Colorado Scenic Byways

a scenic road in the state of colorado

The Centennial State

Colorado, nicknamed “The Centennial State” due to earning statehood exactly 100 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, is home to some of the most impressive mountain ranges in the world.

Not only is Colorado home to the Rocky Mountain National Park, but also boasts countless miles of hiking trails, gorgeous scenery, and of course, skiing.

But Colorado’s history goes back much further than that of the United States, with evidence of human habitation for more than 13,000 years. Archaeologists estimate that the edge of the Rocky Mountains served as a major migration route for Native Americans settling the rest of the United States.

Colorado gained its name from early Spanish explorers, who named the Colorado River (Rio Colorado) after the red color the river took on as silt moved down from the mountains. Colorado may not be the most populous of the states, but this works out in its favor, as the natural landscape is largely untouched in many regions of the state.

With countless gorgeous byways to explore, be sure to find yourself planning your next trip to Colorado sooner rather than later.

Exploring Colorado by Road

Like many of the states on this list, Colorado is home to several trails, mountain ranges, and more that make for an incredible road trip. Even if you don’t want to hike your way up one of the 58 mountain peaks over 1400 feet tall in the Rocky Mountains, there are plenty of driving trails that allow you to explore these gorgeous peaks without having to leave your car.

For those who are on the more adventurous side, there are plenty of historic walking trails to help you get a hands-on look at the natural flora and fauna of this state. On top of offering incredible visual scenery, Colorado is known as a must-visit destination for those interested in skiing, snowboarding, and more.

Whatever your interest, there’s sure to be a scenic byway that will take you where you want to go, while also allowing you to experience the beauty offered in this incredible state.

Whether you’re looking to explore the Rocky Mountains, visit a Colorado clinic, or go for a leisurely shopping trip in Denver Co, this state offers gorgeous scenery, breathtaking views, and allows you to appreciate the natural world nearly undisturbed.

If you’re looking to get in touch with nature, or simply trying to find a road less traveled by for your morning commute, there are plenty of side roads and scenic trails for you to take advantage of in the Centennial State.

No matter which direction you end up heading, so long as you have “Rocky Mountain High” by John Denver queued up on your playlist before you take to the road, you can never go wrong.