Scenic Drives

Several of Colorado’s more spectacular scenic drives can be found in Clear Creek County. Three designated Colorado Scenic Byways, and several one-of-a-kind routes connecting them, showcase the area’s unparalleled scenery and unique towns. While numerous routes in the region require high-clearance or 4WD vehicles, these routes are accessible to most any vehicle.

CLEAR CREEK CANYON/U.S. 6 l This road, which begins near Exit 244, is an alternative route to Golden that descends through a long, narrow gorge featuring a paved trail, fishing spots, boat launches, trailheads, rock climbing areas and beautiful scenery. FALL RIVER ROAD l Fall River Road connects I-70 to the St. Mary’s Glacier area at Exit 238. The 9-mile route reaches heights above 10,000 feet and includes incredible views as well as access to OHV roads and trailheads for hiking. GUANELLA PASS SCENIC BYWAY l This popular 23-mile Colorado Scenic Byway, which begins in Georgetown at Exit 228, is a paved road that climbs up a 11,700-foot pass through pine and aspen forests. It features mountain lakes, waterfalls, wildlife, and trailheads as well as wildflowers, fall aspen leaves and views. Mount Evans Wilderness borders most of the east side. It remains open through November, weather permitting. LARIAT LOOP SCENIC BYWAY l Retrace the motoring adventures of the early 1920s on this 40-mile route. The designated National Scenic Byway, which includes the Evergreen Parkway at Exits 251 and 252, features Colorado’s first gateways to the mountains. Sharp curves, winding roads, spectacular views, and waysides are featured. LOVELAND PASS/U.S. 6 l Loveland Pass, reached via U.S. 6 at Exit 216, is a high mountain pass with hairpin curves and steep drop-offs that reaches an elevation of 11,990-feet. It features unmatched views of surrounding peaks and Colorado scenery. It is a scenic alternative to reach Arapahoe Basin Ski Area and Summit County. MOUNT EVANS SCENIC BYWAY l The highest paved road in the country, Hwy. 5 climbs more than 7,000 feet in 28-miles before reaching the 14,130 foot summit of Mount Evans. Most of the route, reached from C.R. 103 at Idaho Springs Exit 240, is above timberline where rare plants, alpine wildflowers, and a wide variety of wildlife flourish. It is one of the best places in Colorado to see bighorn sheep. The weather is volatile, so be prepared for wind, rain, lightning, snow, and hail any day of the year. Summit is open Memorial Day through Labor Day only and vehicles over 30 feet are not recommended on the Hwy. 5 portion. An extension of the byway connects Echo Lake to Bergen Park via Clear Creek C.R. 103 and Jefferson C.R. 66. VIRGINIA CANYON/OH MY GAWD ROAD n This 7.5 miles scenic dirt road, accessible from central Idaho Springs, is a shortcut to Central City. It is filled with old mining sites and spectacular views, but earned its nickname, “Oh My Gawd Road,” due to its many drop-offs and switchbacks.