Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways - 2024/2025

Colorado’s highest byway happens to also be the highest paved road in North America. At the end of its 49-mile course, the highway reaches the summit of 14,268-foot Mount Blue Sky. But before travelers can savor the cherry on top of this road-trip sundae, they have plenty of sights to see. In Idaho Springs, visitors can explore the mining heritage of a former gold camp. Between the Argo Gold Mill, the Underhill Museum and a tour of the downtown (guides can be picked up at the Idaho Springs Heritage Museum), the town is full of historical encounters. The byway leads south out of town and quickly rises through coniferous forest. Echo Lake Mountain Park offers picnicking and fishing for trout. The highway continues to rise, twisting and turning into the treeless expanse of the alpine ecosystem. Mountain goats and bighorn sheep are common sightings. At the top, views stretch across the entire Front Range, including 14,109-foot Pikes Peak to the south. The route returns to Echo Lake and then travels a scenic stretch to Bergen Park. Along the way, travelers can look north for an amazing view of 14,259-foot Longs Peak.

Distance: 49 miles • Allow 2 hours
Total elevation gain: 7,540–14,264 feet
(Note: The byway closes in winter from Echo Lake to the summit; reservations are required to access that portion.)