Scenic Drives
The Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands cover nearly 3 million acres, between the prairies of western Kansas and some of Colorado's highest mountain peaks along the Continental Divide. These sprawling forests and grasslands are an eight- hour drive from boundary to boundary. This landscape offers a variety of ecosystems rich in history, geology, scenery, wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities.
Scenic Driving
These are only a few of the scenic driving opportunities on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands!
- The Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway offers breathtaking views from the historic towns of Leadville and Twin Lakes to Independence Pass at 12,095 feet.
- The Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway traverses through the lush Wet Mountains, providing views of the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range.
- Picket Wire Guided Auto Tour provides the only motorized access into the Picket Wire Canyonlands, home to the largest dinosaur tracksite in North America.
- Collegiate Peaks Byway parallels the Continental Divide at the foot of the Sawatch Range with the highest concentration of peaks over 14,000 feet in the country.
- Pikes Peak Highway paves the way to the summit of “America’s Mountain” at 14,115 feet.
- Carrizo Auto Tour points of interest include the Granada-Fort Union military road, Carrizo and Picture canyons and the Santa Fe Historic Trail.
Search for Scenic Drives Opportunities
Boreas Pass Auto Tour
Boreas Pass Auto Tour is a 21 1/2-mile drive that follows the former Denver, South Park and Pacific Railroad route from Como to Breckenridge.The Boreas Pass road closes at both ends when the…
Buckskin Gulch Auto Tour
Buckskin Gulch Auto Tour begins in Alma, 5 1/2 miles north of Fairplay. Of this 5-mile route, the first 4 miles are suitable for most passenger cars; the last mile is steep, rocky, and rough.
Buffalo Creek Recreation Area
Site Open
The Buffalo Creek Recreation Area is more than 50 miles of multi-use, nonmotorized trails that tie into the Colorado Trail in several places. There are a lot of options available for riding or…
Carrizo Auto Tour Interpretive Site
Site Open
Informational kiosks for this self-guided, 180-mile tour highlights many points of interest, scenery, and amenities found on the Carrizo Unit including the Granada-Fort Union military road, Carrizo…
Chalk Creek Canyon
Site Open
Chalk Creek Canyon, one of the valley's most popular areas, was once home to the Chalk Creek mining district, one of Colorado's richest mining districts. During the 1870s and 1880s, the towns of…
Cimarron National Grassland Auto Tour
This self-guided tour, in "The Sea of Grass" brochure, highlights many points of interest, scenery and amenities found on the grassland. It is approximately 30 miles long, so plan on about 2-3…
Cottonwood Pass Summit
Site Open
The summit of Cottonwood Pass is located at an elevation of 12,126 feet. Views from the top show both sides of the Continental Divide. The road is closed by snow from November until late May.
Eleven Mile Canyon Auto Tour
Site Open
Eleven Mile Canyon Auto Tour is managed by the Forest Service to protect its rich natural resources and historic sites and to provide public recreation. The focal point along this 9-mile route is the…
Flat Rocks Overlook Observation Site
The Flat Rocks Overlook Observation Site provides views to the east towards Perry Park and Castle Rock.
Frontier Pathways National Scenic Byway
Site Open
A scenic drive through the Wet Mountains of the San Isabel National Forest. Frontier Pathways was designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation as a National Scenic Byway in 1998. It is one of…