From majestic 14ers to the Great Sand Dunes, from Rocky Mountain National Park atop the Continental Divide to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado hosts some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere in the United States making it one of the most coveted destinations among motorcyclists. Because Colorado depends a great deal on tourism, they roll out the red carpet to visitors, providing great restaurants, hotels, bed and breakfasts, at affordable rates, as well as fun and exciting places to visit.
Less than an hour from Denver or Boulder is the majestic, magnificent Peak To Peak Highway. It’s a 55-mile ride with spectacular views along the Continental Divide. Along the way, you can detour and visit Rocky Mountain National Park and Golden Gate Canyon State Park. This tour will take you through both Roosevelt and Arapaho National Forests and the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. Hiking trails lead to campgrounds and ghost towns. You can access what Colorado boasts as its oldest scenic byway from either Golden Gate Canyon in Golden, CO, from Left Hand Canyon in Boulder, CO, or from Highway 7 in Lyons, CO. Go west in each of these canyons and you will intersect with the Peak To Peak.
If you travel through Rocky Mountain National Park from Estes Park to Grand Lake, you can continue on Highway 40 West through a beautiful canyon along a river and a railroad track, through some quaint Colorado mountain towns, experiencing Colorado hospitality in every location. Highway 40 turns slightly north at Kremmling, and the scenery begins to become even more spectacular from the Wolford Mountain Recreational Area over Rabbit Ears Pass to Steamboat Springs. Be sure to stop and experience the views as you descend Rabbit Ears Pass into the Yampa Valley, known for its summer and winter sports, its beauty and its visitor-friendly amenities all along Highway 40. Steamboat Springs has wonderful shopping and restaurants, as well as fantastic recreational activities both summer and winter. From Lake Granby to Steamboat Springs is about 80 miles – a favorite route among Colorado’s motorcyclists.
For a little longer trip (220 miles approximately) which takes you over the Continental Divide at least twice, begin in Ft. Collins, CO, west through Poudre Canyon on Highway 14 to Walden, CO. From Walden, go south on Road 125 toward Granby. In Granby, turn north on Highway 34, going past Grand Lake, up through Rocky Mountain National Park, to Estes Park. This is called the Walden Loop, as you will continue on Highway 34 from Estes Park to Loveland, through the Big Thompson Canyon, and back to Ft. Collins. Restaurants, shopping, gas and overnight accommodations aplenty can be found in Walden, Granby, Grand Lake and Estes Park. And the viewing of wildlife along this route and in the National Park will most likely include elk, deer, moose, bald eagles and big-horn sheep.
From Highway 285 south of Denver, Highway 77 runs southeast through the Pike National Forest, giving you a great view of multiple rock formations and the Terryall Reservoir. The scenery is beautiful. Riders must be alert for wildlife, as they are often seen both on and off the road. And there are no amenities until you reach Lake George. This route provides a different type of mountain scenery, with the rock formations separating it from our other points of interest.
High mountain travel in Colorado in the early spring and late fall will require warm weather gear and lots of layers. Even in the middle of summer, the Colorado mountains can experience snow. Come prepared, but plan to take your time and enjoy the view on each of these spectacular northern Colorado routes. In my next article, I will explore some motorcyclist attractions in southern Colorado. Come and enjoy Beautiful Colorado on your motorcycle!
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