The 6 Best Backroads Around Denver For A Scenic Drive
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Annie
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You know which roads to take to avoid I-25 during rush hour… but did you know that there are a number of backroads in and around Denver that are not only convenient, but flat-out gorgeous? Take, for instance, these 6 Denver backroads that are a must-visit for a scenic drive (and the perfect way to spend a summer day):
When it comes to a truly unforgettable summer drive, there is no beating the gorgeous Trail Ridge Road; a 48-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 34 that runs from Estes Park to Grand Lake and passes some of the most iconic of Colorado scenery. (Pictured is Trail Ridge winding around Mount Terra Tomah, Longs Peak, Pagoda Peak, and Chief's Head.)
As you can see from this photo, Highway 93 -- which connects Golden to Boulder -- winds through a series of dramatic and rocky cliffs, so drive slowly and carefully during this must-take drive!
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When you drive the Top of the Rockies, be sure to dedicate an entire day (or better yet, an entire weekend) to your journey, as the road not only runs from I-70 to Aspen, but passes such must-see landmarks as Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, as well as the historic Leadville and Valley of the Ghosts.
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The Highway of Legends is just that: LEGENDARY! Spanning from Walsenburg through Trinidad, this 2-hour stretch of backroad is a MUST see if you have yet to experience colorful southern Colorado!
Now THIS right here is MY kind of a "Rocky Mountain High"! (Fun fact: the Mount Evans Scenic Byway -- which is only 60 miles away from Denver -- is the highest paved road in the country and takes drivers through an unprecedented five climate zones!)
Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Old Fall River Road originally opened in 1920 and became the first road in the park that was accessible to tourists. Today, this National Register of Historic Places spot features not only the same one-lane gravel road, but also the same timeless views of the surrounding Fall River Pass.
Speaking of Denver drives, did you know that One Of The Most Dangerous Roads In The World Is Right Here In Colorado?
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