Everyone has to travel at least one section of Historic Route 66 in their lives. The so-called "Mother Road" dates back to 1926 . Distance: 236 miles. It has great desert scenery and the mountains of Colorado. Cross the wide-open, high plains of South Park. Many of America's most breathtaking stretches of the Rocky Mountains are found within this abundantly blessed state. Adventure-seekers take note: leaving Tucumcari, bypass I-40 and head north on NM 104, otherwise known as New Mexico's loneliest road. In Oklahoma City pick up I-40. The drive to Great Sand Dunes National Park from Pagosa Springs climbs over the Rocky Mountains via Wolf Creek Pass on Highway 160. Colin E Braley/Wildwest Media. Sterling, Colorado. Trail Ridge Road is the road that goes up and over the Continental Divide within Rocky Mountain National Park. 1. Twin Lakes-Aspen; 27 miles/44km. For many motorcycle riders, exploring Colorado (CO) motorcycle roads is the ultimate motorcycle touring dream and perhaps the top most coveted motorcyclist destination in America. Prior to visiting a byway, we recommend the following: Largest cross in the Western . The southwest Colorado route travels along historic narrow . Other popular stops include Tiger Safari Zoo, Historic Arkansas Riverwalk, and Skyline Drive. This journey is part of Route 66, one of the original highways in the United States. There are endless options to stop en route to break up the drive. The views will astound over Independence Pass. Keyword. Trinidad is the gateway to the Scenic Highway of Legends, where travelers find lakes and . However, if you want to get out and enjoy the viewpoints along the way you can spend far more time . There are a lot of great things to see between the two, but the best scenic route from Houston to Colorado will take you through the following places: Dallas, Texas. Both are two-lane paved roads with plenty of steep hills and curves and you will wind up about 2,600 feet above sea level. Scenic/Alternative Routes Driving From/To Colorado. In between are fifty-four miles of mountain vistas and valleys, complete with stunning views. 285), and is much more spectacular, crossing high mountain passes and the headwaters of major river systems. Returning planning to take Chief Joseph Hiway then taking smaller highways from Casper to Laramie (487/287/30). We detail the towns, distances asnd main attractions along the way. This year consider taking HWY 130 from Laramie to Walcott (Medicine Bow Scenic Byway) on route to GTNP/YNP. 167 reviews. Proceed through Tulsa to Oklahoma City, either of which offer a great stopover. Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. However, if you duck west into the mountains a bit from either city, you take CO-67 for most of the route. From deep canyons to monolithic formations, everything is guaranteed to give adventurers a lifetime experience. RoadTrip Map Oklahoma City to Colorado Springs Click on the icons for more information. The Scenic Route from Denver to Crestone. Scenic drives near Durango. eat at The Cliff House at Pikes Peak. Here are eight of my favorites. It adds about an hour onto your drive on average - going from 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours. The most basic tour - Discovery Tour - is family friendly, lasts about one hour and take you through 15 cave chambers. VISITED Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah. Also known as Route 550, this route stretches from Silverton to Durango with epic views of the San Juan Mountains in the distance. Search Lawton Scenic Drives. Note: All of these roads are paved so there is no need for a 4WD vehicle. stay for about 1 hour. Cadillac Ranch on Route 66. If you're going to be driving back to Denver, then go with WhyFi's recommendation one way, and take I-70 the other way. In February 2021, The Highway of Legends Scenic Byway was added to the National Scenic Byway System, which recognized the byway for its outstanding scenic and historic attributes. Other popular stops include Tiger Safari Zoo, Historic Arkansas Riverwalk, and Skyline Drive. U.S. National Archives/Picryl. Keyword. If you want to drive right through, the route will take a little over an hour one-way. The top stops along the way from Colorado Springs to Oklahoma City (with short detours) are Cadillac Ranch, Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, and Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Road Trips that Take More than Eight Hours. Distance from Denver: 1 hour Colorado's oldest scenic byway, this route from Black Hawk north to Estes Park was established in 1918. nearby communities. It's the most straight, direct route to either city. drive for about 1 hour. Route 66. Along the way you'll roll alongside some . This scenic route was designed to maximize on its breathtaking viewpoints and also holds the distinction of being the highest paved road open to traffic in all of North America. Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles. Along this gorgeous road near Salida, you'll drive through an avenue of the scenic Collegiate Peaks, including 14ers like Mount Harvard, Mount Princeton, and Mount Yale. Explore three national parks and one national monument on this breathtaking, 1,300-mile Denver to Yellowstone road trip. Jonathan C. Wheeler/Flickr. Day 2. The ribbon of road between the historic community of Twin Lakes and the swank town of Aspen forms the backbone of one of Colorado's most epic drives. The Scenic Highway of Legends starts at the cities of Trinidad . The Bean in Chicago. Map. 7. nestinggypsy. . Plan your next road trip route with Roadtrippers. drive for about 1.5 hours. The Mount Evans Scenic Byway starts approximately 60 miles west of Denver in Idaho Springs before spiraling up to the 14,264-foot-tall summit of Mount Evans. Elk grazing in Rocky Mountain National Park Photo: Kristen Soderman. Adrian, Texas on Route 66. 5:30 pm arrive in Colorado Springs. Add New Route. Prior to visiting a byway, we recommend the following: Back. 1. There are 13 of Colorado's 26 byways designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation as America's Byways, which gives Colorado more national designations than any other state. You can check ticket fares, routes, and schedules with Omio: an Amtrak's partner. and leave at 4:10 pm. 5 hours 15 minutes. except for the missile sites. On our last go-through, we decided to visit the twin national monuments on the North Platte River Valley in Nebraska. Driving Directions to Colorado Springs, CO & Road Conditions - MapQuest. Massive (the two tallest peaks in the state) and on the San Juan Skyway, which climbs through the dazzling and jagged San Juan Mountains before descending south to the cliff dwellings of Mesa . 44 friends. Keyword. Use our Scenic Drive Finder and Road Trip Planner to easily create custom road trips. The Stairway to Heaven. DURATION 15 nights states. 3. There are 3 tours to choose from ranging from 45 minutes to 2 hours. Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. day 1 driving 5.5 hours. Nestled in the southwest, it lies at the crossroads of Highway 160 and Highway 550, both part of the San Juan Skyway. Show only these on map. Including all the stops for photos and gas and drinks and beef jerky, it took exactly one hour more driving through the Panhandle to Denver (11 hours) than it did driving through Kansas on the way . Turn back time with a nostalgic road trip on Route 66 - America's Main Street. Day 1: Seattle, WA, to Bozeman, MT (10.5 hours): Interstate 90 starts right in downtown Seattle, and a few miles south lies Geraldine's Counter, famous for its French toast. Route 112 Scenic Byway; Route 114 and High Street; Route 116--Sonoma County; Route 12--Valley of the Moon Highway; Route 125--Lemon Grove; Route 140--Mariposa County; Route 151--Shasta Dam Boulevard; Route 152--Pacheco Pass Road; Route 154--San Marcos Pass Road; Route 156--Monterey County; Route 160--River Road; Route 163--Cabrillo Freeway . Flickr/Kent Kanouse. On the way to and from these two, we found eight less-known but very interesting roadside . Lawton Scenic Drives. This San Juan Mountain town is one of Colorado's best destinations. For more adrenaline, some mud and crawling, take the Lantern Tour or Cave 101. The top stops along the way from Oklahoma City to Colorado Springs (with short detours) are Cadillac Ranch, Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, and Palo Duro Canyon State Park. This awe-inspiring 512-mile byway cruises through eastern Utah and western Colorado. 9:00 am leave from Russell. The California Zephyr runs across the country between Chicago and San Francisco, passing through the iconic Rocky Mountains. The Pacific Coast: US-101 Route to California State Route 1. Who Should Take This Route: Beach bums who like sunny weather, salty air, and breathtaking ocean sunsets. You can see these scenic drives on a map at the end of this . Starting out, you'll find these chunky rounded cliffs perched above the roadside. New Lenox, IL. Drive time without stops: Approx. The Mountain Pass Scenic Byway winds for 23 miles on U.S. Highway 259 between Page and Octavia, and Mountain Gateway Scenic Byway spans 22 miles from Heavener to the Arkansas line. Byways, Backways, Historic Routes,. Here's the last route I took. It's a great, scenic route that gives you a nice ride through Oklahoma country. Taking a cross-country road trip along the Pacific Coast is one of the most scenic drives you'll ever take. day 2 driving 4.5 hours. Consider that you can see the highest points in the Rocky Mountains on epic Colorado scenic byways like Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park, on Top of the Rockies past Mt. Southern Colorado Known as a heritage town with grand nineteenth-century architecture and brick streets that date to the early 1900s, Trinidad is set in a green valley halfway between Denver and Santa Fe. Colorado Springs is one of the largest municipal states in the country. Nearly all folks driving between Colorado Springs and Denver take I-25. Other popular stops include Tiger Safari Zoo, Historic Arkansas Riverwalk, and Skyline Drive. Colorado has 26 designated scenic byways, 11 of which are America's Byways. and leave at 2:31 pm. Grab a coffee . Plunge deep into Americana on the New Mexico and Arizona stretch of the Mother Road. The top stops along the way from Oklahoma City to Colorado Springs (with short detours) are Cadillac Ranch, Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, and Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Wichita Falls. A cluster of silos at the Grainland Co-Op marks the spot as you pass from Nebraska into Colorado. 1. Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Byway. Colorado's Scenic and Historic Byways has been around since 1989. 6. Wichita Mountains Scenic Byway travels through southwest Oklahoma's historic towns of Medicine Park, Meers, Mountain View, and Apache, and onto the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. The scenic route from Denver to Crestone is only slightly longer (20-30 minutes) than the usual route through Fairplay (Rt. Here are three of the most scenic Amtrak routes in Colorado that you just can't miss. Loop back to the interstate by following the Colorado River, and . Shares. The 525-mile road trip from Denver to Salt Lake City will take about 8 hours of driving along the scenic I-70 route passing snow-capped mountains, lush forests and arid deserts. It is a trip fit for royalty as different people in all these states will get you equipped with the proper knowledge. Time to Allow 1 hour or less 1 - 3 hours Over 3 hours. 5 hours 15 minutes. So I'd definitely go via Amarillo. Made it from Colorado Springs to Round Rock (15 miles north of Austin) in 11.5 hours. How to get here: 2. 3:47 pm Pueblo. From its beginning in Chicago, Route 66 headed south through Illinois and Missouri, and a small section of southeast Kansas. But the highlight has to be the fossilized dinosaur tracks of a T. rex. Why you should go: Eye-popping views on jaw-dropping roads. Lots of Texas/Oklahoma folks will drive to New Mexico and then up into Colorado, sometimes concentrating on Pagosa Springs, Durango, Mesa Verde Natl Park, Lake City and the Silver Thread Scenic Byway and Telluride /Ridgway/ Ouray / Silverton along the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway. I 80 is quicker but most of it is flat land, after five minutes, you have seen everything there is to see, RT66 is far more scenic, but many more stop lights and stop signs., I 70 has a little more to offer than I 80 but is just about as boring. Destination Lake Eufaula Lawton Ouachita Mountains. Read on to find the best places to stop, amazing sights to see along the way and tips on the best . Highway 12 was designated a National Forest Byway in 1988 and a Colorado State Byway in 1989. Our database includes millions of the world's most fascinating places, making planning the unexpected easier than you thought. drive for about 3 hours. DAY 4. Colorado Springs is one of the largest municipal states in the country. See old pottery, fossils, early geological formations and even a fish that dates back to when this town was a seabed. Add Stop. stay overnight and leave the next day around 9:00 am. 4 out of 5 Rider Rating 4. The most famous scenic drive of Oklahoma, the 54- mile Talimena Scenic Byway from Talihina, Oklahoma to Mena, Arkansas, offers the easiest access and the best view of the 352,000-acre Ouachita National Forest through which it passes. April 29, 2010: Scenic Drive Escape on Route 141: This route shines with great scenery & road conditions & solitude April 29, 2010: The "Going-To-The-Sun" Road: On this trip you'll want to make sure to bring plenty of. About: This route that starts north of Skiatook Lake near the Osage Reservation, and ends just east in the town of Skiatook, Oklahoma. and leave at 4:47 pm. Recommended trip: 4-6 days. 2. DAY 4. There is not an unscenic route from Denver to Keystone. Oklahoma boasts the nation's longest driveable stretch of Route 66 . Enter where you want to start and finish your road trip, and then discover the coolest "off the beaten path" places along the way. Time to Allow 1 hour or less 1 - 3 hours Over 3 hours. 1. Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway. Lucky to find a gas station with. Show only these on map. There are pretty routes to take in a number of directions, including an auto tour along Mesa Verde NP. Built between 1929 and 1939, this historic trail cresting at 12,209 feet is the highest continuous paved road in elevation in the country. Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles. In bad times, migrants fleeing the Dust Bowl in the 1930s traveled on . However, beware of winter storms and weekend traffic on I70! Drive Time: 2 hours & 15 minutes. The Grand Mesa Scenic Byway takes you up on top of the 11,000-foot mesa for god-eye views of the surrounding countryside. Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles. Route: Wynona - Skiatook: OK 11. You can take a leisurely side trip by following this route through Joplin into Galena, Kansas, and then down into Oklahoma where you rejoin the main route on I-44 (which is also the Oklahoma Turnpike). Three hundred and twenty-nine miles to Colorado Springs is what all travellers want to hear. In 2019, the Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways Program celebrated its 30th anniversary; over the span of three decades the program has designated 26 routes showcasing the state's exceptional scenic, ecological, cultural and historic attributes. "The Mother Road" was established on November 11, 1926, and ultimately stretched 2,448 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. Scenic drives to consider in Oklahoma are listed below. Show only these on map. Established in 1926, the legendary road stretched 2,448 miles from Chicago, Ill., to Santa Monica, Calif. Colorado's Scenic and Historic Byways has been around since 1989. From there it turned in a more westward direction through Oklahoma and Texas, with the final stretches in New Mexico and Arizona before its . Byways, Backways, Historic Routes,. 12:07 pm Burlington (Colorado) The trip is about 795 miles long. This is about one to two hours longer than going through Wyoming. Route 66 was the primary route for people wishing to move west. The trail is still in use today, but as the Santa Fe Trail scenic and historic byway, taking travelers through a history-laden slice of Colorado. . 7y. The distance from Fort Worth tx to Denver co is 11 hrs 30 mins and 768 miles. It is a trip fit for royalty as different people in all these states will get you equipped with the proper knowledge. Mountain Pass: A navigable route through or over a mountain range. drive for about 43 minutes. From the East: Hwy 285 west from Denver, Hwy 24 north, Hwy 82 west (open in nonwinter months) Each section gets better on this ascent of awesomeness. That means Colorado holds more nationally recognized byways than any other state. The scenic San Juan Skyway is an absolutely epic road trip well worth a full day of driving. Explore Oklahoma's scenic byways, back roads and highways to enjoy majestic views of endless prairies, winding roads among ancient mountains, fall foliage in forested hills and sparkling waters. The original Santa Fe Trail carried pioneers and traders hundreds of miles over the prairie to points west during the 1800s. San Juan Skyway. Turn left at the stoplight onto 135 north and follow the yellow brick road to Crested Butte only 30 minutes further. The . Scenic drives to consider in Oklahoma are listed below. Amarillo, Texas. This might be the most famous drive in Colorado, mostly because it's only open for four to five months of the year. If you're still looking for ideas, here are ten more road trips from OKC that take a little (or a lot) longer: Taos, New Mexico (9 hours) Marfa, Texas (9 hours) North Padre Island, Texas (10 hours) Denver, Colorado (10 hours) Nashville, Tennessee (11 hours) New Orleans, Louisiana (11 hours) scenic drive Result s. Results Per Page 10 20 30 50 100. But do-able. Both drives start just miles from the city. Called Highway 101 in Washington and Oregon, and Pacific Coast . The views will astound over Independence Pass. About the Byways. This scenic highway may seem like it's going nowhere, but it rewards travelers with spectacular views of the region's mesas and canyons as well as traffic so light it might as well be non-existent. The 105 Treasure Falls is a beautiful quick stop when taking the most scenic Colorado road trip. The route between Pittsburg, Kansas, and Westminster, Colorado, takes us through four states: Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado. 5:22 pm Russell. Located in southwestern Colorado, the loop connects Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Telluride, and Cortez. Driving from Chicago, Illinois to St. Louis, Missouri should be on any midwest road trip. The Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument winds through beautiful sandstone canyons and scenic overlooks. Three hundred and twenty-nine miles to Colorado Springs is what all travellers want to hear. The 55 miles of roadway winds through classic Rocky Mountain . 5 . Spend your first day of this incredible 1,300-mile, round-trip route in the Mile High City, checking out the art and food scene before heading north from . Read Road Guide. Considering the vast distances, we recommend at least 4 days to a week for this vacation. - I25 S to Las Vegas, CO and catch US84 to I40E/US84 . The final choice is taking US6 from Spanish Fork (south of Provo) to Price to Green River and I-70 into Denver. The route goes between Talihina, Oklahoma, and Mena, Arkansas. This page has a detailed description of Route 66 through each of the states it crosses (Illinois, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma), in a Town by Town and Mile by Mile itinerary. California Zephyr. This isn't the main route you'd take to get to Telluride if you're in a hurry, but it's certainly the more beautiful one. At Grand Junction, turn onto US 50 east and take it all the way through Montrose and the Blue Mesa Reservoir to Gunnison. Tracks Across Borders, Colorado's newest scenic byway, offers access to dramatic mountain scenery and layers of history, from the storied pasts of our earliest Native American inhabitants to the golden age of railroad travel and rise of Wild West towns bustling with gold-seekers. Here are the most scenic routes for driving to Aspen. The route starts in Idaho Springs and climbs to Mount Evans' summit at 14,258 feet, offering stunning views, wildlife watching and hiking trails along the way. The most basic tour - Discovery Tour - is family friendly, lasts about one hour and take you through 15 cave chambers. 6 hours. In Itinerary (Page 2) we describe the itinerary in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. There are 13 of Colorado's 26 byways designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation as America's Byways, which gives Colorado more national designations than any other state. Chicago to St. Louis road trip. This series of Oklahoma highways is scenic and begins the entrance into the beautiful Ouachita National Forest.Motorcycle Road Quality:4Highway 259 is full of fast sweepers and begins the climb into. Length: 29.2 miles. 9. About the Byways. Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. . From Nebraska to Utah, Route 6 gives you a taste of all of the wonders of the Centennial State. Reset. Get step-by-step walking or driving directions to your destination. The town is surrounded by vast state and national recreation areas, including two state parks. Pawnee Pioneer Trails Scenic Byway Traveling the same paths as Colorado's early Native Americans and settlers, this 125-mile route runs through northeast Colorado's rolling prairies. As you continue on, you . For more adrenaline, some mud and crawling, take the Lantern Tour or Cave 101. The ribbon of road between the historic community of Twin Lakes and the swank town of Aspen forms the backbone of one of Colorado's most epic drives. Trail Ridge Road. In the fall, this drive is absolutely resplendent in colorful autumn foliage. Avoid traffic with optimized routes. Talimena Scenic Drive.