Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway

State: Colorado
Length: 75 miles / 120.0 km
Time to Allow: Allow from 2.5 hours or up to one or more full days to appreciate all of the sites.

The Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway bends and forks for 75 miles to offer unique views of rural Colorado. Those short on time can drive the byway in just over two hours, or you can pack up the camping gear or RV and take some time in the wilderness. The trail sits about two hours west of Denver, close to the middle of the state by the white River National Park. Find impressive scenery, including gorgeous mountain peaks and the beginnings of the Arkansas River.

Start at the north end of the trail in the town of Vail, located in the Rockies. It’s a beautiful town made for walking and skiing, perfect for people who appreciate outdoor life and family time. Find five-star lodging, dining, shopping, and activities for everyone year-round. If you don’t like to ski, you also have the option to go snowmobiling, snowshoeing, tubing, or even on sleigh rides.

Take the trip in the warm months to explore the mountains, try out zip-lines, hike, cycle, or enjoy a day a the spa. Find rafting and golf courses nearby, or check out the beautiful fields of flowers and incredible blue sky. Festival followers will find a variety of music festivals. You can even find a few museums and even an alpine garden, too, or an outdoor amphitheater made to honor president Gerald R. Ford.

Cross-country skiing near Vail makes for a fantastic winter activity at the Shrine Pass, or you can view spring wildflowers in the spring. It’s worth the adventure for gorgeous views of the 14,005 foot Mount of the Holy Cross. Try out trout fishing and multiple lakes in the area, too, including the Missouri Lake and the Red Cliff Lake.

Farther down in Leadville, find two mountains, Lincoln and Democrat, along with the Turquoise Lake. Leadville is the highest incorporated town in North America and sits close to Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, both with impressive heights. With rarefied air and impressive scenery, the Victorian town offers something for everyone, including history, museums, breweries, and tons of Mexican and Cuban food. Try out deep-fried Brussel sprouts at the Tennessee Pass Cafe for a unique culinary delight.

Come to Leadville in March to watch the Ski Joring & Crystal Carnival, where horses and their riders tow a skier down Harrison Avenue in the snow. The skier performs daring feats by jumping through rings and more! Find a trail twenty in the town for camping or hiking. Also, make sure to see the railroad and the golf course before heading twenty miles away to the Twin Lakes for the best fishing of your life.

The tiny historic town of Twin Lakes sits next to the two largest glacial lakes at the top of the Rockies. It’s a short distance to Aspen from here, and the tiny town has nautical-themed cabins from the late 1890s and panoramic views. Definitely take the time to spend a few days in Leadville and Twin Lakes before moving on to Aspen for more adventures.

More Colorado Byways

You can check out additional Byways in Colorado by clicking on the list of byways below, or by going to the Colorado Byways home section. To find even more of scenic byways in the United States, visit our scenic byways map.