Taking the Scenic Route

Get wild with your staycation

Purple mountain majesty and fruited plains are just the beginning of what Colorado has to offer. It seems like something beautiful, from vibrant wildflowers to roaring waterfalls, can be found in every corner of the state. With gas prices climbing as high as a local fourteener, getting out and enjoying the landscape can feel expensive and impractical, but there is a way to make it into an economical and efficient road trip.

Sunrise

For the best summer sunrise viewing, aim to be at a location 30 minutes before the predicted sunrise in order to catch the “magic hour.” While fall and winter sunrises might be the most vivid, the soft summer yellows and pinks bouncing off the peaks provide great opportunities to practice photography.

Close to home: Davidson Mesa

While nothing beats a sunrise from the top of one of Boulder’s peaks, Davidson Mesa is the unsung hero for those who may not have the motivation (or quad power) to get up high early in the morning. The sun comes from the east and lights up the western views of the Flatirons, the Boulder skyline, and Rocky Mountain National Park, all visible from the easily accessible gravel trail. It is the perfect spot to take some photos and enjoy a morning walk.

A little further: Garden of the Gods

The sandstone formations of the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, pasted against the backdrop of Pikes Peak, lend themselves to a glowing sunrise, perfect to start any day. The more athletically inclined might take this moment to climb a few pitches to the top of a formation, or run along the trails, but views can also be enjoyed from a bench or picnic table.

Get out there: Mt. Flora

While not necessarily too far from home, just needing a little bit more planning, the summit of Mount Flora has exceptional 360 views where you can watch the sun come up over Denver and illuminate the peaks surrounding Burthoud Pass. With a six-mile round trip hike, getting up for sunrise will leave you feeling accomplished for the day.

Waterfalls

The geological richness of Colorado offers an array of cascading waterfalls throughout the state. While they are incredible, it is important to practice awareness and safety in the area, because where water falls, rocks and humans can too. Stay on marked trails and follow all signage and warnings.

Close to home: Eldorado Canyon Falls

If staying local, some hiking is required to see the falls; however with the steep grade of water flowing into the Boulder Valley you will not be disappointed. A six-mile round-trip hike from Eldorado State park up the Eldorado Canyon Trail will get you to the falls. However, if you do a little more driving to start from the Walker Ranch Trailhead, you can cut the hike to 2.5-miles round trip.

A little further: Chaffee County

With its steep mountains, roaring creeks, and rivers, the area surrounding Buena Vista and Nathrop offers several cascading waterfalls to enjoy. For a short hike, Anges Vaille waterfalls are just 1.1 miles up from Chalk Creek campground. Though the final section has been closed due to a rockslide for over a decade, the last overlook gives a great view of the falls. For a longer hike, a 5.8 mile loop will take you to Browns Canyon Falls. Not only will you get to enjoy the crashing water, but also views of Mount Antero and a picturesque wooden bridge crossing.

Get Out there: Fish Creek Falls, Steamboat

With options for the adventurous, as well as for those who would rather keep their time on the trail limited, Fish Creek Falls is located in Summer Haven, Steamboat. Just a short drive from downtown, the lower falls are a mere quarter mile up a stroller-accessible gravel path. For an even more amazing view, you can hike another couple of steep miles up the trail and see the upper falls on a five-mile round-trip adventure.

Wild Flowers

Wildflowers are an amazing perk of living in Colorado; however, they are not a given. With a dry winter and a predicted hot summer, it may not be the most vibrant year for the delicate plants. If off to see the flowers, be mindful that they are an important part of the ecosystem, especially in a high alpine environment. Avoid picking, trampling, or crushing any plants.

Close to home: Moffet Tunnel

Just past Rollinsville is the East Portal trailhead. With countless options for hikes, the trails will take you through a short wooded walk before depositing you in fields of native wildflowers. While not as vibrant as those found in higher areas, the colors and mountain views are one of a kind and easily accessible for a short trip.

A little further: Mosquito Pass, Leadville

End the day with a jeep road drive or hike to the hills east of Leadville, Colorado. From June-August, the fields bloom with wildflowers. Parking at the Monarch Mine, you are hiking in all directions. For those with a 4-wheel drive vehicle, you can take a spin up Mosquito pass. The flowers will have a backdrop of the Sawatch mountain range with Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive towering above.

Get out there: Snodgrass, Crested Butte

Crested Butte boasts the title of Wildflower Capitol of Colorado. Just north of the town of Crested Butte is the rounded peak of Snodgrass. The sunny slopes are perfect for the vibrant flowers, with views of the Mount Crested Butte, the Elk Range, and the Gunnison valley below. While the full hike is eight miles, an easy out and back will still give you amazing views.

Scenic Mountain Drive/ Ride

Once the snow has melted, winding mountain roads can be a great way to enjoy the scenery or show off the state to visitors. While storms are less likely in summer, they are never impossible. When traveling on remote roads, be sure to always have a shovel, warm clothing, closed-toed shoes, snacks, and water. Hopping on a bike is always a great way to view these roads and get the heart rate up as well.

Close to home: Peak to Peak

A 55-mile stretch of highway connects Central City/Blackhawk to Estes Park. With plenty of stops for hikes or food in small towns along the way, it is a great way to enjoy the rolling mountain views of Indian Peaks Wilderness and Rocky Mountain National Park.

A little further: Cottonwood Pass

With paving completed in 2019, this pass stretches between Buena Vista, Colorado, and Taylor Reservoir, just above Almont. With the pass going over 12,000 feet high, with several overlook and hiking opportunities, this is a true Colorado experience without the need of 4-wheel-drive.

Get out there: Engineer Pass

On the more wild side is Engineer Pass. This 4-wheel drive road connects the small mountain towns of Lake City and Ouray. Traveling through the San Juan Mountains, you will witness looming peaks, alpine lakes, wildflowers, animals, and some challenging rocky roads. For Thai Drive, a high-clearance 4-wheel-drive vehicle is absolutely required, and travel should not take place if snow or heavy rain is predicted.

Sunsets

Closing out the day with a vibrant Colorado sunset is the perfect nightcap on a day of adventure. Be mindful and prepared when hiking to a location to watch the sunset. Even well-marked trails can become dangerous in the dark.

Close to home: Sunshine Canyon, Gold Hill

At the top of Sunshine Canyon, just past Gold Hill, is a clear pull-off to sit and watch. With views of Lefthand Canyon and the Indian Peaks, along with solitude for miles around, a rarity in Boulder County.

A little further: Salida

A cute little town for the arts and outdoors, Salida has many options for outdoor patios, parks, and trails to watch the sunset over the Collegiate Peaks. If timed at the end of the summer, fields of sunflowers can enhance the sensory experience.

Get out there: Telluride Gondola

For the ultimate sunset experience, the town of Telluride provides a free gondola from May 21-October 25, running from 6:30am to midnight on weekdays, and even longer on weekends or busy seasons. From this view, you will see the whole valley stretching out below you, the peaks illuminated, and the vibrant stars as the sky darkens.

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