Famous route

Peak to Peak Scenic Byway

Established in 1918, the Peak to Peak is Colorado’s oldest scenic byway. It runs about 55 miles along the Front Range with views of the Continental Divide.

State: Colorado
Length: 55 miles
Suggested time: About 80 minutes of driving
Best season: Usually summer and autumn, check winter first
Established: 1918

What should you know before visiting Peak to Peak Scenic Byway?

No toll roads expected for a car. Mountain passes: Trail Ridge Road (3,713 m, usually open June–September).

The route is less than an hour from Denver, Boulder and Fort Collins, so it suits a day trip or a weekend.
Gravel side roads lead off the main highway to high-country lakes, trailheads, campgrounds and the ghost towns of Hesse and Apex.
The byway connects at Estes Park to Trail Ridge Road. Check its winter status and vehicle rules beforehand with the National Park Service.

The drive

The byway runs about 55 miles through Gilpin, Boulder and Larimer counties. The south end is at Black Hawk, the north end in Estes Park, where it meets Trail Ridge Road. Along the way are Rocky Mountain National Park, Golden Gate Canyon State Park, the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, the Indian Peaks Wilderness and Eldora ski area. The drive is given as about 80 minutes without stops.

Planning

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), there are no fees for the byway. We found neither a high point nor season dates in the sources, so check weather and road conditions with CDOT beforehand, especially in winter. We found no information on length or weight limits for motorhomes. The route can be driven in either direction and combines well with a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Camping

Campgrounds along the route are reached via gravel roads, and the national forests and Golden Gate Canyon State Park lie alongside. We found nothing in the sources on dispersed camping rules in the national forests or on reservations. Ask the Forest Service (Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests) and Colorado State Parks beforehand about sites, vehicle lengths and whether reservations are required.

FAQs

How long is the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway?

About 55 miles. The sources give about 80 minutes of driving without stops. With detours to lakes, ghost towns and trails it quickly becomes a full day.

Are there fees for the byway?

According to CDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the byway itself has no fees. Fees may apply at individual destinations such as the national park or state park, so check with those agencies beforehand.

Where does the route start and end?

Sources place the south end at Black Hawk and the north end at Estes Park, where the byway meets Trail Ridge Road. For the exact highways in between, use the current CDOT map.