Southern Rockies Road Trips

As you ease out of the Front Range’s foothills, those once distant snow-capped peaks gradually close in, eventually enveloping you within their towering majesty. During this adventure you’ll view stunning mountain panoramas, travel past legendary ski resorts such as Vail, Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain and Buttermilk, and immerse yourself in soothing mineral pools.

Colorado is rich with breathtaking natural scenery, and SR 133, the Elk Mountains Scenic Byway, is no exception. You'll see lofty granite peaks, clear blue lakes, alpine meadows filled with summer wildflowers and groves of aspen trees that turn a brilliant yellow in fall. Note: The rugged terrain will be a challenge for those not used to mountain driving.

A beautiful stretch of road running through the San Juan and Rio Grande national forests, US 160 treats sightseers to views of rugged mountains, lush alpine meadows and clear, fast-flowing streams. At Wolf Creek Pass the scenic highway crosses the Continental Divide at an elevation of 10,580 feet before descending into the San Luis Valley.

Grand Mesa National Scenic Byway (SR 65) begins in Cedaredge on the south slope of Grand Mesa, the world's largest flat-top mountain. From there it climbs into Grand Mesa National Forest before descending again down to the town of Mesa. From there it veers west into picturesque Plateau Creek Canyon before ending at I-70 and the Colorado River.

Seasonal route: The road is subject to closure in winter. This drive through the Wasatch Range uncovers awesome sights both above and below ground. Running along SR 92, Alpine Loop Scenic Byway showcases American Fork Canyon's steep limestone cliffs. Along the route are Timpanogos Cave National Monument, known for its legendary "Great Heart" stalactite, and Sundance Mountain Resort.

Southwestern Utah's brightly colored geological delights are the main showstoppers along Bryce Canyon National Park Road, or SR 63. The route cuts through the northern part of Bryce Canyon National Park, known for its impressive collection of hoodoos. Thick stands of trees edge the tall, thin spires of sedimentary rock, which range in size from 5 to 150 feet tall.

Red-sand desert lands of the Navajo Indian Reservation lead to a noted landmark on the byway, Mexican Hat. Enjoy the variety of terrain along this visually interesting route. The US 163 landscape includes huge red monoliths and extraordinary rock formations.

Eccles Canyon Scenic Byway (SR 264) winds its way through the mountainous alpine terrain of the Manti-La Sal National Forest in central Utah. Wildflower-dotted meadows and towering forests line the byway in summer, while winter offers a snow-covered wonderland.

Created by both glacier and steam erosion, the Big Cottonwood Canyon scenic byway, on SR 190, is a photographer's dream with its alpine scenery. Incredible vistas and overlooks introduce you to the Wasatch-Cache and Uinta National forests. The canyon is home to beautiful wildflowers and some rare plant species, including the Wasatch Shooting Star.

Draped along the ridges and valleys west of Denver like the end of a lasso, Lariat Loop Scenic and Historic Byway offers breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains. This multi-route byway is easy to follow with its blue signs that bear the white columbine flower. From aptly named Lookout Mountain, you can see the Eastern Plains of Colorado and visit the grave of Wild West entertainer "Buffalo Bill."