)
17) Vail Pass (I-70 between Silverthorne and Vail)
18) Tennessee Pass (Hwy 24 between Leadville & Vail)
!9) Eisenhower Tunnel (I-70 between Denver & Silverthorne)
20) Fremont Pass (Hwy 91 between Leadville & Copper Mountain @ I-70)
21) Monarch Pass (Hwy 50 between Salida & Gunnison)
22) Poncha Pass (Hwy 285 between Salida & Alamosa)
23) La Veta Pass (Hwy 160 between Walsenberg & Alamosa)
24) Gore Pass (Hwy 134 between Kremmling & Steamboat Springs)
I have never been over Slumgullion Pass (Hwy 149 between Gunnison & South Fork), nor North Pass (Hwy 114 between Gunnison & Saguache), so I wouldn't know where to rate them.
1) Milner Pass (Trail Ridge Road in RMNP)
2) Independence Pass (Hwy 82 between Leadville & Aspen)
3) Red Mountain Pass (Hwy 550 between Ridgway & Durango, aka the Million Dollar Highway)
4) Dallas Divide (Hwy 62 between Ridgway & Placerville)
5) Cottonwood Pass (between Buena Vista & Gunnison)
6) Lizard Head Pass (Hwy 145 between Telluride & Cortez)
7) Kebler Pass (between Crested Butte & Paonia)
8) Berthoud Pass (Hwy 40 between Empire and Winter Park)
9) Kenosha Pass (Hwy 285 between Denver & Fairplay
10) Boreas Pass (between Breckenridge & Fairplay)
11) Hoosier Pass (Hwy 9 between Breckenridge & Fairplay)
12) Cameron Pass (Hwy 14 between Fort Collins & Walden)
13) McClure Pass (Hwy 133 between Carbondale and Paonia) with a little side trip to the town of Marble.
14) Loveland Pass (Hwy 6 between I-70 & Keystone)
15) Wolf Creek Pass (Hwy 160 between Alamosa & Durango)
16) Rabbit Ears Pass (Hwy 40 between Kremmling and Steamboat Springs)
17) Vail Pass (I-70 between Silverthorne and Vail)
18) Tennessee Pass (Hwy 24 between Leadville & Vail)
!9) Eisenhower Tunnel (I-70 between Denver & Silverthorne)
20) Fremont Pass (Hwy 91 between Leadville & Copper Mountain @ I-70)
21) Monarch Pass (Hwy 50 between Salida & Gunnison)
22) Poncha Pass (Hwy 285 between Salida & Alamosa)
23) La Veta Pass (Hwy 160 between Walsenberg & Alamosa)
24) Gore Pass (Hwy 134 between Kremmling & Steamboat Springs)
I have never been over Slumgullion Pass (Hwy 149 between Gunnison & South Fork), nor North Pass (Hwy 114 between Gunnison & Saguache), so I wouldn't know where to rate them.
Dec 3rd, 2005, 08:16 AM
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Vancouver,
I would take CO 149 from your stop at the Black Canyon on your way to the San Luis Valley. It is many times more scenic going over Slumgullion Pass than either of your alternatives. It is also somewhat longer. Slumgullion is only 11,361' so there are many passes higher.
If you want to get into some REALLY great terrain try Imogene Pass out of Ouray to Telluride. If you do not have a high clearance 4 wheel drive and 4wd experience you should go on one of the guided jeep trips out of Ouray. Imogene is over 13,000 feet and surrounded by the best mountain scenery in the state.
Sounds like a fun trip.
Beanman
I would take CO 149 from your stop at the Black Canyon on your way to the San Luis Valley. It is many times more scenic going over Slumgullion Pass than either of your alternatives. It is also somewhat longer. Slumgullion is only 11,361' so there are many passes higher.
If you want to get into some REALLY great terrain try Imogene Pass out of Ouray to Telluride. If you do not have a high clearance 4 wheel drive and 4wd experience you should go on one of the guided jeep trips out of Ouray. Imogene is over 13,000 feet and surrounded by the best mountain scenery in the state.
Sounds like a fun trip.
Beanman
Dec 3rd, 2005, 08:28 AM
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Although not the highest, Slumgullion is probably the steepest of the passes on a major highway in the state with nearly a 10% grade coming from the north.
I agree that Imogene Pass is gorgeous. Take the trip over it if you have the time - you'll be glad you did. Take warm clothes though. Every time I've gone over Imogene it's been windy and cold at the top - even in the dead of summer.
I agree that Imogene Pass is gorgeous. Take the trip over it if you have the time - you'll be glad you did. Take warm clothes though. Every time I've gone over Imogene it's been windy and cold at the top - even in the dead of summer.
Dec 3rd, 2005, 08:42 AM
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You have some great advice here. I can't come close to furiedleaders' list, so I won't try!
I will say that Independence Pass is amazing. But be prepared for very narrow roads, and curvy switchbacks, so don't rent a huge, wide vehicle. I've always wondered how drivers handle it if two wide vehicles meet on the pass. And you won't need an SUV in June anyway.
Not a pass, but the Glenwood Canyon drive is also spectacular.
And Trail Ridge Road is another of my favorites. When you're in Grand Lake, you can visit historic Grand Lake Lodge for lunch on their veranda overlooking the gorgeous lake. Or rent a motorboat to tool around the lakes for a couple of hours.
Have fun planning your trip!
I will say that Independence Pass is amazing. But be prepared for very narrow roads, and curvy switchbacks, so don't rent a huge, wide vehicle. I've always wondered how drivers handle it if two wide vehicles meet on the pass. And you won't need an SUV in June anyway.
Not a pass, but the Glenwood Canyon drive is also spectacular.
And Trail Ridge Road is another of my favorites. When you're in Grand Lake, you can visit historic Grand Lake Lodge for lunch on their veranda overlooking the gorgeous lake. Or rent a motorboat to tool around the lakes for a couple of hours.
Have fun planning your trip!
Dec 3rd, 2005, 09:19 AM
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Thanks for all the tips and a big thanks for that list furledleader.
It looks like I will take CO 149 (Silver Thread Scenic Byway) from Black Canyon to Great Sand Dunes. I've been looking at some photos on the internet and it looks like it is much more scenic than Monarch Pass.
After the Great Sand Dunes I will head north and do a loop of : Independence Pass , I-70 (Glenwood Canyon) to Vail and then back down to Leadville. After Leadville I will have to start heading back north to Wyoming and will do so through RMNP.
I will try to fit in CO 141 (Unaweep-Tabegauche) as I enter Colorado from Utah before hitting the San Juan Skyway.
It looks like I will take CO 149 (Silver Thread Scenic Byway) from Black Canyon to Great Sand Dunes. I've been looking at some photos on the internet and it looks like it is much more scenic than Monarch Pass.
After the Great Sand Dunes I will head north and do a loop of : Independence Pass , I-70 (Glenwood Canyon) to Vail and then back down to Leadville. After Leadville I will have to start heading back north to Wyoming and will do so through RMNP.
I will try to fit in CO 141 (Unaweep-Tabegauche) as I enter Colorado from Utah before hitting the San Juan Skyway.
Dec 4th, 2005, 06:05 PM
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After doing some further planning today I've decided to add an extra day to the Utah part of my trip and one less day in Colorado. I'm sure that all the mountain passes are about the same. I mean a mountain is a mountain and we have plenty of them up here in British Columbia anyways so I wouldn't be missing much if I deleted some of these passes and it would make more sense to stay in Utah an extra day (8 days in total). I will still do San Juan Skyway and Trail Ridge Road and probably one other byway going from SW to NE Colorado but it looks like I might have to leave out Great Sand Dunes or something.
Thanks for all your help and for that list
Thanks for all your help and for that list
Dec 4th, 2005, 06:15 PM
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You may also want to check this site, www.recreation.gov if you have not done so already, some good planning help there. Was also wondering do you plan an any camping.
Dec 4th, 2005, 06:24 PM
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Hmm. The list is long.
I like the Million Dollar Highway from Durango to Ouray. It hits 3 passes in all: Molas, Coalbank and Red Mountain.
I also like Monarch Pass and Trail Ridge Road.
My son got a 4-wheel drive vehicle and did some of the dirt road passes last summer including Cumberland Pass and Cottonwood Pass. June might be too early for some of those, depending on when the snow plow gets to them.
Guanella is not quite as high as some of the others, but it outranks many of them in my book for being scenic. It goes right by Mt. Bierstadt and the relief of the terrain is considerable.
I like the Million Dollar Highway from Durango to Ouray. It hits 3 passes in all: Molas, Coalbank and Red Mountain.
I also like Monarch Pass and Trail Ridge Road.
My son got a 4-wheel drive vehicle and did some of the dirt road passes last summer including Cumberland Pass and Cottonwood Pass. June might be too early for some of those, depending on when the snow plow gets to them.
Guanella is not quite as high as some of the others, but it outranks many of them in my book for being scenic. It goes right by Mt. Bierstadt and the relief of the terrain is considerable.
Dec 4th, 2005, 06:52 PM
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No I won't be doing any camping. Just seeing some sights and doing some scenic driving as I pass through the state.
Some people say they enjoyed Monarch Pass and some say that it is much less exciting than the other passes.
Some people say they enjoyed Monarch Pass and some say that it is much less exciting than the other passes.
Dec 11th, 2005, 06:44 PM
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I know you've already planned your visit, but I just wanted to post my favorite: Hwy 160 from Walsenburg to Fort Garland, then turn south on 159 through the San Luis Valley. One gets beautiful views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, which for some reason strike me as the most beautiful in the world. The drive south into New Mexico is breathtaking - frankly, I much prefer New Mexico to Utah! About the only rival would be the upper Arkansas valley - Salida, Buena Vista - which is also full of wonderful hot springs.
One more thing: if you have never visited Colorado before, Trail Ridge Road is a must. RMNP can get pretty crowded in the summer, but that drive alone is worth it.
One more thing: if you have never visited Colorado before, Trail Ridge Road is a must. RMNP can get pretty crowded in the summer, but that drive alone is worth it.
