Colorado Scenic Byways Map

Peak to Peak Scenic Byway

Peak to Peak Scenic Byway near Allenspark, Black Hawk, Central City, Drake, Eldora, Empire, Estes Park, Evergreen, Genesee, Georgetown, Golden Mountains, Idaho Springs, Idledale, Meeker Park, Morrison, Nederland, Raymond

The byway passes a few of Colorado's ghost towns. Caribou used to be a silver camp but is deserted now. However, Nederland (the town that was established to supply Caribou) lives on. There are also many gold mines along Hwy 72 and 119. On the weekends, prospectors still pan for gold in the creeks, and there are a few gold mines along the way that allow the public to pan for the sparkling golden flakes. Visitors have to pay to pan, but children find it exciting and many times rewarding, making it worth the small fee.

Explore all that the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway has to offer

The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is a great way to see the colorful fall aspen trees

In addition to the stunning mountain scenery, this byway also provides a unique close-up look at the Continental Divide. The area is filled with aspen trees, so in the fall it becomes a dazzling quilt of gold, yellow, orange, green and brown. The fall is also a wonderful time to visit the area because it is elk mating season. Visitors flock to Estes Park to watch the mating rituals of the elk. Female and baby elk gather in a field as one male monopolizes his harem until he is challenged. The elk in this town have become so abundant that it is almost impossible to drive through Estes Park without seeing them - they almost seem to know the traffic laws!

There are many hiking trails along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway

A hike is a perfect way to bring the whole family together

Whether looking for a relaxing vacation or for adventure, there are activities for all kinds of people in this area. There is hiking, climbing, river rafting, ATVing, horseback riding, biking, fishing, hunting, bird watching, shopping, dining, camping and nearby skiing in Eldora Mountain Resort. For some Hollywood sightseeing, Estes Park is also home to the Stanley Hotel, Steven King's inspiration for his famous novel "The Shining"; he stayed in room 217 in the nearly empty hotel the night before it closed for the season. The original film with Jack Nicolson and Shelley Duvall was not filmed here but the mini-series was.

Barker Reservoir near Nederland

Kids can catch their share of fish at Nederland's Fishing Pond

Starting in Nederland, turn right on Hwy 72 on the way to Ward. The byway will take you to Estes Park.

Places to Stay & Fun Things to Do

A Liquid Descent Whitewater Rafting

Enjoy relaxing float trip or extreme whitewater with Liquid Descent. Rafting trips near Summit County, Winter Park and the Denver Area. Highlights: riverside hot springs, gorgeous scenery, abundant wildlife. Enjoy relaxing float trip or extreme whitewater with Liquid Descent. Rafting trips near Summit County, Winter Park and the Denver Area. Highlights: riverside hot springs, gorgeous scenery, abundant wildlife.

Allenspark Lodge - Classic Mountain B&B

Hearty mountain breakfasts at an Authentic 1930s log lodge in Allenspark, CO. 12-romantic rooms for retreats, getaways, scrap-booking. Come, unhook and unwind: hiking, horseback riding, snowshoeing. Hearty mountain breakfasts at an Authentic 1930s log lodge in Allenspark, CO. 12-romantic rooms for retreats, getaways, scrap-booking. Come, unhook and unwind: hiking, horseback riding, snowshoeing.

Blackhawk Cabins - Real Log Cabins In Estes Park

THE ONLY LOG CABIN IN ESTES PARK; all have woodburning fireplaces, lofts, pine interiors, kitchens, cable TV, WiFi. Blackhawk Lodges is 5 miles to Rocky Mountain National Park. Relax - riverside hot tub. THE ONLY LOG CABIN IN ESTES PARK; all have woodburning fireplaces, lofts, pine interiors, kitchens, cable TV, WiFi. Blackhawk Lodges is 5 miles to Rocky Mountain National Park. Relax - riverside hot tub.

Carousel of Happiness - Restored 1910 Looff

Escape the ordinary! Scott Harrison spent 26 years hand-carving 56 one-of-a-kind animals; the Carousel creates happiness and is magical for Nederland, a mountain town. Look for the circus-