Peak to Peak Scenic Byway

72 CO-7 , Estes Park, CO 80517

Hours

The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is open 24 hours, weather permitting.

Cost

Driving the iconic Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is free. However, some of the attractions along the route come with a cost. Here is a sample of what you can expect:

Rocky Mountain National Park Day Pass (if entering at Estes Park): $30 per vehicle
Golden Gate Canyon State Park Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests Day Use Fees: $5 - $10

Prices are subject to change.

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About

So what would make you climb into a car to explore the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway? After all, Estes Park has plenty of outdoor options to do on foot. While this is a valid argument, keep reading and see if we don't change your mind!

History fans will appreciate the fact that the road dates back to 1918, making it Colorado's oldest scenic route. Stretching 55 miles, it was built to bring travelers into the heart of the Front Range and continues to connect people to Colorado's wild beauty today. It links the historic mining towns of Central City and Black Hawk with the natural wonder of Estes Park.

Long before tourists toured the tarmac, this stretch was part of the Colorado Gold Rush. When John H. Gregory struck gold near what's now Central City in 1859, fortune seekers came in droves. What started as rough wagon trails and narrow railroad lines evolved into the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway.

Since opening in 1918, this iconic route set the standard for scenic drives across the West. Travelers can enjoy the Continental Divide without having to climb its peaks.

Nature lovers marvel at the peaks, forests, and views as the drive passes through the Rocky Mountain National Park. You can also explore the architectural beauty of Saint Catherine's Chapel on the Rocks, adding yet another reason to take the drive.

Also of interest are the ghost towns and old mines scattered along the route. While many require accessing the dirt roads crisscrossing the byway, some are visible from the road.

If you're still not convinced it's worth exploring, perhaps our next section will do the job!

Peak to Peak Scenic Byway: Fun Facts & Cool Features

By far one of the best reasons to explore this route is the views. The byway follows the "backbone" of the Rockies through the Continental Divide. You'll have breathtaking views of iconic summits like Mount Meeker and Longs Peak.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate passing through the Roosevelt and Arapaho National Forests. You'll witness a bright aspen forest, especially stunning in late September, followed by open, subalpine woods as you ascend. This changing landscape is a photographer's paradise!

For a glimpse of Colorado's Gold Rush days, you'll pass authentic ghost towns like Apex and Nevadaville, but the largest is Caribou just west of Nederland. In the 1800s, it produced over $ 5 million in silver, making it the largest silver mine in Colorado. Today, only a few buildings, foundations, and cemeteries remain.

Caribou will also pique the interest of pop music fans. The iconic Caribou Ranch Recording Studio is there, and during its heyday, it was one of the world's most prestigious facilities. Legends like Michael Jackson, U2, Chicago, Billy Joel, John Lennon, and Elton John recorded chart-topping hits at this studio. Sadly, the studio closed in 1985 when a fire destroyed the control room.

Wildlife is another appealing aspect. Drivers commonly see elk, moose, and mule deer. In fact, traffic sometimes pauses for an entire herd to pass, especially in the fall. Birdwatchers flock (sorry!) to the byway to spot hawks and eagles soaring above the valleys.

If you need to stretch your legs, the various trailheads off the main road offer hiking and nature breaks.

By now, we hope you agree that adding the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway to your Estes Park vacation is a must! It's easy to explore, full of history, classic Colorado forests, and fascinating old towns.

Local Tips

Gas stations are limited, so fill up in Estes Park or Black Hawk.
Download an offline map or carry a paper map; cell coverage is limited.
Leave early to avoid summer afternoon storms.
Dress in layers; higher elevations are cooler.
Bring water and snacks since options are limited.

Location

72 CO-7 , Estes Park, CO 80517

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Estes Park?

Estes Park is located about 1½ hours northwest of Denver International Airport (DIA) and close to neighboring Front Range communities such as Loveland and Fort Collins. When driving to Estes Park from cities east of the Rockies, or if renting a car after flying into Denver, there are no major mountain passes to cross.

Where is Estes Park in relation to Rocky Mountain National Park?

Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) surrounds Estes Park on three sides. The main entrances to the park are approximately 10 minutes west of town.

What are the hours and costs for entering Rocky Mountain National Park?

As one of the most visited national parks in the country, RMNP has implemented various strategies to welcome over 4 million yearly visitors.

RMNP is open 24/7, year-round. A valid park entrance fee or park pass is required. Standard passes can range from $15 (individual/no vehicle) to $30 per vehicle for a day pass or $35 for a 7 day vehicle pass (covering up to 6 people)
Timed-Entry permit reservation system: In effect from mid to late May thru mid-October – requires timed entry permit plus a park pass or entry fee. More info on Timed Entry permits here: Timed Entry Rocky Mountain National Park

What are the most popular hiking trails around Estes Park?

When in Estes Park itself, be sure to visit the Lake Estes Trail to experience the town’s charm. This nearly 4 mile paved trail is accessible for all in your crew and offers stunning views of the surrounding Rocky Mountain National Park, including the Lumpy Ridge rock formations to the north. The Estes Park Visitors Center is also located along the Lake Estes Trail.

Within the Rocky Mountain National Park, there are over 300 hiking trails so you really can’t go wrong when heading out over the majestic landscape. There are hikes for all skill levels, so be sure to plan ahead. For example, some popular moderate hikes include Kruger Rock Trail, Emerald Lake Trail, Lake Haiyaha, Nymph Lake Trail, and Gem Lake Trail. Among harder hikes at RMNP: Sky Pond via the Glacier Gorge Trail, offering some of the best views in RMNP, Lion Gulch Trail (aka Homestead Meadows Trail), and Donner Pass & Lookout Mountain trail.

When is the busiest time in Estes Park?

Summer is definitely the busiest time in Estes Park and visitors will need reserved entry-times for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. This tourist destination has plenty of outdoor activities for adventurers of all ages. The busy season in Estes Park continues into fall, through the leaves changing and wildlife emerging.

The slowest time in Estes Park is from about December through April, though this is a great time to visit the Rockies for a winter escape. Plus, the Rocky Mountain National Park is open all year!

What else makes Estes Park unique?

Don’t blink, you may just see elk roaming through your Estes Park vacation plans. That’s pretty unique! Also, in addition to serving as gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is home to the iconic Stanley Hotel that served as inspiration for Steven King’s “The Shining.” Curiously, the Stanley Hotel is now host to the annual “Frozen Dead Guy Days” festival.

For a unique shopping experience in Estes Park, head to Elkhorn Avenue. With over 200 shops, and lined with Victorian-era buildings, shopping along Elkhorn Avenue provides for a perfect full day of exploration. Don’t miss the rock shops, photo galleries, and a surprising amount of ice-cream, candy (including taffy) and chocolate shops. This pedestrian-friendly shopping area includes some intersections where people can cross every which way at a red light.