Exploring Colorado’s Scenic Byways:
Journey Through the Heart of the Rockies on Two Wheels
Embark on an unforgettable ride through the heart and soul of the Rocky Mountains on Colorado’s Scenic Byways. Carving their way through ancient peaks, rolling hills, and lush valleys, these routes not only offer a motorcyclist’s dream ride but also tell the rich stories of natural beauty and history that Colorado so proudly preserves.
With 26 unique Scenic Byways to explore, covering over 2,500 miles of unparalleled views from the rugged San Juan Mountains to the expansive Eastern Plains, riders are invited to immerse themselves in the essence of Colorado. Each mile ridden reveals not just breathtaking vistas but a personal adventure into the state’s profound historical significance and cultural richness.
Each byway offers its unique charm, from the historic trails that tell tales of the Old West to the breathtaking vistas that seem to stretch into infinity. Whether you’re a seasoned motorcyclist looking for your next great adventure or a newcomer eager to explore the open road, Colorado’s Scenic Byways promise an exhilarating journey that touches the soul and lifts the spirit.
Colorado’s Scenic Byways
Alpine Loop
This primarily off-road dirt byway is a rugged journey through the San Juan Mountains, best suited for off-road capable motorcycles and adventurous spirits, offering stunning alpine scenery.
Cache la Poudre – North Park
Following the Cache la Poudre River through the mountains to the vastness of North Park, this paved byway immerses riders in Colorado’s wild beauty.
Collegiate Peaks
Named for the towering peaks that resemble college graduations caps, this paved road winds through historic towns and by the Arkansas River, offering ample scenic stops and activities along the way.
Colorado River Headwaters
The paved and unpaved gravel byway traces the mighty Colorado River from its source, with landscapes ranging from alpine meadows to rugged canyons, offering insights into the river’s significance.
Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway
A journey back in time, this paved highway connects various dinosaur sites and museums, thrilling both the young and young at heart.
Flat Tops Trail
This mostly paved byway with some unpaved gravel sections takes you across the Flat Tops Wilderness, showcasing vast plateaus, dense forests, and serene lakes.
Frontier Pathways
Travel through the historic Sangre de Cristo Mountains and into the Wet Mountain Valley on this paved byway, a journey highlighting Colorado’s pioneering spirit.
Gold Belt Tour
Connect with Colorado’s gold rush history through ancient paths, shelf roads, and historic mining towns on a mix of paved and dirt roads, offering breathtaking views and a taste of the past.
Grand Mesa
Ascend the world’s largest flat-topped mountain on this paved byway, with lush forests, over 300 lakes, and panoramic views that captivate and awe.
Guanella Pass
A relatively short but stunning paved byway that takes you through alpine wilderness and past clear mountain lakes, perfect for a day trip.
Highway of Legends
Winding along the base of the Spanish Peaks, this paved byway is steeped in folklore, stunning scenery, and rich history.
Lariat Loop
Close to Denver, this paved byway loop offers a glimpse into Colorado’s golden age of mountain parks, with plenty of cultural and natural sites to explore.
Los Caminos Antiguos
Called the “The Ancient Roads”, this paved byway meanders through the San Luis Valley, showcasing Colorado’s oldest town, diverse cultures, and the Great Sand Dunes.
Mount Blue Sky
The highest paved road in North America leads to the summit of Mount Blue Sky, offering extraordinary views above the clouds.
Pawnee Pioneer Trails
Traverse the prairies of northeastern Colorado on this paved and unpaved byway, experiencing the vast open spaces and rich history of the frontier.
Peak to Peak
Colorado’s oldest paved scenic byway offers a ride through charming mountain towns and past breathtaking vistas of the Continental Divide.
San Juan Skyway
Often dubbed “The Most Beautiful Drive in America,” this paved byway circles through the heart of the San Juan Mountains, featuring historic towns and extraordinary landscapes.
Santa Fe Trail
Part of the historic route connecting Missouri to Santa Fe, this paved byway offers a journey through time along the Arkansas River and past Bent’s Old Fort.
Silver Thread
This scenic paved byway connects historical mining towns, offering stories of the past and access to natural wonders like the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
South Platte River Trail
A short but sweet paved byway through Colorado’s early history, tracing the South Platte River and featuring key historical sites.
Top of the Rockies
Travel at elevations above 9,000 feet on this paved byway, with opportunities to visit Leadville, the highest incorporated city, and views of Colorado’s highest peaks.
Trail of the Ancients
Focused on Native American history and culture, this paved with gravel sections byway offers a deep dive into Colorado’s ancient civilizations.
Tracks Across Borders
This paved, unpaved, and off-road back country byway provides a step back in time to see the little-changed western landscape and learn about the history of the old American West.
Trail Ridge Road
The highest continuous paved road in the USA, providing remarkable views of the Rockies and abundant wildlife sightings.
Unaweep/Tabeguache
Unique for its two river origins, this scenic paved byway offers geologic wonders, historic sites, and striking canyon views.
West Elk Loop
A diverse paved and unpaved gravel byway around the West Elk Mountains, featuring Black Canyon, aspen forests, and the Crystal Mill, epitomizing Colorado’s rugged beauty.
SolidRide is Your Gateway to Epic Motorcycle Experiences in Colorado
We’re your gateway to the ultimate Colorado motorcycle adventure. We are passionate about exploring and the stories that come from the journey. Learn more about our Colorado Scenic Motorcycle Tour experiences.